SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder - Excellent Grind Quality and Adjustability for Home Brewing

Published on Sept. 2, 2023, 3:05 p.m.

Having access to a quality burr coffee grinder can make all the difference when it comes to maximizing flavor from your favorite coffee beans. The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 conical burr grinder aims to deliver excellent grind consistency and adjustability at a reasonable price point for home brewers. After testing this grinder extensively, I’m happy to report it achieves this goal incredibly well.

Below I’ll be going through all aspects of the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder from unboxing to long-term performance. I evaluate the design, build quality, grind range, ease of use, noise levels, grind quality and value for money. Read on to see how this affordable conical burr grinder held up during testing.

Overview

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a conical burr coffee grinder with 35 grind settings. It has a 120V 200W motor with a rated capacity of grinding enough beans for 2-12 cups of coffee.

The all-black design looks sleek on the countertop. The bean hopper holds 8.46oz of whole beans, while the grounds bin can hold up to 4.58oz of ground coffee. An integrated grounds brush and scoop are included for easy transfer of grounds.

SHARDOR claims the grinder has “anti-static” technology to reduce mess and retain more grounds. The conical burrs themselves are made from durable stainless steel.

SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Electric 2.0,

Key Features

35 macro grind settings for precise adjustments from ultra-fine to coarse
Durable stainless steel conical burrs for consistent grinding and longevity
Anti-static technology for a mess-free grinding experience
2-12 cup customizable quantity selection for grinding the exact amount needed
Auto-shutoff function for safety and convenience
Easy-to-clean design with detachable upper burr and container
Includes scoop and cleaning brush for added convenience

Design and Build Quality

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder features an all-black plastic exterior housing the stainless steel conical burrs and motor. The design is relatively compact at 9.2 x 6.2 x 14.2 inches. The matte black finish looks modern and blends into most kitchens.

Despite the plastic housing, the overall build quality feels solid. All pieces fit together snugly without wiggle or vibration during grinding. Both the bean hopper and grounds catcher securely fasten into place.

The hopper, grounds bin, and upper burr all detach easily for cleaning and maintenance. SHARDOR thoughtfully includes the grounds brush stored on board to sweep out remaining grounds.

Anti-Static Technology Explained

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 is equipped with an advanced anti-static technology designed to minimize static buildup during grinding. Static electricity in coffee grinders can cause freshly ground coffee to cling to the grinder’s parts, making it difficult to transfer grounds cleanly and leading to messes. SHARDOR’s technology reduces static charge, allowing the grounds to fall smoothly into the bin and improving the overall cleanliness and efficiency of the grinding process. This feature is particularly beneficial in dry environments where static buildup can be more pronounced.

The Science and History of Coffee Grinding

Coffee grinding technology has evolved significantly since its inception. The practice of grinding coffee beans to enhance flavor extraction dates back to the 15th century in the Arabian Peninsula, where coffee was first brewed. Initially, coffee was ground using simple mortar and pestle techniques, which evolved into more complex grinding mechanisms over the centuries.

Modern burr grinders, like the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2, employ precision-engineered conical or flat burrs to achieve a consistent grind size, crucial for optimizing the extraction of flavors during brewing. The science behind the grind size is that it directly affects the surface area exposed to water. A finer grind increases the surface area, allowing water to extract flavors more efficiently, which is perfect for methods like espresso. Conversely, a coarser grind decreases the surface area and slows down the extraction process, ideal for French press and cold brew, preventing over-extraction and bitterness.

The introduction of electric burr grinders in the 20th century marked a significant advancement in coffee grinding technology, offering coffee enthusiasts more control over the grind consistency and speed, thus revolutionizing home and commercial coffee brewing.

SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Electric 2.0,

Grinding Performance

In daily use, the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder performed very well grinding a variety of light, medium, and dark roast beans.

The conical burrs effortlessly chew through oily or sticky beans that can jam up inferior grinders. Hardness and density differences between bean varieties had little impact on grind consistency.

The integrated grounds bin reliably held the stated 4.58oz capacity when grinding for drip coffee. For espresso sizes, less could fit before needing emptied.

Grounds came out with minimal clumping and retained the flavors of the whole beans. Fines generation was average and acceptable for most home brewing.

I also tested the full spectrum of sizes from turkish fine up to french press coarse. The lowest settings consistently produced powdery, super fine grinds perfect for espresso. The mid-range settings were ideal for drip and pour over. And the largest 3 settings were very uniform in particle size for french press brewing.

35 Grind Settings

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 boasts an impressive 35 grind settings, providing users with unparalleled flexibility to achieve the perfect grind for their preferred brewing method. This wide range accommodates everything from the ultra-fine grind required for espresso to the coarse grind ideal for French press. The settings are clearly marked and easy to adjust, ensuring a consistent and precise grind every time. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a novice coffee enthusiast, the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2’s 35 grind settings make it a breeze to experiment and discover your ideal coffee flavor profile.

How Grind Settings Influence Coffee Flavor

Understanding the impact of grind settings on coffee flavor is crucial for crafting the perfect cup of coffee. Finer grinds increase the surface area exposed to water, leading to a quicker extraction rate. This is ideal for espresso, where a rapid extraction yields a rich and bold flavor. Conversely, coarser grinds are perfect for methods like French press, where a slower extraction helps avoid over-extraction and bitterness. Adjusting the grind setting on your SHARDOR grinder allows you to fine-tune the balance between extraction time and flavor intensity, enabling you to customize your coffee experience to your taste preferences.

Brew Methods:

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is versatile enough to grind coffee optimally for any popular home brewing device:

Espresso: The fine turkish and espresso settings produce superfine, powdery grinds perfect for espresso machines.
Drip Machine: Medium grind settings in the 10-20 range give consistent grinds for drip or auto-drip coffee makers.
Pour Over: Settings around 15-20 excel for pour over drippers like the V60.
French Press: The largest 3-5 settings give very uniform coarse grinds ideal for french press brewing.

No matter your preferred brew device, the SHARDOR can grind coffee optimally for full flavor extraction.

For a more detailed guide, here’s a breakdown of the recommended grind settings for different brewing methods:

Espresso: 1-5
Drip Machine: 10-20
Pour Over: 15-20
French Press: 30-35

Conical Burrs

The Shardor CG9406-UL2 utilizes a conical burr design, considered the gold standard in coffee grinders. The serrated surfaces of the two burrs work together to grind coffee beans uniformly to the desired coarseness. This design ensures consistency in coffee grounds, optimizing flavor extraction during brewing. Compared to flat burr grinders, conical burrs generate less heat, which helps preserve the original flavors of the coffee beans.

Durable Stainless Steel Burrs

The burrs of this grinder are made from durable stainless steel, ensuring the longevity of the grinder. Stainless steel is known for its resistance to wear and tear and corrosion, making it an ideal material for grinder burrs. This ensures that the grinder delivers consistent grinds even with frequent use, making it a reliable tool for home brewing.

2-12 Cup Customizable Quantity Selection

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 allows users to customize the quantity of coffee they grind, ranging from 2 to 12 cups. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring that you grind only the amount of coffee you need, reducing waste and preserving the freshness of your beans. Whether you’re brewing a single cup for yourself or a pot for a group, the grinder’s customizable quantity selection ensures you have the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee at your fingertips.

Anti-Static Technology

One of the standout features of the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 is its innovative anti-static technology. Static buildup is a common issue in coffee grinders, causing coffee grounds to cling to the grinder’s components and creating a mess. SHARDOR’s anti-static technology effectively mitigates this problem, ensuring that the grounds flow smoothly into the container, minimizing waste, and making cleanup a breeze. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who grind coffee in dry environments, where static buildup is more prevalent.

Auto-Shutoff Function

Safety and convenience are paramount in the design of the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2. The grinder is equipped with an auto-shutoff function that automatically turns off the motor once the grinding process is complete. This feature not only prevents the motor from overheating but also ensures that your coffee is not over-ground, which can lead to bitterness and undesirable flavors.

Overheating Protection

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 is designed with the user’s safety and the grinder’s longevity in mind. It features a built-in overheating protection mechanism that automatically shuts off the motor if it detects excessive heat buildup. This safety feature not only prevents damage to the motor but also ensures that your coffee beans are not overheated during grinding, which can negatively impact the flavor of your coffee.

SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Electric 2.0,

Noise Levels

The 200W motor produces a moderate amount of noise when grinding. It’s comparable or quieter than similar grinders with steel burrs. The all-plastic body seems to dampen vibrations well.

Standing right next to the grinder measured 71-74dB. The noise isn’t offensive, but enough I wouldn’t want to grind while someone sleeps nearby. It’s reasonably quiet for daytime use.

Easy to Clean

Maintaining the cleanliness of your coffee grinder is essential for preserving the flavor of your coffee and ensuring the longevity of the appliance. The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 excels in this aspect, with its easy-to-clean design. The upper burr, bean hopper, and grinding chamber are all detachable, allowing for thorough cleaning and removal of any residual coffee grounds or oils. The included cleaning brush further simplifies the process, making it easy to reach tight spaces and crevices. This user-friendly design ensures that your grinder remains in pristine condition, guaranteeing a consistently delicious cup of coffee every time.

Included Accessories

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 comes with a few handy accessories to enhance your coffee grinding experience. It includes a scoop/measuring cup that doubles as a cleaning tool, allowing you to easily measure and transfer coffee beans or grounds. Additionally, the grinder comes with a cleaning brush specifically designed to reach tight spaces and remove any residual coffee particles. These included accessories add to the overall value and convenience of the grinder, making it a practical choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Customer Feedback Analysis

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder has elicited a diverse range of opinions among its users, reflecting both its strengths and areas for improvement. Many users have commended the grinder for its consistent grind quality across various settings, highlighting its ability to produce even grinds that are crucial for optimal flavor extraction. The simplicity of use has been another point of praise, with the clear labeling of settings and one-touch operation making it particularly user-friendly. Furthermore, the grinder’s quiet operation relative to similar models has been appreciated by those who prefer a more serene morning coffee routine.

Despite these positives, some issues have been raised that suggest areas where the SHARDOR grinder could be enhanced. A notable concern involves the auto-timer function, which some users have found does not consistently shut off automatically as expected. This has raised questions about the reliability of this feature. Additionally, concerns about the durability of the plastic bean hopper have been voiced, with some users fearing that it may not withstand long-term use without showing signs of wear. The issue of messiness due to grounds escaping from the container has also been a common complaint, pointing to potential improvements in the design of the grounds bin seal.

Moreover, several users have reported inconsistencies in grind size when using the coarser settings intended for French press coffee, with an occasional production of overly fine grounds. This inconsistency could affect the quality of the brewed coffee, suggesting a need for further refinement of the grinder’s coarse setting mechanism. Lastly, there have been instances of motor failures reported within a few months of use, bringing the product’s long-term durability into question and underscoring the importance of a responsive and helpful customer service to address these reliability issues.

Overall, while the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder offers significant value and performance for its price point, attention to the issues of mechanical reliability, material durability, and grind consistency could greatly enhance user satisfaction and the product’s market standing.

Pros:

Excellent grind quality and consistency
35 grind settings for all brew methods
Durable conical burr construction
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Great value for performance

Cons:

Grounds can stick to plastic bin
Lacks micro fine-tuning ability
Noise levels average for price

Value for Money

With an MSRP of $84.99, the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is very competitively priced for the grind quality and features offered. The durable stainless steel conical burrs, wide grind range, and easy operation make it an excellent value for home brewers.

It can grind coffee for all popular brew methods with precision and consistency. Paying 2-3X more doesn’t get you meaningfully better functionality. This punching well above its price point.

Conclusion

The SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 conical burr coffee grinder delivers tremendous value to home coffee brewers. It produces uniform, consistent grinds across the full range of sizes. The 35 macro settings give enough fine-tuning ability for great espresso, drip, pour over, or french press.

The build quality and design work well for daily use and periodic cleaning. Noise and static levels are average and acceptable for a sub-$100 grinder.

For shoppers looking to maximize grind quality without breaking the bank, the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is easy to recommend. It punches far above its price point. If you’re seeking an affordable grinder that can handle all brew methods with precision, put this model at the top of your list.

Brand and Customer Service

SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a newer kitchen appliance brand founded in 2018. But they’ve quickly built a reputation for good quality and customer service in a competitive market.

My interactions with their customer support team were stellar. They followed up promptly and resolved any questions I had. SHARDOR stands behind their products with a 1 year warranty and service team available via email or phone.

For a relatively new player in the coffee grinder space, SHARDOR has made an excellent first impression with the SHARDOR CG9406-UL2 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder model. This grinder has my full recommendation for shoppers that prioritize grind quality and adjustability on a budget.