The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that adding a coffee maker to your daily routine is a fantastic way to upgrade. The higher-end models have burr grinders--a pair of grooved surfaces--that can be adjusted to produce an even and consistent grind.
Coffeee are better than blade grinders because they prevent oxidation, and ensure that your ground is even in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders are a more powerful type of coffee grinder which makes use of angles to break beans down into small particles. They produce fewer fines (also known as dust) than blade coffee grinders. You can control the size of the particles by adjusting the distance between the burrs.
There are two types of burrs - conical and flat. The differences between the two types of burrs are subtle, but they are significant and each has its own distinct strengths.
Burr grinders grind beans using a pair disc-shaped burrs, while blade grinders employ blades with sharp edges. The two burrs are moved further or closer to achieve the size of the grind you want. If they are set properly they produce a consistent grind with fewer tiny pieces and no heat.
A high-quality burr grinder will include a lubricated mechanism that will reduce friction and extend the life of the blades. They must also be cleaned easily to minimize the accumulation 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 could be supplied by the human hand by itself.
Within each type of burr, there may be further variation between different brands and models of grinders. These differences are not due to the shape of the burrs themselves but rather the pattern of their geometry and how that relates to the distribution of particle sizes. Certain conical burr grinders, such as the Niche Zero, have very low retention. Other flat burr grinding machines like the Iberital MC2 have high retention.
Some coffee enthusiasts believe that different styles of burrs are more effective in bringing out specific flavors in the roast and bean. However, this is an area that is largely based on speculation and not scientifically proven.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs consist of circular plates that have sharp ridges facing each other. They crush the coffee between them. They're the most commonly used burrs that are found in grinders for home and commercial use and are usually the primary type used in manual grinders.
Flat burrs have a harder time maintaining the same distribution of sizes of the grind than conical ones, as their cutting edges are angled, and they can leave behind some grit or fines. This can result in bitter tastes and poor extraction. This shouldn't be a problem for everyone, since the latest developments in burr geometries can provide the same consistency in grind size distribution as flat burrs.
When it comes down to selecting a flat or conical burr grinder, the choice is largely dependent on your specific grinding requirements and unique tastes. A barista who grinds multiple cups of coffee throughout the day might choose a conical burr mill since it produces less fines and lowers the rate of oxidation, which makes it easier to store.
Another consideration is the amount of heat that a grinder produces during operation. This is an important factor because it can affect the flavor and quality of your cup of joe. The more friction that grinders produce and the more heat it produces. This can alter the flavor of your beans and result in excessive extraction. Fortunately, flat burr grinders produce less heat than their conical counterparts, so they will 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 like Baratza and Eureka. For example, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is an extremely popular choice due to its easy to calibrate and has a an extremely high level of precision. It's also quiet and is suitable for espresso. It doesn't produce the same amount of fines as Baratza and other models of premium and it's difficult to get a medium-fine grind for espresso.
Variable Grind Settings
The grinding process regardless of the kind of grinder you choose to use, produces a range of shapes and sizes. The measurement of this in a meaningful way is difficult, unless you use very expensive equipment like laser particle Diffraction Analysis.
The majority of coffee grinders don't provide a precise measurement, but instead have adjustable dials that allow the user to select between various grind sizes. The dials are usually marked by a series of dots or numbers that indicate smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are usually accompanied by arrows to indicate the direction that the dial must be moved to make the grind finer or coarser.
In addition to the numbering system, a lot of grinders have other visual representations to help in deciding on the best setting, for instance a series of dots or a stepped adjustment mechanism. While these indications are helpful but they are not a complete guide and require you to test the different settings.
If the dots or numbers are close together the odds are that they are finely set, and if they are farther apart then they are very coarsely set. When selecting a grinder setting it is important to remember that minor adjustments can make a a big difference and it's important not to go too far out of the intended range when making your adjustments.
The 'dialing in' of a grinder is the process of determining the best possible grind setting for the particular coffee and the method of brewing. The best grind setting allows the brew to have the fullest and balanced flavor possible while remaining within an acceptable range for extraction limitations. This is a continuous process since even minor deviations from the "sweet spot" could result in under- or over-extracted coffee.
A very fine grind is perfect for espresso as it maximizes the amount of water in contact with the ground in the short period of time required to extract. Pour-over, French Press, Aeropress and Turkish Coffee all benefit from a setting that is similar to powdered white sugar.
Easy Cleaning
As coffee grinds go through your grinder, old grounds and oils get stuck in the crevices. Then, the accumulated oils go rancid and begin to affect the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning helps to prevent the accumulation of stale coffee oil and can keep your grinder operating at its peak.
To clean your grinder start by disconnecting it from the power source and then removing the hopper. Then, you can remove the burrs. Be careful not to damage the sharp burrs, which are able to scratch or scratch the inside of your grinder. If you have a grinder cleaner brush, apply it on the burrs to remove any stuck on coffee. If you don't have a grinder cleaner brush you can use a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove the ground coffee from the burrs. After you have removed the burrs, and any other coffee particles from the machine, clean it down with a clean dry cloth.
If you're using a burr grinder or a blade grinder cleaning your grinder regularly is essential. The flavor and aroma of coffee beans are lost as soon as the beans are ground. The best cup of espresso is made of freshly ground coffee. Grinds that are too fine can cause bitterness and over-extraction, while those that are too coarse can lead to under-extraction and a sour or weak flavor.
Cleaning your grinder regularly is the only way to ensure that it remains in top shape and can continue producing quality grounds for your morning coffee. Remaining oily residues and allowing old ground coffee to build up in the nooks and crevices can result in obstructions to the blades and poorer quality coffee. The flavor of coffee can be affected by allowing stale coffee to build up on the burrs.
There are many ways to clean a grinder, however, one of the easiest is using a tablet for cleaning coffee grinders (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made from edible grains that bond with and take away coffee oils. They're a great alternative to washing your burrs with water, which can harm or dull them. You can also clean your burrs using a brush or by blowing them off with compressed air or an air blower for your keyboard.