Often overlooked, the coffee grind is one of the essential components of coffee mastery. In this post, we’ll guide you through the different types of coffee grinders and how to use them to get the best from your beans.

What is a coffee grinder

A coffee grinder is a device that grinds whole coffee beans into your desired consistency. The grind can then be used to make coffee, espresso, and other beverages. Coffee grinders come in two main types: blade and burr. Blade grinders are the less expensive option and work by chopping the beans with a spinning blade. Burr grinders are more expensive, but can produce a finer grind, and are therefore the superior option for making espresso and other specialty drinks.

What are the benefits of a coffee grinder

Coffee grinders let you get the most out of fresh coffee. Plus, you can have total control the grind size, as this affects the flavour and quality of your coffee. A good grinder will also produce less waste than buying ground coffee. 

When is the best time to grind your coffee

The best time to grind your coffee beans is right before brewing. Coffee begins to lose its flavour and freshness soon after its ground, so you should only grind the amount you need, and immediately before you use them to ensure optimal flavour.

How do you choose the right coffee grinder

There are a few things you should consider when choosing a coffee grinder:

• Your budget
• Manual Grinder vs. Machine Grinder
• The type(s) of coffee you drink
• How often do you drink coffee
• How many people you make coffee for

If you're just getting started, we suggest a blade grinder. They are less expensive but will still do a suitable job. If you drink coffee daily, brew it for more than one person, or require many different grind settings for different extraction methods, we recommend investing in a burr grinder. Burr grinders provide a finer grind and have a wider range of adjustments, allowing you to customize your coffee with precision.

How do you use a coffee grinder

To use a coffee grinder, first, decide how you want to use it. If you are making espresso, you will need a finer grind than if you are making regular coffee. The most important thing is to make sure the grind is consistent, so be sure to test it on a few beans before grinding all your coffee.

Coffee grind chart:

Here is a useful coffee grind chart to help you decide which size is best for the brew you’ve decided to make.

Once you have decided on the grind size, follow these steps below to use your grinder. Please note, exact instructions will vary depending on brand and product, so always refer to your user manual. 

How do you use a blade grinder

• Fill the grinder with Ueshima whole coffee beans
• Close the lid and turn it on
• Grind the beans for about 20 seconds, or until they are at your desired consistency
• Be careful not to over grind, as this can lead to having a bitter coffee

How do you use a burr grinder

• Fill the grinder with Ueshima whole coffee beans
• Close the lid and turn it on
• Adjust the grind size to your desired level (the finer the grind, the more espresso-like the drink will be)
• Grind the beans for about 20 seconds, or until they are at your desired consistency
• Be careful not to over grind

How do you use a manual coffee grinder

• Disassemble the grinder by removing the top nut, handle and locking ring. 
• Fill the grinder with Ueshima whole coffee beans
• Simply turn the adjustment ring clockwise if you’re looking for a finer grind, and counter clockwise if you’re looking for coarser
• After you’ve reassembled your grinder, we always recommend testing your setting on a few beans. This ensure it is at the right consistency, with minimal waste. Adjust settings as necessary

For more tips to help you in your pursuit of coffee perfection, visit our coffee blog.