The Advantages Of A Coffee Bean Grinder
Written by Ned Dagostino   
Sunday, 20 September 2009 16:32
True coffee lovers know that fresh ground coffee tastes best. And that's why so many coffee aficionados are now using their own coffee bean grinder to get that fresh taste every day in their homes.
by NedDagostino


True coffee lovers know that fresh ground coffee tastes best. And that's why so many coffee aficionados are now using their own coffee bean grinder to get that fresh taste every day in their homes.

But freshness is only one advantage of grinding your own beans. You will also have total control over how fine you make the grind. That is of paramount importance to coffee lovers everywhere.

First let's dispel some myths. Grinding your own beans is neither difficult or messy. Those who make that argument are simply wrong.

Sure it's easier to just break out the can opener and start brewing, but the difference in taste is remarkable. And once you grind your own beans for the first time, you may never purchase canned coffee again.

The reason freshly ground beans taste better is because as soon as the grinding is done, the beans will naturally begin to lose some of the aroma and flavor. And the longer they sit, the more they will lose. If you brew them immediately after grinding, your cup will always taste and smell better.

How the grinder works depends on the type you get. There are two primary choices, the burr grinder and the blade grinder.

The biggest advantage of the blade grinder is that it costs less. It's much like a small blender with the blades grinding up the beans. There's no doubt that this is preferable to coffee that comes in cans, but it's not the best way to grind beans. Here's why. When you grind beans you want to have a large surface area. This means more of the oils and flavor can be pulled from the beans when the hot water passes over them. Blade grinders will give you an uneven grind, and your cup of coffee will not be as good as it can be.

Burr grinders on the other hand are produce a much better grind. Go to your local coffee shop and this is the type of grinder you'll typically find in use. The burrs are precisely and evenly spaced grinding discs made of metal. They will give your beans an even grind, and therefore produce a better cup of coffee. Generally these are adjustable, meaning you can set them for whatever type of coffee you like best. If you like Turkish drip coffee, no problem. If you prefer automatic drip coffee, a burr grinder will produce the grind you need.

Understand that what I consider a perfect cup of coffee may not be perfect for you. I am far from a coffee snob. But no matter what type of coffee you like, fresh ground beans will always taste better. And whether you decide on a burr or blade coffee bean grinder, you'll find that the taste of your coffee will be far superior to what you are drinking now. Chances are you will have bought your last can of pre-ground coffee.

And just think how much easier it will be to get up when the alarm goes off, knowing you will have a great tasting, fresh cup of coffee available in just minutes.

About the Author: