How To Grind Coffee

When it comes to preparing coffee, there are several different brewing methods. For each brewing method, there are specific grinds of coffee from coarse to a fine powder. Here is an easy-to-follow guide to grinding coffee so you can get to the perfect cup- no matter how you are brewing.

Keep in mind that espresso makers may vary in the amount of pressure they use to extract espresso shots. You can make a very good cup of espresso at home if you experiment to find what works best with your espresso maker. You may need to use a fine grind, as opposed to a very fine grind. Or in my case, I have beans ground for me (Industrial grinders seem to work much better than any home grinder I have tried) although my espresso machine doesn't exert much pressure so I must loosely fill the portafilter with the grinds.

At-Home Grinders

Many people find it hard to shell out big bucks for coffee accessories, myself included.

When it comes to grinding your coffee at home, the one thing I would insist on is DO NOT use a cheap ($10-$15) blade grinder. They beat your coffee beans to pieces and since they require consistent pulsing to grind, they deliver an inconsistent grind and may even start to cook your beans. This will not give you a satisfying cup of coffee.

As an alternative, consider spending just slightly more on a burr grinder (about $30 and up). These will grind your coffee between two serrated metal gears, producing a consistent grind. They are well worth the investment.

The great thing about burr grinders is that most of them will do the work for you. They usually have settings for you to choose which type of grind you like and then it's as simple as pressing a button. Some even have a receptacle that catches the ground coffee so you don't have to.

If you already own a blade grinder and do not plan on purchasing an alternative, you can still enjoy a decent cup of coffee. One important thing to keep in mind is to be sure you do not press and hold the grind button. Pulse the grinder for 2-5 seconds at a time to avoid burning your beans. However, it is not a good idea to use a blade grinder if you plan to make espresso. Espresso requires a burr grinder for a consistently fine grind.

Lazy Man's Grinder

Something else to consider is that many coffee sellers now give you the option of having them grind your beans for you. They have wonderfully fast and efficient machines that will grind your beans to your specifications. Let them know exactly how you brew your coffee and what type of machine you use and they will grind your beans accordingly.

If you do have them grind your beans, buy your coffee in smaller quantities at a time so it stays fresh.