CoffeeYak!

Coffee grinders are important in the coffee proceess, starting from the sorting/grading, then the roasting, followed by the grinding and lastly the brewing, the grinding affects how you final cuppa would be.

This is because different brewing method demand different types of coffee grinds, and these different grinds also require varying length of time to brew.

Therefore, before using any coffee grinders, decide on the brew that you want.

A shorter brewing time would require a finer grind, i.e. when making an espresso. So, conversely, the longer brewing time would require a coarser grind, i.e. when using a French press.

Of course, the above touches on the fine points of what coffee you need. But, a more important point, is the flavor and aroma that coffee would lose if it is not freshly grind.

As soon as you open the pack or can or ground coffee, the freshness begins to lose aroma and freshness. This is due to oxidation which causes the aromatic coffee oils to break down.

Point of interest:

True, the oxidation of coffee that cause it to lose aroma is a taboo and bad news to all coffee lovers. But, there is one good thing it can add value to you.

Ever have fridge that smells like fish market? Using the coffee oxidation theory, leave an open can or pack of coffee beans in the fridge and be amazed at the power of coffee in banishing its unpleasant odor.

Grinders’ variety is not as much as coffee makers, I have group them into 4 types:

Burr coffee grinders

This is a grinder that produces more even and uniform grind. Although they are available in manual and electric models, the former is seldom used in our days and the latter are the preferred ones, like the popular Capresso Infinity. They offer quick, easy grinding and the clean up is easy.Because of the burr cutting, its most talked about advantage is the lesser heat that it generates, preserving the authentic roast condition of beans. Price wise, it is generally higher than the blades. Although, the pricing is not that much great…

Blade coffee grinders

This machine comprises of a small electric motor, using it to spin 2 metal blades at high speed to grind the beans. Usually, involves chopping, cutting and crushing motion. The biggest drawback about these grinders, is the heat that it generates that can heat the beans and alter the original flavor of the roast.

Due to the simplicity of the design, some folks have actually use normal blenders in place of a dedicated one. This is highly discouraged, as coffee takes in flavor easily and I am sure you do not want your espresso to smell like onion!

If cost is a concern, get a delonghi coffee grinder, the low pricing would amazed you…

Antique coffee grinders box coffee grinders

Sometimes known as antique or hand grinder, these are usually wooden boxes with a propeller blade (although Zassenhaus is a burr) that is turned manually. Coffee beans are added in a small door on the top of the box. The ground coffee would fall into a bottom drawer as you turn the propeller.

Similar to vacuum coffee maker, this is about theatric and is fun. But, it is rarely able to achieve fine grind and you would probably not want to use it if you want to grind large amount of beans.

Surprisingly, the maintenance of this manual machine is relatively easy though when talking about ease of use, electric ones are definitely better.

Mortar and pestle

This has to be the most ancient way to grind coffee. Other than time consuming, it has to be all done by hand and is a sure way to build strong muscles.

And if you are not an expert in using this tool, it is almost impossible to get an even grind.

So, other being aesthetically satisfying, there is really no reason why you should use this to get coffee ground.

If you are always on the look out to better your skills in getting that great cuppa -grinding is essential. Truth is , though 4 types of coffee grinders are featured, you would probably choose between the burr or the blade.