Ah, the aroma of fresh-ground coffee first thing in the morning! But maybe you wake up to a coffee grinder that sounds like Armageddon. Can you fix it? Or must you toss it?

How Does It Work?

A coffee grinder is a small electric appliance that chops coffee beans with a spinning blade. A small universal motor spins a shaft in the center of the coffee grinder. The shaft rotates a blade that cuts coffee beans into small pieces. The size of the pieces, called grounds, depends on the amount of time the grinder runs as well as the sharpness of the blade.

What Can Go Wrong?

Coffee grinders are relatively simple. The most common problem is that they get clogged up with grounds which slows down the motor. In addition, the electrical cord can short out, the thermal limiter can burn out, or the motor shaft can stop rotating. In addition, the switch can malfunction and the blade can bend or become dull.

Fix-It Tip

Keep your coffee grinder clean. Wipe the blade and bowl with a small rag after each use. Be careful because the blade is sharp. Whatever you do, don't immerse the grinder in water because you'll ruin the motor.