Freshly ground coffee is the cornerstone of a delicious cup. It unlocks the full flavour potential of your beans, creating a rich and aromatic experience that pre-ground coffee simply can't match. But with so many coffee grinders on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow coffee enthusiast! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and help you understand how to choose a coffee grinder, ensuring you get the most out of every cup.
Let’s get brewing!
Why do I need a coffee grinder?
Without a coffee grinder you will have to buy pre-ground coffee in order to make a brew. Pre-ground coffee that has been sealed correctly will be tolerable when first opened but the quality, aromas and taste diminish very quickly once exposed to air. Take a look at our article on why freshly ground coffee is important for an explanation on why grinding just before you make your coffee is a must.
Home baristas and professionals alike will tell you that a good quality coffee grinder is the most important piece of equipment on a brew bar.
What makes a good coffee grinder?
Knowing that a coffee grinder is essential if you want barista quality brews, what should you be looking for in a coffee grinder?
Grind size
Being able to accurately control grind size is crucial. It's essential for being able to consistently brew your tasty coffee. If the grind size is inconsistent you won't be able to repeat or refine your drink.
Minimal coffee retention
Imagine a stale aftertaste tainting your perfectly brewed coffee. Yuck! Retention is when ground coffee gets trapped inside the grinder. It will mix with the next batch of coffee beans being ground and taint that drink. This is particularly bad in a home environment where those trapped grounds may be left overnight. Look for grinders with virtually zero retention, ensuring the freshest possible grind every time.
Simple to use and to live with
Your morning coffee ritual should be a joy, not a chore. Making coffee is complicated enough - choose a grinder that makes it easier. Ideally, it should involve just a few steps: weigh your beans, pour them in, and grind.
Look for features like stepless grind adjustment for precise control, and a design that minimises mess and makes cleaning a breeze.
Nobody enjoys a noisy grinder first thing in the morning. Look for a model with quiet operation so you can peacefully grind your beans without waking up the whole house.
How much time do you have in the mornings? If you're short on time, consider a grinder with a fast grinding speed. However, remember that slower grinding can sometimes produce a more consistent grind.
Burr type
The burrs are the grinding mechanism, and their quality significantly impacts your coffee's taste. There are three types of coffee grinders:
- Blades - These aren't burrs and should be avoided. They fracture beans and produce very inconsistent grind sizes, making it impossible to control your coffee.
- Conical burrs - Usually result in a slightly wider distribution of grind sizes, which results in a more blended flavour and thicker mouthfeel. They also benefit from a wide sweet spot when dialling in, which often makes them more suitable for a beginner.
- Flat burrs - These typically create a very small distribution of grind sizes, which results in a clearer cup of coffee with more clarity of specific flavours.
Build Quality
A well-built grinder is an investment that will last for years. Look for models with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. This not only ensures durability but also minimises noise and vibration during operation.
Is a good coffee grinder worth it?
A quality coffee grinder might seem like an extra expense, but as we've seen, it's an unrivalled investment in your daily cup.
The missing piece
Many coffee enthusiasts spend good money on high-quality beans, only to be let down by an inconsistent grinder. A good grinder ensures those premium beans are ground uniformly, maximising extraction and unlocking their true flavour potential.
The cost of compromise
So “how much should I spend on a coffee grinder?”, you might be asking yourself. Grinders can cost anything from £10 to beyond £3,000. Those at the lower end might seem like a budget-friendly option. However, their uneven grind size leads to under or over-extraction, resulting in a bitter or weak cup. Plus their cheap build quality means they typically won't last very long. In the long run, you'll end up wasting good coffee beans and more money. It's much better to make a long-term investment that will deliver excellent quality coffee grounds for years to come.
Ultimately it all leads to taste
The most important factor of all? How does it taste? The best domestic grinders allow you to produce barista quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. Find a grinder that produces great tasting coffee and achieves all the important factors described above. Here's where the Niche Coffee grinders truly shine:
- Delicious coffee - Grinders built to unlock the full potential of your coffee beans.
- Simple workflow - "Weigh, pour, flick switch...done!". Our grinders are considered the workflow kings by many home baristas.
- Stepless grind adjustment - Precisely adjust your grind size for any roast or brewing method.
- Zero retention - Both grinders boast virtually zero retention, guaranteeing the freshest possible grind for every cup.
- Usability - They are quiet to operate, easy to clean, and have a light yet sturdy design.
- Single dosing - Minimise waste and the ability to conveniently switch between roasts.
- Aesthetics - Both grinders boast a sleek design with real oak trim that complements any kitchen or brew bar.
- Built to last - Our grinders are crafted with premium components and a modular design for easy maintenance and longevity.
A worthwhile investment for your coffee
If we were giving our coffee grinder tips, our number one tip would be to invest in a high quality coffee grinder. Choosing the right coffee grinder is a game-changer for coffee enthusiasts and it’s only when you try a leading coffee grinder that you notice the difference. By prioritising features like minimal retention, a simple workflow, high-quality burrs, and user-friendliness, you'll be well on your way to brewing barista-quality coffee at home. Niche Coffee grinders tick all the boxes and offer a unique combination of user-friendliness, exceptional build quality, and the ability to grind a wide range of coffee beans to perfection. So now you know how to pick a good coffee grinder and get the most from every drop of coffee you consume!