Coffee grinder
A coffee grinder mills roasted coffee beans before brewing. Older hand-operated examples often have a crank, filling opening, grinding mechanism and receptacle for the ground coffee. Distinguish the grinder from a coffee roaster, which is used to roast the beans themselves.
Box grinders and table mills
A familiar form is a box with a crank on top and a drawer below. Other models attach to a table. Alta Museum describes a Dienes grinder from 1937 with a table clamp and side crank. The Kaffeemühlenmuseum in Wiernsheim also distinguishes hand-held mills, table mills and mills held between the knees. One particular construction therefore does not characterise every old coffee grinder.
Materials and complete components
Examine crank, spindle, grinding mechanism, lid, drawer and any mounting. Check whether components belong together, recording wear or later replacements. A drawer or handle may have been changed. Paint or surface finishes may also imitate a different material. Record maker marks and dimensions, and consult model-specific documentation before establishing age, manufacturing country or original construction.
