Blog entry by Audrea Nicastro
The Benefits of Using a Coffee Grinder
Experts agree that purchasing and using a coffee grinder is among the best home espresso grinder improvements you can make to your morning routine. The higher-end models have burr grinders--a pair of grooved surfaces--that can be adjusted to provide an even and consistent grind.
In contrast to a blade grinder these kinds of grinders stop the formation of oxidation and ensure that your grounds are uniform in size.
Conical Burrs
Burr grinders have more capacity and use opposing angles cutting surfaces that grind whole beans into small pieces. They produce fewer fines (also called dust) than blade coffee grinders. Additionally, you can alter the size of the particles by changing the distance between the burrs.
There are two burr types: flat and conical. The differences between these two types of burrs are subtle but significant and each one has its own strengths.
Blade grinders feature sharp blade-shaped teeth, which bludgeon the coffee with each passing, burr grinders use disc-shaped burrs to grind the beans. The two burrs can be moved closer together or further apart to establish the desired size of grind, from coarse to fine. When they are set correctly they will produce a uniform grind, with fewer pieces and no heat.
A good quality burr grinder should include a lubricated mechanism that will reduce friction and extend the life of the blades. They are easy to clean to prevent the build-up of coffee residue. Although there are hand powered burr grinders, commercial flat burr grinders are almost always electrically powered as they require more power than could be provided by the human hand alone.
There are variations within each category of burr shapes between different brands and models. These variations are not due to the shape of the burrs but rather the pattern of their geometry and how it affects the distribution of particle sizes. For example, some conical burr grinders like the niche grinder Zero have very low retention, whereas other flat burr grinders such as the Iberital MC2 have a high retention.
Some coffee grinders sale lovers claim that certain burr types bring out specific flavours in the roast or bean. This is an area in which the evidence is mostly anecdotal, and not scientifically proven.
Flat Burrs
Flat burrs are circular plates with sharp ridges that face each other and crush the coffee beans between them. They are the most popular burrs found in commercial and home grinders. They are also the most common burrs used in stainless steel manual coffee grinder grinders.
Flat burrs have a harder time maintaining an even distribution of grind sizes than conical ones due to the fact that their cutting edges are angled and can leave behind grit or fines. This can lead to less extraction and bitter tastes. This shouldn't be a problem for everyone, since new developments in burr geometries allow for the same grind size distribution as flat burrs.
When it comes to deciding between a flat or conical burr grinder, the choice will largely come down to your specific grinding requirements and individual preferences. For instance the barista who grinds large quantities for multiple cups throughout the day might be more likely to opt for a flat-burr grinder since it produces less fines and may reduce the time of oxidation which makes it easier to store and use again.
The amount of heat that the burr mill produces working is an additional factor to consider. This is crucial because it can affect the flavor and quality your cup of coffee. The more friction a grinder generates and the more it's likely to get hot, which could alter the flavor profile of the beans and result in excessive extraction. Flat burr grinders generate less heat than conical grinders. This will give you a more refined overall flavor.
There are many options for a coffee grinder that has flat burrs from reputable manufacturers such as Baratza and Eureka. For instance, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is an option that is popular because it's easy to calibrate and has a the highest level of precision. It also has a very low noise level and is ideal for espresso grinding. However, it doesn't produce as many fines as a Baratza or other top models and can have difficulty producing moderately coarse grinds for espresso.
Variable Grind Settings
The process of grinding regardless of the type of grinder you are using creates a variety of shapes and sizes. It is difficult to measure this in a meaningful manner, unless you have expensive equipment like laser particle diffraction.
Most coffee grinders do not offer a precise measurement, but instead use dials for setting adjustment that allow users to choose between a variety of sizes of grind. Dials are marked by numbers or dots to indicate smaller and larger sizes. The numbers are sometimes with arrows that indicate the direction in which the dial should move to make the grind more coarse or more fine.
In addition to the numbering system, a lot of grinders have other visual representations to assist with choosing the right setting, such as a series of dots or an adjustable step mechanism. These indications are helpful but they are not exact guidelines and you'll need to test different settings.
For instance, a dot or number that looks close together will indicate that the burrs are set very fine, whereas an asterisk or number that appears to be further away indicates they're set very coarse. When deciding on a grinder's setting be sure to be aware that even small adjustments can make a huge difference.
The 'dialing in' of grinding is the process of finding the best possible grind setting for a specific coffee and the brewing method. The optimal grind setting allows the most balanced and full-bodied flavor to be exhibited while remaining within acceptable limits of extraction. This is a continuous pursuit, since even slight variations could result in coffee that is over- or underextracted.
For espresso, a very fine grind is optimal because it maximizes the amount water that comes in contact with the grounds in the short time 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 the grounds and oils are trapped in the nooks and crannies in the machine. The oils that accumulate eventually go rancid, and begin to affect the taste of your coffee. Regular cleaning helps keep the build-up of coffee oils and helps keep your grinder running optimally.
To clean your grinder, start by unplugging it and taking out the hopper and grounds bin. Next, take out the burrs. Be careful not to damage the burrs' sharp edges. They are able to scratch or scratch the inner surfaces of your grinder. Use a grinder cleaning brush to remove any coffee residue that is stuck to the burrs. If you don't have a grinder cleaner brush you can use a toothpick or soft brush to gently lift the ground coffee from the burrs. Once you've removed the burrs and any other coffee particles, wipe the entire machine down with a dry cloth.
Cleaning your grinder regularly is essential, regardless of regardless of whether you're using the blade or burr. The aroma and flavor of coffee beans is lost when the beans are ground. The most delicious cup of espresso is made with freshly ground coffee. Too fine a grind can cause bitterness and over-extraction while a grind that is too coarse can lead to under-extraction and the flavor is weak.
Cleaning your grinder regularly is the only way to make sure that it remains in top shape and produces top-quality grounds for your morning brew. The lingering of oil residues and old ground coffee to accumulate in the nooks and crannies can lead to blocked blades and lower-quality coffee. Letting stale ground coffee accumulate on the burrs could also affect the flavor of your coffee.
There are many ways to clean a grinder, however, one of the easiest is by using a coffee grinder cleaning tablet (such as Urnex Grindz). These tablets are made from edible grains that bind with and take away red coffee grinder oils. These tablets are an excellent alternative to soak 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 away with compressed air or a keyboard blower.