How to Choose the Best Espresso Grinders
A grinder that uses a hopper allows you to grind and then dispense a portafilter in one step. This is great for novices, but we found that single-dosing -- measuring your dose prior to grindinghelps to ensure consistency.
Select a grinder with flat burrs and can produce an ultrafine grind. These grinders are a bit more expensive but they provide extraordinary results in the cup.
Ease of Use
The espresso grinder is a crucial element in making quality espresso. Many espresso enthusiasts make the mistake of economizing on a basic grinder in deference to the cost of a high-end coffee maker however, serious espresso enthusiasts are aware that the quality of the grind is what separates good from great espresso. Choose a grinder that features precise grind adjustment, the ability to dispense consistently and built with high-quality materials.
A burr grinder is ideal for espresso due to its ability to produce a fine, consistent grind. Blade grinders, on other hand, have more coarse consistency, which could cause a variety of flavors and textures. The blades also generate heat when they chop beans, which could alter or disrupt the flavor.
In our tests, we discovered that the top espresso grinders were easy to use and offered precise control over the size the grounds. Choose grinders that are simple to clean, have little or no retained ground coffee (to prevent clumping) and are able to create a smooth, consistent grind without overheating the burrs.
Grind-by-weight grinders are popular for espresso drinkers because they let you set the desired weight (in grams) and then dispense precisely the amount you want into your portafilter. They may not hold enough ground coffee to perform well when tested using a single dose. The Baratza Sette 270 was the only grinder we tested that was able to deliver consistent shots when using this method.
While these types of grinders are affordable and readily available, they can be difficult to use for home espresso makers because their small size can cause the hopper to fill up quickly. They're also often prone to overheating, and can lose their fineness over time. The MiiCoffee DF64 II is a great alternative to a knife grinder. It has flat burrs, and is a reasonable price for a high quality grinder specifically designed for espresso. If you're a committed espresso enthusiast then you should consider purchasing the SSP burrs for the finest grind. The MiiCoffee DF64 II is also quieter than other models, which makes it the ideal choice for those who want to keep the noise level low.
Grind Size Adjustment
In the making of espresso, a fine grind size is key to the right extraction. It's a delicate balance between several elements- including pressure, coffee and temperature, which is why it requires such precise control. It is essential to have a grinder capable of producing a fine grind and being able to adjust it quickly.
Grind size adjustment options are offered on a majority of coffee grinders for home and commercial use. These features are excellent for adjusting the grind size to match each batch of coffee beans. They can also help you maintain an even grind over time. Some grinders are more difficult to maintain a finer grind than others. Others are unable to adjust the grind settings.
If you're looking for an espresso grinder that can deliver a fine grind choose a model that specifically states it can micro-adjust its grinding size or that utilizes flat burrs instead of conical. The latter are less likely to lose their calibration over time, which is a common issue with espresso grinders. It is often caused by motor vibrations, heat and normal wear and tear.
The adjustment ring is required to alter the size of the grind of an espresso grinder. This is usually on the side or top of the grinder, but in some models, it's incorporated into the hopper itself. To increase the size of the grinding, simply turn the ring clockwise. To reduce the size of the grinding make it counter-clockwise.
Once you have gotten the perfect grind, be sure to remove any remaining ground coffee from the adjustment system. This helps prevent clogging and maintains the ability to accurately adjust the size of the grind.
This is particularly relevant for grinders that utilize stepped adjustment styles that are typically seen on Gaggia and Saeco grinders. If the adjustment ring is filled of coffee that is not fully ground and the grinder is unable to handle it, it will require more force to turn the ring to a new setting, which could lead to unreliable results or even damage the grinding mechanism. It's also worth keeping in mind that the size of the grind may require adjustments from one batch of beans to the next according to the method by which the roasted and brewed beans are prepared.
Flow Control
Flow control is when the grinder can be adjusted precisely to ensure that espresso shots flow smoothly and quickly. Since a lot of pressure is pushing through the puck, even smallest adjustments can have an impact on the overall quality of your coffee. It is therefore essential to select the grinder that is capable of producing an even, finely ground consistency.
There are two primary styles of espresso grinders, those that have 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, which moves in steps. Every click will indicate a finer or a coarser grind setting. This kind of grinder has been favored by baristas who are beginners as well as baristas who work at home due to its simplicity of use and its ability to learn.
The most discerning users prefer grinders that have an adjustable step because they are simpler and more precise to use. A good way to test a grinder's flow control is by putting water in the portafilter and watching the water flow through the ground. The top grinders will not just be able to make a finely ground consistency, but they'll also deliver a consistent flow of water throughout the entire shot.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a grinder for espresso is whether you want dosing or non-dosing models. Dosing models use a container with sections into which the ground coffee is poured when you press the button. Some models can hold up to 7 grams of ground coffee and others are adjusted so that they dispense more or fewer than this amount. Coffee grinders that do not dose, dispense grounds directly into a container or portafilter.
Some grinders such as the Baratza Sette 270 have a V-shaped fork which you can put the portafilter into to catch the dirt. This is a fantastic feature that will save your time and makes cleaning a breeze. It's important to keep in mind that no grinder can distribute the coffee evenly in the basket so you'll still need to rotate or flip the portafilter when dosing.
Safety
Espresso grinders, just like other commercial equipment, require an higher level of certification than models for consumer use. You should choose the grinder with either an ETL mark or NSF marking. coffeee grinder indicate that the product has been assessed by the appropriate agencies for its safety in commercial settings. Some grinders feature an additional label from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) However, this isn't as prevalent and less important.
You want a grinder that is easy to clean and maintain. Find a grounds chamber that makes it easy to transfer the coffee grounds to your coffee maker. This is a feature that is common of most manual espresso grinders. We were impressed by the Baratza Encore ESP's grounds chamber that has tiny divots that allow you to nestle the lip of a basket into the chamber and catch the ground coffee without spilling. Other grinders we tested like the Baratza Sette 270 and Rancilio Stile, had built-in v-shaped forks that served the same purpose, however they were less user-friendly and didn't fit all of our sample portafilters.
The form and the material of the burrs is also crucial. You can choose between stainless steel or ceramic. Both are highly valued in the coffee industry due to their consistency and balanced results. You can choose between conical or flat burrs. Conical burrs tend to produce less heat fluctuations than the latter, however it comes down to personal preference.
Once you've settled on your ideal grinder, keep it running smoothly by performing a few maintenance tasks. After each use, wipe the burrs and grind chamber using a lint-free, cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining coffee particles and residue from the grinding process. You should also perform periodic deep cleaning every now and then. This involves disassembling the grinder and using a cleaning solution or water and vinegar to soak the removed parts, then rinsing them thoroughly and drying them completely prior to taking them back together.
It is also possible to add an oil-like layer to the burrs or grinding chamber using a food-grade grease. This will prevent rust, corrosion and ensure that the burrs are aligned.