Coffee Grinders: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder Experts agree that adding a coffee grinder to your morning routine is a great way to improve. The most expensive models come with burr grinders which consist of made up of two grooved surfaces that can be adjusted to provide an even grind. As opposed to a blade-grinder, these types of grinders ward off the formation of oxidation and ensure that your grounds are uniform in size. Conical Burrs Burr grinders have greater power and utilize opposing angled cutting surfaces that grind whole beans into tiny pieces. They produce fewer fines (also known as dust) than blade coffee grinders and you can alter the size of the particles by altering the distance between the burrs. There are two main kinds of burrs which are conical and flat. The distinctions between conical and flat burrs are not obvious however, they are significant. Each has their own strengths. Blade grinders feature sharp blade-shaped teeth that bludgeon the coffee with each passing burr grinders utilize a pair of disc shaped burrs to grind beans. The two burrs can be moved further or closer to create the desired size of grind. If they are set correctly they result in a regular grinding process with fewer pieces and no heating. A high-quality burr grinder must feature a lubricated mechanism in order to reduce friction and extend the life of the blades. They must also be easily cleaned to reduce the buildup of coffee residue. There are hand-powered burr grinders. However, commercial flat burr grinding machines are typically powered by electricity since they require more energy than can be generated by human hands alone. Within every category of burr shape there could be additional variations between different models and brands of grinders. best espresso coffee grinder Coffeee are not due to the shape of the burrs but rather the pattern of their geometry and how it affects the distribution of particle sizes. For instance, certain conical burr grinders like the Niche Zero have very low retention, while other flat burr grinders like the Iberital MC2 have high retention. Some coffee lovers claim that certain burr types produce specific flavors in the bean or roast. This is an area in which the evidence is mostly anecdotal and not well-proven scientifically. Flat Burrs Flat burrs are circular plates with sharp ridges which face each to crush coffee beans between them. They're among the most popular burrs that are found in home and commercial grinders and are the most common kind used in manual grinders. Flat burrs may be more difficult to maintain the same distribution of sizes of the grind than conical ones, as their cutting edges are angled and may leave behind some fines or grit. This can lead to low extraction and bitter taste. This isn't a deal-breaker for everyone, because the latest developments in burr geometries allow for the same grind size distribution as flat burrs. The choice between a flat or conical grinder will be based on your individual grinding needs and tastes. A barista who grinds several cups of coffee throughout the day might choose the flat burr mill as it produces less fines and reduces the rate of oxidation, which makes it easier to store. The amount of heat the burr mill produces working is an additional factor to be considered. This is a crucial aspect because it can impact the taste and quality of your coffee. The more friction a grinder produces and the higher the heat it creates. This could alter the flavor of your beans or lead to excessive extraction. Luckily, flat burr grinders generate less heat than their conical counterparts, which means they will provide you with more flavor and a better overall taste. There are a variety of options for a grinder that has flat burrs from well-known manufacturers like Baratza and Eureka. For example, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is an extremely popular choice due to its easy to calibrate and offers the highest level of precision. It is also very quiet and is suitable for espresso. However, it doesn't produce the same amount of fines as Baratza or other premium models and isn't able to produce moderately coarse grinds for espresso. Variable Grind Settings The process of grinding regardless of the type of grinder you use results in a variety of particle sizes and shapes. It is difficult to measure this accurately unless you own expensive equipment such as laser particle diffraction. Instead of offering an exact measurement of particle size the majority of coffee grinders have adjustable dials that let the user choose between a range of sizes. Dials are marked by numbers or dots to indicate smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are usually followed by arrows that indicate the direction in which the dial needs to be moved to make the grind smoother or coarser. In addition to the numbering system, many grinders have other visual representations to help in selecting the correct setting, such as dots or a stepped adjustment mechanism. While these indicators are helpful but they are only a general guideline and will require you to experiment with the various settings. For instance, a dot or a number that appears close together suggest that the grinders are set very fine, while an asterisk or number that appears further apart means they are set very coarse. When choosing a grinder setting it is important to be aware that even minor adjustments can make an enormous difference. Dialing in a grinder involves finding the optimal grind setting for the coffee and the method of brewing. The optimal grind setting allows the most balanced and full-bodied flavor to be expressed, while still remaining within the acceptable limits of extraction. This is a constant pursuit, since even slight variations could result in coffee that is over- or underextracted. A very fine grind is perfect for espresso because it increases the amount of water in contact with the ground in the brief time needed for extraction. Pour-over, French Press, Aeropress and Turkish Coffee all benefit from a setting similar to powdered white sugar. Easy Cleaning As coffee grinds go through your grinder, oils and old grounds get stuck inside the nooks and crannies of the machine. The oils that accumulate eventually go rancid and begin to affect the flavor of your espresso. Regular cleaning can help prevent the accumulation of stale oil in your coffee maker and keep it running at its peak. To clean your grinder, start by unplugging it and taking out the hopper and the grounds bin. Then, remove the burrs. Be careful not to scratch the sharp burrs, which could easily scratch or scratch the inner surfaces of your grinder. If you have a grinder cleaner brush, apply it on the burrs to remove any stuck on coffee. If you don't own a grinder cleaner brush you can use a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove the ground coffee from the burrs. Once you've removed the burrs, as well as any other coffee particles, clean the entire machine with a dry cloth. Cleaning your grinder regularly is important, whether you use a burr or blade grinder. Coffee beans lose aroma and flavor when they're ground, and the best cup of coffee comes from a freshly ground batch. A grind that is too fine can cause bitterness and over-extraction, while too coarse a grind can lead to under-extraction and an unsavory flavor. Cleaning your grinder regularly will ensure it stays in good condition and produces quality grounds to make your morning coffee. Remains of oil and old coffee grounds can cause blades to become clogged and result in poor quality coffee. The flavor of coffee can be affected by allowing coffee that is stale to build up on the burrs. There are a variety of ways to clean a grinder however, one of the easiest is using a coffee grinder cleaning tablet (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made from edible grains that bond with and eliminate coffee oils. They're an excellent alternative to washing your burrs with water, which can damage or dull them. You can also clean your burrs using brushes or blowing them out using compressed air or a keyboard air blower.