Blog entry by Audrea Nicastro
Buying a Small Coffee Grinder For Home Use
If you are camping or traveling This 1Zpresso grinder is the best options for portable freshly ground coffee. It has a sleek design that is easy to clean and includes an adjustable handle that can be removed for mobility. The 64mm flat burrs are a standout feature. It is also possible to upgrade with burrs from third-party suppliers.
This grinder is an incredible value due to its ability to grind by weight and it has a variety of grinding settings that can be adjusted to suit manual brewing styles. It has great espresso capabilities.
How to choose a grinder
Using a grinder is the best method to make sure your coffee is fresh and ground to the right size. If you don't own a coffee grinder, the pre-ground beans you purchase are at least a week old by the time they get to your cup. They won't taste as fresh as freshly ground beans.
You can grind your beans by yourself with a mortar-and-pestle or in blenders or food processors. However, this process will take a long time and may not yield regular sizes of the ground. Select a grinder that is compatible with your needs if you're planning to buy one.
Grinders come in many sizes and shapes, with different features and capacities to suit your coffee-making style and needs. Some grinders are made from stainless steel, which is strong and durable. Plastic is a lighter and less expensive alternative. Some grinders are also airtight, ensuring that your ground stays fresh for longer.
Another factor to take into consideration when selecting a grinder is the quantity of noise it generates. Blade grinders can be noisy, while burr grinders tend to be quieter. You can also choose a grinder that has ceramic burrs. They are quieter than stainless steel models.
The Lagom Mini is an ultra-quiet, small grinder designed to grind up to 30 grams of coffee at a time. This is ideal for those who only brew one or two cups of coffee each morning, but it could be too small for those who use an auto drip or wants to grind enough for a number of cups.
The grinder comes with 41 grind settings. It also has a measuring device that is mounted on the lid, as well as an spouted catcher that can be used to reduce mess. It is simple to use with just one button to turn it on and off, as well as a dial for adjusting the grind size.
As with any purchase it is important to find a grinder that is easy to clean. Check out the bean hopper, burrs and areas around them to be sure that they're easy to clean.
Grind Size
If you're looking for a small coffee grinder for your home, it's important to consider the size of grind needed for your brewing method. Different methods of brewing require different particle sizes according to the shape of the grounds and how long they are in contact with water. The final taste of your coffee will depend on the size of grind you select. The wrong grind size may cause over-extraction, bitter, harsh taste, or under extraction, resulting weak and flavorless espresso.
The type of grinder you choose will also have an impact on the size of the grind that you receive. A burr grinder employs a rotating wheel and stationary surface to crush beans with friction, resulting in more fine grinding than blade grinders. These types of grinders tend to produce less heat while grinding and can help preserve the beans' integrity and preserve their natural flavor.
A blade grinder, on the other hand, uses metal blades to slice the beans into smaller pieces. As the blades spin they create heat which can alter the flavor and consistency of the ground coffee. These types of grinders tend to be more noisy than traditional burr grinders.
burr mill grinder grinders are favored by many coffee lovers due to their French press and espresso needs because of the precision they provide. They are generally more expensive than blade grinders, but they're worth the extra cost when you plan to make these types of coffee often.
Pour-over and steep-and-release brewing methods allow for a wider range of grind sizes. The size of the grind can be adjusted to control the flow during brewing. A coarser grind will result in a quicker flow while a finer grind will have a slower one.
Regardless of your brewing method we recommend sticking to medium grind size for drip coffee. This is the optimal ratio of surface area to extraction time for this method of brewing and will produce an equilibrated cup with balanced sweetness and acidity.
Burr Type
Burr grinders employ two rotating rough surfaces that are bent in opposite directions to crush coffee beans into the same size. This grind is better than blade grinders that break the coffee into uneven pieces. It also provides an even extraction, which is perfect for espresso. Not all burr grinders, however, are created equal. Certain burr grinders generate more heat, which could alter the flavor and quality of the final product. Some produce finer particles that affect the texture and taste of the coffee.
It is vital to select the right burr grinder to suit your needs. When purchasing a small burr grinder, take into consideration the type of burrs and whether they are stainless steel manual coffee grinder or ceramic steel. Ceramic burrs last longer than stainless steel, however they can be more fragile and require more maintenance. Burrs made of stainless steel are more durable and can be used with all types of brewing techniques.
Depending on the needs of yours, you may also want to pick between flat or conical burrs. Flat burrs are ideal for espresso since they provide an even grind and also reduce heat generation. Conical burrs on the other hand, provide smoother coffee since they create fewer fine particles.
A good burr mill will also have multiple settings to grind to match the method of brewing you prefer. It should be easy to adjust and lock into the desired setting, which will ensure that your coffee is consistently ground to ensure the proper brewing time. It must also have an LED display that is clear to help you easily determine the settings.
The Lavom Mini has a small capacity hopper but is equipped with a dial that allows for easy adjustment. It also has the option of a portafilter holder that is removable and a scale that can help you precisely dose espresso. Foos says that the grinder may be a bit noisy, but that it is "a small price to pay for consistency and precision."
Another option that is popular is the Baratza Sette 270, which is specifically designed for espresso. It comes with three dosing settings that can be programmed. It's a great choice for those who wish to start manual brewing. It offers excellent repeatability and has a minimal retention of grain. Baratza also designs their machines to be repaired instead of being thrown away, which is great for the wallet as well as the environment.
Maintenance
Cleaning your grinder after each use is crucial. This will eliminate any coffee oil or residues that could block the burrs, which can cause the machine to work less efficiently. Regular cleaning can also help prevent the accumulation of odors that could affect the taste of your finished cup of coffee.
Start by cleaning and emptying the hopper. This will eliminate any non electric coffee grinder grounds that have been accumulating in hard-to-access places. Then, remove the hopper as well as all other parts that can be removed and wash them in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before rebuilding.
Depending on the kind of beans and how oily they are, it is recommended to do this deep clean at least every two or three times per year at most. If you're using a dark roast, or your grinder is used for both drip and espresso, you might need to increase this frequency.
After cleaning the chamber and hopper and chamber, take out the burrs. Clean them using a lint-free brush or cloth. Be gentle with the burrs; they are susceptible to damage from rough brushes or harsh cleaners. If you don't have a lint-free fabric you can also make use of old or stale coffee to help brush away difficult debris and eliminate any remaining oil from the surface of the burrs.
Before you finish cleaning your grinder it is an excellent idea to run a few shots of coffee through it to make sure all the dirt and oils are removed from the grinding chamber. This will also give you the chance to check the burrs' accuracy and make sure they're functioning properly.
To ensure that your grinder is in good shape, consider purchasing an inexpensive tool kit that comes with a couple of different brushes. These brushes are useful to clean difficult-to-access areas. You can also purchase abrasive brushes that are perfect to remove stubborn debris. Urnex Grindz are also offered to make the cleaning process more thorough. These cleaners break down and remove the oil that is stuck on the surface of the burrs. They are especially helpful when you're using a dark-roasted electric coffee bean grinder or a grinder to make both drip and espresso.