The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that using a coffee grinder is among the
best coffee bean grinders enhancements you can add to your morning routine. The higher-end models feature burr grinders that are made up of comprised of grooved surfaces which can be adjusted to ensure a more consistent grind.
Unlike a blade grinder, these types of grinders prevent the formation of oxidation and ensure that your grounds are even in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders are a powerful type of coffee grinder that uses angles to break beans down into small particles. They produce fewer fines (also called dust) than
blade coffee grinders. Additionally, you can control the size of the particles by adjusting the distance between the burrs.
There are two main types of burrs which are conical and flat. The differences between these two kinds of burrs is subtle but important and each one has its own distinct strengths.
Burr grinders crush beans using a pair disc-shaped burrs. Blade grinders employ sharp, blade-shaped blades. The two burrs can be moved closer together or further apart to establish the desired size of grind, from coarse to fine. When they are set correctly, they create a very homogeneous grind that has fewer tiny fragments and without heat.
A good quality burr grinder should have a lubricated mechanism to reduce friction and extend the life of the blades. They should also be cleaned easily, reducing the accumulation of coffee residue. Although there are hand-powered burr grinders commercial flat burr grinders are nearly always electrically powered as they require more power than could be provided by the human hand by itself.
Within each type of burr there is a variation between different models and brands of grinders. These differences are not due to the shape of the burrs but rather to the pattern of their geometry and how that affects the distribution of particle sizes. Certain conical burr grinding machines like the Niche Zero, have very low retention. Other flat burr grinding machines, like the Iberital MC2 have high retention.
Some coffee lovers believe that certain burr types produce specific flavor profiles in the bean or roast. But this is an area that is largely anecdotal and not scientifically proven.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs consist of circular plates with sharp ridges that face each the other. They crush
mini electric coffee grinder between them. These are the most commonly used burrs found in commercial and home grinders. They are also the primary type of burrs used in manual grinders.
In comparison to conical burrs flat ones can be more difficult to maintain a uniform grind size distribution because the angled design of their cutting edges may leave behind grit and fines. This can result in less extraction and bitter tastes. This isn't a deal-breaker for everyone, since new innovations in burr geometries can provide the same grind size distribution as flat burrs.
The choice between a flat or conical grinder will be determined by your specific grinding requirements and preferences. A barista who grinds many cups of coffee every day might choose a flat burr mill because it produces less fines and reduces the rate of oxidation, which makes it easier to store.
The amount of heat that a burr mill generates in operation is another aspect to take into consideration. This is important as it can impact the taste and quality your cup of coffee. The more friction grinders create and the more heat it creates. This can alter the flavor of your beans and result in excessive extraction. Luckily, flat burr grinders produce less heat than their conical counterparts. As a result, they'll give you a cleaner taste overall.
If you're looking for a coffee grinder that has flat burrs, there are plenty of options 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 the highest level of precision. It also has a very low noise level and is ideal for espresso grinding. It doesn't produce the same amount of fines as Baratza and other top models, and it can be difficult to achieve a medium-coarse grind when grinding espresso.
Variable Grind Settings
The grinding process regardless of the type of grinder you are using creates a variety of shapes and sizes. It is difficult to measure this in a meaningful manner is a challenge, unless you have expensive equipment such as laser particle diffraction analysis.
Most coffee grinders do not provide an exact measurement, but instead come with dials for setting adjustment that allow the user to select between various sizes of grind. Dials are marked with numbers or dots to indicate larger and smaller sizes. The numbers are often with arrows to indicate the direction in which the dial needs to be moved to make the grind finer or coarser.
A lot of grinders have visual representations that assist you in choosing the correct setting. These can be a series or dots or an adjustable system that is stepped. These indications are helpful but they are only general guidelines, and you'll have to experiment with different settings.
For instance, a dot or number that appears close together indicate that the burrs are set very fine, whereas a dot or number that appears farther apart means they are set extremely coarse. When choosing a grinder's setting it is crucial to remember that even small adjustments can make an enormous difference and so be careful not to go too far beyond the intended range when making your adjustments.
Dialing in a grinder involves finding the ideal grind setting for the coffee and the brewing method. The ideal grind setting allows the brew to have the most full and balanced flavor possible while remaining within an acceptable range for extraction limitations. This is a constant pursuit because even minor variations can result in coffee that is either over- or underextracted.
For espresso, a very fine grind is optimal, as it maximizes the amount water that will come into contact with the ground during the short time 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 grinds pass through your grinder old grounds and oils are accumulated in the crevices. These accumulated oils eventually go rancid and begin to affect the taste of your espresso. Regular cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of stale coffee oil and can keep your grinder working optimally.
To clean your grinder, start by disconnecting the plug and then removing the hopper and grounds bin. Next, take out the burrs. Be careful not to scratch the burrs' sharp edges, which could easily scratch or grate inner surfaces. Use a grinder cleaning brush to remove any
coffee machine grinder that has accumulated on the burrs. Instead, employ a soft toothbrush or toothpick to gently dislodge ground beans from burrs. After you have removed the burrs and any other coffee particles from the machine, clean it down with a clean dry cloth.
If you're using a burr grinder or a blade grinder, cleaning your grinder regularly is essential. Coffee beans lose their flavor and aroma when they are ground. The best cup of coffee comes from freshly ground batches. A grind that is too fine can cause bitterness and over-extraction, while a grind that is too coarse can result in the coffee being under-extracted and having an unsavory flavor.
Regularly cleaning your grinder will ensure it remains in good working order and produces high-quality grounds for your morning coffee. The lingering of oil residues and old ground coffee to accumulate in the nooks and crannies can lead to clogged blades and poorer-quality coffee. Leaving stale ground coffee to collect on the burrs can also alter the flavor of your coffee.