The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts believe that adding a coffee maker to your morning routine is a fantastic way to upgrade. The pricier models feature burr grinders, a pair of grooved surfaces--that can be adjusted to produce a more consistent grind.
As opposed to a blade-grinder, these types of grinders ward off the formation of oxidation and ensure that your grounds are uniform in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders are a more powerful type of coffee grinder that makes use of angled opposing cutting surfaces to reduce whole beans into smaller pieces. They produce fewer fines (also called dust) than blade grinders and they allow you to determine the size of particle is produced by adjusting the distance between the burrs.
There are two primary burr types which are conical and flat. The differences between these two types of burrs are subtle, but they are significant, and each has its own unique strengths.
Burr grinders crush beans with a pair of disc-shaped burrs. Blade grinders make use of blades with sharp edges. The two burrs are moved in a different direction to create the size of the grind you want. When properly set, they produce a very consistent grinding with fewer small pieces and no heating.
A good quality burr grinder will have a lubricated mechanism to reduce friction and prolong the life of the blades. They must also be easily cleaned to reduce the buildup of coffee residue. There are a few hand-powered burr grinders. However commercial flat burr grinding machines are usually powered by electricity since they require more energy than can be generated by human hand alone.
Within each category of burr shape, there may be further variations between different brands and models of grinders. These variations aren't due to the shape or geometry of the burrs, but rather how their pattern relates to particle size distribution. 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.
Some coffee lovers claim that certain burr styles can bring out certain flavours in the roast or bean. This is an area where the evidence is mostly anecdotal, and not well-proven scientifically.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs consist of circular plates that have sharp ridges facing each other. They crush coffee between them. They're the most commonly used burrs used in commercial and home grinders and are typically the primary kind used in manual grinders.
As compared to conical ones, flat ones can have more trouble maintaining a uniform grind size distribution because of the angled design of their cutting edges could leave behind grit and fines. This can lead to bitter taste and poor extraction. This isn't a deal-breaker for everyone, since the latest developments in burr geometries provide the same consistency in size distribution as flat burrs.
When electric coffee grinder comes to choosing a conical or flat burr grinder, the choice is largely dependent on the specific grinding requirements of your individual preferences. A barista who grinds multiple cups of coffee throughout the day may opt for a flat burr mill because it produces less fines and reduces oxidation, making it easier to store.
Another thing to consider is the amount of heat that a grinder generates during operation. This is crucial because it can impact the taste and quality of your cup coffee. The more friction that grinders create and the higher the heat it creates. This can alter the flavor of your beans and result in excessive extraction. Luckily, flat burr grinders generate less heat than their conical counterparts, so they'll give you the best taste overall.
If you're interested in a coffee grinder that has flat burrs, there are plenty of options from reputable brands like Baratza and Eureka. For example the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is an option that is popular because it's easy to calibrate and provides the highest level of precision. It also has a low noise level and is suitable for espresso grinding. 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 regardless of the type of grinder you use, produces a range of particle sizes and shapes. It is difficult to measure this in a meaningful way without expensive equipment like laser particle diffraction.
Most coffee grinders do not provide an exact measurement, but instead have dials for setting adjustment that allow users to choose among a variety of sizes of grind. The dials are usually branded with a series of numbers or dots that represent larger and smaller sizes. The numbers are often followed by arrows which indicate which direction the dial is supposed to move to make the grind more coarse or finer.
A lot of grinders have visual representations that aid in selecting the best setting. These include dots or a series, or a stepped adjustment system. These indications are helpful but they are not exact guidelines and you will need to test different settings.
For instance for instance, a dot that appears close together could mean that the burrs are set extremely fine, whereas a dot or number that appears further apart means they are set very coarse. When selecting a setting for your grinder be sure to keep in mind that even small adjustments can make an enormous difference.
Dialing in a grinder is finding the best grind setting for the coffee and brewing method. The best grind setting will allow for the most balanced and full-bodied taste to be exhibited and still remain within acceptable limits of extraction. This is a constant pursuit because even small deviations from the "sweet spot" could result in over- or under-extracted coffee.
For espresso, a fine grind is ideal, as it increases the amount of water that comes into contact with the grounds in the limited time it takes for extraction. A setting that is similar to powdered sugar works for a variety of 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. These accumulated oils eventually go rancid and start to alter the taste of your espresso. Regular cleaning can help prevent the build-up of stale coffee oils and helps keep your grinder working at its peak.
To clean your grinder, begin by unplugging and removing the hopper and the grounds bin. Next, take out the burrs. Be careful not to harm the sharp burrs, which can easily scratch or scrape the interior of your grinder. Use a grinder cleaning brush to get rid of any coffee that has accumulated on the burrs. Instead, make use of a toothpick or soft brush to gently remove the coffee grounds from the burrs. Once you've removed the burrs and any other coffee particles, wipe the entire machine using a dry, clean cloth.
Whether you're using a blade grinder or a blade, cleaning your grinder regularly is crucial. The flavor and aroma of coffee beans is lost as soon as the beans are ground. The most delicious cup of espresso is made of freshly ground coffee. A grind that is too fine could cause bitterness and over-extraction, while a grind that is too coarse can lead to under-extraction and a weak flavor.
Cleaning your grinder on a regular basis will ensure it remains in top condition and continues to produce quality grounds for your morning cup of coffee. Leaving oil residues and old ground coffee to accumulate in the nooks and crannies can lead to clogged blades and poorer-quality coffee. The taste of coffee may be affected by allowing stale coffee to accumulate on the burrs.
There are many ways to clean a grinder, however, one of the easiest is by using a tablet for cleaning coffee grinders (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made of edible grains that bind to and eliminate coffee oil. These tablets are an excellent alternative to soak your burrs in a solution water, which can damage or dull them. You can also use a brush to clean your burrs, or blow them away with compressed air or a keyboard air blower.