Guide to Buying a Coffee Grinder
A great coffee starts with the right grind. Choosing a coffee grinder depends on your brewing style, budget, and preferences. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Coffee Grinders
- Manual Coffee Grinders: Affordable, portable, and quiet, ideal for French press, pour-over, and travel. However, they require manual effort and time.
- Electric Coffee Grinders: Fast and consistent, suitable for all brewing methods. They offer convenience but are noisier and generally more expensive.
Blade vs. Burr Grinders
- Blade grinders use a spinning blade to chop coffee beans, similar to a blender. They are affordable and easy to find, making them suitable for casual coffee drinkers. However, they produce inconsistent grind sizes, which can lead to uneven extraction and affect the flavour of the coffee.
- Burr grinders use two abrasive surfaces (burrs) to crush coffee beans to a consistent size, providing more control over the grind size and resulting in better extraction and flavour. They come in two types: Flat Burr Grinders produce a uniform grind and are ideal for espresso and pour-over methods, while Conical Burr Grinders offer a more forgiving grind consistency and are suitable for all brewing methods. The pros of burr grinders include consistent grind size, adjustable settings, and the ability to preserve coffee flavour. However, they are generally more expensive and require more maintenance. The burr grinder ideal choice if you enjoy a quality shot of espresso.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Coffee Grinder
- Grind Size: If you only using one type of coffee brewer, e.g. filter coffee machine, you can buy a grinder that is made for this brewing method such as Wilfa Precision grinder.
- Budget: Coffee grinders come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to determine your budget beforehand. Blade grinders are generally more affordable, while burr grinders tend to be pricier. Consider how much you are willing to invest in a coffee grinder and look for options within your budget range.
- Size: Coffee grinders come in various sizes, so consider the available space in your kitchen and choose a grinder that fits your needs. If you have limited counter space, a compact or handheld grinder may be a better option.
- Features: Different coffee grinders offer various features that can enhance your coffee brewing experience. Some grinders, such as Melitta Calibra or Sage Smart have built in scales for precise measurements. Wilfa Uniform features App Consider which features are important to you and choose a grinder that meets your requirements.
- Consistency: A consistent grind size is essential to ensure even extraction and balanced flavours. By investing in a high-quality coffee grinder, you have control over the grind size, which directly impacts the taste and aroma of your coffee.
- Durability: Coffee grinders can take a beating, especially if you use them every day. Look for a grinder made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Stainless steel burrs in grinders such as Fellow ODE Burr Grinder are known for their durability and longevity.
- Noise level: Some coffee grinders can be quite noisy, which may be a concern if you live in a small space or have noise-sensitive family members or neighbours. Consider a grinder with a quieter motor if noise is a significant factor for you.
- Ease of use and cleaning: Look for a grinder that is easy to use and clean. Features like a removable hopper and dishwasher-safe parts can make the cleaning process much more convenient.