How to Choose the Best Espresso Grinders

A grinder that uses a hopper allows users to grind and dispense the portafilter in a single step. This is great for novices however, we discovered that single-dosing -- measuring the dose prior to grindingimproves consistency.

Choose a grinder with flat burrs that will produce an ultra-fine grind. These grinders might be somewhat more expensive, but they produce amazing results in the cup.

Easy of Use

The espresso grinder plays a vital part in the production of high-quality espresso. Many espresso lovers fall into the trap of buying an inexpensive espresso maker to save money on an expensive coffee maker. But serious espresso lovers know that the quality and consistency of the grind are what makes good espresso great. Look for a grinder with precise grind adjustment, the capacity to dispense consistently and made of high-quality materials.

A burr grinder makes a consistent and fine grind that is perfect for espresso. Blade grinders, on contrary, create an inconsistent grind that can result in uneven flavors and textures. Also, the blades create heat when they chop the red coffee grinder, which can alter or alter the flavor of the bean.

In our tests, the best espresso grinders are easy to operate and provide precise control over the size of the ground. You should look for grinders that have a simple cleaning process with a tiny amount of ground coffee (to stop the clumping) and an even, fine grinding without overheating burrs.

Grind-by-weight grinders are a favorite for espresso drinkers since they allow you to set the desired weight (in grams) and then pour exactly that amount into your portafilter. They might not be able to hold enough coffee grounds to function well when tested using a single dose. The Baratza Sette 270 is the only grinder that we tested to deliver an equally consistent shot using this method.

These grinders could be cheap and readily available but they are difficult to operate on an espresso machine at home because their small size causes the hoppers to quickly fill up. They're also susceptible to overheating, and can lose their fineness over time. A great alternative to a blade grinder is the MiiCoffee DF64 II, which has flat burrs, and is very affordable for a high-quality grinder that's made specifically for espresso. If you're a committed espresso lover you can buy the SSP burrs to get the finest grind. The MiiCoffee DF64 II is also quieter than its competitors, which makes it the perfect option for those who wish to keep the noise level low.

Grind Size Adjustment

In the making of espresso, a fine grind size is essential to ensure the best extraction. It's a delicate balance between several factors -- including pressure, coffee, and temperature. This is why it requires precise control. It's crucial to have a grinder capable of producing a fine grind and be able to adjust it easily.

Grind size adjustment features are offered on a majority of commercial and home espresso grinders. They are a great method to achieve the exact grind size you need for each batch of beans and can help maintain a consistent grind over time. Certain grinders are more difficult to maintain a smoother grind than others. Others are unable to adjust the grind settings.

If you're looking for an espresso maker that offers an even grind, select one that has flat burrs rather than conical ones. The latter are less likely to lose their calibration over time as is a common problem for espresso grinders and is often caused by heat, motor vibrations and wear-and-tear from normal use.

To adjust the grind size on an espresso machine you'll have to access the adjustment ring. This is typically located on the side or the top of the grinder, or in certain models, it's incorporated into the hopper inside the hopper. Turn the ring clockwise to increase size of the grind. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the grind size.

Once you have gotten the perfect grind, be sure to remove any remaining coffee from the adjustment system. This helps prevent blockages and helps maintain the ability to accurately adjust the grind size.

This is particularly relevant for grinders that utilize stepped adjustment styles which are usually used on Gaggia and Saeco grinders. The adjustment ring requires more force to be turned to an alternative setting if it is full of partially ground coffee. This could lead to untrue results or damage to the mechanism for grinding. It's important to keep in mind that the grind size might require adjustments from one batch of beans to another according to how the brewed and roasted beans are prepared.

Control of Flow

Flow control is the ability of the grinder to adjust enough to ensure espresso shots flow through smoothly and quickly. Since a lot of pressure is pushing through the puck, even smallest adjustments can affect the overall quality of your coffee. This is why it's important to choose a grinder that can produce an extremely finely-grounded consistency.

There are two main styles of espresso grinders, those that use the step-style adjustment and those that use a stepless adjustment method. Grinders with an adjustable stepped feature will typically have the hopper-shaped lever that moves in steps. Every click will indicate a finer or a coarser grind setting. This kind grinder is preferred by a lot of beginners and home baristas because it is easy to learn and use.

The most discerning users prefer grinders that have a stepless adjustment because they are easier and more precise to use. Pouring water into the portafilter allows you to test the flow control of the grinder. The top grinders will not just be able to make a finely ground consistency, but they'll also deliver a consistent flow of water throughout the entire shot.

When you are choosing an espresso maker you must also think about whether you'd like one that doses or doesn't dose. Dosing models have containers with sections in which the ground coffee is poured once you press the button. Some models can hold up to 7 grams of ground coffee, while others can be adjusted to give more or less than this amount. The grinders that do not dose, on the contrary, pour the grounds directly into a portafilter or other container.

Some grinders, like the Baratza Sette 270, have an v-shaped fork, where you can place your portafilter in order to collect the grounds. This is an excellent feature that can save you time and makes cleanup effortless. It's important to keep in mind that no grinder distributes the coffee evenly into the basket, so you'll have to turn or flip the portafilter during dosing.

Safety

As with all commercial equipment, espresso grinders require an additional quality of certification than consumer models. Find a grinder that has either an ETL or NSF mark both of which indicate that the product has been evaluated by the appropriate organizations to ensure its safety in commercial applications. Some grinders also have the third mark of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), although it's not as widespread and isn't as important.

Apart from safety, you want an appliance that is simple to clean and maintain. It is recommended to consider a ground chamber that makes it easier to transfer the coffee to your machine for brewing. This is a standard feature found on many manual espresso grinders, and we especially liked the design of the grounds chamber on the Baratza Encore ESP--it features a small divot that allows you to put the portafilter's lip into and capture the coffee without spilling. Other grinders, like the Baratza Sette 270 or Rancilio Stile had built-in v-shaped forks that serve the same purpose but were not as convenient and didn't work with our sample portafilters.

Another aspect to consider is the grinder's burrs' material and shape. Choose between stainless steel and ceramic. Both are highly appreciated in the coffee industry due to their consistency and balanced results. You can also decide if you prefer conical or flat burrs. The latter is more likely to cause fewer heat fluctuations, but it's a matter of personal preference.

Once you've settled on your ideal grinder, ensure it's running smoothly by doing a few maintenance tasks. After each use, clean the grind chamber and the burrs using a lint-free, cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining coffee particles and residue from the grinding process. It's also a good idea to perform a thorough clean from time to time. This is done by disassembling the blender and soaking the disassembled parts in a cleaning solution or vinegar and water. Rinse them thoroughly and completely dry them before reassembling.

You can also apply an organic lubricant that adds a thin layer of oil to the burrs and grinding chamber. This helps stop corrosion and rust as well as keeping the burrs properly aligned.