The Best Coffee Grinder: Hand Grinder vs. Electric Grinder

If you’re a coffee connoisseur, I’m sure you are well aware of the difference between a good cup of coffee from a not-so-good cup. And if you’re not… well, you’re in the right place. Although making delicious coffee requires a few key components, finding the best coffee grinder is one of the most effective and easiest ways for upgrading your coffee game. There are three main types of at home grinders on the market today: the electric burr grinder, a hand coffee grinder or manual coffee grinder, and a blade grinder. In this post, we’ll outline which one is the best coffee grinder for you based on your needs.

Burr Grinders vs. Blade Grinders

We’re just going to go ahead and flat out say it- burr grinders are undoubtedly the best way to grind your coffee. Coffee snobs and barista alike swear by these grinders and if you also dive deep enough into coffee, you will taste the difference between the two. What is it that makes burr grinders the knight and shining armor? It’s simple: consistency and control. Burr grinders are designed to ‘crush’ coffee beans with two revolving abrasive surfaces (known as burrs) creating a consistent grind from start to finish. Blade grinders on the other hand quickly slice at the bean with no control over grind consistency. The friction by the blade also produces undesired heat. Heat and inconsistently sized grinds are two big no-nos in the coffee scene. Any heat in contact with the beans can alter the taste and

...having the grinds uniform in size is essential for getting a balanced cup and extracting the entire bean's natural oils.

Blade grinders may be less expensive but they are not as effective. These types of grinders can even cause clogging problems in your French press or pour over coffee makers. If you’re looking to make a good cup of coffee, using a burr grinder right before brewing will give you the best results. Burr grinder coffee for the win!

The Best Coffee Grinder: Hand Grinders vs. Electric Grinders

Now that we know burrs grinders reign supreme over blade grinders, we'll show you the different kinds available. There are two kinds of burr grinders; manual coffee grinders and electric coffee grinders. Both have their pros and cons, but depending on your lifestyle and goals, one grinder may be better suited for you than the other.

Hand Grinders/Manual Coffee Grinders

Hand coffee grinders are valued for many reasons. Sure they may be more work than electric grinders, but if they didn’t work well would they still be around today? Probably not. These type of grinders are made up of few parts including; a lid, a base, two burrs and a handle. As a result, they are more compact and take up less counter space. This kind of grinder is the best coffee grinder for someone who doesn't want to sacrifice fresh tasting coffee when they’re not at home. It’s durable and a perfect size to fit in your suitcase or backpack should you be traveling or camping. These grinders do, however, come with some disadvantages. If you're hoping to achieve a finer grind for espresso, be prepared to shred some arm fat - Jillian Michaels style! What do we love most about these grinders? Because they aren’t as complex as electric grinders, they are typically less expensive. You can find a good quality hand coffee grinder like the GROSCHE BREMEN for around $30-40.

Hand Grinder Conclusion

Whether you’re someone who likes to travel, you're looking to save a little money, or just want to put in a little manual labour for the love (and perfection) of your morning coffee, manual coffee grinders are the grinders for you.

Electric Burr Grinders

Quick, easy to use, and convenient are a few terms that can be used to describe an electric burr coffee grinder. The downfall is they take up a lot more room, require electricity, and finding a good one means you can expect to spend a pretty penny. It’s easy to find cheap electric burr grinders on the market; however, finding one that is high-quality comes at a cost. In most cases, when it comes to purchasing these grinders- what you pay for is what you get, so make sure you do your research and read plenty of reviews. A high-quality electric burr grinder gives you an easy to adjust the full range of grind settings. From very fine ground espresso to coarse grinds for French press to a perfect in between for pour over; no matter how you make your coffee, a good electric burr grinder has you covered. Like manual grinders, good electric burr grinders will give you a consistent grind that's essential for great tasting coffee. If electric burr grinders are for you, make sure you look for one's that have a lower speed to prevent heat from occurring.

Electric Burr Grinder Conclusion

Grinding coffee is easy with an electric burr grinder. If you’re someone who values convenience and has a busy schedule, an electric burr grinder is the best coffee grinder for you.

What is the best coffee grinder?

It really comes down to the kind of lifestyle you have. If you’re looking for a convenient way to grind your coffee every morning and aren’t concerned about noise or spending, then an electric burr grinder is the choice for you. But if you’re a traveler, tight on space and want to save some cash, the hand coffee grinder is just what you need. However, whatever grinder you do end up choosing, make sure it’s a burr grinder to ensure quality and consistent coffee.

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