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For the best coffee enjoyment, a coffee grinder is just as important as the machine
A coffee grinder is at least as important for making good coffee as the espresso machine or brewing method. Coffee grinders are available for every application and in various price ranges. Here we describe the most important differences between espresso grinders, filter coffee grinders, conical and flat grinding discs, and electric and hand grinders – because freshly ground coffee tastes best.
A coffee grinder consists of a grinding chamber in which a movable, adjustable grinder grinds coffee beans and dispenses the resulting coffee powder through an opening. The grinder is operated manually or electrically. The necessary power is transmitted to the moving parts of the grinding mechanism via a shaft. These core elements distinguish the various coffee grinders and determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Coffee grinders differ in terms of how the motor running time is controlled and whether they have a dosing chamber. The running time can be controlled using a timer or scales.
With "grind on demand", the grinder grinds for a predefined time, producing a relatively constant quantity. Disadvantage: the grind must be adjusted after each change in grind size.
With "grind by weight", a weighing cell controls the motor running time. The desired amount of powder is set in grams and remains constant – depending on the quality of the system – regardless of the grind setting, bean density or bean size. Disadvantage: The technology is not yet fully developed.
The dosing grinder (espresso grinder) works similarly to an on-demand grinder, but grinds into an upstream dosing chamber from which the coffee is portioned into the portafilter. It is still one of the fastest solutions available today, but pre-ground coffee quickly loses its aroma.
The shop grinder is the opposite of the espresso grinder. It is robust, simply constructed and usually has an on/off switch, grind adjustment, easily accessible bean hopper and, in some cases, a bag holder. It allows flexible grinding of different (pre-portioned) coffees – from espresso to filter. The disadvantage is that it requires additional steps such as filling, pre-portioning and reweighing.
The two main types are conical and flat grinding discs.
In conical grinding discs, a central cone with milled edges usually rotates within a surrounding ring. Together, they form the grinding gap. The distance and tooth depth determine the grind size. In most cases, the inner cone rotates, but in a few newer models, it is the outer ring.
Flat grinding discs consist of two almost identical discs. One is stationary, the other rotates. The beans fall centrally into the grinder and are transported into the grinding gap. Here, too, the distance and tooth depth determine the fineness. Flat grinding discs can be arranged horizontally or vertically.
Performance depends on the motor and grinding disc. The motor drives the rotating grinding disc via a shaft. With very hard beans (light roast, high density), the required torque may be insufficient and the grinder may jam. The grinding disc and rotation speed determine the available grinding capacity (grams per second).
Before buying, there are three key questions to consider :
An espresso grinder is suitable for espresso and, if necessary, café crème. Coarse filter grinds or very fine ibrik grinds are usually not optimally covered. A shop grinder may cover a wider range, but is more complex to use.
Hand grinders are flexible, portable and cheaper. However, an electric grinder is recommended for high throughput or comfort requirements. It is not only the total quantity that is decisive, but also the peak loads – these place the greatest strain on the machine.
The budget should not only be sufficient for the coffee machine. The quality in the cup often benefits more from a high-quality grinder than from a more expensive machine. At the same time, the budget has a significant influence on the choices available.
