FAQs About Coffee Grinders

Getting your grind right is one of the key factors of being a successful home barista. Get it wrong and you could find yourself sipping on a disappointing brew. At Coffee Hit, we believe that great coffee should be simple and that everyone deserves to enjoy a decent brew. So, we put our heads together and came up with some FAQs about coffee grinders to help you create the perfect coffee ritual.

What’s the difference between burr and blade coffee grinders?

While there is more than one way to grind your own beans, we believe that a burr grinder is the only choice for any self-respecting coffee afficionado. While blade grinders might be cheaper, they are basically blenders that give you an uneven grind. They basically have one setting and use blades, which can heat up your coffee grounds, to cut through the beans. This leaves a grind that can sometimes have whole or half beans left in it, which will make for a very disappointing cup of coffee.

On the other hand, burr grinders crush and grind (hence the name grinder) the beans between either two plates or a cone and a ring. This gives a far more even consistency and a far superior taste.

When is the best time to grind my beans?

The unbreakable rule is that the fresher the grind, the tastier the coffee. Ground coffee starts to lose its freshness after about 15 minutes, so you need to grind those beans as close to them meeting hot water as possible.

What coarseness do I need for my coffee?

The coarseness of your grind will depend on what you are using to brew your coffee.

French press/AeroPress – very coarse

Pour Over – coarse

Drip Coffee – coarse to medium

Siphon – fine

Espresso – very fine

What should I look for in an electric burr grinder?

Electric burr grinders come in all shapes and sizes, as you can see from our impressive selection of grinders. But there are some things to look out for if you want to make an informed purchase.

Burr size and RPMs

Larger burrs mean your coffee will grind quicker, meaning you’ll use less power and the burrs will be less likely to heat up (heating up your grounds).

Whether the grinder takes portafillas

If you’re using an espresso machine, you should consider whether your chosen grinder can accept portafilters. Some grinders, like the Baratza Sette 270 have the capacity to grind into a bucket and a portafilter, making them far more versatile for an adventurous home barista.

Number of grind settings

Are you planning on mixing up your brewing methods? Maybe you’re imagining weekday, morning espresso brewing and a leisurely French press on a Sunday. If that is the case, you need to consider the number of grind settings on your grinder. The Etzinger etz-1 for example is a hand grinder that has 88 settings!

Do I need to accurately measure my beans?

Yes! Of course you need to accurately measure your beans. When has “that’ll do”, ever worked in any project to create something stunning? If you’re planning on grinding fresh beans at home, invest in a set of scales, your palate will that you for it.

So, you’ve had your questions answered, now comes the moment that you decide on the coffee grinder that’s perfect for you. Our blog on the best coffee grinders for 2022 is a great place to begin your barista journey.

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