Overview
The De'Longhi KG89 is an affordable flat burr grinder with a compact footprint and simple operation. The 16 grind settings cover espresso through drip, and the compact design fits easily in small kitchens. While not a precision espresso grinder, it offers a meaningful upgrade from blade grinding and pairs adequately with entry-level De'Longhi espresso machines. An accessible entry point into burr grinding from a trusted Italian brand.
The De'Longhi KG89 features a 40mm flat burr set, crafted from steel. The burrs spin at 1400 RPM, offering fast grinding for high-volume use. Grind retention is approximately 3.0g, typical for a hopper-fed workflow.
At $65, the De'Longhi KG89 is aimed at budget-conscious coffee lovers just starting their espresso journey. With a 120g hopper, it's designed for a traditional hopper-fed workflow. The flat burr design produces a more uniform particle distribution, prized for clarity and sweetness in the cup.
The De'Longhi KG89 is weighing 1.7 kg, manufactured in Italy, powered by a 110W motor. Its footprint measures 130 x 160 x 260 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat burr geometry produces highly uniform particle distribution, prized for clarity and sweetness in espresso
- Excellent value for money — capable espresso grinding at an accessible price point
- Well-regarded in the home espresso community for consistent grind quality in its price bracket
Cons
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
- Not optimized for single dosing — hopper-fed design may result in some grind exchange between doses
- Higher retention (3.0g) means some grounds are retained between uses, affecting freshness for single-dose workflows
Full Specifications
| Brand | De'Longhi |
|---|---|
| Model | De'Longhi KG89 |
| Category | Flat Burr |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2014 |
| Burr Size | 40 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm flat |
| Grind Speed | 1400 RPM |
| Retention | 3.0 g |
| Single Dose | No |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 120 g |
| Motor Wattage | 110 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 130 x 160 x 260 mm |
| Weight | 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) |
| MSRP | $65 |
Our Verdict
The De'Longhi KG89 uses flat burrs, which are the preferred geometry for espresso among competition baristas and specialty coffee professionals. Flat burrs produce a more unimodal (uniform) particle distribution, which translates to cleaner, sweeter espresso with more clarity than conical alternatives. At under $500, it's an accessible entry into flat burr grinding. Pair it with a machine that does justice to the grind quality, and you'll taste the difference in every shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the De'Longhi KG89 grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the De'Longhi KG89 is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
Why choose flat burrs in the De'Longhi KG89?
Flat burrs produce a more uniform (unimodal) particle distribution compared to conical burrs. This translates to cleaner, more transparent espresso flavors with pronounced sweetness and clarity. Many competition baristas and specialty roasters prefer flat burr grinders for this reason.
How do I maintain the De'Longhi KG89?
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.