There was a coffee shop I frequented in college that roasted their beans fresh in-house. (By frequented, I mean I visited five or six days a week.) I often sat in the back while the baristas roasted the beans because I loved the slightly bitter smell. I learned a lot at this coffee shop, from how they roasted and flavored the beans to the art of making different types of coffee. Most importantly, I learned why it’s better to buy whole beans and grind them at home.
Today, I still order coffee from this shop to savor the taste of the place that got me through my studies. I order whole-bean coffee to retain freshness and use my electric grinder every day. After spending roughly $15 a week (for five years) on my daily cup of joe and an occasional biscotti, making my own coffee is cheap!
But no one needs to do the math on happiness, right? Because once you learn how to grind coffee beans at home, you’ll always have a cup that tastes like it was freshly brewed by a barista.
Why the Right Coffee Grind Matters
Getting the right coffee grind is the difference between a mediocre cup of coffee and a really great one. Store-bought coffee is typically ground specifically for drip coffee makers. If you tried using those ground beans to make pour-over coffee or espresso, you’d probably end up with a watered-down, flat-tasting brew.
Looking into the best coffee grinders is the first step for an aspiring at-home barista. These machines allow you to grind beans to whatever texture you need based on your preferred coffee-brewing method.
Burr Coffee Grinders vs. Blade Grinders
TASTE OF HOME
There are two main types of coffee grinders: blade grinders and burr grinders. Sometimes referred to as burr mills, burr grinders use two rough pieces of metal called “burrs” to crush the beans. They’re typically more expensive, but they’re also more durable and offer a more consistent grind.
Blade grinders use two blades that rotate like plane propellers to grind the beans. They are a great space-saver if you have a small kitchen. They’re also easier on the wallet and grind beans faster.
How to Grind Beans Without a Grinder
Manual coffee grinders are really handy when you’re traveling, and they’re a space-saving option if you have limited counter space at home. But they’re not the only way to grind coffee beans without a grinder!
You can get creative and pulse your beans in a food processor, or put them in a resealable plastic bag and hammer them with a rolling pin. You can also use a mortar and pestle if you have one. You’ll need a little patience to get your desired grind consistency, but you gotta do what you gotta do for your morning coffee.
Types of Coffee Grinds
TASTE OF HOME
Based on the brewing method,