There’s nothing better than savoring that first cup of coffee in the morning. The only problem is that pre-ground coffee doesn’t hold aroma & flavor and becomes stale quickly. If you really want to enjoy your coffee, you’ll need to grind it yourself.
There are several types of coffee grinders available. Choosing the right one for you will make that first sip exhilarating.
But what to pick? It all depends on what you can afford and what quality you’re looking for. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips on how to begin your coffee grinding journey.
Classifications of Coffee Grinders
There are two main types of coffee grinders: the blade & the burr.
Blade Coffee Grinder
Blade grinders are a relatively new form of coffee grinding. As the name suggests, blade grinders spin the coffee beans using a propeller and then cut them into smaller pieces using blades.
Although they don’t grind the coffee beans as finely as burr grinders, they offer an efficient and inexpensive means of getting coffee beans to a reasonable size for brewing.
They do have a tendency to overheat, which means they can damage (burn) coffee beans if the process is not controlled correctly. It’s better to grind the coffee beans in short bursts rather than over a long period. The fineness of the coffee beans will depend on how long you grind them as well as the type of brew you’re aiming for.
Blade grinders are also known to be quite noisy. Despite this, they’re ideal for small spaces. They’re quick to use which means they’ll get your beans ready to brew, even if you’re pressed for time.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Small and efficient
- Heats up very quickly
- Doesn’t grind as finely as burrs
- Very noisy
Burr Coffee Grinder
The burr is the most classic example of a coffee grinder. It may be an old design, but only because few designs do better. This grinder does its job by crushing the coffee beans between a hard surface and either a wheel or a conical.
It’s pricier than the blade grinder, but the quality of the grind is worth the cost. It can grind the beans to the perfect fineness based on your desires. If you use a conical burr, you can even get a consistently symmetrical grind, which will influence the taste of your coffee.
The only problem with this grinder is it’s very slow. But a great cup of coffee takes time, right? If the speed really is an issue, automatic grinders are available which can help the grind go faster. Overall these grinders promise quality and they deliver it.
- Great quality
- Doesn’t heat up the beans
- Makes little noise
- Slightly more expensive
- Difficult to clean
- Slow
What Type of Coffee Grinder is Widely Used and Why?
The most commonly used coffee grinder is the burr conical. Even though it’s more expensive, this grinder has a reputation of being consistent as well as producing a better quality grind.
This doesn’t discount the blade. In situations where cost or convenience has been an issue, the blade has still been a popular solution.
Automatic Grinders vs. Manual Grinders – The Difference
In the technological age, even coffee grinders have become more advanced. Both automatic and manual coffee grinders have their own ups & downs; Your satisfaction depends on what you’re looking for.
Automatic
Automatic coffee grinders work using electricity. This means you just switch it on and the grinder does all of the work for you.
They have become increasingly popular, not only because of convenience but also because of quality. If you buy a decent automatic grinder, it promises an even and fine ground. This comes with a warning: Cheap automatic grinders are available but poorly built. If you want a fantastic, consistent grind, you need to pay for it.
Overall this grinder is quick and easy to use. It’s perfect if you’re busy and you don’t have time for manual labor.
- Convenient
- Quick
- Easy to use
- Expensive (if you want decent quality)
- Needs an electrical output
Manual
Manual coffee grinders take work, but the result is a wonderful grind for a perfect cup of coffee. This coffee grinder doesn’t involve any electricity. All you need to do is turn the crank until your coffee beans reach the perfect fineness.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, a manual grinder is part of the experience. A hands-on approach helps you enjoy the coffee more as you’re wrapped in the smells of the crushing beans.
Its biggest problem is it’s slow. If you want a manual coffee grinder you need to prepare yourself to learn some patience; It takes time. This doesn’t help if you only have five minutes before you need to leave for work, but it’s a better option for those times when you want to savor your coffee.
Affordability is one of its perks. Unlike automatic grinders, even cheap manual grinders will still ensure a decent grind. This means if you’re low on money you can still experience the joy of freshly ground coffee without having to worry about cost.
- Inexpensive
- Quality is ensured
- Adds to the coffee experience
- Time-consuming
- Requires a lot of effort
Burr Grinders vs. Blade Grinders – The Difference
As we’ve established, a burr grinder promises better quality, but for a greater cost. On the other hand, a blade grinder is not always consistent but is more affordable.
If you have the money, it’s recommended to get a burr grinder as you will get the most from your coffee beans. Not everyone has the luxury to pay large amounts for a coffee grinder. In this case, a quality blade grinder will give you a decent grind at a low expense.
Convenience may also be a factor. If that’s the case, it’s often best to go with an automatic burr. But quality is always important, which makes a manual a better option.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Grinder
Although it may seem easier to just buy pre-ground coffee, this takes away from the flavor and aroma of the coffee bean. It’s better to just get your own grinder. You may look at our another post top 5 Coffee Grinder on a Budget to choose yours one.
Here are a few steps on how to decide what type of coffee grinder to choose.
Step 1: Price
The best coffee grinders are going to be expensive, but not everyone can afford to spend their entire savings on one. The first thing you need to consider is how much you’re willing to pay.
If you’re hoping to take the most economical route, it’s better to consider a manual grinder or a blade type. Affordability will immediately eliminate which grinder types you should focus on, which is why it should be your first consideration.
Step 2: Quality
Once you’ve considered how much you’re willing to spend, you must think about the quality of the grind you’re hoping to achieve. In cases where money is not the issue, quality should be of the utmost importance.
Coffee is an experience and the better the grind, the more you’ll enjoy it. A conical burr should be at the top of your list to ensure the full flavor and aroma from your beans.
Step 3: Time
Everyone’s day is different so no two people will have the same amount of time to brew coffee. People who lead busier lifestyles won’t be able to fully enjoy manual grinders. For this reason, you must consider how much time you have in regards to grinding coffee.
The entire experience will be pointless if you buy a manual grinder and it stays in a box because you never use it. If you do have the time, it’s highly recommended to purchase one as this will enhance the entire experience.
Step 4: Size
Size goes hand in hand with purpose. Many burr grinders can be quite large, so this can influence your choice. If your purpose is to have a shiny new coffee grinder in your massive kitchen, the size doesn’t matter.
If you intend to keep a grinder in a small office space or even take one with you when you go camping, it’s better to consider smaller models. Blade grinders tend to be smaller and are perfect for office spaces.
Manual grinders are also quite small and are perfect for use outdoors because they don’t need electricity.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’re ready to purchase your first coffee grinder. Each type is ideal for certain needs, and there’s definitely one out there for you.
Conclusion
Coffee has become an essential part of many people’s lives. If it’s important to you, it’s important to savor every moment of the experience. A grinder can make it even better.
Now you can decide which grinder is perfect for you. There are so many types of coffee grinders available that the choice can be daunting. With these tips, you can make an easier decision so that you can take your coffee experience to the next level.
