Grinding Coffee
Grinding your beans just prior to brewing results in a much stronger and fresher flavor. The type of grind you use depends on the brewer you plan to use. You should use the finest grind possible for your brew method without going too fine. For example, if you use a very fine grind on a drip coffee maker, it will likely clog the filter, but if you use too fine a grind on a French press, the coffee will pass through the filter.
Brew Method Grind Setting
Drip brew Medium
Espresso Machine Fine
Permanent Filter or Vacuum Medium to Course
Pour Over Medium to Medium Course
Peculator Course
French Press Medium Course
Types of Grinders
Blade Grinders
The word "blade grinder" is sort of a misnomer since there really is no actual grinding going on. This type of grinder is more like a blender for coffee beans. Blade grinders are very popular because they are inexpensive, readily available, and easy to use. However, blade grinders have serious drawbacks. First and foremost, they offer very little control. Basically, you are guessing how long you want the blades to hack the beans apart. Instead of a consistent, even grind, you can easily get chopped chunks mixed with powder. Also, blade grinders produce a lot of friction which produces heat. Heat actually starts to rob your coffee of its aroma and essences before brewed. Grind your coffee with a blade for long enough, and you may even be able to detect a "burnt" taste. We have founf that both these problems can be greatly alleviated if instead of just holding the button down and grinding away, pulse your grinder. Count 1, 2, 3, holding the button down on the 1 count. Pulse 8 to 10 times to achieve a medium course to medium grind.
Burr Grinders
The best and most common burr grinder is a conical burr grinder. These devices actually crush the beans between a moving surface and a non-moving surface. The positioning on the burr is what regulates the ground size, which allows for a more consistent grind. Since the beans are being crushed rather than sliced, there is not a noticeable increase in heat when using a burr grinder, so there will not be a burnt taste or a loss in flavor.
Coffee roasters and commercial coffee companies use burr grinders, and they are available in all sizes from large commercial grinders to countertop models.
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