When exposed to air, coffee beans will oxidize. Coffee grounds suffer this more so because they have a larger surface than the beans and lack the beans' protective skin. Home coffee grinders allow you to stop the level of exposure and produce the freshest grind. Most importantly, grinding can be done when you need it.
Everything has a price. Picking the best grinder can make the long and messy process of grinding much more rewarding.
There are three main types-- crusher, burr and blade. The crusher is the ancient way of using a pestle and mortar to mash the beans. Because it just crushes them-- not highly recommended, this process is difficult and gives an uneven grind. Blade grinders chop. The blade whirls, slicing the beans into small grounds-- still not the best because the grains are not the same size and not all the oils are released, varying the flavor and dissipating a lot of the flavor. Burrs use motorized plates with teeth that are pyramid in shape, allowing for the perfect grind. Because the speed can be adjusted accordingly, better burrs allow for varied grain sizes.
The burr allows for the perfect brew. Speed control keeps the heating of the beans low.
Burrs have two categories. Professionals prefer the conical. It is noisy. Good ones can go up to 500 rpm. Top quality ones go up to speeds of 10 thousand rpm, with their blades spinning at about twenty to thirty thousand rpm. This allows for fine grinds for Turkish coffee. Some come with a dial for continuous speed adjustments. Others have buttons for some varied 40 different speed adjustments.
Beyond that you should look for ones that are solid in construction, easy to clean and preferably less noisy. They should also include a brush for cleaning and easy to remove upper type burrs (blades). Beware of construction materials that cause static electricity. This can let the grounds stick to the blades and the container.
Other useful features include an auto-switch off and a timer. It also helps to be able watch the beans as the grinding takes place. If the grind is ready, without this you can not decide. Try to find one that doesn't use glass or dark plastic as this hinders your view. You should be able to judge the grind by its color, but if you cannot see them then this is a problem.
Do your research and read all the reviews you can find about each grinder that interests you before you buy it. You will be pleased with the flavorsome and fresh cup of coffee you produce when you find the right one.
