Tag: Flat

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Computers

13 Best Coffee Grinders (2024): Conical, Flat Burr, Blade, and Hand Grinders

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It’s all in the beans. Nothing will improve your morning coffee like grinding the beans right before you brew. It doesn’t matter whether you’re rocking a fancy liquid-cooled-quantum-AI-powered espresso machine or a $30 Mr. Coffee—making the switch to whole beans will transform your coffee-drinking experience. We have advice at the end of this article on finding good whole beans (you might want to read our Best Coffee Subscriptions guide). Once you have your beans, it’s time to grind ’em up fresh each day. These are the best coffee grinders we’ve tested.

Be sure to check out our other coffee-related buying guides, like the Best Latte and Cappuccino Machines, Best Portable Coffee Makers, Best Espresso Machines, and Best Portable Espresso Makers.

Updated April 2024: Added the Eureka Mignon Filtro, Fellow Tally Pro scale, an Honorable Mentions section, and an Avoid section.

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What Is a Conical, Flat, or Blade Grinder?

Pattern made of cup of fresh coffee on pastel pink background.

Photograph: Iryna Veklich/Getty Images

Our list consists mostly of conical-burr grinders. In a conical grinder, coffee beans are crushed and ground between two rings of burrs. They deliver a finer, much more consistent grind than you’d get with a traditional blade grinder, even the nicest ones.

Flat-burr grinders are similar, but they’re typically more expensive. In these, the burrs are laid on top of each other, and the beans pass through them as they grind. The grinder action pushes the grounds out of one end, instead of relying on gravity like a conical-burr grinder, and the beans spend more time in contact with the burrs. This results in a more consistent grind, but for home brewers, conical-burr grinders are just as good—even if they require more maintenance and don’t result in consistent down-to-the-micron-scale grounds.

Blade grinders have a chopping blade that spins around like a food processor. But blades don’t produce even results. Some of your coffee will be fine powder at the bottom, and at the top you’ll have bits too large for even French press. The result is an inconsistent, unpredictable brew. These grinders are cheap, and yes, using fresh beans in a blade grinder is far better than buying ground coffee. (You can learn how to shake the beans to even your grind just a little. See world barista champion James Hoffmann’s video for some more blade grinder hacks.)

If you can afford it, we highly recommend going with one of the burr grinders we’ve listed. There’s a reason why they cost a little more than a budget burr grinder. The machinery in a high-quality burr grinder is a bit more complicated, and it’s built to withstand greater wear and tear. In cheap burr grinders, the burrs will typically get blunt from regular use, and the flimsier motors may burn out in a matter of months.

PSA: Do not put pre-ground coffee into a burr grinder. Logically, it makes sense. It’s too coarse, so you put it through again, right? No! With a burr grinder, the preground coffee gets stuck inside the burrs, and you’ll have to do some disassembly to set them to rights again.

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Featured

Dyson’s new vacuum and mop took all the hassle out of cleaning my new flat

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Dyson released its Dyson V15s Detect Submarine in the UK this week (March 6), following its rollouts in Australia and later the US last year. It’s the company’s first-ever wet and dry vacuum cleaner (so it doubles as a mop, thanks to its eponymous Submarine head), and I was offered the chance to test it out.

As it happens, I’ve been moving into a new apartment this week, so how better to test the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine than seeing how it stacks up as a deep-cleaning tool for getting my new home ready before I move all my furniture in?

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News

Alphacool Core Flat Reservoirs with aRGB lighting

Alphacool Core Flat Reservoirs with aRGB lighting

If you are building a new liquid cooled PC  system under looking for a  reservoir for your coolant you might be interested in the Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir. A distinctive piece of hardware that has been designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. This article will delve into the design, installation, and core features of this product, providing an in-depth look at what sets it apart in the market.

The Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir is a sleek, flexible device that boasts aRGB lighting and five connections. Its design is strikingly modern, with a clear, functional appearance that is both visually appealing and practical. The reservoir is entirely made of high-quality acrylic glass, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also allows for a clear view of the coolant within.

One of the key design elements of the Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir is its chrome-plated G1/4″ connections made of brass. These connections are recessed, a design choice that prevents leaks and ensures the longevity of the product. The connections are in two parts, fitted with an O-ring, and counter each other when mounted in the acrylic. This design feature guarantees absolute sealing, further enhancing the product’s reliability and durability.

Liquid cooling reservoir

The flat design of the reservoir allows it to fit in small cases, making it a versatile choice for a variety of setups. This design flexibility extends to the installation process as well. The Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir requires a D5 or VPP pump for operation, and it includes a Core Push Mounting kit for tool-free mounting on a case panel or radiator. This easy installation process is a significant advantage, particularly for those who may not have extensive experience with custom water loops.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions (L x W x H) 360,00 x 125,00 x 45,14 mm; 240,00 x 125,00 x 45,00 mm
  • Volume (reservoir) 500ml; 270ml
  • Material Acryl
  • Pump compatibility D5/VPP
  • Threads 5x G1/4″ inner thread / 1x drain port
  • Maximum working temperature 60 °C
  • Pressure tested 0,8 Bar
  • Quantity digital aRGB LEDs 17
  • Voltage digital aRGB LEDs 5 V
  • Power connection digital aRGB LEDs 3-Pin JST + 3-Pin 5 V
  • Color transparent

The Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir is available in two versions – 240mm and 360mm. The pump top is positioned on the right, making it an ideal choice for custom water loops. An additional drain port on the side allows for easy draining, a feature that adds to the product’s user-friendly nature.

aRGB lighting

One of the standout features of the Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir is its brilliant illumination via built-in digital addressable aRGB LEDs. The lighting can be controlled via a digital aRGB header on the motherboard or through Alphacool’s Aurora Eiscontrol aRGB controller. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the reservoir but also adds a level of customization that many users will appreciate.

The technical data of the Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir includes dimensions, volume, material, pump compatibility, threads, maximum working temperature, pressure tested, quantity of digital aRGB LEDs, voltage of digital aRGB LEDs, power connection of digital aRGB LEDs, and color. These specifications provide a comprehensive overview of the product’s capabilities and requirements, allowing potential users to make an informed decision about whether this reservoir is the right fit for their needs.

The Alphacool Core Flat Reservoir is a product that combines design, functionality, and ease of use. Its sleek design, high-quality materials, and innovative features make it a standout choice for those looking to customize their water loops. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Core Flat Reservoir is a product worth considering for its aesthetic appeal, versatility, and user-friendly installation process.

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Homeowner’s Financial Toolkit: Saving and Financing a Flat Build

Owning a home is a lifelong dream. The sense of security and accomplishment that comes with homeownership is unparalleled. However, turning this dream into reality often requires careful planning, saving, and financial management. This becomes even more critical when you decide to build a flat or apartment from scratch. In this article, we will explore the homeowner’s financial toolkit, discussing essential steps and strategies for saving and financing a flat build.

Define Your Budget

The first step in your homebuilding project is to set a realistic budget. Building a flat is a significant financial commitment, and understanding your financial limitations is crucial. Begin by assessing your current financial situation, including your income, savings, and existing debts. This will help you determine how much you can comfortably allocate to your flat build without straining your finances.

Remember to account for all potential expenses, including construction costs, permits, utilities, landscaping, and interior furnishing decorations. Have a clear picture of the entire project’s cost to avoid surprises down the road. Consider working with a financial advisor or a homebuilder to provide you with valuable insights into estimating your budget accurately.

Establish an Emergency Fund

Before embarking on a flat build, ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place. This fund should cover unexpected expenses, such as construction delays, unforeseen repairs, or personal emergencies that could affect your ability to finance the project. Experts recommend that you should have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses set aside as an emergency fund.

Save for a Down Payment

Saving for a substantial down payment is essential when financing your flat build. A larger down payment reduces the amount you need to borrow, potentially lowering your monthly mortgage payments and interest costs. Aim for a down payment of at least 20% of the total project cost. If you can save more, it will give you greater financial flexibility and may even help you secure a better mortgage rate.

Check your Ownership Eligibility

Eligibility for owning a flat plays a pivotal role in financing the construction of your flat. Prospective flat owners typically need to meet certain criteria, including a stable source of income to cover mortgage payments, satisfactory credit history to secure a loan, and compliance with the legal age for property ownership.

Eligibility criteria vary with different jurisdictions. In Singapore for example, it is important to check your HFE status to understand your loan and grant eligibility. Meeting these eligibility requirements enhances your chances of obtaining favorable financing terms, such as lower interest rates and longer repayment periods. Ultimately, financial eligibility is a crucial starting point for individuals embarking on the journey to construct and own a flat.

Explore Mortgage Options

Once you’ve determined your budget and saved for a down payment, it’s time to explore your mortgage options. There are various types of mortgages available, each with its terms and interest rates. You should research and compare the different lenders to find the best mortgage that suits your needs and financial situation.

Consider whether a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage is more suitable for you. Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability, with consistent monthly payments, while adjustable-rate mortgages may have lower initial rates but come with the risk of fluctuating payments over time.

Secure Pre-Approval

Before starting the construction process, it’s advisable to secure pre-approval for your mortgage. Pre-approval not only gives you a clearer understanding of your borrowing capacity but also demonstrates your seriousness to potential builders and sellers. Sellers are often more inclined to work with buyers who have pre-approval because it indicates that financing is likely to be secured.

Consider Green Financing

If you’re interested in eco-friendly building practices or energy-efficient upgrades, explore green financing options. Some lenders offer special programs or incentives for environmentally sustainable projects. These initiatives can not only help you save on energy costs in the long run but also reduce your environmental footprint.

Plan for Post-Construction Expenses

Don’t forget to account for post-construction expenses, such as property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and ongoing maintenance and repairs. These costs can add up over time, so include them in your long-term financial planning.

Conclusion

Building a flat or apartment from scratch is a significant financial undertaking, but with careful planning and the right financial toolkit, it’s a goal that can be achieved. Remember that homeownership is not just about building a flat; it’s also about managing your finances effectively over the long term. By following these steps and staying financially disciplined, you can turn your dream of owning a flat into a reality and enjoy the security and satisfaction that comes with it.