Grinding is a key step that determines coffee flavor, and the choice of grinder directly affects what ends up in the cup. This article begins with the structure and classification of grinders, analyzes the suitable scenarios for manual and electric grinders, and explains two major points that must be noted when grinding coffee beans: suppressing friction heat and maintaining particle uniformity. For different brewing devices, the article gives grinding coarseness recommendations from fine powder to medium particles, and also discusses the flavor differences between crushing and grinding. For Espresso enthusiasts, the article emphasizes the importance of fine adjustment functions and compares the effects of different burr structures on extraction. In addition, the article also recommends related products from Front Street Coffee for readers to reference when purchasing.

The tool used to grind coffee beans is the grinder. From common household hand-cranked models to commercial-grade large electric equipment, the variety of grinders is extremely rich. Household grinders can also serve as decorative ornaments. If a large amount needs to be ground each time, the electric type is obviously more time-saving and labor-saving.

If distinguished by internal structure, grinders can be roughly divided into two categories: one uses crisscrossing grooved blades to cut and grind coffee beans; the other uses molar-like components to crush and mash coffee beans. Both methods have their own advantages, and for commercial purposes, due to the need for batch production, electric grinders have become the mainstream choice.

However, there are two points that require the most attention when grinding coffee beans:

① Minimize the heat generated by friction as much as possible. (Because heat causes aromatic substances to volatilize and be lost.)

② Whether the particle size is sufficiently uniform. (If the coarseness is uneven, the brewed concentration will also be inconsistent.)

Considering these two points, if using a household manual grinder, it is necessary to turn the handle gently and try to avoid friction heat. In comparison, using an electric grinder is more suitable.

How to use a grinder

Grind coffee beans only before brewing

Household grinders are divided into manual and electric types. When there are few people, use the manual type; when the quantity is large, the electric type is more convenient.

Decide the grinding method (that is, particle coarseness) according to the brewing device

When using a manual grinder, be careful not to let it generate friction heat, and also pay attention to whether other foreign objects are mixed in.

After grinding is completed, it is also necessary to check whether the coffee bean particles are uniform in size. (If the particles are uneven, it may be due to a problem with the grinder's function, or uneven quality of the coffee beans themselves, among other reasons.)

Coffee grinding

In the Middle East, people still use the crushing method to break coffee beans into particles of varying sizes. However, against the backdrop of most people having gradually accepted coffee grinders, Béla Csvári conducted an experiment himself: Is crushed coffee better tasting, or is ground coffee better? To ensure credibility, he also invited gourmet connoisseurs to taste both kinds of coffee, and in the end everyone agreed that the crushed coffee powder was more fascinating than the ground coffee.

Grinding a satisfying cup of coffee powder is actually not complicated. Just try a few more times and find the flavor you prefer most; there is no absolute standard. But generally speaking, coffee powder ground too fine tends to lose its aroma easily, and is more suitable for grinding and drinking immediately.

Coffee powder one level coarser than fine powder is suitable for use with electric coffee makers. This is because finer coffee powder can brew more coffee liquid, and this type is mostly used for set-meal drinks in companies or restaurants.

Next is fine, with a particle size roughly comparable to granulated sugar. The drip brewing method is very suitable for this coarseness.

Medium-ground coffee powder requires only a small amount when brewing, so the amount of coffee grounds must be increased, which makes the brewed coffee more aromatic and rich. Some coffee makers must also use medium particles, because powder that is too fine will fall into the filter tray. But this type of pot needs more than ten minutes to brew a pot of coffee, and the quantity is limited, so it can be said to be the least economical particle type.

There are many types of coffee grinders, among which the most common is the household electric coffee grinder. It can grind particles of various coarseness, is small and lightweight, and is not expensive, making it very suitable for households or occasions with few people.

The manual coffee grinder is the kind placed in coffee shops that looks rustic and poetic. Even if not used for grinding beans, it is still beautiful simply as a decoration. The only drawback is that this type of grinder produces relatively large particles and is slower.

The professional electric coffee grinders used in coffee shops can grind particles of many different coarseness levels. Their advantages lie in speed and ample quantity.

Many new Espresso coffee machines come with a grinding function, but the risk is that it may not fully meet your needs. How to choose depends entirely on the consumer's own decision.

Espresso uses pressure brewing, and the whole process takes only 20 to 25 seconds. In such a short time, whether the coffee essence can be properly extracted makes the coarseness of the powder particles extremely critical. If the powder particles are too fine, the area penetrated by steam relatively increases, causing over-extraction, and the taste is strong but not aromatic. If the powder particles are too coarse, resistance decreases, the coffee becomes thin and weak, and the color tends toward orange. Therefore, when purchasing a coffee grinder, it is best to choose one with a fine adjustment function. Cheap coffee grinders have a structure similar to household multi-function blenders, with windmill-shaped blades, and the ground beans are square in shape, which is not conducive to extraction. With circular saw blade machines, the beans become irregular in shape and have a large contact area with water. Although the unit price is higher, it is still worth buying.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.