The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that purchasing and using a coffee grinder is among the most beneficial enhancements you can add to your morning routine. The more expensive models come with burr grinders, a pair of grooved surfaces--that can be adjusted to provide a more 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 that makes use of angles to break down whole beans into smaller particles. They produce less fines (also called dust) than blade grinders, and they let you decide exactly the size of particle is produced by adjusting the distance between the burrs.
There are two burr types which are conical and flat. The distinctions between conical and flat burrs are subtle, but significant. Each type has distinct strengths.
While blade grinders have sharp blade-shaped teeth that crush 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 together or further apart to determine the desired size of grind between coarse and fine. When properly set, they produce a very regular grinding process with fewer fragments and without heating.
A high-quality burr grinder must have a lubricated mechanism to reduce friction and prolong the life of the blades. They must also be easily cleaned to reduce the accumulation of coffee residue. Although there are hand-powered burr grinders, commercial flat burr grinders are nearly always powered by electricity since they require more power than could be generated by a human hand by itself.
There could be differences within each category of burr shapes among different brands and models. These differences are not due to the shape of the burrs but rather to the pattern of their geometry and how that is related to the distribution of particle sizes. For instance, certain conical burr grinders, such as the Niche Zero have very low retention, whereas other flat burr grinders, like the Iberital MC2 boast high retention.
Certain coffee enthusiasts assert that different burr styles are better at bringing out specific flavor notes in the bean and roast. However this is an area that is mostly apocryphal and is not well-established scientifically.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs comprise of circular plates that have sharp ridges facing each one. They crush the coffee between them. These are the most common burrs that are used in both commercial and home grinders. They are also the most popular burrs used in manual grinders.
Flat burrs can have a difficult time maintaining the same distribution of grind sizes than conical ones due to the fact that their cutting edges are angled and may leave behind grit or fines. This can result in low extraction and bitter taste. But, this shouldn't be a deal breaker for some people, particularly since recent advancements in burr design allow for the same clarity as flat burrs but with a more consistent grind size distribution.
The decision between a flat or conical grinder will be based on your specific grinding requirements and tastes. For example a barista who grinds large quantities for multiple cups throughout the day could be more likely to opt for a conical burr grinder since it produces less fines and can reduce the time of oxidation which makes it easier to store and reuse.
Another factor to consider is the amount of heat a burr grinder produces during its operation. This is an important factor because it can affect the taste and quality of your cup of joe. The more friction grinders create and the higher the heat it generates. This can change the flavor of your beans and cause over-extraction. Flat burr grinders produce less heat than conical grinders. This can provide a more smoky overall flavor.
If you're looking for coffee grinders with flat burrs, there are plenty of options 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 is also very quiet and is suitable for espresso. It doesn't 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
The process of grinding, no matter what type of grinder you use creates a variety of particle sizes and shapes. It is difficult to quantify this accurately, unless you have expensive equipment such as laser particle difffraction.
Instead of providing an exact measurement of the size of a particle, most coffee grinders have an adjustment dial which allow users to choose between a range of grind sizes. The dials are usually branded with a sequence of dots or numbers that indicate smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are often followed by arrows which indicate the direction in which the dial should move to make the grind more coarse or finer.
In addition to the numerical system, many grinders have other visual representations to help with choosing the right setting, for instance dots or a stepped adjustment mechanism. These indications are helpful but they are not exact guidelines and you'll need to play around with different settings.
If the dots or numbers are close together and are close together, then they are well set. If they are further apart, then they are coarsely set. When deciding on coffee machines with grinder Coffeee is important to be aware that even tiny adjustments can make a huge difference.
The dialing in of a grinder is the process of finding the best grind setting for a specific coffee and the method of brewing. The ideal grind setting permits the brew to express the fullest and most balanced flavor while staying within an acceptable range for extraction limitations. This is a constant process because even minor variations can result in coffee that is over- or under-extracted.
A finer grind is perfect for espresso, as it increases how much water will be in contact with the ground in the brief time needed 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, oils and old grounds get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the machine. Eventually, these accumulations of oils turn rancid and can affect the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning can help prevent the accumulation of stale coffee oils and keeps your grinder working at its best.
To clean your grinder, start by unplugging it and taking out the hopper. Then, you can remove the burrs. Be careful to not damage the burrs' sharp edges that could easily scratch or grate inner surfaces. Use a grinder cleaning brush to get rid of any coffee that has accumulated on the burrs. If you don't have a grinder cleaner brush, use a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove the ground coffee from the burrs. After you've removed the burrs as well as any other coffee particles, clean the entire machine clean with a dry cloth.
Whether you're using a burr grinder or a blade grinder, cleaning your grinder regularly is important. Coffee beans lose their flavor and aromatic properties when they're ground, and the best cup of coffee comes from a freshly ground batch. Too fine a grind can result in bitterness and excessive extraction, and a grind that is too coarse can lead to the coffee being under-extracted and having the flavor is weak.
Cleaning your grinder on a regular basis will ensure it remains in good working order and produces quality grounds for your morning coffee. Remaining oily residues and allowing old ground coffee to accumulate in the nooks and crevices could result in clogged blades and poorer-quality coffee. Leaving stale ground coffee to accumulate on the burrs could also impact the taste of your coffee.
There are a variety of ways to clean a coffee grinder, but one of the easiest is using a tablet for cleaning coffee grinders (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made of edible grains that bind with and eliminate coffee oil. 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 use a brush to clean your burrs or blow them off using compressed air or keyboard air blower.