To grind or not to grind...

As we continue to go over the key components necessary to brew good coffee, the importance of a grinder cannot be overlooked.

In addition to 1.) using a brewer that performs well and 2.) knowing the appropriate water:coffee ratio via a scale, one must also consider whether to grind their own coffee or not. True, there are a few benefits to having pre-ground coffee (time, ease, money), but if you are buying good quality, freshly roasted coffee, and you’re trying to get the most out of your coffee, keeping it fresh and whole bean right up to the point of brewing is crucial to achieving just that.

Time to get a little technical…

From the moment coffee is roasted to the time it is brewed, it is 'degassing'. Approximately 2%, by weight, of freshly roasted coffee is carbon dioxide. In the first 12-24 hours after roasting, due to higher amounts of CO2 degassing, the bean’s internal pressure is high enough to prevent the introduction of oxygen to the coffee’s internal structure. After this 12-24 time period, however, oxidation causes coffee to stale and degrade in flavor, and grinding your coffee only speeds this process up. With that said, you will get the most out of your coffee by grinding it yourself.

What should I consider when choosing a grinder?

Like so many things, there are innumerable options for coffee grinders available to the everyday consumer. The main differences between all these grinders boil down to price, style and function. This may seem beneficial, right, because who doesn’t want options? If you’re like me, it may not take long to realize that the more options there are the more confusing it can be. Rather than complicate matters more, I will only offer a few tips of advice for searching for a new grinder.

If you’re looking for a new grinder, keep the following in mind:

• If possible, look for a conical (not flat) burr grinder. This style grinder is more expensive than flat burr grinders or the blade style grinders most people are familiar with, but are well worth it. They use two burrs which have indexed levels of fineness that they can be set to, allowing for precise and even grinding. Blade grinders have a tendency to produce uneven fineness, making it all to easy to over-grind your coffee and turn it to powder.

• It’s not necessary to break the bank. While I do think of the grinder as a key component to brewing coffee, I don’t think that there is much notable difference between how well a $250+ grinder & a $80-100 grinder perform in a household setting. $100 (or less if you utilize coupons) is more than enough to get you a grinder that will work well day-to-day, and should last you for years.

• If a conical burr grinder doesn't fit in your budget, using a flat burr or blade/mill grinder are both better options than buying pre-ground coffee when it comes to freshness.

Which grinder would I suggest?

If I were to pick one grinder in helping you up your game, it would be the Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder. While there are plenty of nicer, more expensive grinders that have more bells and whistles, this one does the job, and does it well. I have had firsthand experience with this grinder (and other like grinders), and couldn’t be happier. It can be found for anywhere from $90-100, but is also available from Bed Bath and Beyond for $99.99 and can be combined with their 20% coupons.

Though you may already have a grinder, or may not want to buy one now, my hope is that this at least has you thinking the importance of a good grinder, and should you find yourself looking for one, that you feel confident and pointed in the right direction.