For the freshest and best tasting coffee, you should grind it right before brewing. This will give you a rich strong flavor. Also, it is very important to grind the coffee in the right form for the brewing you will do. Grinding too fine or coarse for certain brewing methods will not work.

Generally, the shorter the brewing cycle, the finer the grind required to produce optimal flavor extraction. The longer the brewing cycle, the coarser the grind required. Fine grinds expose more of the coffee's surface area to the water and the coffee's essential oils are released faster. Longer brewing methods require a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction. For example, espresso brewers can produce a cup of espresso in just 20 seconds, so they need a very fine grind. A grind that is mismatched to the brewing method can produce a bitter, overly strong coffee, or one that is weak and lacking in flavor.

Brew Method	Grind Setting
Espresso	Fine
Moka Pot	Medium / Fine
Drip Brew	Medium
Permanent Filter / Vacuum	Medium/Coarse
French Press	Coarse

 

 

Blade Grinders

Blade grinders actually just blend your coffee beans. They are cheap, easy and quick to use, and readily available. However, blade grinders are very inconsistent; you may end up with chunks of beans and powder. Also, the blades add the element of friction and heat. This makes the coffee lose its essence and aroma, and taste burned.

When using blade grinders, press the button at quick intervals of 2-5 seconds. This prevents the beans from heating up. Also, holding the machine firmly with both hands, shake the grinder up and down while you grind for better consistency. A course grind requires 7-10 sec of grinding. A fine grind requires 15-20 sec.

 

Burr Grinders

Unlike blade grinders, which chop the coffee beans into uneven pieces, burr grinders use two abrasive surfaces, called burrs, to crush the beans into precise and uniform particles. This process allows for better extraction of the coffee's oils and flavors, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful cup.

Using a burr grinder for your coffee can greatly enhance the quality and flavor of your brew. The consistent grind size, adjustability, and control offered by burr grinders allow for optimal extraction of the coffee's flavors, resulting in a more enjoyable cup of coffee. So, if you're serious about your coffee, investing in a burr grinder is definitely worth considering.