We learn how to grind coffee beans ourselves because, well, we can get better results that way. When we buy pre-ground coffee, we have no idea how long it's been in that state. Once ground, coffee can go stale because it loses moisture and flavor. If you do the grinding, you get to control the freshness and the grind size.
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Factors that can influence the grinding
The conditions of grinding can affect how your coffee turns out. Here, I've listed the main factors you should consider.
Factors: |
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Moisture content. Roasted beans that have been water quenched are softer than air cooled beans. The softness means they break up more unevenly, producing inconsistent particle sizes. |
Degree of roast. Darker roasted beans have a greater loss of water. As a result, the beans are more brittle than light roast beans. This makes the particles much finer, which gives the coffee a more bitter taste. |
Origin of coffee. Surprisingly, the place your coffee was grown can also affect the grind. Coffee beans from older crops produce finer particles, because of the cell structure. Not only that, but beans grown at a higher altitude will be denser. |
Grinders that you need to process the coffee beans ground
A reader poll by The Sweet Home found that most people would prefer to spend less than $100 on a coffee grinder. To help you choose the best coffee grinder, I've broken down the types available.
Burr Grinders
A burr grinder is powered by an electric motor. Burrs are serrated disks which rotate against each other when the motor runs. The beans are crushed within the disks and are ground to tiny particles.
Advantages of burr grinders
Since the burrs crush the coffee beans so tightly, they leave us with evenly sized particles. They're pretty easy to use and you can switch them on with the click of a switch!
I'd recommend going for a burr grinder because of the coffee quality they produce. Unlike the other options, burr grinders have a separate bowl to store ground beans. Not only that, but you can adjust the disks to accommodate different particle sizes.
Disadvantages of burr grinders
They are the most expensive grinder of the three types.
Blade Grinders
Again, this type of grinder works because of an electric motor. As you've probably guessed, blade grinders contain sharp, rotating blades that chop up the coffee beans.
Advantages of blade grinders
They are cheap, compact and easy to use. By clicking a switch, they can break up the beans in seconds!
Disadvantages of blade grinders
You can't guarantee a consistent particle size. All beans get mixed up in one bowl, so it's hard to separate the fine and the large chunks.
Since they are so speedy, this can release heat. Heat causes oxidation and this can affect the flavor and aroma of your coffee.
Manual Grinders
Manual grinders have been around since the 18th century when our ancestors discovered the beauty of coffee!
A great way to grind coffee is to not use an electric device at all! I'll explain how to grind coffee beans without a grinder below. For now, let's look at the feats and fails of manual grinders.
Advantages of manual grinders
It's cheap! In fact, you might be able to grind coffee with equipment you already have at home. Otherwise, you can pick up the best manual coffee grinder online or in-stores. These variations are portable - they're hand-sized and don't require an electric outlet.
Disadvantages of manual grinders
You have to be ready for an arm workout! The process can be a little tedious because of the manual labor involved. Manual grinders are also smaller so you may need to refill more regularly.
How to Grind Coffee Beans without a Grinder
Maybe you don't want to buy a grinder at all? Luckily for you, I've compiled a few ways you can create your own fresh coffee by using other methods.
The no-nonsense method is to place your coffee beans in a seal able sandwich bag. Use a rolling pin to roll them into small particles, or use a hammer and bash away! Of course, this method will give inconsistent particle sizes, but it's certainly cheap and cheerful!
Another way is to use a mortar and pestle. Since the beans will be exposed to the air, you'll get to appreciate the scent released using this method. Take care when grinding that the beans don't overflow the bowl. Coffee is precious - don't waste it!
Why Should you Calibrate the Grind Size?
To create your perfect cup of coffee, you should regularly calibrate your grinder. If you don't, you can end up with an uneven grind size. This might not lead to the best tasting coffee that you are looking for.
Ever-changing weather can affect the taste of your coffee. When coffee beans warm up, they expand and it becomes easier to extract the oils. This gives a finer grind. In cooler weather, the grind needs to be more course.
If the coffee is under-extracted, it can taste weak and watery. Over-extracted coffee can taste burnt and bitter. In short: I suggest you always fine-tune your grinder to avoid ruining your coffee.
The Bottom Line
Gourmet coffee is in and standard coffee is out. An NCA survey found that almost one-third of U.S. adults drink at least one gourmet coffee a day. Those drinking traditional coffee dropped from 56% to 49% back in 2013.
This shows the importance of getting coffee just right! Invest in the best grinder for you and always calibrate the grind size to suit the conditions. Fancy latte art can't cover bad-tasting coffee, right?
