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There is no denying that the quality of coffee you make primarily depends on the quality of your raw materials. If you want to make a nice, strong cup of coffee, you’ll need to start with good quality beans. As such, a lot people put great importance in choosing the right coffee beans. But anyone who is in the coffee business will tell you that grinding your coffee to the right specifications is one of the most important aspects of creating great quality coffee. Coffee lovers who are looking to make the perfect cup of joe should invest in the best coffee grinder.
Importance of coffee grinder
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A good coffee bean grinder is the key equipment to coffee success. Sure, it’s the coffee maker that brews the coffee, but a burr grinder will transform your coffee experience inside out. Grinding your own coffee will not only help you brew great tasting coffee, you’ll also be able to enjoy the intoxicating aroma as the beans are broken apart.
Ground coffee beans will lose 60% of their flavor after being exposed to the air for 15 minutes. This is the reason why coffee tastes so much better when you grind your own coffee beans. In fact, the quality is so good, it can rival the espresso in your favorite coffee shop.
If you don’t already own a grinder, we encourage you to get one today. It will help you make the perfect coffee at home and enhance your coffee experience. But before you go shopping, we recommend that you read this blog post first. With so many burr coffee grinders for sale, choosing the right one is no easy task. To make your shopping experience a lot easier, we made a list of the things you need to look for in an espresso grinder.
Size
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When it comes to coffee bean grinders, there is no one-size-fits-all. After all, not everyone has big kitchens to accommodate big, bulky equipments. If your espresso machine is already taking too much counter space, investing on a big coffee grinder may not seem like a good idea. Luckily, there are smaller ones available in the market.
For those who are looking for a smaller grinder, the blade grinder would be a great option for you. It is small, so it won’t take too much space in your kitchen. Plus, it is more affordable than burr grinders. Burr grinders are quite bulky and have big motors. This is perfect for coffee lovers who want to keep their grinders on display.
Coarseness control
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The brewing method you choose will determine the grind size you’ll use. For instance, cold brew requires the use of coarse or extra coarse grind size. Meanwhile, the recommended grind size for drip coffee is medium-coarse to medium. For espresso, extra fine grind size is recommended.
If you are looking to explore different brewing methods, you’ll need a coffee grinder that produces consistent grind and will help you achieve the right grind size. In this case, we highly recommend that you choose a conical burr grinder. It features a variety of grind adjustments – from super fine to very coarse. Plus, it produces even, consistent grind.
You can also control the coarseness of the grind with a blade grinder. The longer the grind is on, the finer the resulting coffee grounds. However, the grounds are often inconsistent in size, which leads to inconsistently brewed coffee.
The coarseness of the grind is one of the major factors that affect how the coffee tastes. If your cup of joe tastes bitter or too strong, try a slightly larger grind size. If you feel your coffee is a tad weak, test with a slightly finer grind size. With practice, you’ll be able to make an amazing cup of java that you will no longer be interested in buying coffee from a coffee shop.
Blade quality
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For those who are considering getting a blade grinder, we highly recommend that you choose the one with a stainless steel blade. Stainless steel blades will stay sharp despite regular use and will ensure that your grinder will last for several years. Avoid low quality blade grinders as they are likely to clog and wear down easily.
Budget
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There are different types of coffee grinders in the market – some are fitted with a blade and some with a burr. They are also available in different brands and models. This ensures that you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs and budget.
A good burr grinder will cost you about $100 to $300. While there are some affordable burr grinders out there, the cheap ones are often poorly constructed. If you aren’t willing to spend that much, opt for a blade grinder instead. They are more affordable than burr grinders. You can pick one up without breaking the bank. In fact, you can buy a good blade grinder for as little as $20 to 50.
If you have the budget, we recommend that you get the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder. For $139, you get a great all around home grinder that rivals the grind quality of a professional grinder. For those on a limited budget, the Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Skerton may be up your alley. For only $40, you’ll get a small, lightweight grinder that will allow you enjoy freshly-ground coffee even while travelling.
Ease of cleaning
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Gunk can build up inside your grinder over time. As such, it is important to clean the grinder after each use. If not, the oils will cling to the blades and will start giving off an unusual smell.
If ease of cleaning is a priority for you, then stick with blade grinders. As compared to burr grinders, they do not contain a lot of complicated hardware. Because of their simplicity, they are very easy to clean.
Burr grinders can be difficult to clean. You’ll need to remove the plastic reservoirs, clean the plastic and metal parts and then re-assemble it again.
