If you're serious about brewing the perfect cup of coffee, investing in a good coffee grinder is said to be one of the best places to put most of your money shortly followed by the quality of coffee beans you use!
A quality grinder allows you to freshly grind your beans to the right consistency for your brewing method, resulting in a fresher and more flavourful cup of coffee. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right grinder for you? Here's what you need to know.
Burr Grinders Vs Blade Grinders:
There are two main types of coffee grinders: burr grinders and blade grinders. Burr grinders use two rotating abrasive surfaces to evenly grind the beans, while blade grinders use a spinning blade to chop the beans. In general, burr grinders are considered to be higher quality and more precise, but they can also be more expensive. The biggest issue with Blade grinders is that they don't produce a consistent grind size, instead you are left with small and large pieces of coffee.
How Does a Blade Grinder Effect Taste on coffee:
A Blade grinder produces an array of different grind sizes, no matter what brew method you're using by brewing with multiple size coffee grinds you actually get different rates of extraction. Small particles of coffee will extract quicker while the larger particles of coffee will extract slower, this results in a muddy and inconsistent cup of coffee.
The second issue with this is by not having a consistent grind size you aren't able to repeat the same brew method, resulting in every single coffee tasting differently.
Conical vs Flat
Burr grinders come in two types: conical and flat. Conical burr grinders have a cone-shaped grinding surface and are generally slower and quieter than flat burr grinders. Flat burr grinders have a flat grinding surface and are generally faster and louder. Both types of burr grinders can produce a consistent grind and it is not definitive to say that one type is better for espresso or filter coffee, in fact you can have different burr geometry for both Conical and Flat burrs.
Our recommendation is to avoid blade grinders when looking for your next coffee grinder, look for something that utilises either a conical burr or flat burr.
When shopping for a coffee grinder, consider the following factors:
- Grind consistency: Look for a grinder that can produce a consistent grind, with minimal fines (small particles that can make your coffee bitter).
- Grind size options: Some grinders offer a wide range of grind sizes, while others only have a few options. Consider your brewing method and whether you'll need a fine or coarse grind.
- Capacity: If you only need to grind a small amount of coffee at a time, a smaller grinder may be sufficient. But if you need to grind a lot of coffee at once, a larger capacity grinder may be a better choice.
- Price: Coffee grinders can range in price from under $50 to over $500. Consider your budget and how often you'll be using the grinder.
A good coffee grinder is an essential piece of equipment for any coffee enthusiast. While burr grinders tend to produce a more consistent and precise grind, blade grinders can be a good option for basic brewing methods.
When shopping for a grinder, consider factors like grind consistency, size options, capacity, and price to find the best option for your needs and budget. So, take your time to find the best grinder that suits your needs and budget, and enjoy your freshly ground coffee every morning!