Overview
The De'Longhi KG49 is a basic blade grinder with a push-down lid activation and three fineness presets. The stainless steel blades handle basic grinding for drip and French press coffee. While a burr grinder is recommended for consistent results, the KG49 provides simple grinding at a budget price with the De'Longhi name behind it.
At $30, the De'Longhi KG49 is aimed at budget-conscious coffee lovers just starting their espresso journey. Key workflow features include single-dose design (no hopper needed).
The De'Longhi KG49 is weighing 0.5 kg, manufactured in Italy, powered by a 170W motor. Its footprint measures 100 x 100 x 190 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed for single dosing — weigh your beans in, get precisely that amount out with minimal waste
- Low retention of 0.5g is suitable for single-dose workflows
- Well-regarded in the home espresso community for consistent grind quality in its price bracket
Cons
- Blade grinding produces inconsistent particle sizes, resulting in uneven extraction
- Not suitable for espresso — the grind is too inconsistent for pressurized brewing
Full Specifications
| Brand | De'Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model | De'Longhi KG49 |
| Category | Blade |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2012 |
| Retention | 0.5 g |
| Single Dose | Yes |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 90 g |
| Motor Wattage | 170 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 100 x 100 x 190 mm |
| Weight | 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) |
| MSRP | $30 |
Our Verdict
The De'Longhi KG49 is a blade grinder, which is the most affordable entry into home grinding. However, blade grinders produce very inconsistent particle sizes, making them unsuitable for espresso. They work acceptably for drip coffee and French press. If you're serious about espresso, we strongly recommend investing in a burr grinder instead — even a budget hand grinder will dramatically outperform any blade grinder for espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the De'Longhi KG49 grind for espresso?
No. Blade grinders produce inconsistent particle sizes that are unsuitable for espresso. Espresso requires a very uniform, fine grind that only burr grinders can achieve. For espresso, consider a burr grinder instead.
Is the De'Longhi KG49 good for single dosing?
Yes, the De'Longhi KG49 is designed for single dosing. With only 0.5g of retention, virtually all the coffee you put in comes out ground. Weigh your beans before grinding for the most consistent results.
How do I maintain the De'Longhi KG49?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. For the motor, occasional use of grinder cleaning tablets (like Grindz) helps remove coffee oil buildup. Never wash burrs with water.