How To Use Coffee Grinder Effectively: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to make your own coffee, instead of going to a cafe, you should buy a coffee grinder. This article sheds light on the step-by-step guide on how to use coffee grinder. Besides, you can have insights into why you should use this machine and what is the best coffee grinder for home use. Scroll down this Japan With Love article for details! 

1. How to use coffee grinder machine: A step-by-step guide

The step-by-step guideline below will shed light on how you can use the grinder machine for the desired coffee taste. 

1.1. Step 1: Adding coffee to your grinder 

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First is to put coffee beans on your grinder. Based on the grinder type, you will have different methods. 

Blade grinders’ sizes are designed for a standard pot of coffee so that they can grind all the beans you add at once. Meanwhile, burr grinders have a larger hopper that can hold a lot of beans. So, it allows you to grind only the coffee you will use right away.

1.2. Step 2: Selecting the grind size 

Select the grind size you wish for your coffee brewing

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Burr grinders let you choose exactly how coarse or fine you want your coffee grounds, from super chunky to super fine. In the meantime, blade grinders do not have fancy settings, yet you can still adjust the grind size a bit by pulsing the grinder for shorter or longer bursts. 

1.3. Step 3: Choosing the coffee dose

Depending on how advanced the machine is, it can allow you to choose coffee doses

Burr grinders often have features allowing you to choose exactly how much coffee you want to grind, from a single cup to a whole pot.

Blade grinders offer a simpler process when they can grind whatever you put in. Yet, it might take some practice to find the perfect amount of beans for your coffee maker. 

1.4. Step 4: Grinding the beans

It’s time to grind coffee beans

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It is very simple to use burr grinders as you only need to press a button,  then they handle the rest. 

When using blade grinders, you have to hold down the button and control the grind time. To get more even ground, you should try pulsing the grinder in short bursts. 

The note here is to stop and shake the blade grinder in between pulses to distribute the beans for a more consistent grind.

1.5. Step 5: Storing your ground coffee 

You should store your ground coffee in an airtight container

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If you have more ground coffee than you need, you should store it properly. The recommendation is to use an airtight container, such as canisters made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. Then, you should store your coffee in a cool, dark pantry cupboard or cabinet. Remember to avoid areas with fluctuating temperatures or direct sunlight.

2. Why should you use a coffee grinder? 

If you are a coffee enthusiast, you should consider buying a coffee grinder

If you are into making and enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, you should consider buying a coffee grinder. Here are the benefits it can bring to your coffee flavors and texture. 

• Freshness: Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor quickly as the oils that carry the aroma and taste evaporate upon exposure to air. That’s why grinding your own beans right before brewing ensures you get the full flavor potential.
• Grind control: Grinders allow you to control the size of the grounds, as different brewing methods require different grind sizes. Meanwhile, pre-ground coffee is often a one-size-fits-all option. Thus, it leads to uneven extraction and an unbalanced cup.
• Flavor optimization: A good grinder creates a consistent grind size, which indicates that even hot water extraction maximizes flavor and minimizes bitterness.

3. How do coffee grinders work?

There are two main types of coffee grinders, including blade and burr grinders. Although they help you reach the same goal – breaking down coffee beans into smaller pieces, they have different working systems.  This section illuminates how a coffee grinder works in each type. 

3.1. Blade grinder

Blade grinders are prone to creating uneven grounds with a mix of coarse and fine particles. This can lead to uneven extraction and a bitter cup of coffee. 

The reason is its spinning metal blade at the bottom of the container. It whirls around and chops the coffee beans into various sizes. So, if you want finer grounds, you should extend the grinding time. Yet, you can’t expect consistent sizes of ground coffee beans afterward. 

Yet, it is a simpler and typically cheaper option compared to the burr grinder. 

3.2. Burr grinder

Burr grinders generally produce more uniform grinds, which creates a more balanced and flavorful coffee extraction. That’s why it is a preference for coffee enthusiasts. 

Conical and flat burr are two subtypes of burr grinders. Both use two abrasive surfaces (the burrs) to crush the coffee beans between them. 

The distance between the burrs determines the grind size. So, if you adjust the distance, you can have precise control over how coarse or fine the grounds are.  

4. How to choose the right coffee grinder machine

Three essential factors in choosing the right coffee grinder are your brewing preferences, budget, and desired level of control. We will briefly guide you through each factor along with practical tips in this section. 

4.1. Grind size and consistency

Do you care about the grind size and consistency? 

First, you should consider your preferred brewing methods as it impacts grind sizes. For example, French Press needs a coarse grind, while espresso demands a very fine grind.

Besides, you should ignore grind consistency which affects the bitterness level of your coffee. If you are into the finest of ground coffee, you should opt for burr grinders. Otherwise, a blade grinder is still a good choice. 

4.2. Grinder types

You can narrow down the choices based on your preference. Here are the breakdowns of the pros and cons of every common coffee grinder type. 

Every coffee grinder type has advantages and disadvantages.

• Blade grinders are a fast and budget-friendly option, yet they offer limited grind size control and produce inconsistent grounds. Coffee brewed with blade grinders usually has potential bitterness. That’s why these machines are good for occasional coffee drinkers or those using a single brewing method with a forgiving grind size. 
• Burr grinders are more expensive but offer superior control over grind size and consistency. Conical burr is a sub-type that is known for its quiet operation and consistent grind. Flat burr, another burr grinder type, is a favorite of espresso enthusiasts because of its ability to produce very fine, uniform grinds. 

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5. Conclusion 

Different types of grinders have different uses; hence, you should know how to use coffee grinder to have the ground coffee you expect. Besides, we hope the walkthrough above can illuminate the benefits of using the machine and the tips for choosing the right one. 

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