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.

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!

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 let's consider which grinder is really the best coffee grinder.

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 not the best coffee grinder but are preferable to buying just ground coffee. Do read the tips 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 way to grind your 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.

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 best coffee grinders than if you bought pre-ground beans!

More Tips on Grinding

You can read much more about grinding on our coffee bean grinding tips page which will suggest some ways to get the most out of your grinder.

Video: I hope you don't blend like this...

For more information about grinding and grinders, check out these articles...

• Coffee Grinders: Five tips on using your first blade coffee ... - Coffee Bean Grinders often need a few simple techniques to help get the grind quality right: here are five suggestions to help you get the best out of your ...
• Burr Coffee Grinders: Burrs or Conical - Grinding your way to Good ... - The burr coffee grinders offer a couple of satisfying types of grinding technology that help you get the best out of your coffee beans.
• Manual Coffee Grinder: Affordable and Pleasure Coffee Bean Grinding - This more traditional way of grinding coffee beans may mean a much better cup than the modern electric blade grinder. So buy a manual coffee grinder, ...

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