What is the single best coffee grinder? Simply...

Choosing the best coffee grinder begins with how you brew your coffee. So if you already make coffee, then this is the easy part; but if you are looking for your first coffee maker, then consider how you will make your coffee.

You can also read much more about how to grind coffee beans on our coffee bean grinding tips page which will suggest some ways to get the most out of your grinder. But let's not jump the 'grinder' part, we need to know a little more first!

There are four different types of grinder that you could use for grinding coffee beans: the blade coffee grinder, the burr and conical burr grinder, and the manual coffee grinder. But first let's consider your brewing method.

How do you brew?

The French presses need coarser grinds than drip coffee makers do. But espresso makers need finer grinds. So if you haven't bought your coffee maker yet, then consider that question first!

Once you decide that, then find out the different ways to actually grind coffee. It's easy to learn how to grind coffee beans well if you just follow some commonsense tips.

In general, the finer the grind, the more the coffee is in contact with the hot water and the less flavor you get. While espresso is strong and tastes great, the grounds are only in contact with the water for less than 30 seconds!

Now why not first read the buying a coffee bean grinder tips page is really the best one for you.

The Best Coffee Grinder is...

There are different types of coffee grinders that have a claim to the throne of the best coffee grinder. Make sure that you know which type of grinder you really need to produce the coffee you want, and purchase carefully.

Blade Coffee Grinder

Blade coffee grinders are the least expensive, as little as $10, and chop the coffee beans much like a food processor chops vegetables. However, the friction of the blades creates heat that may burn or singe the beans.

These are not suitable for espresso and perhaps not the best coffee grinder. But they are preferable to buying just ground coffee. Do read the coffee bean grinders tips page on making the best of your blade grinder, if you are to get the most out of this machine!

Burr Coffee Grinder

The next type of grinder is the burr coffee grinder, sometimes referred to as a flat wheel grinder. Coffee beans are crushed between two wheels, one moving and one stationary. You can control the size of the grind by adjusting the wheels to get coarse, medium, fine or Turkish grind.

A burr coffee grinder is more expensive, around $70 and up, but the flavor difference is noticeable and the beans are not altered by heat. These grinders need frequent cleaning but the results are well worth it.

Conical Burr Grinder

A conical burr grinder is top of the line and probably the best coffee grinder coffee beans for a perfect cup of coffee. The surface of the grinder is conical, hence the name.

These machines allow you to choose the speed of grinding and they create less friction. This type of grinder needs more thorough and frequent cleaning than a burr grinder.

Any grinder is better than none

If you can't afford a top of the line burr or conical blade grinder, don't worry; you'll still get a better cup of coffee by buying any of these three types of coffee grinders than if you bought pre-ground beans!

Hint: I hope you don't blend with a coffee bean destroyer like this machine! ...

And Finally...

Wherever you are, remember "Only Coffee Beans Make Great Coffee"! And enjoy that cup of coffee!

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