The invention relates to a method for grinding material to be ground having at least one grinding mill in a coffee machine, the method comprising: determining an actual grind level of the grinding mill; determining a target grind level of the grinding mill; automatically comparing the actual grind with the target grind level; and automatically outputting information to a user of the grinding mill based on the comparison of the actual grind level with the target grind level.

A grinding device includes: a housing that includes a sidewall; a grinding bowl within the housing; a cover that mates with one of the housing and the grinding bowl, wherein the cover together with the grinding bowl defines a grinding chamber; a blade positioned within the grinding chamber; a motor, positioned within the housing, operatively connected with and configured to rotate the blade; and a dial generally radially aligned with the sidewall of the housing, wherein the dial is configured to control at least one operational parameter of the motor; and wherein the dial rotates around a substantially vertical axis.