Coffee grinders

About coffee grinders 

We all have our little routines that we can’t imagine going without. A cup of coffee is certainly one of them. It not only helps you get in the right mindset for the day ahead but also fills your home with lovely scents. The best coffee aroma comes from freshly ground beans, which is why having a good coffee grinder is essential. Even though it takes a bit longer to make coffee from beans to cup, the taste, smell, and warmth it brings make the effort worthwhile. So, let’s start right at the beginning – grinding the beans. For this, you’ll need a good coffee grinder and with so many types of coffee grinders available, let’s explore how to pick the perfect one for you.

Types of coffee grinders – manual or electric?

For those who love the charm of making coffee, it all begins with the beans you hold to be ground. If you want to explore more about coffee grinding, have a look at our blog post “Home Coffee Grinding – A Step Towards the Perfect Coffee”. In the meantime, let’s delve into the types of coffee grinders and their benefits, which will help you find the best option. To make your choice easier, consider a few important factors. The first is how the coffee grinder operates, which can be either manual or electric.

Manual coffee grinders

As the name implies, manual coffee grinders are made for grinding beans by hand. By turning the grinder’s knob, you can grind the beans yourself. If you’re often on the go and want to take your coffee grinder with you, a handheld model is the best option as it’s compact, easy to carry, and doesn’t need electricity. Another key point that is sometimes overlooked is the noise. If you prefer peace and quiet, a hand grinder produces only a faint sound, allowing you to grind beans early in the morning or late at night without bothering your family or neighbors.

Manual coffee grinders are loved for the experience they offer. Preparing your coffee becomes a delightful ritual, done with care and precision. The manual process gives you complete control over the speed and coarseness, letting you experiment to find the best grind for your brewing style. The Coffee Friends range features a variety of high-quality manual coffee grinders from well-known brands like Comandante, Timemore, Hario, and others. Choose one that not only feels comfortable and looks great but also delivers perfect grinding precision.

Electric coffee grinders

While manual grinders require some time and effort, the process of an electric coffee grinder is fully automated – just push a button and the beans are ground by the burrs. Therefore, you only need to be involved in the process as much as you take the time to select the grinding settings by pressing the button. Everything else is done exactly as you want it. The coarseness can often be adjusted, and if this function is not available, it is enough to keep the machine running for longer. Even if you want to grind larger quantities, the process won’t take as long as it would take to grind the same amount of beans by hand.

Here are the key reasons to pick an electric coffee grinder. We have a great selection from well-known brands like Baratza, Eureka and Eureka ORO, Rocket Espresso, La Marzocco, Lelit, Fellow, Sage, and DF64. Don’t forget to check out the Coffee Friend SORSO range, which features automatic coffee machines perfect for making all sorts of drinks, from espresso to filter coffee.

Coffee grinder by coffee brewing method – espresso and filter

Some people enjoy coffee with strong flavours, a rich creamy layer, and a lovely texture, while others prefer a smooth, clean, and gentle brew. But even if you’ve picked the finest beans, there’s one more step to achieving perfection: grinding. You really need an espresso or filter coffee grinder, as it’s crucial for grinding the beans just right.

While some coffee grinders are quite versatile due to their adjustable coarseness, true coffee lovers usually prefer their own specialised grinders for specific brewing methods. For those making espresso at home, the ideal choice is to pick a grinder designed specifically for that purpose. This way, your grinder will always be set to deliver the perfect grind, bringing your espresso one step closer to perfection before brewing. Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy various brewing methods often have multiple specialised grinders.

Espresso coffee grinders 

Most espresso grinders can grind beans to different coarseness levels, from fine to medium or coarse. So, even though the name implies a fine grind for espresso, this coffee grinder can do much more. It’s perfect for making various drinks, from espresso to filter coffee. The key point to remember is that espresso grinders will grind the beans fine enough for making espresso.

Every espresso grinder stands out for its accuracy and its skill in producing the fine grind needed for deep, rich flavours and smooth layers. Unlike regular coffee grinders, espresso grinders ensure a uniform and balanced outcome every time. They also let you adjust the grind size precisely, so you can match it to your personal taste and machine needs.

Filter coffee grinders 

Filter coffee lets the oils and aromas of the beans gradually release, giving you a smoother and cleaner drink. The coarser grind, perfect for filter systems, helps the water flow evenly through the coffee, enhancing subtle aromas and flavours while getting rid of unnecessary oils and sediments. When picking between manual and electric filter coffee grinders, make sure to consider the capacity – it should be big enough to grind the right amount at once. As mentioned earlier, most espresso grinders, along with electric or manual grinders, can handle a coarser grind, making them suitable for filter coffee brewing methods.

Single Dose coffee grinders – what makes them special?

No matter what type of coffee grinder or drink recipe you pick, a Single Dose coffee grinder can enhance your coffee experience and elevate the final result. Unlike standard coffee grinders, single dose grinders are made to help you brew each cup with the utmost precision and freshness.

Single Dose coffee grinders are made to grind just one dose of beans at a time – perfect for one cup. This helps keep the beans fresher for longer, as they’re not exposed to air, which can lessen the aroma and flavour. This careful grinding method not only reduces the coffee’s contact with air, but also lets you try out different beans and grind settings. This way, you can uncover new flavours and achieve the ideal balance of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness each time.

Professional coffee grinders for business

If you make coffee not only for yourself, but also for your customers, it’s worth considering investing in a professional coffee grinder. Unlike domestic grinders, professional coffee grinders have a larger capacity, more powerful motors and better performance. They are also often more durable and designed for particularly heavy use. One of the main differences between commercial coffee grinders is the capacity and speed, depending on the needs. A professional bean grinder from manufacturers such as Rancilio, Eureka, Mahlkönig will not only increase the efficiency of your service, but will also produce a delicious cup of coffee that will keep customers coming back for more.

Used and refurbished coffee machines – reliable, like new

When you’re after a high-quality coffee grinder, you might find that the price is a bit steep for your budget. If a new grinder feels too pricey, consider a used and refurbished one as an option. These machines are in great shape, even though they’re not brand new. Our skilled craftsmen have made sure they’re ready to be used again and again. These refurbished coffee grinders have had worn-out parts replaced and have been tested for performance. Plus, every grinder comes with a 12-24 month warranty, giving you peace of mind about their quality. With a bit of care, this type of grinder can be a reliable part of your daily coffee routine for years to come.

Coffee grinders with burrs: type and design of the burrs 

Just when you believe you’ve made the key choices in picking a coffee grinder, another question pops up – burrs or blades? The clear answer is burrs. Coffee grinders with burrs have two main benefits. Firstly, the burr grinds the beans more evenly. Secondly, only a burr grinder allows you to achieve different levels of coarseness, which is really important when preparing your drink using various methods, from a simple pour over to a fancy espresso.

Types of burrs – metal and ceramic

The Coffee Friend range features a variety of coffee grinders that come with different types of burrs, including both metal and ceramic. So, what’s the difference? Metal burrs provide a “cleaner” taste, allowing subtle notes to shine through more clearly. This makes them a favourite among espresso lovers and perfect for filter brewing and different coffee varieties. Plus, metal burrs are known for their strength and long-lasting quality. They’re more resistant to damage compared to ceramic burrs, making them a great choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Coffee grinders with ceramic burrs create a fuller-bodied drink, as they produce more fine coffee particles during grinding. This enhances the flavour and adds richness, which is especially liked by traditional espresso fans who enjoy intensity and a creamy texture. While ceramic burrs are more delicate than metal ones, they are harder and can last up to twice as long. Plus, ceramic burrs are quieter.

Structure of burrs – flat or conical?

Specifications for coffee grinders usually mention another important aspect of the burrs – their shape. Burrs can be either flat or conical. Coffee grinders with flat burrs provide a very even grind, leading to a ‘cleaner’ brewed coffee, much like what you get with metal burrs. This tends to attract modern espresso enthusiasts who enjoy a clear flavour. However, due to the more intricate design of flat burrs, they often come with a higher price tag.

Coffee grinders with conical burrs offer what’s called “bimodal grinding”, which means the beans are ground into two different sizes. This type of coffee has a richer texture, is thicker, and a bit more intense, making it especially popular among traditional espresso lovers. Conical burrs, due to their shape, hold less coffee and grind more quietly compared to flat burrs. That said, there are slight differences between the two types. If you opt for a high-quality grinder, either shape will work well, so this shouldn’t be a big concern when making your choice.

Coffee grinders design – from retro to modern

The design of coffee grinders is just as important as their functionality. You’ll want a stylish grinder that stands out in your kitchen. With various colours and shapes available, you can pick a design that suits your taste and matches the colour scheme of your dining room or coffee machine. The Coffee Friend range offers a wide selection of styles, from retro to modern.

Retro-style coffee grinders, reminiscent of old grinding methods, are typically crafted from wood with metal accents. In contrast, modern coffee grinders boast a sleek design and use contemporary materials like stainless steel or plastic. These gadgets often come with handy features, including an easy-to-grip handle, a clear grind level indicator, and a space-saving design. Blending style and function, classic coffee grinders are known for their elegance and often include high-quality details that highlight their durability and timeless appeal.

Still have questions?

Share how you like to brew your coffee, and we’ll help you find the perfect coffee grinder! Feel free to reach out to our friendly consultants anytime—call, text, or pop into our shop where we’re always ready to serve you some tasty coffee.