Achieving the ideal particle size is paramount for extracting the nuanced flavors of your coffee when using a Chemex brewer. The consistency of your coffee grounds directly impacts bloom and drip rate.
For enthusiasts seeking the best coffee grinder for Chemex, understanding the nuances of burr types, grind settings, and material is key. Whether you prioritize manual control or electric convenience, selecting the right grinder elevates your daily brew from ordinary to extraordinary. This in-depth exploration delves into the leading options, examining how each best coffee grinder for Chemex performs in delivering uniform grinds.
Prepare to unlock the full potential of your favorite beans as we uncover the ultimate tools for the discerning Chemex user.
Find Your Perfect Grind for Chemex
1. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Silver, Stainless Steel
Unlock the full potential of your coffee beans with the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder. Designed for the discerning home barista, this grinder ensures a consistently uniform grind, crucial for extracting the nuanced flavors that elevate your morning brew, making it a top choice for Chemex enthusiasts and pour-over aficionados.
Featuring precision stainless steel conical burrs, this grinder offers 15 distinct grind settings with micro-adjustments, allowing unparalleled control from fine espresso grounds to a coarser grind perfect for French press and cold brew. The intelligent one-touch start remembers your last setting, streamlining your coffee preparation routine with impressive ease.
Pros
- Uniform Grind Quality: Stainless steel conical burrs produce consistent grounds, essential for achieving rich, balanced flavor profiles in pour-over methods like Chemex.
- Versatile Grinding Options: With 15 grind settings and micro-adjustments, tailor your grind precisely for any brewing method, from espresso to cold brew.
- Convenient One-Touch Operation: The grinder remembers your last setting, allowing for effortless grinding after the initial setup.
- Generous Bean Capacity: A large, removable 12-ounce hopper means you can grind enough beans for multiple brews at once.
- Durable and Hygienic Construction: The static-fighting stainless steel grounds container minimizes cling and spills for easy transfer.
- Flavor Protection: A powerful DC motor grinds beans without overheating, preserving the delicate flavors of your coffee beans.
Cons
- While effective, the complexity of 15 settings plus micro-adjustments might initially seem daunting for absolute beginners, though the “one-touch start” simplifies regular use.
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder stands out as a superior choice for those seeking precision and convenience in their home coffee preparation. Its award-winning design and consistent performance make it an excellent investment for anyone passionate about achieving the perfect cup, especially when using brewing methods that highlight delicate flavor notes.
2. BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder, 2/3 Cup Coffee Bean Capacity,
Achieve the perfect grind for your morning brew with the BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, this grinder delivers consistently uniform grounds, essential for unlocking the full flavor of your favorite coffee beans. It’s an ideal solution for home baristas seeking a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for their daily coffee ritual.
It’s an ideal solution for home baristas seeking a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for their daily coffee ritual.
Featuring robust stainless steel blades and a durable grinding bowl, this appliance efficiently processes up to 2/3 cup of coffee beans, herbs, spices, or grains. Its intuitive one-touch operation allows for effortless custom grinding, from coarse to fine, ensuring you can tailor your grind for any brewing method, including pour-over methods like Chemex.
The lid-locking safety feature adds peace of mind to your grinding experience.
Pros
- Uniform Grinding Technology: Sharp stainless steel blades and bowl create consistent coffee grounds, crucial for optimal extraction in pour-over coffee makers and other brewing methods, resulting in a richer coffee flavor.
- Effortless Operation: The simple one-touch push-button control makes grinding quick and easy, allowing you to achieve your desired grind consistency from coarse for French press to fine for espresso with minimal effort.
- Versatile Grinding Capabilities: Beyond coffee beans, this grinder is also highly effective for processing herbs, spices, and grains, making it a multi-functional kitchen tool for various culinary needs.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The integrated lid-locking safety mechanism ensures the grinder only operates when the lid is securely in place, preventing spills and ensuring user safety during operation.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality stainless steel for both the blades and the grinding bowl, this grinder is designed for longevity and consistent performance over time.
Cons
- As a blade grinder, it will produce a less uniform grind compared to burr grinders, which might impact the absolute finest consistency required for some specialized brewing techniques, though it performs well for general use and methods like Chemex.
The BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder offers a straightforward and effective solution for everyday grinding needs. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their home coffee experience with freshly ground beans, particularly for brewing methods where a good, consistent grind is key.
3. Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black
Elevate your home coffee brewing with the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder, a Specialty Coffee Association award-winning grinder celebrated for its precision and ease of use. This best-selling model is the ultimate choice for achieving café-quality results, whether you’re brewing a delicate pour-over or a robust French press.
Engineered with professional-grade 40mm conical burrs, the Baratza Encore delivers consistent grounds across 40 distinct settings, allowing for unparalleled control over your coffee extraction. Its compact design and user-friendly operation, featuring a simple ON/OFF switch and a convenient front-mounted pulse button, make it ideal for any kitchen counter.
Pros
- Consistent Grind Quality: Features 40 stepped grind settings powered by 40mm hardened alloy steel conical burrs, ensuring precise particle size for optimal flavor extraction across various brew methods from fine espresso to coarse French press, perfect for Chemex and V60 enthusiasts.
- User-Friendly Operation: A simple ON/OFF switch and an intuitive front-mounted pulse button make grinding fresh coffee beans effortless for both beginners and seasoned baristas.
- Durable Construction & Support: Built with high-quality parts, including European-made burrs and a robust DC motor, guaranteeing longevity. Backed by Baratza’s renowned world-class support and a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Award-Winning Performance: Recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association, this grinder is a trusted tool for coffee professionals and home brewers alike, making it a top choice for quality electric burr grinders.
Cons
- While excellent for most home brewing, the stepped grind settings may not offer the micro-adjustments some advanced espresso purists require compared to stepless grinders.
The Baratza Encore is the quintessential electric coffee grinder for home baristas seeking exceptional grind consistency and versatility. Its blend of performance, durability, and ease of use makes it an indispensable tool for unlocking the full potential of your favorite coffee beans, especially for methods like Chemex and pour-over coffee.
4. Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder, Electric Conical Coffee Bean Grinder With
Unlock the full potential of your coffee beans with the Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder. Designed for the discerning coffee enthusiast, this electric conical grinder delivers uniform grounds, preserving the intricate flavors and aromas for an exceptional brew, whether you’re making pour-over or espresso.
Featuring robust 40mm stainless steel conical burrs and 30 precision grind settings, the Ollygrin grinder allows for unparalleled customization, from ultra-fine espresso grounds to coarse French press consistency. Its gear reduction motor ensures slow, heat-minimizing grinding, vital for maintaining the coffee’s optimal flavor profile. The generous 10-ounce hopper and auto-locking system add convenience for storage and use, while double safety protection safeguards the grinder’s longevity.
Pros
- Consistent Particle Size: The 40mm stainless steel conical burrs produce remarkably uniform grounds, crucial for balanced extraction and superior taste in methods like pour-over and Aeropress.
- Versatile Grind Selection: With 30 distinct settings, you can achieve the perfect grind size for any brewing method, from espresso machines to Chemex and cold brew.
- Flavor Preservation: The slow-grinding, low-heat friction from the gear reduction motor effectively preserves the delicate aromas and volatile oils of your coffee beans.
- Large Capacity & Easy Handling: The 10-ounce bean hopper holds ample whole beans for multiple brews, and the auto-locking mechanism simplifies hopper removal, storage, and bean transfer.
- Durability & Safety: Built-in features like a friction clutch to protect burrs and motor overheating protection ensure a long lifespan for your coffee grinder.
Cons
- Some users may find the exterior design less premium compared to higher-priced, all-metal grinders.
For those seeking precise control over their coffee grind and a commitment to flavor integrity, the Ollygrin Burr Coffee Grinder stands out as an excellent choice. Its combination of durable burrs, extensive settings, and thoughtful design makes it an ideal companion for any coffee lover who appreciates a freshly ground cup, particularly those who enjoy brewing with devices like the Chemex.
5. OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Elevate your morning ritual with the OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, the perfect companion for consistently delicious coffee. Designed for the discerning home barista, this grinder delivers exceptional grind quality and user-friendly operation, transforming your daily brew into a cafe-quality experience.
This powerful yet compact grinder features stainless steel conical burrs engineered for superior consistency, grinding beans from fine espresso to coarse French press with 15 settings and 29 micro-adjustments. Its streamlined design fits effortlessly into any kitchen, boasting durable Tritan Renew construction for sustainable appeal.
With a 50-gram bean capacity, it’s ideal for brewing up to six cups of your favorite coffee.
Pros
- Precise Grind Consistency: Stainless steel conical burrs ensure uniform particle size, crucial for optimal extraction whether you’re preparing pour-over coffee, drip, or French press, making it a top choice for those seeking the best coffee grinder for Chemex.
- User-Friendly Interface & Adjustments: Easily select your desired grind size with intuitive controls, offering 15 main settings and 29 micro-adjustments for unparalleled control over your coffee grounds.
- Space-Saving, Sustainable Design: At just 11 inches tall and 4 inches wide, its compact footprint is perfect for any countertop or cabinet, while the use of Tritan Renew materials in the hopper and grounds container highlights an eco-conscious approach.
- Effortless Cleaning: Both the upper and lower burrs are removable, facilitating thorough and convenient cleaning to maintain peak performance and flavor.
Cons
- Capacity for Larger Batches: While ideal for personal use or small gatherings, the 50-gram capacity may be limiting for those who frequently brew larger pots of coffee for extended family or events.
The OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is an excellent investment for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize grind quality, ease of use, and a compact design. Experience the difference freshly ground beans make in every cup, from artisanal pour-overs to your daily drip.
6. KRUPS Precision Electric Coffee Grinders, 3 oz Capacity, 200W Motor,
Elevate your coffee ritual with the KRUPS Precision Electric Coffee Grinder. Achieving the perfect grind consistency for your preferred brewing method, from a robust French press to delicate pour-overs, has never been easier. This compact yet powerful grinder transforms whole coffee beans into aromatic grounds, unlocking nuanced flavors for every cup.
This compact yet powerful grinder transforms whole coffee beans into aromatic grounds, unlocking nuanced flavors for every cup.
Engineered with a potent 200W motor and durable stainless steel blades, this electric coffee bean grinder efficiently processes up to 3 ounces (85g) of beans per use, enough for approximately 12 cups of coffee. Beyond coffee, its versatility extends to grinding spices, herbs, and nuts, making it a multi-functional kitchen essential for everyday use and gourmet meal preparation.
Pros
- Versatile Grinding Options: Effortlessly switch between coarse, medium, and fine grinds, ideal for various coffee brewing styles like cold brew, French press, drip, pour-over, and even espresso, as well as for spices and herbs.
- Generous Capacity: The 3 oz (85g) hopper allows for grinding enough beans to brew up to 12 cups of coffee, suitable for families, small offices, or entertaining guests.
- Simple One-Touch Operation: A single button initiates and controls the grinding process, providing intuitive use and precise consistency with minimal effort.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The lid-activated safety mechanism ensures the blades only operate when the lid is securely in place, preventing accidental spills and ensuring user safety for peace of mind.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Its sleek, space-saving black finish complements any kitchen countertop, serving as both a functional appliance and an attractive addition to your culinary space.
Cons
- As a blade grinder, it’s not ideal for achieving the absolute uniform particle size required for high-end espresso machines compared to burr grinders, though it performs very well for other brewing methods.
For those seeking a reliable and user-friendly grinding solution for a variety of home coffee brews and spice preparations, the KRUPS Precision Electric Grinder stands out. Its combination of power, capacity, and safety makes it an excellent choice for upgrading your morning coffee experience or preparing fresh ingredients for your culinary adventures.
7. Aromaster Burr Coffee Grinder with 48 Gind Settings, Conical Coffee
Elevate your home coffee brewing with the Aromaster Burr Coffee Grinder. Designed for coffee enthusiasts seeking the perfect grind, this grinder offers unparalleled precision and ease of use, making it an indispensable tool for achieving café-quality results at home. Discover the joy of freshly ground beans tailored to your specific brewing method.
Discover the joy of freshly ground beans tailored to your specific brewing method.
Featuring an impressive 48 grind settings, the Aromaster conical burr grinder allows for meticulous control, from ultra-fine espresso to a robust coarse grind suitable for French press and Chemex. Its high-quality stainless steel burrs ensure consistent particle size, minimizing heat to preserve the delicate aromas and flavors of your coffee beans.
The integrated timer and generous 9-ounce capacity make it ideal for single servings or brewing for small groups.
Pros
- Exceptional Grind Precision: With 48 distinct grind settings, achieve the exact coarseness or fineness required for any brewing method, including pour-over (Chemex), espresso, and French press, ensuring optimal extraction every time.
- Flavor Preservation: The slow-grinding, high-quality stainless steel conical burrs generate minimal heat, protecting the natural oils and volatile compounds in your coffee beans for a superior taste experience.
- Clean and Convenient Operation: Upgraded anti-static technology significantly reduces mess by keeping grounds contained within the tawny-tinted bin, which also offers UV protection. The included brush and removable ring burr simplify cleaning and prevent clogs.
- Generous Capacity and Timer: Grind up to 3.9 ounces of coffee beans at once, with an adjustable timer to precisely control the amount of grounds for consistent brews, perfect for sharing or for those who enjoy multiple cups.
Cons
- Requires a 120V, 60Hz power supply, which may necessitate an adapter in regions with different electrical standards.
For those who meticulously craft their daily brew, the Aromaster Burr Coffee Grinder offers a significant upgrade to your coffee ritual. Its advanced features and durable construction make it a standout choice for discerning coffee lovers aiming for the best grind for their pour-over coffee, espresso, or any other preferred method.
8. World’s First 60g Large Capacity Manual Coffee Grinder, Portable Hand
Grind more, brew more with the World’s First 60g Large Capacity Manual Coffee Grinder. This portable hand grinder revolutionizes your coffee ritual, allowing you to effortlessly prepare double the beans of standard grinders, eliminating interruptions and maximizing brewing enjoyment.
Experience unparalleled convenience for any coffee brewing method.
Featuring an industry-first 60g large capacity hopper, this manual coffee grinder significantly reduces the need for multiple grinding sessions. Its innovative design, crafted with durable stainless steel, ensures consistent flavor and exceptional extraction, making it the perfect companion for pour-over enthusiasts, French press aficionados, and anyone seeking barista-level coffee at home or on the go.
Pros
- Massive 60g Capacity: Grind twice the amount of beans in a single session compared to typical manual grinders, ideal for making larger batches for events, families, or simply for those who love multiple cups without interruption.
- 40 Precise External Settings: Easily dial in your perfect grind size with an intuitive external click-ring, offering unparalleled control from ultra-fine espresso grinds to coarse French press consistency, all without needing to disassemble the unit.
- Lab-Accurate Consistency: Each adjustment clicks by a mere 0.05mm, providing master-level
9. KitchenAid BCG111OB Blade Coffee Grinder, 4 oz, Onyx Black
Elevate your morning routine with the KitchenAid BCG111OB Blade Coffee Grinder. Experience the unparalleled aroma and rich flavor of freshly ground coffee beans, precisely milled to perfection for your brewing pleasure. This stylish Onyx Black grinder delivers exceptional performance with effortless operation, making it a must-have for any coffee enthusiast.
Designed for convenience, the KitchenAid blade grinder features simple one-touch control for seamless operation. Its powerful stainless steel blade quickly transforms whole coffee beans into your ideal grind size for up to 12 cups. The 4 oz.
The 4 oz. stainless steel bowl, marked for convenience, ensures accurate measurements for your perfect brew.
Pros
- Effortless One-Touch Operation: Simply push down the lid to start grinding and release to stop, giving you complete control over grind consistency. The clear lid allows for visual monitoring of the bean coarseness.
- Powerful Stainless Steel Blade: The durable stainless steel blade ensures efficient and rapid grinding of whole beans, quickly preparing grounds for up to 12 cups of your favorite coffee, perfect for brewing rich, aromatic coffee.
- Precise Measuring Bowl: The 4 oz. stainless steel grind bowl includes clear markings for 4, 8, 10, and 12 cups, simplifying the process of measuring the exact amount of beans needed for your coffee maker. It’s also removable for easy pouring.
- Compact and Stylish Design: The sleek Onyx Black finish complements any kitchen countertop, while its compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.
- Hassle-Free Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with a 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty from KitchenAid.
Cons
- Blade Grinder Limitations: As a blade grinder, it may not achieve the ultra-fine or perfectly uniform grind consistency that some high-end burr grinders offer, which can be a consideration for pour-over methods like Chemex that benefit from precise particle size.
For those seeking a straightforward and effective way to grind coffee beans for drip coffee makers and French presses, the KitchenAid BCG111OB is an excellent choice. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance deliver consistently good results for your daily coffee ritual.
10. Baratza Virtuoso+ Coffee Grinder ZCG587BLK, Black
Elevate your home brewing with the Baratza Virtuoso+ Coffee Grinder, a precision instrument designed for the discerning coffee enthusiast. This award-winning grinder delivers exceptional consistency, allowing you to unlock the full flavor potential of your favorite coffee beans for any brewing method, including your pour-overs.
Engineered with commercial-grade conical burrs and a highly accurate digital timer, the Virtuoso+ offers unparalleled control over your grind. Explore 40 distinct grind settings, from fine espresso to coarse French press, ensuring the perfect particle size for your chosen brew. Its robust construction and stylish design make it a welcome addition to any coffee station, promising durability and consistent results for your daily grind.
Pros
- Precision Dosing: The 40-second digital timer, adjustable to a tenth of a second, and LED-lit grounds bin ensure incredibly accurate and repeatable coffee dosing, crucial for consistent brew quality.
- Versatile Grinding: Featuring enhanced commercial-grade conical burrs, it excels across a wide spectrum of grind sizes, perfect for everything from espresso to Chemex, V60, and French press.
- Award-Winning Performance: Recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association, its performance is trusted by coffee professionals for achieving exceptional grind uniformity.
- Durable & Stylish Design: Crafted with European-manufactured hardened steel burrs and a robust DC motor, it’s built for longevity, complemented by a sleek, modern aesthetic with a metal top and base.
Cons
- While offering exceptional value, the price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers new to premium grinding experiences.
For those serious about achieving the best possible coffee at home, the Baratza Virtuoso+ is an investment in unparalleled grind quality. Its meticulous engineering and user-friendly features make it an ideal companion for brewing methods that demand precise particle size, including the delicate art of preparing coffee for a Chemex.
Choosing the Best Coffee Grinder for Chemex
Burr type and grind consistency
The type of burrs and the consistency of the resulting coffee grounds are paramount for achieving an exceptional pour-over experience, especially with a brewer like the Chemex.
A uniform particle size is critical because inconsistent grinds lead to uneven extraction. This means some coffee particles will be over-extracted (bitter) while others are under-extracted (sour), negatively impacting the delicate, clean cup that the Chemex is known for. While both conical and flat burrs can produce quality grounds, the fineness and uniformity achievable are key differentiators for this brewing method.
For the Chemex, you’ll want a grinder capable of producing a medium-fine grind, with the ability to adjust precisely. Too coarse, and your coffee will be weak; too fine, and it will channel and become bitter.
Look for models that excel at producing this specific grind range with minimal effort.
Grinder adjustment settings
The fineness or coarseness of your coffee grounds is paramount to achieving an optimal brew, and this is directly controlled by a grinder’s adjustment settings.
A broad spectrum of grind settings is essential because it allows for precise calibration to suit different brewing methods and coffee beans, directly influencing the extraction process. For methods requiring a slower flow rate, like pour-over, a moderately coarse grind is typically ideal to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
The ability to perform microadjustments—making small, incremental changes between the coarsest and finest settings—is vital for dialing in the perfect grind size that balances sweetness, acidity, and body.
This fine-tuning ensures that water interacts with the coffee grounds at the right pace, unlocking the full spectrum of flavor compounds. Without this granular control, you risk inconsistent results, leading to either weak and sour coffee (under-extracted) or harsh and bitter coffee (over-extracted). Therefore, a grinder with a wide range and a clear, easy-to-navigate adjustment mechanism is a cornerstone for any coffee enthusiast aiming for consistently delicious results.
Build material and durability
The foundation of consistent grind quality and sustained performance lies in the grinder’s construction and the materials used.
Investing in a well-built grinder ensures both the longevity of your brewing tool and the integrity of your coffee grounds, directly impacting the final cup. A resilient build means fewer replacements and a more reliable morning ritual.
Grinders designed with durability in mind will stand up to repeated use, minimizing wear and tear on critical components.
When examining burrs, understand that both stainless steel and ceramic offer distinct advantages. Stainless steel burrs are often lauded for their sharpness and cutting efficiency, producing a uniform particle size crucial for pour-overs like Chemex.
Ceramic burrs, on the other hand, are known for their extreme hardness, offering exceptional longevity and resistance to heat buildup. The body construction also plays a significant role; while sturdy metal casings provide a premium feel and robust protection, high-quality plastics can offer a lighter weight and cost-effective solution without compromising performance. Ease of maintenance, such as simple disassembly for cleaning, is paramount for preventing flavor contamination and ensuring optimal function over time.
Additionally, look for materials that minimize static cling, a common annoyance that can lead to grounds clinging to the grounds bin and making a mess.
Ease of use and cleaning
A truly user-friendly coffee preparation device should make the daily ritual of grinding beans effortless and cleanup a breeze.
Consider how a well-designed hopper and grounds bin can streamline your morning. A spacious hopper minimizes refills, while an easily removable grounds bin, ideally with a smooth interior, prevents coffee dust from clinging. This is paramount for maintaining the purity of your brew and ensuring a consistent flavor profile with every use.
This is paramount for maintaining the purity of your brew and ensuring a consistent flavor profile with every use.
Look for models that disassemble quickly without the need for special tools, allowing for thorough cleaning that prevents the buildup of oily residue which can quickly turn stale and impart unwanted flavors. Simple operation, where grinding settings are intuitively adjusted and the motor runs smoothly for your desired coarseness, transforms this task from a chore into an enjoyable part of the coffee-making process.
Quick Best Coffee Grinder For Chemex Buying Checklist
- Grind Consistency: Ensure the grinder produces uniform particles ideal for Chemex pour-over.
- Burr Type: Prefer burr grinders (conical or flat) over blade grinders for optimal results.
- Adjustability: Look for a grinder with micro-adjustments for precise control over grind size.
- Ease of Cleaning: Simple disassembly and maintenance prevent flavor contamination.
- Build Quality: Durable materials ensure longevity and consistent performance.
- Static Control: Features that minimize static cling make for a cleaner experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Grind Size Is Best For Chemex?
A medium-coarse grind is generally recommended for Chemex brewing. It should resemble sea salt in texture.
Why Are Burr Grinders Better For Chemex?
Burr grinders crush beans uniformly, crucial for even extraction in pour-over methods like Chemex, unlike blade grinders which create uneven particles.
Do I Need A Manual Or Electric Grinder For Chemex?
Both can work; electric grinders offer convenience, while manual grinders provide cost-effectiveness and portability. Choose based on your preference and budget.
How Often Should I Clean My Chemex Grinder?
Regular cleaning, ideally weekly or bi-weekly, is important to maintain grinder performance and prevent stale coffee flavors.
Can I Use A Grinder Designed For Espresso For My Chemex?
While some espresso grinders can adjust coarse enough, many focus on very fine grinds. Ensure the grinder has a wide range for optimal Chemex results.
Final Words
Selecting the best coffee grinder for your Chemex is key to unlocking nuanced flavors and a superior brewing experience. With consistent grind size and intuitive adjustments, you’ll achieve perfect extraction every time. Invest wisely to elevate your daily coffee ritual and savor the difference.
Invest wisely to elevate your daily coffee ritual and savor the difference.
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