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

[mattface]

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!

 

[TheBeak]

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 )

 

[mattface]

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.

 

[mattface]

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

 

[gdc]

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

 

[mattface]

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

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.