If there is one universal element of most folks’ morning routine, it’s coffee. Whether it’s the smell of a fresh pot percolating on the stove or the rich aroma of a French press wafting through the kitchen, anyone who enjoys a morning cup of Joe instantly recognizes that wonderful scent. The best way to ensure your coffee has the deepest, smoothest flavour possible is by purchasing a coffee grinder. The correct water temperature, high quality beans and brewing method are important too. of course, but having a good coffee grinder just might be the biggest – and most important – piece of the coffee making puzzle.
Knowing how vital a quality coffee grinder is, how do you choose which grinder is right for you, blade or burr?
Read on!
What Is a Coffee Grinder and What Does It Actually Do?
The simplest explanation is that a coffee grinder simply “smashes” coffee beans into bits. Those bits, called coffee grounds, are then used to make a pot of coffee. A good quality coffee grinder is essential because each time you use it, you want uniformly sized coffee grounds which in turn produce an excellent pot – every time. And that’s part of why the right coffee grinder is so important – it produces excellent grounds use after use. The grounds must be flavourful and aromatic every time.
The coffee grinder’s task is essential. The proper grinder ensures that your pot of coffee grounds work with your brewing method, every time. When the grind matches the brewing method, a fabulous pot of coffee is the result.
The Importance of Grind Consistency
In many aspects of life, a little surprise here and there is a good thing, but not when it comes to brewing coffee! It’s crucial that you can rely on your coffee grinder to turn out the same sized grounds every time.
If your grounds are inconsistent from pot to pot, here’s what may happen:
• Your pot of coffee may taste bitter.
• The coffee may be too weak or, conversely, overpowering instead of flavourful.
If your coffee grounds are exactly the right size for your brewing method, the coffee’s full depth and flavour profile will be released. No matter what brewing method you use – a pour over method, a French press, an espresso machine or any other method – the right coffee grinder guarantees you’ll make an excellent pot every time.
Blade Grinders: The Basics
Blade coffee grinders simply “chop” coffee beans into small pieces. As the blade spins and whirs, it slices the beans into tiny bits that are then used in your brewer.
Advantages of blade grinders
• They are economical. Almost all budgets can handle the purchase of a blade grinder, as they are inexpensive.
• You can purchase one virtually anywhere, including department stores and kitchen boutiques, or simply order one online.
• A blade grinder is very user friendly, as they are easy to operate.
Disadvantages of blade grinders
• They sometimes produce inconsistently sized grounds. Some beans get chopped into chucks that are too big, while others are practically powder.
• Blade grinders produce a lot of heat, which in turn may bruise and burn the beans.
• Blade grinders are harder to control, and therefore you can’t always rely on the grind size.
Who is best suited to a blade coffee grinder?
This type of coffee grinder is ideal for anyone on a strict budget, and those who don’t care about making fancier coffees, like espressos and lattes. They are also fine for you if you’re just an occasional coffee drinker, and not really concerned with making the perfect cup time and time again.
Burr Grinders: The Gold Standard
Burr coffee grinders have two rough surfaces– called burrs – between which the coffee beans are crushed. You can adjust the burr size, thereby creating the precise grounds you need. There are two types of burrs – conical and flat.
Advantages of burr grinders
• You’ll achieve that consistent grind size that we mentioned earlier, which is so crucial to brewing good coffee.
• The settings can be changed to match whatever brewing method you’re using.
• As a result of that ability to alter the burr settings, your coffee is going to be better tasting, since there is no heat produced by the grinder.
Disadvantages of burr grinders
• Burr coffee grinders can be pricey. You might be expected to spend as much as $50 even at department stores.
• Burr grinders take space to store. Blade grinders can be tucked away on a pantry shelf, for example, beside your grains and dried food containers. But burr grinders are larger and more weighty, and therefore they require a little more space for storing them.
• Burr coffee grinders need maintenance in order to avoid the grinder getting clogged up with bits of coffee grinds. That takes time and attention.
Who is best suited to a burr coffee grinder?
If you adore coffee and want to make truly excellent pots day after day, you should consider investing in a burr coffee grinder, particularly if shopping on a budget isn’t a pressing concern for you. Also, if your someone who loves espressos, lattes and other specialty coffee, a burr coffee grinder is probably your best bet.
Which Should You Use: a Blade or a Burr Coffee Grinder?
Here are some key differences to help you decide:
Grind Consistency
Ensuring that your coffee grounds are the same size use use after use means a burr grinder is likely the way to go. Blade grinders can sometimes produce flaky or powdery grounds, and that’s as real problem if you enjoy making a lot of specialty coffees like espressos. Inconsistency of grounds size can lead to poor taste and even bitterness. Ask yourself: how good do I want my coffee to be? If the answer is “always excellent,” you should consider purchasing a burr coffee grinder.
Price
Blade coffee grinders are less expensive that burr ones, so if price is your overriding concern, by all means buy a blade coffee grinder. The grind size may not be uniform each and every time, but you’ll still get a good pot of coffee, certainly better than if you buy pre-ground coffee.
Customization
One feature of burr grinders that helps you make great coffee is the adaptability of the settings. This feature means that you’ll make a perfect pot every time, even if you use a different brewing method. For example, you can make dinner guests an espresso, but use a different setting to brew a pot of coffee in a French press the next day. A burr coffee grinder lets you do it all with precision.
Heat and Flavor
Because blade grinders produce a lot of heat as they whir, the coffee’s taste and depth can be impacted. Burr coffee grinders operate differently, and the scent and flavours are better preserved.
Ease of Use vs. Quality
Blade coffee grinders are easy to use, inexpensive and don’t need much maintenance or storage space. Burr coffee grinders, on the other hand, are pricier, bigger and require a little practice to operate. You must decide which features are the most important to you. Price? Ease of use? Once you know what’s the most important features for you, you’ll no doubt choose the right coffee grinder for your budget, tastes and lifestyle.
Things to Remember
Select a blade grinder if you’re trying to save money, or you’re only an occasional coffee drinker.
Choose a burr coffee grinder if you love making different types of coffee like espressos and lattes, and if money isn’t a big issue for you. If you drink coffee virtually every day, then a burr coffee grinder is likely the best option for you.
In Summary
Coffee grinders are so much more than just kitchen tools! They are an essential part of making a great cup of coffee for yourself and others. In the wonderfully varied world of coffee brewing and drinking, coffee grinders play a pivotal role in helping you excel at brewing a great cup of coffee.
Blade coffee grinders are the right choice for many folks, particularly those who aren’t too concerned about with whether your pot of coffee is absolutely perfect each and every time. Also, if you’re not into making special coffee that requires different grind sizes, like espressos, you’ll likely be satisfied with a blade grinder.
On the other hand, if you aren’t too concerned with sticking to a budget when you buy a coffee grinder, if you are more concerned with getting the best flavours from your coffee, it’s likely that a burr coffee grinder is the right choice for you.
No matter which way you’re leaning – burr or blade – be sure that you know your priorities before purchasing a coffee grinder. Once you decide which type is right for you, have fun shopping at your favourite kitchen store or ordering one online, and then let your new coffee grinder help you make a truly fabulous pot of coffee.
Happy brewing!
