Millions of people across the globe drink coffee everyday. Many of these people will buy pre-ground coffee from shops and stores that may have sat in those bags for up to 2 years. Serious coffee drinkers should consider the purchase of a decent coffee grinder. The following will give you an overview on why you should buy whole bean coffee and grind it yourself as well as offering techniques to produce the best cup of coffee that you can. Coffee grinding is reducing whole bean coffee into powder; that powder will have ever increasing particle size based on the brewing method that you choose.
Key Takeaways
Why A Coffee Grinder is Essential for a Perfect Coffee?
The particle size and uniformity of the grind play a decisive role in determining the efficiency of coffee extraction and, as a result, influence the flavour and aroma profile of the coffee. Coarser grinds are ideal for slower extraction methods such as the French press, while finer grinds are best suited for fast extraction methods such as espresso.
How Does Grind Size Affect Brewing
When it comes to coffee brewing, coffee grinding plays a crucial role in determining the duration of the brewing process. The fineness of the grind determines the time required for brewing, with finer grinds needing lesser time compared to coarser ones. Proper grinding of coffee beans is essential to extract the ideal amount of flavour and aroma. A perfectly ground coffee leads to a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, elevating your coffee experience to a whole new level.
By grinding your own beans, you can enhance the freshness aspect and create a cup of coffee that is more aromatic and full-bodied compared to pre-ground coffee. The latter has a tendency to lose its scent and taste quickly, particularly when exposed to light and air. On the other hand, grinding your beans just before brewing not only guarantees freshness, but it also intensifies the aroma and taste of your coffee.
When it comes to coffee, grinding your own beans can take your brewing game to the next level. Not only does it allow you to enjoy the freshest cup possible, but it also opens up a world of experimentation with different brewing methods. By adjusting the size of your coffee grind to match your preferred brewing technique, whether it’s French press, pour over, or espresso, you can achieve a customised and personalised taste profile that suits your individual preferences. With this level of control, you have the chance to hone your coffee-making skills and become a true connoisseur of the perfect cup.
Blade or Burr?
When selecting a grinder, two main options are available: blade grinders and burr grinders.
Blade Coffee Grinders
Blade grinders utilise rotating blades to chop the coffee beans into a heterogeneous grind, often resulting in particles of inconsistent size. While they may be more affordable and compact in comparison to burr grinders, they may be less efficient and generate more heat, potentially affecting the taste of the coffee.
Burr Coffee Grinders
In contrast, burr grinders employ two abrasive surfaces to crush the coffee beans, resulting in a uniform grind with a consistent particle size. These grinders are available in two variations: conical and flat.
Conical Burr Grinders
Conical burr grinders operate vertically, with the outer burr being a circular hollow ring with angled teeth that resembles a cupcake wrapper without a bottom. The inner burr is cone-shaped, featuring a wider base and channels to guide the coffee beans through. Additionally, it is adorned with small angled teeth, giving it a star or flower-like appearance from above.
Flat Burr Grinders
Flat burr grinders, as the name suggests, feature a pair of flat, disk-shaped burrs that are utilised to crush the coffee beans. The burrs consist of two flat rings that are arranged horizontally, with slanted teeth. The resulting grind size is determined by the space between the two burr discs.
Despite producing more heat than conical burr grinders, flat burr grinders are favoured by professional baristas for their precision and accuracy.
In choosing a burr grinder, the material of the burrs should also be considered. Ceramic burrs are a popular choice due to their sharpness and long-lasting durability, often found in high-end grinders. On the other hand, steel burrs are more budget-friendly and less prone to breakage, but may produce heat during the grinding process, which could potentially impact the taste of the coffee.
Electric or Manual
Both electric and manual grinders have their respective advantages and disadvantages, and the ultimate choice will depend on individual preferences and requirements.
Electric Grinders
Electric grinders are known for their ease of use and quick grinding capabilities. However, they can be costly and produce substantial noise, which may not be appealing to everyone.
Manual (Hand) Grinders
Manual grinders, on the other hand, offer a more economical and quiet option. They tend to be more compact and portable. Although manual grinders may require more effort compared to electric grinders, they can produce a consistent grind size and offer a more immersive, hands-on experience.
Espresso Grinders
Espresso requires a fine grind, essential in delivering its rich, full-bodied flavour and crema. As a result, a dedicated espresso grinder is designed to meet this requirement.
Compared to other grinders, espresso grinders offer a more extensive range of grind settings. This capability enables you to personalise your espresso to your individual taste preferences. For those who are serious about crafting top-notch espresso at home, investing in a high-quality espresso grinder is advisable.
Coffee Grinder Features
Adjustability
Having the ability to adjust grind size in a grinder is crucial for producing the right extraction and a quality cup of coffee. A grinder with adjustable settings allows for exploring various grind sizes to match different brewing methods, leading to the best flavour outcome, whether it be for french press, pour over, or espresso.
Durability
The materials used play a significant role in determining the lifespan and durability of the grinder. The burrs, which are the primary grinding component, must be made of high-quality materials to ensure consistent grinding and maintain their sharpness over time. Additionally, a well-designed grinder with sturdy components and a solid construction will ensure that it remains functional for a long time, delivering reliable results with each use.
How to Grind Coffee Beans
The precision of grind size is a crucial aspect in brewing a cup of coffee that meets one’s expectations in terms of taste, strength, and quality. Achieving the optimal grind size is essential in unlocking the full flavour potential of the coffee beans and elevating the coffee-drinking experience.
To do so, it is important to have an understanding of the various brewing methods and their recommended grind sizes. This knowledge can then be utilised to appropriately adjust the grind settings on your grinder to align with your desired brewing method, resulting in a perfectly brewed cup every time.
Types Of Coffee Beans
The type of coffee bean used is another crucial factor to consider when adjusting the grind size. Coffee beans differ in terms of oil content and hardness, which can greatly affect the grind size necessary to extract the intended flavour. For instance, lighter roast coffee beans with low oil content may benefit from a finer grind, while darker roast beans with high oil content may require a coarser grind. By familiarising oneself with the properties of the coffee beans, it is possible to make fine adjustments to the grind size, ultimately leading to a customised and enjoyable cup of coffee.
Individual Taste When Coffee Grinding
Personal taste preferences play an integral role in determining the ideal grind size for an individual. Experimentation is key in finding the perfect grind size that suits an individual’s tastes. A bold and strong cup of coffee can be achieved through a finer grind, which results in a stronger extraction.
It is important to note that a fine grind can also lead to an over-extracted and bitter flavour if not balanced with other variables, such as brewing method and coffee bean characteristics. On the other hand, a coarser grind may be more suitable for those who prefer a milder and smoother coffee, as it results in a less intense extraction, preserving more of the delicate flavour notes of the coffee.
Eliminating Static When Using Coffee Grinders
To solve the issue of static build-up during coffee grinding, a method involves using a water spray. This technique entails applying a small amount of water on the coffee beans just before grinding. The water helps in neutralising the static charge that arises during the grinding process, which results in the smooth flow of grounds out of the grinder and into the container.
It’s crucial to use a moderate amount of water because too much water can cause the beans to stick together and affect the consistency of the grind. Although determining the appropriate amount of water for your grinder and beans may require some experimentation, using a water spray can be an effective solution for those struggling with static build-up during coffee grinding.
How Long To Keep Coffee After Grinding
Once coffee beans are ground, their flavour and aroma begin to fade quickly. It’s recommended to use freshly ground coffee within 15-20 minutes for the best taste. If you have to store it, keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. However, ground coffee should be consumed within a week at most since the flavour and aroma will deteriorate over time. To enjoy the freshest cup of coffee, grind only what you need for each brewing session.
Grind Guide For Different Brewing Methods
The grind size you choose for your coffee beans is a critical factor in determining the final taste profile, potency, and general quality of your coffee. To obtain the optimal grind size, it is imperative to understand the ideal grinds for each brewing method and how they influence the brewing process. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the different grind sizes and brewing methods:
Extra Fine
For a robust and full-bodied cup of coffee, Turkish coffee requires an exceptionally fine grind size, almost resembling powder.
Fine
A fine grind is ideal for espresso brewing, as it ensures a consistent extraction and produces a rich crema.
Medium
A medium grind size works best for drip coffee makers and pour-over methods, providing a balanced extraction and an evenly brewed cup.
Coarse
French press and cold brew coffee require a medium-coarse grind, allowing for a slow and controlled steeping process that highlights the delicate notes of the coffee beans.
It’s worth mentioning that the grind size can also affect the extraction time and the quantity of coffee needed for each brewing method. An overly fine grind can lead to an over-extracted and bitter taste, while an overly coarse grind can produce a weak and under-extracted cup. Experimenting with different grind sizes and brewing methods, while considering personal preferences, is the key to achieving an elevated coffee-making experience.
Accurately Measuring Beans
Measuring coffee beans accurately is a critical step in producing high-quality espresso. While tablespoons or cups can provide an estimate, a digital scale provides the precision required for precise coffee brewing. In the case of pour over, the ideal coffee-to-water ratio is 7 grams of coffee for every 125ml of water.
It’s important to note that the freshness of coffee beans can impact their weight, with fresher beans weighing less. As such, sourcing coffee beans from reputable roasters is imperative to ensure the highest-quality coffee beans.
Dialing in Espresso
The process of producing a top-notch espresso requires meticulous attention to detail. The right grind size and extraction time are crucial to unlocking the full potential of the coffee beans and yielding a superior taste. Finding the optimal grind size may require experimentation, but the reward of a perfectly crafted espresso is worth the effort.
As a starting point, a fine grind size is recommended, but this may need to be adjusted based on the specific characteristics of the coffee beans being used, including roast level and density. As a general rule of thumb, it’s essential to remember that the grind size must be fine-tuned to match the requirements of the espresso machine.
The extraction time is another critical aspect to consider, as it can significantly impact the taste of the final product. A properly extracted shot should take between 20-30 seconds, and deviations from this time frame can result in an under or over-extracted espresso.