Once you’ve picked the best beans, there’s one more key part to making the perfect cup of coffee – the grind. If you want to take your drink to the next level, you’ll need to choose a coffee grinder. There are two main types of grinders – burr grinders and blade grinders. Before you decide, it’s good to know why burr coffee grinders are better.
Choosing a coffee grinder can be tough, and you’re right about that – there are so many options! The first question to ask yourself is: “burr or blades?” The best choice is definitely a burr grinder. While blade grinders might be cheaper, they don’t give you a consistent grind and can heat up the beans. Burr grinders, however, keep the beans cool and grind them more evenly, which helps maintain their natural flavor. Plus, with a burr grinder, you can adjust the grind size for different types of coffee, whether you want a strong espresso or a gentle filter brew.
The specifications for the burr installations also include information on several other features – type and design. The burrs can be made of metal or ceramic and can be flat or conical. How do they differ?
Metal burrs are known for being strong and lasting a long time. They handle impacts better and are tougher than ceramic burrs, which makes them less likely to get damaged. They create a “cleaner” taste, allowing the subtle flavors to shine through. Grinders with metal burrs are great for fans of both espresso and filter coffee.
Ceramic burrs may be more delicate than metal ones, but they are harder and can last up to twice as long. Plus, ceramic burrs are quieter. The coffee brewed with them has a thicker body since the process creates more fine particles, adding richness. This is especially great for traditional espresso lovers who enjoy strong flavors and a creamy texture.
Flat burrs are more complex in design and therefore cost more. They grind very evenly, resulting in a “cleaner” brewed coffee. Again, it will appeal more to modern-style espresso fans who like clear notes.
Conical burrs hold less coffee and grind more quietly than flat burrs. They also create ‘bimodal grinding,’ which means the beans are ground into two different sizes. This results in coffee that has more texture, is thicker, and a bit more intense.
When you’ve picked the right grinder, the next question is: should you go for a manual or an electric grinder? There’s no simple answer, as it all comes down to your habits, needs, and likes. Here are some key points to think about to help you make your choice.
Manual coffee grinders are made for hand grinding. By turning the handle, the burrs crush the beans. They are great for making small amounts of coffee with a medium to coarse grind. These grinders are small, easy to carry, and don’t need electricity, so they’re perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. Plus, their simple design often helps them last longer than electric grinders.
Electric coffee grinders are super easy to use—just press a button and let the machine grind the beans for you. You can usually change how coarse the grind is, and if that’s not an option, just run the machine a bit longer. If you need to grind a lot of coffee, it won’t take long and you won’t have to put in any hard work. That’s why many folks pick electric grinders for all kinds of drinks, from espresso to filter coffee.
Different recipes and brewing methods need coffee ground in different ways. Espresso and filter coffee use different grind sizes, so think about what type of coffee you make most. While there are universal machines out there, they might not be the easiest option since you have to set the grind size before brewing. If you enjoy both styles, it’s best to have two separate coffee machines – one for espresso and another for filter coffee.
Espresso grinders stand out because of their strong motor and their ability to create an extra-fine grind, which is key for a bold, rich, and creamy espresso. Even though they are called espresso grinders, they can also grind coffee at various levels of coarseness—from very fine to medium or coarse. This means they can do much more, making them perfect for preparing a variety of drinks, from espresso to filter coffee.
Filter coffee grinders come with settings made just for filter coffee, whether you’re using classic brewing methods, coffee makers, or drip pots. While you don’t need an ultra-fine grind for these methods, being able to adjust the coarseness is still important. Typically, these grinders have containers for the ground coffee, and it’s key that they can be easily removed. Some grinders even feature a single-dose grinding system in a separate container, which is the best choice for keeping your coffee fresh.
Recently, single dosing has gained a lot of fans. This approach means you weigh out just the amount of coffee you need instead of using a whole container of beans. You can grind it into a dosing cup or right into the portafilter handle. Single Dose coffee grinders are fantastic for keeping your beans fresh longer, as they only grind what you need for one cup at a time.
Thinking about getting a commercial coffee grinder for your business? Unlike home grinders, professional grinders with burrs have bigger capacity, stronger motors, and better grinding control. They’re built to last and handle heavy use. Plus, commercial grinders vary in capacity and speed based on what your restaurant needs. Still need more reasons to buy?
Blade grinders may seem attractive due to their lower cost, but they can grind unevenly, which can spoil even the finest beans. You don’t need to purchase a brand new grinder to get a more consistent grind and better-tasting coffee. Consider used or refurbished burr grinders, which can be a great option. They provide a dependable machine that offers quality grinds and long-lasting performance at a more budget-friendly price.
When choosing the type of coffee grinder, it is also important to consider the brand. Different manufacturers offer different technical features, functions and design solutions, which influence the final price. Therefore, before buying a grinder, assess your needs and choose the model that best meets your expectations. For manual coffee grinders, you can consider the following brands: Comandante, Timemore and Hario. For electric coffeemakers, Baratza, Rocket Espresso, Elektra, Lelit, Fellow, Sage, Eureka ORO, La Marzocco, DF64 or SORSO by Coffee Friend are good choices. For professional coffee makers, we recommend looking at the Rancilio, Eureka and Mahlkönig ranges.
If you’re on the hunt for a coffee grinder, we’ve got you covered! We’ll consider what type of coffee you enjoy and how often you make it to help you find the perfect grinder. Feel free to reach out by text, call, or stop by our store!
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