Antique coffee grinder
Antique coffee grinder
In our family, we’ve always enjoyed a good cup of coffee. In fact, if a family legend were to be believed, my great grandmother was reputed to be one of the finest coffee makers this side of the great lakes. People who had ever taster a cup of her freshly brewed coffee would often relate the tale of taste to their family, till the tales were carried down across the generations. So when great grand mother passed away at the ripe old age of ninety two, all of us were understandably unhappy.
Well, such things are bound to happen and while life had to go on, a couple of us started packing up her worldly belongings. It was then that we first found the antique coffee grinder. As far as antique coffee grinders go, it was a pretty nondescript one. Now I have no real idea what an actual antique coffee grinder is supposed to look like, but there it was! A genuine antique coffee grinder that sat staring at me right in the face.
So this was the secret of great grand mother’s great tasting coffee! My cousins and I gathered around to stare at the antique coffee grinder. There was more to it than the fact that it was old. Or that it was a coffee grinder, the likes of which could scarcely been seen nowadays. There was even more to it than the fact that it was a piece of history. It was a piece of our history. It was the one thing that made my great grand mother a legend.
We were holding in our hands the one piece of family history – in the form of that antique coffee grinder – that had given her a semblance of pride and a great deal of honor. And considering the fact that she came to this country as little more than a poor immigrant, with little more than the clothes on her back and the dreams in her eyes, it was a defining thing.
Who knows? She might just have brought that antique coffee grinder with her on her voyage to this country. Of course it would not have been an antique coffee grinder then. But over the years, through the skillful use of her nimble fingers and sharp mind, she made it more than a mere antique coffee grinder. She made it a defining part of her life by breathing life into it with her passion for the good things in life. And that passion found its way into every cup of coffee that that antique coffee grinder ever produced.
There is nothing more appealing to a coffee lover than a freshly ground beans. The aroma alone can make you crave a cup of java. Somehow, the appeal is not quite so strong when the beans are pre-ground and electric grinders are just too loud and they can also heat the coffee beans too much. A good alternative is an antique coffee grinder.
An antique coffee grinder will not only create the ideal coarseness and aroma it will grind the beans without over heating them as well. These old mills are also very attractive and can suit just about any kitchen décor. Even modern kitchens fair well with an antique coffee grinder gracing its countertop.
One antique coffee grinder that will work well in even the most streamlined modern design was constructed in the 1920’s. During this decade many people were attracted to the Art Deco movement. The antique coffee grinder from this era has a sleek design with clean lines running through the mill. This model may not be as hard to find as you think. Most of the mills were created in the stylish art deco trend.
Many people prefer a traditional model and there are several styles from which to choose. You can find an antique coffee grinder that sets on a countertop or you can find one that mounts on the wall. Either way, you are sure to add charm to your kitchen décor while still bringing a utilitarian device into your workspace as well.
I love the antique coffee grinder that sits on the countertop because of its lovely design. These models typically have a handle for grinding the beans on top and a little drawer to collect the coffee grinds at the bottom. The simple design is quite attractive.
These coffee mills are usually constructed out of wood and the wood is typically left unpainted. You will also notice the fine detail in the design on the grinding handle as well. The handles were commonly constructed out of cast iron which is an attractive feature for any kitchen that has a traditional décor.
The Parker Nation coffee mill that was made in Connecticut around 1905 epitomizes the traditional coffee grinders during the turn of the 20th century. This mill has a bronze finish on the top and is in wonderful shape.
As much as I love that model, I tend to favor a mysterious antique coffee grinder that may be German or French. This grinder mounts on the wall and has a porcelain face with a scene of a man and a woman praying in a field. This porcelain antique coffee grinder is a rare find that may have to stay in the dealer’s store until I can find more information.
No matter what design attracts you; consider an antique coffee grinder for your kitchen. Even if you never use the device you will still have a magnificent conversation piece for your home.
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