Kitchenaid A-9 Coffee grinder. 1940s vintage electric grinder

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85764356/kitchenaid-a-9-electric-burr-coffee

I've actually got a couple of these, but this is the pretty one!

is that a blade or a burr based mechanism? looks neat, does it produce a nice even grind?

EDIT: (it helps if you view the item though its link... doh )

yes it's a burr grinder, but not appropriate for espresso. when these were made everyone drank perc coffee, but the grind is adjustable and fine enough for drip coffee as well.

Interesting frame of reference: In the 1940s, this grinder cost $9.95*, roughly the same as a good hat, but considerably less than a great hat. The manufacturer tried and failed to sell an upgraded model for $12.95.

So it would seem that in those days people were willing to pay more, possibly several times more for a hat than for a coffee grinder. Contrast that to today, where most folks will balk at $100 for a new hat, but wil pay more, possibly several times more for a coffee grinder. Yes I know that $100 plus hats and $400 coffee grinders are both niche markets, but I think the $400 coffee grinders are a fatter niche bordering on mainstream. It's an interesting cultural shift in priorities at the very least.

* Original pricing info obtained from this page http://www.toastercentral.com/appliance1.htm

Matt,
I'm interested in the other one you have listed to replace my $40 Cuisinart for French Press brew. Are the burrs replaceable on these? Do you know the burr size?
My email is gdclink @yahoo.com if you prefer to do it outside the Lounge. I love the styling on these old machines.

Greg

gdc said:

Matt,
I'm interested in the other one you have listed to replace my $40 Cuisinart for French Press brew. Are the burrs replaceable on these? Do you know the burr size?
My email is gdclink @yahoo.com if you prefer to do it outside the Lounge. I love the styling on these old machines.

Greg

Click to expand...

The whole machine is fairly easy to dismantle, but being as old as it is I don't know that you could get replacement burrs. They do make a modern reproduction, and I'm pretty sure the Jar and lid are interchangeable, but I'm not sure if the burrs from the new production grinders would interchange.

The page I linked above does list some replacement parts, you might contact them to ask about the possibility of getting replacement burrs.