From Blades to Burrs: How to Pick Your Coffee Grinder
The Art of Coffee Grinding
The Quick Scoop
The perfect cup of coffee starts with proper grinding. Blade grinders are affordable but inconsistent, electric burr grinders offer consistency and convenience, while hand burr grinders provide great value and portability. For the ultimate convenience with quality results, let us grind your beans with our professional Mahlkönig EK43. The right grind size makes all the difference in extracting the full flavor potential of your coffee.
There's something about a great cup of coffee that helps start the day off right. But that amazing aroma and flavour depend on the coffee beans, water temperature, brewing method, and grind size. If the coffee beans are not ground correctly, it can result in an under-extracted or over-extracted brew, which will affect the overall taste of the coffee. Given these variables it's crucial to grind the coffee beans properly to get the best cup of coffee.
Finding the Right Grind Size for Your Brewing Method
Different brewing methods require different grind sizes to achieve optimal extraction. Here's a quick guide to help you match your grind size to your brewing method:
Coarse Grind
French press, cold brew
Medium Grind
Drip coffee, pour-over
Fine Grind
Espresso, moka pot
Now let's take a look at some popular ways to grind coffee:
Blade Grinder
Blade grinders are the most common type of coffee grinders, and they're also the most affordable. The blade grinder works by chopping the coffee beans into smaller pieces. Blade grinders are simple to use, but the grind size is inconsistent, which can easily result in over-extracted or under-extracted coffee which will affect the taste. Still, if you don't drink coffee regularly and want to grind your whole bean coffee just before brewing, this can be a good option.
Electric Burr Grinder
Burr grinders are the preferred method of grinding coffee for coffee lovers. Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders have two abrasive surfaces that crush the coffee beans into a consistent grind size. The grind size can be adjusted by changing the distance between the burrs. Electric burr grinders are more expensive than blade grinders, but if you are a regular coffee drinker, they can be worth the investment for a better cup of coffee.
Hand Burr Grinder
Hand burr grinders are great for coffee lovers who want a consistent grind, portability, and don't mind supplying the manual power. They are a great value and let you "earn your coffee" with a 30-second morning ritual that works even when there's no electricity. Some of the best ones offer a wide range of grind size adjustments – from very fine espresso all the way to french press. For these reasons, it's our favourite method.
| Grinder Type | Price Range | Grind Consistency | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Grinder | $20-$40 | Low | High | Occasional coffee drinkers, budget-conscious |
| Electric Burr | $100-$500+ | High | High | Daily coffee drinkers, multiple brewing methods |
| Hand Burr | $30-$250+ | High | Medium | Travel, quiet environments, mindful brewing ritual |
Let Us Grind Your Coffee!
Since you're getting freshly roasted coffee, why not have us grind it for you too? Our recommendation is that if you're using the coffee within 3 to 4 weeks of the roast date, this is probably a better option than using a blade grinder (as mentioned above). We use a Mahlkönig EK43 that provides a highly consistent grind, so you can enjoy your Biodynamic Coffee right away!
- Professional-grade consistency for optimal extraction
- Customized grind size for your preferred brewing method
- Convenient and time-saving
- Great option if you don't have a quality grinder at home
- Perfect for those who want to enjoy their coffee immediately
Finding Your Ideal Grinding Solution
Whether you choose to invest in your own grinder or let us handle the grinding for you, the most important thing is ensuring that your coffee is ground to the appropriate size for your brewing method. This single factor can dramatically impact the extraction process and ultimately determine whether your cup is bitter, sour, or perfectly balanced.
Experience the Difference of Properly Ground Coffee
Ready to enjoy a perfectly extracted cup of coffee? When ordering from us, simply select your preferred brewing method, and we'll grind your beans to the ideal consistency using our professional Mahlkönig EK43 grinder. Or explore our selection of whole bean coffee and experiment with grinding techniques at home.
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