The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder

Experts are of the opinion that adding a coffee grinder to your daily routine is a great upgrade. The more expensive models come with burr grinders--a pair of grooved surfaces that can be adjusted to provide an even grind.

Unlike a blade grinder, these types of grinders prevent the formation of oxidation and ensure that your grounds are uniform in size.

Conical Burrs

Burr grinders are a powerful type of coffee grinder which makes use of angles to break down whole beans into small particles. They produce fewer fines (also known as dust) than blade coffee grinders. You can control the size of the particles by adjusting the distance between the burrs.

There are two burr mill grinder types: flat and conical. The differences between these two kinds of burrs are subtle but important, and each has its own strengths.

Blade grinders feature sharp blade-shaped teeth that crush the coffee with each passing Burr grinders employ disc-shaped burrs to grind beans. The two burrs are moved in a different direction to achieve the size of the grind you want. When they are set properly, they produce a very uniform grinding, with less pieces and no heating.

A top quality burr grinder will feature a lubricated mechanism in order to reduce friction and prolong the life of the blades. They should also be able to be cleaned easily to minimize the buildup of coffee residue. There are a few hand-powered burr grinders. However, commercial flat burr grinders are typically powered by electricity since they require more energy than could be generated by human hands alone.

There are variations within the burr shapes of each category among different brands and models. These variations aren't due solely to the shape or geometry of the burrs but how their pattern is related to particle size distribution. For instance, certain conical burr grinders such as the Niche Zero have very low retention, while other flat burr grinders, like the Iberital MC2 boast high retention.

Certain coffee enthusiasts claim that certain burr styles can bring out certain flavours in the bean or roast. However, this is an area that is largely based on speculation and is not well-established scientifically.

Flat Burrs

Flat burrs are plates with sharp ridges that face one to crush coffee beans between them. These are the most commonly used burrs used in home and commercial grinders. They are also the primary burrs employed in manual grinders.

Flat burrs can have a difficult time maintaining the same distribution of sizes of the grind than conical ones because their cutting edges are angled and can leave behind fines or grit. This can lead to less extraction and bitter tastes. This isn't a deal-breaker for everyone, since new innovations in burr geometries provide the same consistency in size distribution as flat burrs.

The decision between a flat or conical grinder will depend on your individual grinding needs and preferences. For example, a barista who grinds large quantities for multiple cups throughout the day may prefer to go for a flat burr grinder since it produces less fines and can reduce the time to oxidize, making it easier to store and use again.

Another thing to consider is the quantity of heat a grinder produces during its operation. This is important because it can impact the taste and quality of your cup of coffee. The more friction that a grinder produces the more it will get hot, which could alter the flavor profile of the beans and result in over-extraction. Luckily, flat burr grinders produce less heat than their conical counterparts, which means they'll give you more flavor and a better overall taste.

If you're interested in a coffee grinder that has flat burrs, there are plenty of options available from reputable manufacturers like Baratza and Eureka. For instance, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is an option that is popular because it's easy to calibrate and has a an extremely high level of precision. It's also quiet and suitable for espresso. It does not produce the same amount of fines as Baratza and other top models and it's difficult to achieve a medium-coarse grind for espresso grinders.

Variable Grind Settings

The process of grinding, no matter what type of grinder you are using, produces a range of particle sizes and shapes. The measurement of this in a sensible way is difficult unless you use very expensive equipment like laser particle Diffraction Analysis.

Rather than providing an exact measurement of the size of the particle the majority of coffee grinders have adjustable dials that let the user choose between a range of grind sizes. The dials are usually marked with a series of dots or numbers that represent smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are sometimes with arrows that indicate which direction the dial is supposed to move to make the grind coarser or finer.

In addition to the numbering system, a lot of grinders also have other visual representations that can help with choosing the right setting, for instance dots in a series or a stepped adjustment mechanism. While these indications are helpful but they are only a general guideline and will require you to play around with the various settings.

If the dots or numbers are close the odds are that they are finely set, and if they are farther apart, then they are coarsely set. When choosing a setting for your grinder it is crucial to remember that even small adjustments can make a big difference and so be careful not to go too far away from the range you want to be in when making adjustments.

The 'dialing in' of grinding is the process of determining the best possible grind setting for the particular coffee and brewing method. The ideal grind setting allows for the most balanced and full-bodied flavor to be expressed, while still remaining within the acceptable limits of extraction. This is a constant pursuit because even small deviations from the sweet spot can result in under- or over-extracted coffee.

A very fine grind is perfect for espresso because it increases the amount of water in contact with the ground during the brief time needed to extract. Pour-over, French Press, Aeropress, and Turkish Coffee all benefit from a setting that is similar to powdered white sugar.

Easy Cleaning

As coffee machines with grinder grinds pass through your grinder old grounds and oils accumulate in the nooks. Eventually, these oil build-up becomes rancid and begin to affect the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning can prevent the build-up of coffee oils and keeps your smart grinder pro operating at its best budget espresso grinder.

To clean your grinder start by unplugging it and remove the hopper. Then, remove the burrs. Be careful to not damage the burrs' sharp edges, which could easily scratch or grate inner surfaces. If you own a grinder cleaner brush, apply this on the burrs in order to remove any stuck on coffee. Instead, use a soft toothbrush or toothpick to gently remove the ground beans from the burrs. Once you have removed the burrs, and any other coffee particles from the machine, wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.

Cleaning your grinder on a regular basis is crucial, regardless of whether you use a burr or blade grinder. Coffee beans lose their flavor and aromatic properties when they're ground. The best cup of coffee comes from freshly ground beans. Grinders that are too fine can cause bitterness and over-extraction and bitterness, while grinds which are too coarse may result in under-extraction, and a weak or thin flavor.

Cleaning your grinder frequently is the only way to ensure that it stays in optimal condition and continues to produce high-quality grounds for your morning coffee. Remaining oily residues and allowing old ground coffee to accumulate in the nooks and crannies can lead to obstructions to the blades and poorer quality coffee. The flavor of coffee can be affected by allowing stale coffee to accumulate on the burrs.

There are many 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 of edible grains that bind with and remove coffee oils. They're an excellent alternative to washing your burrs with water, which could damage or dull them. You can also use a brush to clean your burrs or blow them away with compressed air or a keyboard air blower.