The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that buying and using a coffee grinder is one of the best enhancements you can add to your daily routine. The higher-end models feature burr grinders that are made up of made up of two grooved surfaces which can be adjusted to ensure an even and consistent grind.
As opposed to a blade-grinder, these types of grinders ward off the oxidation of your ground and ensure that they are even in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders are a more powerful type of coffee grinder which makes use of an angled cutting surface to break beans down into smaller pieces. They produce fewer fines (also known as dust) than blade coffee grinders and you can regulate the size of particles by changing the distance between the burrs.
There are two kinds of burrs that are conical and flat. The differences between these two kinds of burrs are subtle but significant and each one has its own distinct strengths.
Burr grinders grind beans by using disc-shaped burrs, while blade grinders use blades with sharp edges. The two burrs are moved further or closer to achieve the desired size of grind. If they are set properly they will produce a uniform grind, with fewer pieces and no heat.
A good burr grinder must have a lubricated system to reduce friction and increase the lifespan of the blades. They should also be able to be easily cleaned to reduce the accumulation of coffee residue. There are a few hand-powered burr grinders. However, commercial flat burr grinders are typically powered by electricity since they require more energy than can be supplied by the human hand alone.
Within each category of burr shape, there may be further variations between different brands and models of grinders. These differences aren't due to the shape or the geometry of the burrs but the way their patterns relate to the distribution of size of particles. Certain conical burr grinding machines, such as the Niche Zero, have very low retention. Other flat burr grinding equipment, like the Iberital MC2, have high retention.
Certain coffee enthusiasts claim that certain burr types bring out specific flavors in the bean or roast. This is an area in which the evidence is mostly anecdotal, and not well-established scientifically.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs are plates with sharp ridges that face one other and crush the coffee beans between them. They're the most common burrs used in commercial and home grinders and are typically the primary type used in manual grinders.
As compared to conical ones, flat burrs can be more difficult to maintain a uniform grind size distribution due to the angled shape of their cutting edges could leave behind some fines and grit. This can lead to low extraction and bitter taste. However, this isn't necessarily a deal breaker for some people, particularly since recent advancements in burr geometry can provide the same clarity as flat burrs but with a more consistent grind size distribution.
espresso coffee grinder Coffeee between a conical or flat burr grinder will be determined by your individual grinding needs and preferences. For example a barista who grinds a large amount for several cups throughout the day might be more likely to opt for a flat-burr grinder because it produces fewer fines and reduces oxidation time which makes it easier to store and use again.
Another thing to consider is the quantity of heat a grinder generates during operation. This is crucial because it can impact the taste and quality your cup of coffee. The more friction a grinder generates and the more it's likely to increase its temperature, which can alter the flavor profile of your beans and lead to excessive extraction. Fortunately, flat burr grinders produce less heat than their conical counterparts, so they can provide you with a cleaner taste overall.
If you're interested in coffee grinders with flat burrs, there's a wide range of options available from reputable brands such as Baratza and Eureka. The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is well-known for its ease of calibration and has a high level of precision. It's also quiet and suitable for espresso. It does not produce the same amount of fines as Baratza and other models of premium and it is difficult to achieve a medium-coarse grind when grinding espresso.
Variable Grind Settings
No matter what kind of equipment you use to grind the process, it produces various sizes and shapes. Measuring this in any meaningful manner is a challenge, unless you use very expensive equipment like laser particle Diffraction Analysis.
Rather than providing an exact measurement of particle size the majority of coffee grinders have a set of adjustment dials that let the user select from a variety of grind sizes. The dials are usually branded by a series of dots or numbers that indicate smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are sometimes accompanied by arrows that indicate the direction in which the dial should move to make the grind coarser or more fine.
Many grinders also provide visual representations that can help you choose the right setting. These include dots or a series or an adjustable stepped system. These visual representations are helpful, but they are not exact guidelines and you will need to test different settings.
If the dots or numbers are close the odds are that they are finely set, and if they are further apart, then they're very coarsely set. When choosing a grinder's setting it is important to remember that minor adjustments can make a an enormous difference and so be careful not to go out of the intended range when making your adjustments.
Dialing in a grinder involves finding the best grind setting for the coffee and brewing method. The ideal grind setting permits the brew to have the fullest and most balanced flavor while staying within a reasonable range for extraction limitations. This is a constant pursuit, as even slight variations from the "sweet spot" can result in under- or over-extracted coffee.
For espresso, a very fine grind is optimal because it increases the amount of water that will come into contact with the ground during the limited time it takes to extract. A setting that is similar in consistency to powdered sugar works for a variety of methods of brewing, such as pour-over, French press, Aeropress and Turkish coffee.
Easy Cleaning
As coffee grinds pass through your grinder, old grounds and oils get stuck in the crevices. In time, these oil build-up becomes rancid and start to impact the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning can keep the build-up of coffee oils and keeps your grinder working optimally.
To clean your grinder, begin by disconnecting the plug and then removing the hopper and grounds bin. Then, remove the burrs. Be careful not to harm the sharp burrs, which can easily scratch or scrape the inside of your grinder. Use a grinder cleaning brush to remove any coffee stuck on the burrs. If not employ a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove the coffee grounds from the burrs. Once you have removed the burrs and any other coffee particles from the machine, clean it off with a clean dry cloth.
Cleaning your grinder on a regular basis is important, regardless of whether you're using a burr or blade grinder. The flavor and aroma of coffee beans are lost when the beans are ground. The best espresso is made of freshly ground coffee. Grinders that are too fine lead to bitterness and excessive extraction and bitterness, while those that are too coarse can result in under-extraction, and a sour or weak flavor.
Cleaning your grinder regularly is the only way to ensure it remains in top condition and continues to produce top-quality grounds for your morning brew. Remains of oil and old coffee grounds can cause blades to become clogged and produce poor-quality coffee. The flavor of coffee can be affected by allowing stale coffee to build up on the burrs.
There are a variety of ways to clean a grinder but one of the most effective is by using a tablet for cleaning coffee grinders (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made from edible grains that bond with and eliminate coffee oils. These tablets are an excellent alternative to soaking your burrs in a solution of water, which can damage or dull the burrs. You can also clean your burrs by using a brush or blowing them away using compressed air or an air blower on your keyboard.