Which coffee grinder to choose?

Since you are reading this article, your awareness of coffee drinking has probably increased. The ground coffee you used to buy no longer meets your expectations and you are considering buying the right grinder. Manual or perhaps automatic? Bean or knife grinder? Does price matter? Is the material of the grinds important?

It is likely that the questions quoted are now occupying your mind. No wonder! The market is saturated with all kinds of models. The search for the desired grinder is like a journey without a map. To meet your needs, like a guide, we will lead you to your destination. Here are some of our tips that may prove practical when choosing a mill.

Firstly - A grinder, not a knife mill:

Why? Unlike roasters, the blades cut the coffee beans unevenly. In addition, the temperature of the coffee increases, which accelerates the release of carbon dioxide and the aromatic volatile compounds are degraded.

Secondly - Adjustment and repeatability of the degree of grinding:

Just like coffee itself, a good grinder is not enough to brew a brew that is complete in flavour and aroma. Therefore, when choosing a grinder, it is important to consider the possibility of simply adjusting the grind level. This is due to the fact that for each brewing method, the appropriate degree of grinding of the beans must be selected. The coarseness of the ground coffee particles has a major impact on the extraction time of the coffee (dissolution of the aromatic and flavour substances).

Thirdly - Steel querns:

It turns out that the material from which the querns are made makes a huge difference.

Steel querns are more precise than ceramic ones and, above all, have a longer service life. Consequently, they do not generate high operating costs.

It is worth knowing that both flat and conical grinders are found in automatic grinders. The difference in their operation is that conical grinders are more common in home grinders and usually grind coffee faster. Of course, this also depends on their size. Conical grinders are also able to grind a larger amount of coffee in a shorter amount of time, without the risk of clogging the grinding chamber.

In summary : It is best to choose mills with an adjustable grinding level, steel grinds.

And one last question - manual or automatic?

This already depends on three important issues:

1. Which brewing method do you want to use the grinder for. Under espresso, pour-over methods, french press or cafetiere? Or do you need a universal grinder?
2. Do you want to use the mill only at home? Or take it with you to work or on a trip? And is there a risk that you won't have access to electricity in these places?
3. What is your budget?

As you can see, the matter is not so simple. That's why we invite you to get in touch! Our objective baristas will be happy to help you choose the right grinder, taking into account your personal preferences.

Wojciech Pasko 2nd Vice Champion of Polish Barista 2005