The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that purchasing and using coffee grinders is among the most beneficial enhancements you can add to your morning routine. The higher-end models have burr grinders organic coffee beans–a pair of grooved surfaces–that can be adjusted to create a more consistent grind.
Unlike a blade grinder, these types of grinders ward off oxidation and ensure your grounds are uniform in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders are a more powerful type of coffee grinder that makes use of angled opposing cutting surfaces to reduce whole beans into small particles. They produce less fines (also known as dust) than blade coffee grinders. Additionally, you can alter the size of the particles by changing the distance between the burrs.
There are two kinds of burrs: flat and conical. The differences between the two types of burrs are subtle but significant and each one has its own distinct strengths.
Blade grinders have sharp blade-shaped teeth that grind the coffee with each pass burr grinders utilize disc-shaped burrs to grind the beans. The two burrs can be moved closer together or further apart to determine the desired size of grind, from coarse to fine. If they are set correctly they will produce a regular grinding process with fewer fragments and no heating.
A high-quality burr grinder must feature a lubricated mechanism in order to reduce friction and extend the life of the blades. They are easy to clean, preventing the build-up of coffee residue. While there are some hand-powered burr grinders commercial flat burr grinders are almost always electrically powered as they require more power than can be supplied by the human hand alone.
There are variations within every category of burr shapes between different brands and models. These variations aren’t due solely to the shape or geometry of the burrs, but rather how their pattern is related to particle size distribution. Some 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 claim that certain burr styles bring out specific flavours in the bean or roast. This is an area where the evidence is mostly anecdotal and not well-proven scientifically.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs are plates with sharp ridges which face each other and crush the coffee beans between them. They are the most popular burrs found in home and commercial grinders. They are also the primary burrs used in manual grinders.
In comparison to conical burrs flat burrs can have more trouble maintaining a uniform grind size distribution because of the angled design of their cutting edges can leave behind some grit and fines. This can lead to bitter tastes and poor extraction. However, this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for some people, particularly since recent advancements in burr geometry allow for the same clarity associated with flat burrs, albeit with more uniform the distribution of grind size.
When it comes to choosing the best conical or flat burr grinder, your choice will largely come down to the specific grinding requirements of your unique tastes. For instance the barista who grinds a large amount for several cups throughout the day may prefer to go for a conical burr grinder because it produces fewer fines and can reduce the time to oxidize and make it easier to store and use again.
Another consideration is the amount of heat that a grinder produces during operation. This is an important aspect as it can affect the taste and quality of your cup of joe. The more friction that grinders create, the more heat it generates. This could alter the taste of your beans or cause excessive extraction. Fortunately, flat-burr grinders generate less heat than their conical counterparts, so they’ll give you the best budget espresso grinder taste overall.
If you’re looking for a coffee grinder that has flat burrs, there are plenty of options available from reputable manufacturers like Baratza and Eureka. For instance the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a popular choice because it’s easy to calibrate and has a an extremely high level of precision. It’s also extremely quiet and is suitable for espresso. It does not produce the same amount of fines as Baratza and other models of premium, and it can be difficult to achieve a medium-coarse grind for espresso.
Variable Grind Settings
No matter what kind of equipment you use to grind the process, it produces various sizes and shapes. The measurement of this in a meaningful way is difficult, unless you use very expensive equipment such as laser particle diffraction analysis.
Most coffee grinders do not provide an exact measurement, but instead come with adjustable dials that allow the user to select between a variety of grind sizes. Dials are marked by numbers or dots to indicate smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are sometimes accompanied by arrows that indicate the direction in which the dial should be moving to make the grind coarser or more fine.
In addition to the numbering system, many grinders also have other visual representations that can help with choosing the right setting, for instance dots in a series or an adjustable step mechanism. While these indications can be helpful however, they are only a general guide and will require you to test the various settings.
If the dots or numbers are close together and are close together, then they are precisely set. If they are further apart, then they are very coarsely set. When deciding on a grinder’s setting it is important to be aware that even minor adjustments can make a huge difference.
The dialing in of a grinder is the process of determining the most optimal grind setting for a specific coffee and brewing method. The ideal grind setting permits the brew to have the fullest and balanced flavor possible while staying within an acceptable range of extraction limits. This is a constant pursuit since even minor deviations from the “sweet spot” can result in over- or under-extracted coffee.
A very fine grind is perfect for espresso because it increases the amount of water in contact with the ground in the brief time needed for extraction. Pour-over, French Press, Aeropress and Turkish professional coffee grinder all benefit from a setting that is similar to powdered white sugar.
Easy Cleaning
As coffee grinds pass through your grinder the grounds and oils are trapped in the nooks and crannies in the machine. Then, the oil build-up becomes rancid and begin to affect the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning helps to prevent the build-up of stale coffee oils and keeps your grinder operating optimally.
To clean your grinder start by unplugging it and taking out the hopper. Then, remove the burrs. Be careful not to scratch the burrs’ sharp edges, which can easily scratch or scrape the inside of your grinder. If you own a grinder cleaner brush, use this on the burrs to remove any stuck on coffee. Instead, use a toothpick or soft brush to gently lift the coffee grounds from the burrs. Once you’ve removed the burrs as well as any other coffee particles, wash the entire machine clean using a dry, clean cloth.
Cleaning your grinder on a regular basis is important, whether you use a blade or burr grinder. The aroma and taste of coffee beans disappear as soon as the beans are ground. The most delicious cup of espresso is made of freshly ground coffee. A grind that is too fine could cause bitterness and over-extraction, while a grind that is too coarse can lead to under extraction and a weak flavor.
Cleaning your grinder regularly is the only way to ensure it is in good condition and continues to produce quality grounds for your morning brew. Oil residues and old coffee grounds can cause the blades to get clogged and create poor-quality coffee. The stale coffee you leave to build up on the burrs may also affect the flavor of your coffee.
There are many ways to clean a Advanced Coffee Grinders grinder, however, one of the easiest is by using a tablet for cleaning coffee grinders (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made from edible grains that bind to and eliminate coffee oils. These tablets are an excellent alternative to soak your burrs in a solution of water, which could harm or dull the burrs. You can also clean your burrs with brushes or blowing them out using compressed air or an air blower on your keyboard.