How to Choose the Best Espresso Grinders
A grinder with a hopper allows you to grind and dispense a portafilter all in one step. This is an excellent option for those who are new to the field. However, we discovered that measuring dose prior to grinding improves the consistency.
Select a grinder that has flat burrs and can produce an ultrafine grind. These grinders are more expensive, yet they deliver excellent results right in the cup.
User-Friendliness
The espresso grinder plays a crucial role in the production of high-quality espresso. Many espresso enthusiasts make the mistake of spending less on a basic grinder in order to afford the cost of a high-end coffee maker However, serious espresso enthusiasts recognize that the quality of the grind is what separates good espresso from excellent. Look for a grinder with precise grind adjustment, the capacity to consistently dispense, and one that is constructed from high-end materials.
A burr grinder produces a consistent and fine grind, which is perfect for espresso. Blade grinders, on other hand, have an inconsistent grind that can result in uneven flavors and textures. The blades also generate heat when they chop beans which could alter or disrupt the flavor.
In our tests, we found that the top espresso grinders were simple to use and offered precise control over the size the grounds. Choose grinders that are easy to clean and contain some retained ground coffee (to avoid clumping), and can provide a consistent, fine grind without overheating the burrs.
Grind-by-weight grinders are also a favorite among espresso enthusiasts since they allow you to set the desired weight in grams and then pour the exact amount into your portafilter. However, they might not retain enough coffee to be effective in single-dose tests. The Baratza Sette 270 was the only grinder we tested that was able to deliver an even shot using this method.
Although these grinders are inexpensive and widely available however, they aren't the most ideal choice as a home espresso maker due to their small size. They can cause the hopper to fill quickly. They're also often prone to overheating and could lose their fineness with time. A good alternative to a blade grinder is the MiiCoffee DF64 II, which utilizes flat burrs and is extremely affordable for a premium grinder made specifically for espresso. If you're a serious espresso enthusiast you can also purchase the more sophisticated SSP burrs for this model to ensure an even finer grind. The MiiCoffee DF64 II is also quieter than other models which makes it the perfect option for those who wish to keep noise levels low.
Grind Size Adjustment
A precise size of grind in espresso making is essential to the extraction. It's a delicate balance of several factors -- including pressure, coffee and temperature, which is why it requires such precise control. It's crucial to have a grinder capable of producing a fine grind and being able to adjust it quickly.
Grind size adjustment options are available on all espresso grinders, both home and commercial. These features are great to adjust the size of the grind to match the specific batch of coffee beans. They can also help you maintain a consistent grinding over time. Some grinders are more difficult to maintain a more fine grind than others. Some do not have the ability to adjust the grind settings.
If you're in search of an espresso machine that can offer a fine grinding make sure you choose a model that specifically states it can micro-adjust its grind size or that utilizes flat burrs instead of conical ones. They are less likely to lose their calibration over time, which is a common issue for espresso grinders. It is often caused by heat, motor vibrations and normal wear and tear.
You'll require the adjustment ring to alter the size of the grind of an espresso grinder. The ring is typically located on the top or the side of your grinder, or, in some models, built into the hopper. Turn the ring clockwise to increase size of the grind. To reduce the size of the grinding make it counter-clockwise.
After you have found the perfect grind, make sure to remove any remaining coffee from the adjustment system. This will prevent clogging, and will allow you to adjust the grind size precisely.
This is particularly important for grinders that have stepped adjustment styles. They are usually found on Gaggia or Saeco grinders. If the adjustment ring is filled of partially-ground coffee it will require more force to turn the ring back to a new setting and could result in unreliable results or even damage the mechanism that grinds coffee. You should also keep in mind that the size of the grind might need to change from one batch to the next, depending on the method in which the beans are roasted and prepared.
Control of Flow
Flow control is the capability of the grinder to adjust finely enough to ensure espresso shots flow through quickly and smoothly. Even the smallest adjustments can affect the quality of your coffee because there is a lot of pressure being applied to the puck. It's therefore important to choose the grinder that is capable of producing an even, finely ground consistency.
There are two primary types of espresso grinders: ones that employ a stepped adjustment style and those with a stepless adjustment method. Grinders that have a step-adjustment feature have a lever, or hopper-shaped knob that is moved in a series of steps. Each time you click the knob, it will indicate a finer or coarser grind setting. This type of grinder is favored by many novices and home baristas because it is easy to learn and manipulate.
On the other hand, grinders that use a stepless adjustment are highly favored by connoisseurs because they are easy to operate with precision. By putting water in the portafilter allows you to test the flow control of a grinder. The top grinders are not just able to create a finely-ground consistency, but also provide a continuous flow of water throughout the entire shot.
When you are choosing an espresso maker, you should also consider whether you'd like one that doses or does not dose. Dosing models have a container with sections into which the ground coffee is poured once you press the button. Some models can hold up to 7 grams of ground coffee, while others can be adjusted to dispense more or less than this amount. Dosing grinders, on other hand, can dispense the grounds directly into a portafilter or other container.
Some grinders like the Baratza Sette 270 have a V-shaped fork which you can nestle the portafilter inside to collect the grounds. coffee maker with grinder is great because it saves time and makes cleanup easy. It's important to keep in mind that no grinder can distribute the coffee evenly and you'll have to rotate the portafilter or flip it while you're doing.
Safety
Espresso grinders, as with all commercial machine, must be certified at a higher certification level than models for consumer use. Look for a grinder with either an ETL or NSF mark that both indicate that the product has been assessed by the appropriate organizations to ensure its safety in commercial applications. Some grinders feature the third label of UL (Underwriters Laboratories) However, this is not as common and less important.
You want a grinder which is easy to clean and maintain. You should look for a removable grounds chamber that allows you to transfer the ground coffee to your coffee maker. This is a standard feature of the majority of manual espresso grinders. We were impressed by the Baratza Encore ESP's grounds chamber, which has tiny divots that allow you to nestle the lip of a basket into the chamber, and then collect the ground coffee without spilling. Other grinders, like the Baratza Sette 270 or Rancilio Stile had built-in v-shaped forks which were used for the same purpose, but were less convenient and didn't fit our test portafilters.
The shape and material of the burrs are also important. You can choose from ceramic or stainless steel, both of which are coveted in the coffee world for their consistent and balanced results. You can choose between conical or flat burrs. Conical burrs tend to create less heat fluctuations, but it's all personal preference.
Once you have picked the best grinder, do some simple maintenance tasks to ensure it is in top shape. After every use, clean the burrs with an unlinty cloth or paper towel. This will remove any coffee residue and coffee particles generated by grinding. It's also a good idea to perform a thorough clean every now and then. This involves disassembling the grinder and using a cleaning solution or vinegar and water to soak the parts that are removable before thoroughly rinsing them and drying them completely before taking them back together.
You can also apply an organic lubricant that adds an oil-like layer to the grinding chamber and the burrs. This will help keep corrosion and rust at bay as well as keeping the burrs in a proper alignment.