A coffee grinder grinds coffee beans before you brew your coffee. Choose an electric or manual model with burrs or blades, depending on how you prepare your coffee. Discover the main criteria to find the coffee grinder that suits you.
To choose the coffee grinder that suits you best, consider these key points:
When using a coffee grinder, keep the following points in mind:
Manual and electric coffee grinders mainly differ in speed, the effort required and the amount of coffee you can grind. With a manual coffee grinder, you turn a handle to grind the beans. An electric model uses a motor and usually grinds coffee faster. An electric coffee grinder is useful when you regularly prepare several cups at once or want to save time in the morning. A manual coffee grinder is more compact and easy to take with you. It’s suitable when you grind smaller amounts of coffee and prefer to prepare your coffee at your own pace. The grinding mechanism also plays a role. For example, a coarser grind is better for a piston coffee machine. For an espresso machine or another coffee machine, choose a grinder with a very fine and consistent grind setting.
A coffee grinder with burrs grinds the beans between 2 burrs, which can be flat or conical. This gives you a more consistent grind, which helps extract the coffee more evenly. You can also adjust the grind setting more easily to suit your brewing method. A coffee grinder with blades uses rotating blades to cut the beans. This type is suitable if you occasionally grind small amounts of coffee. The grind is less consistent because the particles vary in size. Depending on your brewing method, this can result in a less balanced flavour.
Choose a coffee grinder with burrs if you want to adjust the grind setting more precisely. A coffee grinder with blades is suitable for simple, occasional use.
Pros and cons of a coffee grinder with burrs:
+ Consistent grind.
+ Grinds beans between 2 surfaces.
- Higher initial investment.
Pros and cons of a coffee grinder with blades:
+ Attractive price.
+ Versatile.
- Can heat up the coffee beans.
The grind setting affects the taste of your coffee. A grind that’s too fine slows down the flow of water and can result in bitter coffee. A grind that’s too coarse allows water to flow through faster, which can give your coffee a lighter flavour. With an electric coffee grinder, you adjust the grind setting using the dial or dedicated controls. Start with a setting that suits your brewing method, then adjust it in small steps. Does your coffee taste too light? Choose a slightly finer grind. Is your coffee too bitter? Choose a coarser grind. The same principle applies to a manual coffee grinder. Adjust the grind setting by turning the adjustment ring or screw. Brew a cup of coffee after every adjustment to find the setting that best suits your taste.
Like other coffee accessories, your coffee grinder needs regular maintenance. This removes coffee residue and helps keep it working properly. Clean a burr grinder with a soft brush. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the burrs and use suitable cleaning pellets if necessary. Don’t use water on the burrs unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. With a blade grinder, empty the grinding chamber after use. Remove coffee residue from the blades and the chamber with a brush or dry cloth. Is the chamber removable and dishwasher-safe? Clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it dry completely before putting it back in place. Store your coffee grinder in a dry place and remove coffee residue regularly.
Choose a manual coffee grinder if you want to grind small amounts of coffee and need a compact grinder that is easy to take with you. You grind the beans by turning a handle. An electric coffee grinder has a motor and is a good choice if you want to grind coffee more quickly. Also consider the grinding mechanism based on the result you are looking for. A blade grinder cuts the beans using rotating blades. A burr grinder crushes the beans between two burrs, resulting in a more even grind. This makes it easier to adjust the grind size to your brewing method, for example when making espresso. Maintain your coffee grinder regularly by removing coffee residue with a brush or dry cloth. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning removable parts or using water.
