The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that adding a coffee grinder to your daily routine is a fantastic way to upgrade. The higher-end models feature burr grinders which consist of a pair of grooved surfaces which can be adjusted to ensure a more consistent grind.
Unlike espresso coffee grinder , these types of grinders prevent the formation of oxidation and ensure that your grounds are even in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders have more power and utilize opposing angled cutting surfaces to crush whole beans into small pieces. They produce fewer fines (also called dust) than blade grinders, and allow you to control exactly what size of particle is created by adjusting the gap between the burrs.
There are two burr types that are conical and flat. The differences between these two types of burrs are subtle, but they are significant, and each has its own distinct strengths.
Blade grinders have sharp blade-shaped teeth that bludgeon the coffee with each passing, burr grinders use a pair of disc shaped burrs to grind the beans. The two burrs can be moved closer or further apart to determine the desired grind size between coarse and fine. When they are set properly they will produce a uniform grinding, with less fragments and no heating.
A good quality burr grinder will have a lubricated mechanism to reduce friction and extend the life of the blades. They must be easy to clean to prevent the accumulation of coffee residue. Although there are hand-powered burr grinders commercial flat burr grinders are almost always powered by electricity since 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 variations are not due to the shape of the burrs themselves but rather to the shape of their geometry and how it relates to the distribution of particle sizes. Some conical burr grinding machines, such as the Niche Zero, have very low retention. Other flat burr grinding machines, such as the Iberital MC2, have high retention.
Certain coffee enthusiasts assert that different burr styles are better at bringing out specific flavors in the bean and roast. This is an area where the evidence is mostly anecdotal, and not well-established scientifically.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs are circular plates with sharp ridges which face each to crush coffee beans between them. They're the most commonly used burrs used in commercial and home grinders and are typically the primary type used in manual grinders.
In comparison to conical burrs flat burrs can have more trouble maintaining the same size of grind because the angled design of their cutting edges may leave behind grit and fines. This can lead to bitter taste and poor extraction. However, this shouldn't be an issue for everyone people, particularly since recent advancements in burr design allow for the same clarity that is found in flat burrs, albeit with a more consistent grind size distribution.
When it comes down to selecting a flat or conical burr grinder, the decision is largely dependent on your specific grinding needs and particular preferences. For example the barista who grinds a large amount for several cups throughout the day could be more likely to opt for a conical burr grinder since it produces less fines and may reduce the time of oxidation, making it easier to store and use again.
Another consideration is the amount of heat that a grinder produces during operation. This is an important factor because it can affect the taste and quality of your cup of joe. The more friction a grinder creates, the more it will get hot, which could alter the flavor profile of the beans and result in over-extraction. Fortunately, flat-burr grinders generate less heat than their conical counterparts. As a result, they'll give you more flavor and a better overall taste.
There are many options for a grinder with flat burrs made by reputable manufacturers such as Baratza and Eureka. For instance the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a popular choice because it's easy to calibrate and has a a high degree of precision. It also has a low noise level and is suited for espresso grinding. It does not produce the same amount of fines as Baratza and other models of premium, and it can be difficult to get a medium-fine grind for espresso.
Variable Grind Settings
Whatever type of grinder you grind the process, it produces different sizes of particles and shapes. Measuring this in any meaningful way is difficult, unless you have expensive equipment like laser particle diffraction analysis.
Most coffee grinders do not offer a precise measurement, but instead come with a set adjustment dials which allow users to choose between a variety of sizes for grinding. Dials are marked by numbers or dots to indicate larger and smaller sizes. The numbers are sometimes with arrows that indicate the direction in which the dial should move to make the grind coarser or more fine.
In addition to the numerical system, many grinders also have other visual representations that can help in selecting the correct setting, such as dots in a series or a stepped adjustment mechanism. While these indications are helpful, they are not a complete guide and require you to play around with the various settings.
For instance for instance, a dot that appears close together suggest that the grinders are set extremely fine, while a dot or number that appears further away indicates they're set very coarse. When choosing a grinder setting, you should keep in mind that even small adjustments can make a massive difference.
The dialing in of a grinder is the process of finding the best grind setting for a particular coffee and the brewing method. The optimal grind setting allows the most full-bodied and balanced flavor to be exhibited while remaining within the acceptable limits of extraction. This is a continuous pursuit as even small variations could result in coffee that has been over- or underextracted.
A very fine grind is ideal for espresso, as it increases how much water will be in contact with the ground during the short time required for extraction. A setting that is similar to powdered sugar works for all methods of brewing, including pour-over, French press, Aeropress and Turkish coffee.
Easy Cleaning
As coffee grinds go through your grinder, old grounds and oils accumulate in the crevices. Then, the oil build-up becomes rancid and begin to affect the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning can help keep the accumulation of stale coffee oil and can keep your grinder running at its best.
To clean your grinder, start by unplugging it and taking out the grounds bin and hopper. Then, you can remove the burrs. Be careful to not damage the burrs' sharp edges that could easily scratch or grate the inner surfaces. Use a grinder cleaning brush to clean any coffee that has accumulated on the burrs. Otherwise employ a soft toothbrush or toothpick to gently lift the ground beans from the burrs. After you have removed the burrs, and any other coffee particles from the machine, wipe it down with a clean dry cloth.
Cleaning your grinder on a regular basis is important, regardless of whether you use the blade or burr. Coffee beans lose their flavor and aromatic properties once they are ground. The best cup of coffee is made from freshly ground beans. Grinders that are too fine lead to bitterness and over-extraction, while grinds which are too coarse may result in under-extraction, and a sour or weak flavor.
Regularly cleaning your grinder will ensure it stays in top condition and continues to produce quality grounds for your morning coffee. The lingering of oil residues and old ground coffee to accumulate in the nooks and crannies can result in obstructions to the blades and poorer quality coffee. Leaving stale ground coffee to build up on the burrs may also alter the taste of your coffee.
There are several ways to clean your grinder but the most effective is to make use of a tablet for cleaning your coffee grinder (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made from edible grains that bond with and remove coffee oils. They're a great alternative to washing your burrs with water, which could damage or dull them. You can also employ a brush to scrub your burrs or blow them away using compressed air or a keyboard air blower.