The right grinder to keep your beans fresh can make all the difference in how your coffee tastes. But because there are so many options to choose from, where you shop coffee grinder models and deciding which one is right for you also becomes as important as choosing the beans. But among these myriad options, hand coffee grinders have come back in vogue among people who want more control and a greater hands-on experience when brewing.
Why Fresh Grinding Matters
Coffee develops its full flavour immediately after grinding. As soon as you break down those beans, the aroma and complexity start to dissipate. One push to grind whole beans, transforming your coffee experience from fresh beans to any cup of coffee the recipes you desire.
Getting the Grinder That’s Best for You
When you start looking to buy a coffee grinder, the variety can be very daunting — not only in costs, but also in style. Electric grinders are fast and easy, but manual grinders can be quieter and more precise. Which of these is best depends on your brewing technique, how much room you have and how hands on you want to be.
Why Buy A Hand Coffee Grinder
It’s also hard to find electric coffee grinders that are as small and affordable as manual ones. They’re small, quiet and often have high-quality burrs. They work well for people wanting to ensure consistency, without having to invest in a large or heavy piece of gear.
Hand grinders are also perfect for those who like brewing outside whether its whilst camping, travelling or you just want to play a part in making every coffees start to finish.
Burrs vs. Blades
And of whatever grinder you pick, it’s important to know the difference in grinding mechanisms:
Blade grinders: They’re cheap, but they chop beans in an inconsistent way which can result in erratic flavour.
Burr grinders: More reliable and consistent. There are electric and hand models with burrs, and they’re all typically better for whatever method of brewing you’re using.
For taste aficionados, burr grinders and their even grind profiles are the way to go.
Get Some Grind Size On Your Brew
You should be able to adjust your grind size easily with a good grinder. Various brewing methods work best with various grinds:
- Espresso: Very fine
- AeroPress: Fine to medium
- Pour-over: Medium
- French press: Coarse
- Cold brew: Extra coarse
Hand grinders tend to excel at this because they allow for minute adjustments.
Shopping For Considerations
Here are a few things to consider as you shop coffee grinder choices:
- Build quality and durability
- Ease of adjustment
- Burr material and size
Portability, as in, do you like to travel or brew in the great outdoors
Convenience and time/effort of hand grinding
A Better Cup of Coffee at Home
And whether you opt for an electric model or are among the many fans who believe in hand coffee grinders, the idea is the same: fresher coffee and better taste. A good grinder enables you to get the most out of each bean, bringing a more intensely flavored cup every morning—heck, every pour.
When the right tool is hiding in your kitchen, your morning brew can be something you look forward to — straightforward and fresh, with some personality.
