Feb
26
Daily Grind // Thoughts on Coffee Grinders
Posted on February 26, 2013
If you’re currently on a journey of coffee/espresso-making (we might as well say here, self-discovery *snort*), then it won’t take long before you start considering coffee grinders, if you haven’t already. Grinding your own coffee beans is the most important step in brewing a tasty cup of jo, since ground coffee begins losing flavor after only 15 minutes of grinding. Hard to believe, huh? Kind of embarrassing really, but I’ve ignored the incessant pressure in getting a good grinder … until just recently, and finally caved in.
…Lets face it, a coffee grinder just isn’t your first thought when it comes to big purchases for your home-barista setup. But fact of the matter is, a grinder is actually MORE important than the brewer/machine all together. For example, if you pair a $1000 espresso machine with a $30 grinder, your espresso machine is devalued to pretty much junk. But if you put a $100 espresso machine (such as the Mypressi which I’ve talked about in an earlier post) with a $800 grinder, then you have a better setup than some cafes! Seriously *cough, starbucks, cough*.
Why is that, you ask? What makes one grinder better than another? Well, it is simply that not all grinders can handle the work cut out for them. Oh, I should also mention that there are several types of grinders out there, hand grinders, blade grinders… and Burr grinders. The latter being the only way to go. For truly delectable coffee, you need a consistent grind. Burr grinders produce a higher surface area and fuller flavor than any other grinders, and Conical Burr grinders are a step up even from that. (Yes, there are even different types of Burr grinders – Conical Burr grinders have a slower grind speed, and are the MOST preferred types of Burrs).
The grinder I chose for myself is a Baratza Vario with ceramic burrs. Nearly 300 settings, commercial grade, and can grind as fine as Turkish. *swoon* Well, it was actually a very hard decision, as there are so many options out there (and who wouldn’t have THIS as their top choice). But the Vario got great reviews and positive feedback in blind taste-tests against some other $1000+ grinders… and held it’s own. So, I figured it was a pretty safe choice! My verdict? I couldn’t be more pleased.
…In fact, all of the Barazta grinders are great choices for the price. You really don’t know the difference a good grinder makes, until you try it for yourself. My lattes tastes 100% different – stronger, more vibrant. Even the color and crema produced is much more defined. And if you are just a plain ol’ coffee kind of kid, don’t rule out a good grinder because you use a drip pot or french press – you’ll enjoy this or any high-end grinder for even those inexpensive methods of coffee-brewing.
If you are looking to buy a grinder and have questions any at all, feel free to comment and I’ll do my best to answer! I have also rounded up some of my favorite resources on the subject below and throughout this post:
S U N D A Y S
This is such good advice, since working in a pretty prestigious restaurant I have definitely been convinced it is worth getting one, they are a thousand times betterxx
Thanks doll! I definitely agree, haha :)
Love.
Aya
I totally agree with you. Here in Australia, we love our coffee. My partner and I have a coffee machine and a grinder and it is the best!
Starbucks is truly awful and I don’t understand why so many Americans love it ha!
Ohhh Starbucks… I suppose that is a whole separate can of worms…, but I do think that Americans, and this modern generation as a whole, is obsessed with convenience. Starbucks is the McDonalds of the coffee world. Its convenient, fast + incredibly accessible. All of which makes it a good meet-up place too, and I find that even I fall victim to going there when meeting up with clients. But, when it really comes down to it… I think many Americans are also satisfied with Foldgers in a paper cup… so what can you do, haha :^/
Love.
Aya
Really?? I have to pay that much for a good grinder? Now I LOVE my coffee almost as much as my wine but that’s a lot to put out. I don’t like crap coffee-will I really be able to justily the price?
:)
Heehee! Well, “you get what you pay for”, as they say! There really isn’t a GREAT grinder for a great price out there, but there are decent grinders for decent prices. You should consider one of the lower-end Baratza models, if you are grinder-hunting, such as the Encore Coffee Grinder. Otherwise, there are even cheaper models like “Mr Coffee Coffee Grinder” for about $30, but of course, it produces a very inconsistent grind and simply cannot make a coffee as good as from a cafe or anything close. So… it’s really just what YOU want out of your coffee :)
Love,
Aya
Lovely article, hun– you have me convinced of course! I hope to have one of these beauties too one day! :)
Make me a cup soooon… ♥
Thanks :) I’ll check them out.
Loved every word here, probably because I love my coffee.
My husband and I are coffee snobs on some level, but we haven’t dived into the world of grinders just yet.
This made me think, once a year when my husband’s dad visits from Thailand, he always brings us a few bags of excellent European coffee to try. One of our favorite instant (hopefully that word isn’t banished here) coffee is a French brand called Carte Noire. You may have mentioned it in the past, but I’d love to know some of your favored coffee ‘brands’. =)
I agree about the sentiments stated about Starbucks. I only go there because of their convenience, but I KNOW their coffee is bad. Thus, I bring my own instant coffee and just have a snack from them, hehe.
Gasp! Consider yourself a stranger to this place! Haha, I kid I kid ;D Instant coffee is great! Especially for traveling. I do roast and grind my own beans, but I realize that’s just me completely immersing myself in my hobby, but not everyone is going to have such extreme interest. Honestly, it drives my husband nuts!
I am actually still exploring coffee beans… Embarrassing enough, I don’t have a vast knowledge of different beans or a sensitive pallet to distinguish a significant difference as other gurus seem to do. Funny, I actually really like the Casi Cielo Guatemala Whole Bean Coffee that Starbucks carries… it’s nothing like Starbucks. I also like Rwanda Select Reserve, Kroger Brand Privet Selection “French Roast”, and some local roasted beans too. :)
Much love,
Aya