How to Choose the Best Espresso Grinders
A hopper-based grinder allows you to grind and dispense the portafilter in a single step. This is an excellent option for beginners. However, we found that measuring the dose prior to grinding can improve consistency.
Select a grinder that has flat burrs and can produce an ultrafine grind. These grinders might be slightly more expensive, but they provide exceptional results in the cup.
Simple to Use
The espresso grinder plays a crucial part in the production of high-quality espresso. Many espresso enthusiasts make the mistake of spending less on a low-cost grinder in order to afford the cost of a high-end coffee maker However, serious espresso enthusiasts are aware that the quality of the grind is what separates excellent espresso from the best. Choose a grinder that features precise grind adjustment, the ability to provide consistent dispense and is built with high-quality materials.
A burr grinder is best for espresso because of its ability to produce a consistent, fine grind. Blade grinders on the other hand, produce a coarser consistency which can result in uneven flavors and textures. Additionally, the blades produce heat as they chop coffee, which could disrupt or alter the flavor of the bean.
In our tests, we found that the best espresso grinders were easy to operate and gave precise control over the size of the grounds. Choose grinders that are simple to clean, have little or no ground coffee that is retained (to prevent the 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 allow you set the desired weight (in grams) and dispense exactly that amount into your portafilter. However, they might not hold enough coffee to perform well in single-dose tests. The Baratza Sette 270 is the only grinder we have tested to give an even shot with this method.
Although these grinders aren't expensive and widely available but they aren't the most ideal choice for home espresso makers due to their small size. They can cause the hopper to fill quickly. They are also susceptible to overheating and their fineness can decrease as time passes. A good alternative to a blade grinder is the MiiCoffee DF64 II, which has flat burrs, and is very affordable for a top-quality grinder designed specifically for espresso. If you're an avid espresso enthusiast you can buy the SSP burrs to achieve a finer grind. The MiiCoffee DF64 II also has a quieter operation than its competitors. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer to keep the noise level down.
Grind Size Adjustment
In the process of making espresso the fineness of the grind is crucial to achieving the perfect extraction. It is an intricate balance between various factors, such as temperature, coffee and pressure. This is why it requires precise control. This is why it's important to choose a grinder capable of producing a perfect grind, and be able to adjust the grind easily.
Adjusting the size of the grind is available on all espresso grinders, both home and commercial. These features are great for adjusting the grind size to match each batch of coffee beans. They can also assist in maintaining the same grind over time. However, some grinders are more difficult to maintain a fine grind than others, and some grinders have no ability to adjust their grind settings in any way.
If you're in search of an espresso grinder that can provide a fine grind make sure you choose a model that specifically states it can micro-adjust its grind size, or one that uses flat burrs instead of conical. The latter are less prone to losing their calibration over the years, which is often caused by heat and motor vibrations as well regular wear and wear and tear.
The adjustment ring is required to adjust the grind size of an espresso grinder. This is usually on the side or top of the grinder, or in some models, it's built into the hopper itself. Turn the dial clockwise to increase the size of the grind. Turn it counter-clockwise to decrease the size of the grind.
Once you have gotten the perfect grind, make sure to remove any remaining ground coffee from the adjustment system. This helps prevent obstruction and allows you to accurately adjust the grind size.
This is particularly important for grinders with adjustments that are stepped. They are typically found on Gaggia or Saeco grinders. If the adjustment ring is stuffed full of partially-ground coffee and the grinder is unable to handle it, it will require more force to move the ring to a different setting which 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 could require a change from one batch to the next, depending on the method in which the beans are prepared and roasted.
Flow Control
Flow control occurs when the grinder is able to adjust precisely to ensure that espresso shots pass quickly and smoothly. Since so much pressure is pushing through the puck, even smallest adjustments could affect the overall quality of your coffee. This is why it's crucial to find the right grinder to produce a smooth, well-rounded consistency.
There are two major kinds of espresso grinders, those that use an adjustable style that is stepped and those that use a stepless adjustment style. Grinders with a stepped adjustment feature have a lever, or hopper-shaped knob that moves in steps. You'll hear a click every turn of the knob, and each click will indicate the finer or coarser grind setting. This kind of grinder is favored by many beginners and home baristas because it is easy to learn and manipulate.
On the other hand, grinders that use a stepless adjustment are favored by connoisseurs because they are easier to control with precision. A good way to test a grinder's flow control is to place water in the portafilter and watching the water flow through the grounds. The top grinders are able to create a smooth, fine-ground consistency, but also to deliver a constant flow of water through the entire shot.
Another thing to think about when choosing a grinder to espresso is whether you want a dosing or non-dosing model. Dosing models are made up of containers with sections in which the ground coffee is poured when you press the button. Some models can hold up to 7 grams of coffee ground and others are adjusted to dispense more or less than this amount. Non-dosing coffee grinders, however can dispense grounds directly into a receptacle or portafilter.
Some grinders such as the Baratza Sette 270 have a v-shaped fork that you can nestle the portafilter into to catch the dirt. This feature is great because it saves time and makes cleaning up easy. It's important to keep it in mind that no grinder can distribute the coffee evenly and you'll have to rotate the portafilter or turn it upside down while doing.
Safety
As with any commercial machine, espresso grinders require the highest quality of certification than consumer models. You should search for the grinder with either an ETL mark or NSF marking. Both of these marks indicate that the product has been assessed by the appropriate agencies to ensure its safety in commercial applications. Some grinders also feature an additional mark from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) however this isn't as common and isn't as important.
Apart from safety, you want a grinder that is easy to clean and maintain. Find a grounds chamber that makes it simple to transfer the coffee grounds to your brewing device. This is a common feature of most manual espresso grinders, and we particularly enjoyed the design of the grounds chamber on the Baratza Encore ESP. It features an elongated divot that allows you to place a portafilter basket's lip inside and collect the coffee without spilling. Other grinders, such as the Baratza Sette 270 or Rancilio Stile had built-in v-shaped forks that served the same purpose but were less convenient and didn't fit our test portafilters.
The shape and material of the burrs is also crucial. Coffeee can pick from stainless steel or ceramic, both of which are highly sought-after in the world of coffee for their balanced and consistent results. You can choose between flat or conical burrs. The latter is more likely to cause less heat fluctuations, but it's an individual preference.
Once you've found the perfect grinder, make sure to ensure it's running smoothly by doing several maintenance tasks. After each use, clean the grind chamber and burrs using a lint-free, cloth or paper towel to eliminate any remaining coffee particles and residue from the grinding process. It is recommended to perform a thorough clean periodically. This is done by disassembling the grinder and using the cleaning solution or water and vinegar to soak the removed parts before thoroughly rinsing them and drying them completely prior to rebuilding.
You can also apply an organic lubricant that adds an oil-like layer to the burrs and grinding chamber. This will prevent rust, corrosion and help keep the burrs properly aligned.