Choosing the right grinder can make a significant difference in both the consistency and flavour of your coffee, but which are the most successful tools? Here are three of the most popular appliances to use:
- Burr Grinder: Sometimes referred to as a burr mill, burr grinders crush coffee beans between two burrs (either flat or conical), providing a uniform grind. It is often regarded as the most effective and widely used grinder, giving the user greater flexibility over grind size.
- Pros: Precise and consistent grind, essential for balanced coffee.
- Cons: Typically takes up more kitchen space, and can be slightly more expensive.
- Blade Grinder: This type of coffee grinder uses spinning blades at the centre of the appliance to chop the coffee beans into small pieces. The longer the blades spin, the finer your coffee beans will be.
- Pros: Often more affordable and straightforward to use.
- Cons: Inconsistencies in grind size, which can impact the flavour.
- Manual Grinders: For those who enjoy more of a purist, hands-on approach to coffee preparation, manual grinders are an option. These use a similar method as a burr grinder to grind the beans, but require manual effort instead.
- Pros: Portable, affordable, and ideal for small quantities.
- Cons: Much more time-consuming and physically demanding for larger amounts.
Grinding coffee is super easy when you follow our 5 simple steps:
1. Choose Your Brewing Method
Start by deciding how you’ll brew your coffee - would you prefer an espresso, French press, pour-over, or another method? Each brewing style requires a specific grind size to achieve the best flavour and extraction; for instance, espresso needs a fine grind, while a French press calls for coarse grounds.
2. Measure Your Beans
Use a weighing scale to measure the right amount of coffee beans based on your recipe or preference. The recommended coffee-to-water ratio is typically between 1:15 and 1:18, known as the “Golden Ratio”. For example, for a 150ml cup, dividing by 18 gives approximately 8.3g of coffee per cup.
3. Select Grind Size
Set the appropriate grind size for your brewing method. If you’re unsure, most grinders have guidelines, or you can adjust and experiment over time to find your perfect grind. Keep in mind that if your coffee grounds are too fine for your chosen method, your coffee may have an overly bitter taste, and if your grounds are too coarse, your brew may be under-extracted, creating an acidic taste.
4. Choose Your Grinding Method
For the most precise grind size, opting for an electric conical burr grinder will be your most effective choice, as these provide you the control needed to produce the right consistency. Once you’ve decided on your grind method, it’s time to grind those beans!
5. Begin Grinding
Load your coffee beans into the grinder and start grinding. For manual grinders, this means cranking the handle, while electric grinders do the work for you. Stop periodically to check the grind size, ensuring it’s even and the right consistency for your brewing method.