Coffee Makers With a Built-In Coffee Machine Grinder

Every devoted java fan knows that making the perfect cup requires several steps. The incentive to tackle them during a bleary-eyed morning is often low. Coffee makers that have a built-in grinder make it easier to understand the process, eliminating the need to measure and grinding beans in advance.

How to Grind Coffee

If you're trying to make the best tasting coffee, you must grind your beans prior to brewing. Grinding your coffee beans can increase the surface area as well as alters the particle size which makes it easier for the water to mix with the coffee and extract its flavor. The amount of time you have between grinding and brewing also impacts the quality of your coffee. If you grind beans ahead of time, they will start to oxidize, destroying flavor.

The type of grinder you use will also influence how coffee is processed. The two primary kinds of grinders are burr grinders and blade grinders. Burr grinders are comprised of an array of rotating burrs that crush beans into tiny, consistent particles. They tend to be quieter and more consistent than blade grinders.

Blade grinders, made up of propeller-like blades which cut the beans into smaller chunks are available. They're typically louder and less consistent than burr grinders, however they can be an affordable alternative.

Once you've chosen the right grinder, it's important to only grind the amount of coffee you'll need to make your brew at that time. Some grinders come with hoppers that have different capacities, which can affect how many cups or shots you can grind at once. Additionally, different grinder models may require a different amount of effort to alter the size of the grind.

If you have a burr grinder, you can adjust particle size by turning the collar at the top of the grinder. This will cause the burrs to move closer or farther apart. You can also experiment with the settings until you find the one that is suitable for your brewing method.

Depending on your brew method it's likely that you'll have to try several different grind sizes before settling on one that you like. Experts and coffee makers may have recommendations but ultimately it's up to you to find the right blend for your taste. For instance, you may have read that a French press works best with coarsely ground coffee, or that espresso requires a fine grind. However, those recommendations aren't always true. Different types of brewers require different amounts heat and water to extract the flavors they create.

Burr Grinders

A burr grinder is comprised of two interlocking pieces--one stationary, one rotating--featuring sharp surfaces that crush the beans as they pass through. This gives you precise control over the size of your grounds, a crucial factor for many brewing methods. It also produces less heat than blade grinders, and preserves the taste of your coffee.

Generally speaking there are two kinds of burr grinders: conical and flat. Conical burrs have two cone-shaped rings with serrated edges which grind against each other making a fine or medium grind. Most home grinders have them. Flat burr grinders have two identical rings that are serrated and grind against each other, producing a medium-to-fine grind. These can be found on some of the larger commercial grinding machines.

The geometry of the two kinds of burr mills is different, and this impacts the size distribution of the grinds. They also operate at varying speeds, which could affect the flavor of your espresso. A good burr grinder is designed to spin at a lower RPM, meaning it generates less static and heat. A grinder that is less durable will spin at a higher rate. This could cause the burrs to become stuck and leave behind a residue which can affect future batches.

Both types of burr grinders can be made of ceramic, metal or a combination of both. Metal burrs are generally stronger and less susceptible to damage. Ceramic is more fragile and may break and chip when they come into contact with small rocks or other particles.

Most people prefer grinders with burrs because it provides a consistent, uniform grinding. However, achieving that perfect consistency may take some time and may require adjustments to the settings while the grinder is running. After each use, wash the grinder to remove any leftover beans or overly roasted ones that might have been stuck between the burrs.

The temperature of the water used to brew your coffee could also influence the granules. If the water is too hot, it can affect the granules, causing them to be burned and alter their taste. The ideal temperature for brewing is about 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Blade Grinders

These grinders utilize an axis that rotates to chop beans. They look like mini electric coffee grinder blenders and are popular because of their lower price and smaller size. They also work well for those who don't intend to drink their coffee black and would prefer to add sugar or other flavors.

The problem is that blade grinders can't create a uniform grind size. The blades' chopping action chops coffee beans into smaller pieces whereas others are cut into larger pieces, resulting in an uneven mix that could vary in sizes from fine to coarse. The uneven distribution of size can result in over- or under-extraction which can affect the flavor of the cup.

The whirling motion may cause the beans to burn during the grinding process. This alters the flavor of the resulting coffee since the beans that have burned less surface area for hot water to interact with and extract.

Blade grinders can also produce more dust while they're in use. This could be an issue in kitchens that are packed. The dust could cause health problems as it may contain harmful microbes that can cause a contamination of the final coffee. Blade grinders coffee beans can also be difficult to clean because of the sticky residue they leave behind after each use.

Burr grinders, on the other hand, utilize two abrasive surfaces that rotate to grind beans to a uniform size. They accomplish this without the need for adjustable settings, allowing users to select the right grind size based on their brewing method. The consistent grind allows water to flow through the grounds in a uniform manner, resulting in a more uniform extraction of the coffee's flavor profile. Burr grinders are more expensive and can require more maintenance than blade grinders, however. Before making a choice take into consideration your budget and brewing methods as well as the counter space you have available. It may be worth the extra expense to invest in a burr grinder.

Dosing Grinders

Like its name implies a dosing grinder is a kind of coffee grinder designed to grind only the amount of coffee needed to make coffee. This is a preferred type of grinder for home use because it eliminates the need to store manual vs electric coffee grinder grounds between uses and makes sure that the beans are fresh when they are made. This will help to achieve maximum flavor extraction and decrease waste.

The grinder has an integrated chamber that is used to collect the coffee ground and store it until it is ready to be dispensed into your portafilter. It is usually located at the top of the body and consists of a series of six sections that are evenly sized. When the coffee is removed from the grinding burrs, it falls into one the sections. A handle can be pulled which controls the speed at which the sections move. When the sections are rotated the ground coffee is then dispensed into the portafilter.

There are a handful of grinders that can accomplish this successfully. They are generally the best in terms of quality and consistency. (Titan class). However, there are more grinders that are not particularly good for this and could result in uneven results or even overfilling your portafilter. This is why we recommend using a single dosing grinder for espresso if possible as well as for other brewing methods, it is advisable to learn to eyeball the amount of coffee required.

Rancilio Rocky and Gaggia MDF are some of the most popular dosing grinders on the market. They're all great options for espresso lovers who live at home. Ceado also has one single-dosing model called the E37SD. This model has made waves in recent years, and was dubbed the "Niche Zero Killer". The E37SD is a massive 83mm OpalGlide-coated brew burr that produces consistently smooth grinds and has near zero retention. It can be adjusted to any brewing method.