Coffee Grinder Benefits
Any coffee aficionado will attest that fresh-ground coffee produces a fuller, richer and more enjoyable flavor when compared to pre-ground coffee. Having a coffee grinder in your home kitchen will not only let you grind each serving to order, but you can also customize the grind to ensure you get the exact coffee strength you want.
Coffee Grinder Types
Below are the most common types of coffee grinders found on the market today as well as a few of their main selling points.
Blade Coffee Grinders
Blade coffee grinders chop beans with a sharp blade that spins at high speeds, like the way a culinary blender or a food processor breaks down food. Blade coffee grinders are usually the most economical options, which makes them a great choice for anyone on a budget or who only drinks coffee occasionally. Another added benefit of blade grinders is that they process beans much faster than other types.
A possible drawback of blade grinders is that they produce a somewhat inconsistent grind, specifically a combination of coffee-bean chunks and powder. Some with a more refined palate suggest that completely pulverized coffee beans extract a more bitter flavor in the brew, while large pieces of bean are harder to extract flavor from. This may make the strength of your blade-ground coffee harder to control, even when brewed in a high-end machine.
Burr Coffee Grinders
Burr coffee grinders, which are also sometimes referred to as flat burr grinders, process coffee beans by crushing them between two spinning burrs. This design produces grounds that are much more uniform in size, which some claim produces a better tasting and more predictable brew. Although you may hear a variety of opinions, some experts claim the best burr coffee grinder for espresso is a flat burr grinder. Although you can find burr grinders at different price points, they’re typically more expensive than standard blade grinders.
Conical Burr Coffee Grinders
Conical burr grinders work just like flat burr grinders, except the center burr is shaped like a cone. This design is thought to grind more efficiently and to produce less heat in the process. Because of this, many commercial coffee shops choose a conical burr grinder.
Coffee Maker Grinders
Some high-end coffee machines come equipped with a built-in grinder. This convenient design makes brewing easier, plus it saves space on your kitchen counter by combining two appliances into one.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Grinder
Here are some important factors to consider when buying a coffee grinder.
- Capacity: Choose a model that can process the amount of coffee you need in one cycle. If you frequently host guests or have a lot of coffee drinkers in your household, a small-capacity grinder may take several cycles to make enough grounds to brew a large pot of coffee.
- Grind Settings: If you like to experiment with different types of coffee drinks or different varieties of beans, a grinder that’s highly adjustable will make sure you get the perfect grind every time.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: The easier your machine is to clean and maintain, the more likely you’ll be to use it. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for care instructions before making a purchase.
- Durability and Warranty: Check online reviews to see how long you can expect your grinder to last. Also, understanding the warranty that comes with your machine will help you anticipate how much you’ll have to spend in the future if your machine breaks or if you need replacement parts.
- Noise: Consider the operating volume of any model you’re thinking about purchasing, especially if you live in a small home or apartment or live with individuals with different work schedules. If a member of your household typically sleeps during the day, for example, preparing your morning cup may disturb their rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some typical questions customers have when shopping for a new coffee grinder for their kitchen.
What Is the Best Type of Grinder for Coffee?
The best type of grinder will depend on your specific needs and your price range. While a high-end conical burr grinder with lots of different settings will delight a coffee fan, if you only drink coffee occasionally, an inexpensive grinder may suffice, especially if you’re on a budget.
Are Burr Grinders Really Better?
Some coffee connoisseurs claim that burr grinders make a superior cup of coffee when compared to electric blade grinders because burr grinders produce a more uniform grind. Standard electric grinders, on the other hand, produce a combination of large chunks of coffee bean and fine dust.
Does a Better Grinder Make Better Coffee?
A high-end coffee grinder allows you to better customize the grind, ensuring you always get the exact flavor that suits your palate.
How Do I Choose a Coffee Grinder for My Home?
The best way to determine which type of coffee grinder is best for you is to consider what type of coffee you like to brew, as well as how much and how often you make coffee. Different types of coffee are best brewed with different grind sizes, so selecting a model that produces the fineness you prefer is important. Also, if you have a lot of frequent coffee drinkers in your family, a grinder that works quickly will cut down on preparation time.