Braun Model KSM-2 Coffee Grinder

Many people, like myself, who used to cook for large families, no longer have to fix big dinners and make lots of preparations for family and friends. Now that I've been on my own, I've discovered some smaller appliances which really give me the means of preparing great food and drinks without the problem of having to deal with a massive contraption that is heavy, hard to use and even harder to clean.

One of my very favorite appliances is a coffee grinder that my sister gave me for Christmas a few years ago. Braun is one of my favorite appliance manufacturers because they consistently produce very rugged, little dependable kitchen appliances. The gift from my sister? --It was a Braun Model KSM-2 coffee grinder. It stands about 8 inches tall and takes up almost no space on my help in the pantry. People who love good coffees should grind their own. Freshly ground beans are a lot better than pre-ground coffees. Grinding releases the oils where most of the flavor resides. The longer they're exposed to air, the less flavorful they are.

A grade-school child could very safely use this little grinder. It has only two parts because the grinding blade is permanently attached on the inside of the container to the motor. It will grind just enough for a six-cup coffeemaker, thus it's perfect for the person who loves great coffee and wants to have some of the best. I found that my favorite javas always taste better than any coffee I've gotten at restaurants. It only takes about two long pulses, a few seconds each pulse, to have a fine grind.

The Braun model is simple to operate. It won't operate without the top on, because that's what contains the lever to activate the motor. Just slip on the top and push down the lever and grinding starts. Voila! But there's more. I also have used this grinder to pulse seeds and nuts. I've ground up pine nuts for making pesto and walnuts for putting in salad dressings. I've ground up other nuts, like almonds, for putting in cookie dough to give the desired flavor. Though I don't have the instructions or the manual anymore, I don't need it.

Cleaning this model is very simple. Of course all machines like this cannot have their motors submerged in water. Putting any of them in a dishwasher absolutely forbidden. But all I've ever done to clean this is to take a moist cloth and wiped out the inside, then run the top under the faucet, washing it with soapy water. It takes almost no time to use and maintain this wonderful appliance. Everyone who has a love of good coffee should get one. Braun has probably changed the model a bit, but anyone can go to their web site and find a similar Braun grinder. I doubt if they've changed it much after just four years.