Grinding the coffee beans before brewing them is a vital part of the coffee brewing process. Grinding coffee beans exposes a greater surface area of the beans to come in contact with the brewing water, facilitating the release of soluble materials and the extraction of flavor compounds and aromas. So, how coarse or fine we grind our coffee directly affects the extraction rate when making coffee with any brewing method.
A finer grind results in a faster extraction rate, while a coarser grind leads to a slower extraction rate, so it is crucial that the coffee particles be the same size to have proper extraction and a good-tasting cup of coffee. If coffee grounds are not uniformly sized, the different particle sizes will extract at different rates, leading to a poorly balanced flavor profile.
For example, by the time the water extracts the coarser particles, the finer particles will get over-extracted, giving off harsh and bitter flavors to the brewed coffee. And vice-versa, when the finer particles reach proper extraction, the coarser ones will still be under-extracted, giving our coffee a sour and underdeveloped taste.
Even if using the best quality coffee beans to brew a cup of coffee, we'll not get the best coffee out if we grind them poorly. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the coffee grounds are of a uniform size to achieve a balanced and harmonious extraction.
The importance of grinding the coffee makes the coffee grinder an integral part of the coffee brewing process. A good coffee grinder is essential in a coffee shop or any coffee lover's home setup. There are two types of grinders available today: manual and electric. Manual or handheld grinders are best suited for traveling or grinding small doses of coffee, and electric grinders are the most common for commercial, home, and office use.
Besides operating power, manual or electric, coffee grinders differentiate in how they crush the coffee beans. In that regard, there are two main types of coffee grinders: blade grinders and burr grinders.
Blade Grinders
Blade grinders are simple, affordable devices comprised of a lid-covered grinding chamber where we would load the beans. A pair of blades are located at the bottom of the grinding chamber. The blades are attached to a small motor placed underneath the grinding compartment, and when switched on, the blades start to rotate and grind the beans.
The edges of the blades are pretty dull, but they turn fast, so they grind the beans by smashing them repeatedly until they shatter into tiny particles with a flour-like consistency. If we cut the grinding short, we could get coarser grinds. However, they will be inconsistent grounds of coffee, with a considerable amount of the beans still being coarse and a smaller percentage already powder-like.
With blade grinders, achieving consistency other than extra-fine grounds is difficult. Despite these limitations, blade grinders are a popular choice among coffee drinkers due to their affordability and ability to ground coffee extra fine.
- Powerful and super quiet, this grinder can grind coffee beans for 12 cups in just 15 seconds with minimal noise.
- The patent-pending Vortex Spin Technology carries ingredients directly into the blades, ensuring quick and efficient grinding every time.
- It's a 3-in-1 grinder for coffee, spices, and dry herbs, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
- The removable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel grinder container can hold ground coffee for up to 12 cups of filter coffee. The removable bowl has a unique lid for the neat storage of freshly ground coffee, dry herbs, or spices.
One specific application of blade grinders is in preparing Turkish coffee, where finely ground coffee is preferred. In a cup of Turkish coffee, finely ground coffee particles settle easily to the bottom of the cup, resulting in a more delicious brew. In addition to their use for grinding coffee, blade grinders can also be practical and versatile kitchen tools. As such, blade grinders can be an alternative to a traditional mortar and pestle for crushing and blending spices.
Burr Grinders
Burr grinders are a type of coffee grinding device that employ two serrated plates placed in close proximity to one another. One plate is located above the other, with a small gap separating them. The two plates, each with a serrated surface facing the other, are designed to work together to grind coffee beans into a uniform consistency.
The burr grinder is considered a more sophisticated coffee grinding device than blade grinders due to its ability to produce a consistent grind with a minimal percentage of the inconsistency of grounded coffee particles.
Stepped and Step-less Burr Grinders
The design of a burr grinder is focused on providing a consistent grind and allowing for greater precision and control in adjusting the grind size to suit different coffee brewing methods. There are two techniques for adjusting the distance between the burrs.
First is the stepped design involves turning a dial with predetermined mechanical setpoints or steps. This design provides a convenient and straightforward method for adjusting the burr separation but with limited options for fine-tuning the grind size.
Second, there is the step-less design, which allows the burrs to be placed at virtually any proximity of each other, thus providing a greater range of adjustments. This design offers an infinite range of options for grind size and particle uniformity, providing greater control over the final grind. The step-less design allows for more versatile and personalized adjustments, making it ideal for those who want to perfect their brewing process, especially when brewing espresso.
The Different Types of Burrs
Burr coffee grinders come with varying designs of the serrated (cutting) side of the burrs, significantly impacting the grinding performance and quality of the final product. But the two most common shapes of burrs that are typically found in modern burr grinders are flat and conical and can be made of a particular steel alloy or ceramic.
Some more inexpensive grinders are fitted with plastic burrs, but the quality and longevity of those burrs are not comparable to metal and ceramic burrs.
Flat and Conical Burrs
Flat burrs consist of two ring-like plates that sit parallel and work together to grind the coffee beans. The design of flat burrs allows for a higher degree of consistency in the size of the coffee particles, which results in a uniform extraction rate and a consistent flavor in the final cup of coffee. However, flat burrs can generate more noise during the grinding process and also may heat up when grinding larger doses of coffee.
On the other hand, conical burrs consist of one cone-shaped burr that is surrounded by another opposing burr. This design offers more surface area in contact with the coffee beans and is less prone to overheating, making it a preferred option for grinding larger doses of coffee. However, conical burrs may not produce the same level of consistency in particle size as flat burrs, which may result in potential variations in the flavor profile of the final cup of coffee.
Flat and Conical Burrs
Mazzer Major Espresso Grinder OEM Replacement Burrs - 151A
- Mazzer 151A or 251A
- Outside diameter 83 mm
- Inside diameter 49 mm
- Thickness 9.6 mm
- Rotates Right
Mazzer Burrs OEM - 191C, 63mm Conical
Stainless Steel conical burr set that fits the following grinders:
- Mazzer Kony
- La Marzocco Vulcano
- Niche Zero
Ultimately, the choice of burr design in a burr coffee grinder will depend on the individual's preferences and requirements. Both flat and conical burrs make excellent coffee grinders capable of producing a uniformly grounded coffee particle for a high-quality cup of coffee.
Steel and Ceramic Burrs
The material from which the burrs are made plays an essential role in the functioning of modern burr coffee grinders. The best burrs installed in today's grinders are either made from steel alloy or ceramic.
Although steel burrs tend to produce a more uniform particle size due to their precise cutting abilities, they are relatively more expensive due to the higher cost of production. Additionally, steel burrs tend to retain the heat generated during the grinding process, which can significantly heat up if large quantities of coffee are ground.
On the other hand, ceramic burrs are known for their exceptional strength and do not have any difficulties grinding coffee beans, and they are not as thermally conductive as steel, so they don't heat up as much. However, they are more brittle than steel burrs and may be prone to chipping if a foreign object, such as a stone, enters the grinding chamber with the coffee beans. Despite these differences, steel and ceramic serve as valuable materials for burr manufacturing.
Manual Burr grinders
Manual burr grinders, for many coffee lovers, are the start of their coffee grinding journey. Entry-level hand grinders are affordable devices that are great for traveling and everyday home use for grinding small doses of coffee for one or two people.
Coffee enthusiasts strongly appreciate manual burr grinders due to their versatility and affordability. These hand-cranked devices have the ability to grind small quantities of coffee beans with a remarkable level of precision and control. The grinding mechanism of a manual burr grinder comprises two burrs, which are typically conical in shape and function to crush and grind the coffee beans to a uniform size. The grind size can be adjusted to match the desired brewing method, producing a precisely extracted cup of coffee. And mid-range and premium devices can deliver coffee grounds suited for any preferred brew method.
It is worth noting that some more budget-friendly manual burr grinders, which usually employ a stepped adjusting mechanism, can produce fine enough coffee grinds for brewing espresso. Still, their grinds are only fine enough for brewing espresso in a pressurized basket. They can not perfect the grind size for brewing espresso in a standard non-pressurized basket. Despite this limitation, these entry-level manual grinders are designed to allow users to enjoy freshly ground coffee every time they brew coffee.
Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill
This Japanese-designed grinder is small and lightweight, making it the perfect travel accessory for any coffee lover.
- Slim and compact design that makes it perfect for home and travel use.
- The ceramic burrs are easily adjustable, providing a consistent fresh coffee grind.
- Upgraded from the original Mini-Slim with a newly designed ergonomic handle and shaft coupling for better traction.
- Ceramic conical burrs ensure a precise and uniform grind and transfer less heat to the coffee beans.
- Ergonomically designed crank handle detaches for compact storage and easy travel.
- It has a capacity of 24g of coffee and dimensions of W150×D72×H220mm.
For those seeking to achieve optimal extraction when brewing espresso, it is crucial to have the ability to fine-tune the grinder and produce consistent coffee grounds. Many manufacturers offer high-quality manual burr grinders that provide the same level of precision and control that match quality electric grinders, making them a favored choice among coffee enthusiasts and travelers alike.
High-quality Mid-range Hand Grinders
Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2
The Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 is a portable and travel-ready device that features:
- A stable grinding mechanism for extra consistency, thanks to a stainless steel frame and centralized steel shaft and ball bearings.
- Professional-grade titanium burrs
- Stepped adjustment of 24 clicks per rotation and a fine 0.5mm thread pitch
- Capable of grinding fine, from espresso grind to coarse French Press grind.
- Portable and travel-ready, with a compact design and handy EVA carrying case.
1Zpresso J Manual Coffee Grinder Silver
The 1Zpresso J is a mid-range hand coffee grinder characterized by portability, durability, and consistency.
- Foldable handle: Solid and foldable crank handle that is portable and space-saving.
- Best sale grinder: A durable 48mm conical burr set increases grinding efficiency.
- Internal adjustment: With 30 clicks, each rotation lets you find the right grind setting.
- Easy to clean: Dismantle the inner pieces without special tools for cleaning.
- Product guarantees: The burrs were calibrated and fixed in place by the 1Zpresso team, ensuring no wobbly parts or burrs that came loose as time went on. The estimated grind is approximately 100-200KG by general use. You will get 100% customer support and a one-year limited warranty.
TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 PRO
The newly released TIMEMORE CHESTNUT C3 PRO has better-cutting performance.
- Upgraded version of C2/C3 with new S2C steel burrs for better cutting performance
- Foldable handle with a patented spring-assisted design for easy storage and prevention of tipping over
- Stepless grinding adjustment suitable for espresso to pour over and French press.
- Integrated aluminum alloy body for durability, stainless steel crank handle, driveshaft, and conical burrs
- It has a compact, lightweight design with a decent capacity of 20 grams for easy handling and carrying.
Unlike electric grinders, manual burr grinders are portable and do not require a power source to operate. That makes them a highly suitable option for those grinding smaller coffee doses and those frequently on the go or traveling. In addition, manual burr grinders are known for their durability, as they have few moving parts susceptible to wear and tear, resulting in a longer lifespan for the device.
From a maintenance perspective, manual burr grinders are relatively simple to clean and maintain, as they can be easily disassembled and cleaned, often with the aid of a small brush.
Premium Hand Grinders
Comandante C40 MK4
The Comandante C40 MK4 is a high-quality hand coffee grinder that sets new standards among premium hand mills for coffee.
- Made entirely of stainless steel using a patented process.
- Delivers precise and homogeneous grinding results with almost no "fines" through all grinding levels.
- Extremely sharp, individually sharpened Z-cutting edges after hardening.
- Encapsulated double-bearing stainless steel ball bearings
- Newly developed grinding mechanism geometry
- Removable oak handle and fixed to the crank with a push lock
- All plastic parts are made from Eastman Tritan copolyester.
- Easy grinding level setting and subsequent grinding are almost without resistance.
- A premium hand grinder that is worth the price.
TIMEMORE Chestnut X
The TIMEMORE Chestnut X is a premium hand coffee grinder with several impressive features.
- It has an adjustable grinder selector that allows for precise control over the coarseness of the coffee beans.
- It is very convenient to carry as it has a detachable hand crank mechanism and requires no batteries or electricity making it an ideal choice for travel or camping.
- Easy to clean as the handle and lid are easy to disassemble, and all parts of the manual coffee grinder are washable.
- Durable stainless steel burr set that does not add heat when grinding and does not damage the original taste of coffee beans.
Kinu M47 Simplicity
The Kinu M47 Simplicity is a premium hand coffee grinder that boasts high-end features to enhance your coffee experience.
- High-end, single-dose stainless steel manual coffee grinder.
- Thumb stopper for easy handling.
- The unique Morse cone principle completes metal construction, resulting in the auto-centering of the burrs.
- Micrometrical, step-less reproducible, and easy grinding adjustment with up to 50 divisions per revolution.
- 47mm professional-grade conical burrs for fast grinding, Black-Fusion treated.
1Zpresso K-Ultra
1Zpresso K-Ultra is a fantastic hand coffee grinder with impressive features.
- Specialized "K Burr": The heptagonal conical burr is ideal for various brewing methods.
- External adjustment ring: With over 100 clicks and 20 microns per click on the numerical dial.
- Foldable handle: The solid and foldable crank handle is portable and space-saving.
- Quick-release magnets catch cup: The catch cup is much easier to remove by twisting.
- Product guarantees: The burr is calibrated and fixed in place by the 1Zpresso team, ensuring no wobbly parts or burrs that come loose as time goes on. The grinder is estimated to grind approximately 100-200KG by general use. It also includes a one-year limited warranty; you will get 100% customer support.
Electric Burr Grinders
An electric burr grinder is a coffee grinding device fitted with a set of burrs that are driven by an electric motor to crush and consistently grind coffee beans to a desired coarseness or fineness.
Today, electric burr grinders are ubiquitous in coffee shops and home brewing setups and are considered essential for achieving the perfect cup of coffee regardless of the brewing method. Electric burr grinders have a long history from the early 1900s. Over time, electric grinders have continued to evolve in tandem with advancements in coffee brewing machines, especially with the advent and growing popularity of home espresso machines.
Electric burr grinders are highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts for their convenience, user-friendliness, and long-lasting durability.
Modern electric burr grinders come in various options, from basic entry-level models with essential features and decent performance to mid-range grinders with enhanced performance, higher build quality, and superior material. The modern coffee grinding technology that uses burrs reaches its pinnacle with high-end grinders that offer exceptional performance, the finest materials, unparalleled craftsmanship, ease of use, and maintenance.
Entry-level Electric Burr Grinders
At the entry-level, electric burr grinders present a cost-efficient solution for those just starting to grind coffee for home brewing. These grinders have essential features, including conical ceramic burrs driven by a relatively small motor.
To keep these grinders affordable, manufacturers often incorporate less powerful motors operating at higher RPMs as a compensatory measure, making them slightly louder devices. Despite this, entry-level grinders can produce consistent grind sizes for various brewing methods, including espresso. Below are the three great entry-level options that can grind fine enough for espresso.
Entry-level Burr Grinders Gallery
Fellow Opus
The Fellow Opus electric burr grinder is an excellent entry-level option.
- 41+ easily adjustable settings with expanded range and granularity using the inner ring.
- 6-blade 40mm conical burr set and powerful motor with 6Nm torque.
- The volumetric dosing lid measures beans for up to 12 cups of brewed coffee. Pop the load bin lid for a grinds guide.
- The drop-down design from the load bin to catch reduces grind retention, while the anti-static technology and spouted catch keep your countertop spotless.
Baratza Encore ESP
The Baratza Encore ESP features:
- The innovative adjustment mechanism on this grinder features 20 micro-steps for high-precision espresso grinding and 20 macro-steps suitable for filter brewing methods. With all 40 settings, you can dial in the perfect grind for any brew method.
- Easy to use with a single-handed hopper twist for grind size adjustment, a front-mounted pulse button, and an ON/OFF switch.
- The Burr mounting/unmounting system has been redesigned to allow quick removal without taking the grinder apart.
- 40mm hardened alloy steel burr set manufactured in Liechtenstein, Europe, and a powerful DC motor.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a great entry-level electric burr grinder that offers a wide range of grind settings and precise control over grind time.
- Stainless steel conical burrs are designed to minimize grinding heat.
- Range of 60 precise grind settings from the finest espresso to the coarsest French Press grind.
- A precision electronic timer allows users to adjust grind time in 0.2-second increments for a consistent dose every time.
- 18oz (500g) hopper capacity with a locking system for easy removal, storage, and transfer of the coffee beans.
- Grind directly into a portafilter, grinds container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter.
- 2 portafilter cradles; Smaller for 50-54 millimeters and Larger for 58 millimeters.
One of the key features of these grinders is that they are almost all exclusively stepped grinders with a large hopper for coffee storage, which also, in some models, they serve as the dial for setting the grind size.
While they may not have all the advanced features of mid-range models, entry-level electric burr grinders are an excellent starting point for improving our home coffee brewing. They produce great results for brewing methods such as espresso, pour-over, filter coffee, and AeroPress.
Despite being slightly noisier than other grinders, these entry-level models are still a cost-effective and efficient solution for home coffee brewing. Deciding to buy a grinder and switching from pre-ground supermarket coffee to grinding our beans at home will dramatically improve the quality of the coffee that we enjoy every day.
Mid-range Electric Burr Grinders
For all of us who take our espresso seriously, a dedicated espresso electric burr grinder is an essential piece of equipment. The advent of espresso and espresso-based coffee drinks has made espresso-dedicated coffee grinders an indispensable tool for coffee shops and home setups. These grinders are characterized by a more powerful motor that drives high-quality steel or ceramic burrs, capable of grinding the coffee beans with the fineness and consistency required for espresso.
Historically, traditional espresso grinders were designed with a sizable hopper and a timer feature. However, consumer preferences have shifted recently. Filling the hopper with a significant amount of coffee beans and allowing them to sit for an extended period has become less desirable.
As a result, modern espresso grinders are now being constructed with a focus on single-dose grinding or grind-to-order functionality. For those grinders that already include a bean hopper, manufacturers are offering an alternative in the form of a single-dose chamber catering to the changing demands of consumers. These advancements in design allow for greater control over the freshness and quality of the coffee, delivering a superior experience for the discerning coffee lover.
Mid-range coffee grinders are increasingly more versatile and can produce consistent grinds suitable for various brewing methods, from extra fine for espresso to coarse for French press.
In order to accommodate the fine-tuning of grinds necessary for espresso, espresso-dedicated grinders typically feature step-less grind adjustments. That allows for precise adjustments to be made to the grinds of a specific roast or blend of coffee, ensuring proper extraction and optimal flavor.
Mid-range Coffee Grinders Gallery
MiiCoffee DF83 Single Dose Coffee Grinder
MiiCoffee DF83 is a mid-range electric burr grinder that provides precision grind quality.
- 83mm FLAT BURRS: ItalMill 83mm stainless steel flat burrs. Upgradable to SSP 83mm burrs.
- Choose between a Large-size hopper or Bellow for single-dose purposes.
- It uses a wave spring washer to hold the top burr carrier in place, ensuring proper alignment.
- Stepless adjustment with a large dial with a setting from fine to coarse.
- A 58mm metal dosing cup made of food-safe materials is included and recommended for use, especially if your portafilter isn't 58mm.
- Features a blow-out funnel with a lid to empty the dead space, ensuring zero retention with less than 0.2g.
Eureka Mignon Specialita
The Eureka Mignon Specialita is a mid-level electric burr grinder designed for coffee enthusiasts looking for a reliable, quiet grinder.
- 55mm Stepless Burrs: With the biggest burrs available on a Mignon, these hardened steel flat burrs make short work of coffee beans.
- Touchscreen Controls: Adjust your grind time for single, double, and continuous modes with a backlit resistive touchscreen.
- Silenced Grind: A sound-insulated case helps keep the Specialita quieter than most.
- Bottom Burr Adjust: Adjust the grind from below the motor mount, preserving your grind setting between disassemblies.
- New Chute: A wider chute design with Eureka's anti-clumping system makes for fluffier grounds.
- Handbuilt in Florence, Italy.
Baratza Forte AP
The Baratza Forte AP is a mid-level electric burr grinder that boasts accurate and repeatable grinding for espresso and all brewing styles.
- Grind by Weight/Time: The built-in digital scale allows for accurate weight-based dosing, or use the digital timer for time-based dosing.
- High-Performance Grinding/All Purpose/260 Grind Settings: The 54mm professional ceramic flat burrs provide high throughput and maintain sharpness.
- Small Footprint/Stylish: The polished metal body gives this grinder a bold image that makes a statement on your coffee bar while taking up very little space.
- Warranty/Quality Parts: The grinder is engineered with 54mm professional ceramic flat burrs by Mahlkonig in Germany, plus a powerful DC motor. The Forte AP is backed by Baratza's world-class support and a 1-year warranty.
Mid-range espresso grinders of today come equipped with either flat or conical burr sets, and their grinding chambers have undergone significant modifications. The aim is to reduce the retention of coffee remnants from previous grinding sessions.
Most grinders come equipped with rubber air blowers or bellows that can purge the grinding chamber with air after every use. This particular feature helps to maintain the freshness and quality of each grind, guaranteeing that every cup of coffee is as flavorful as the last.
Moreover, with the rise of single-dose grinding, users can easily switch between different coffee blends and grind levels. With a single-dose grinder, the user can adjust the dose size and the ground level based on their preference, making it ideal for those who love experimenting with different blends or those who appreciate a freshly brewed cup of coffee every time. This innovative feature adds to the flexibility and convenience of modern mid-range espresso grinders, catering to the diverse preferences of coffee enthusiasts.
High-end Electric Grinders
When it comes to high-end coffee grinders, coffee enthusiasts are willing to invest significant amounts of money in high-end coffee grinders for several reasons. The primary and most important reason is that the quality of the grind plays a critical role in the final taste of the coffee. With its precise grinding mechanism and accurate grind size, a high-end coffee grinder can produce a consistent grind that ensures an optimal extraction, resulting in a superior taste every time we use it.
Next, the build quality and materials of a high-end coffee grinder are generally of a higher standard, making the device more durable and able to withstand all kinds of use. That, in turn, translates into a longer lifespan for the grinder, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Also, high-end coffee grinders are often equipped with advanced features such as programmable settings on the speed of the motor during grinding. This ability to fine-tune the grind size and consistency enables coffee enthusiasts to experiment and optimize the grinds to suit their preferences.
Eureka Atom 75
The Eureka Atom 75 is a high-end electric burr grinder that delivers near-silent operation with sound-insulating gaskets and motor mounts.
- 75mm Flat Burrs - The Atom 75 boasts the same burrs as the Eureka Olympus and Mythos grinders, offering best-in-class grind times for consistent, high-quality espresso.
- Timed Dosing - With the ability to program single- and double-shot doses, or grind manually right into your portafilter, the Atom 75 offers precision and convenience.
- Stepless Grind Adjust - The step-less grind adjust feature offers nearly infinite grind settings, making finding the just-right consistency for your espresso easier.
- Bottom-burr Adjust - Eureka's unique choice to adjust at the bottom burr means you can disassemble your grinder for cleaning without losing your grind setting, ensuring consistent results every time.
And finally, for coffee enthusiasts, the investment in a high-end coffee grinder is not just about purchasing a tool for grinding coffee but also about enhancing their overall coffee-making experience, from the quality of the grind to the satisfaction of using a well-made piece of equipment. The aesthetic appeal of high-end coffee grinders is a contributing factor for many coffee lovers. The design, the quality of the materials, and the attention to detail in these grinders reflect the owner's passion for coffee and appreciation for high-quality equipment.