If you love coffee, you know that there is nothing better than freshly ground beans. The aroma and flavor of home-ground beans is always better than those already sold in powder form. Now that you are ready for a higher level of tasting, it is important to understand which type and model of grinder fits your coffee maker / coffee machine best. When you have established your needs regarding the grain of the ground (coarse, fine or somewhere in between) you can buy the grinder. In case you find yourself with a bunch of beans to grind and no coffee grinder available, it is good to know "a few tricks" to still be able to prepare a coffee as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Degree of Grind
Step 1. For a cold extraction of coffee, the ground must be very coarse
For this type of preparation it is essential that all the coffee is uniformly reduced, more or less to the size of a peppercorn; if you want to get this grain you have to use the grinder gently.
Step 2. If you have a French coffee maker, the ground must be coarse
In this case, the coffee must have the consistency of broken peppercorns or potting soil. The coarse grit allows you to extract a clean cup of coffee while the fine one will give you a rather cloudy drink.
If you have a Chemex coffee maker or another similar model, grind the coffee to a coarse grain and then give the grinder a boost again
Step 3. For percolating coffeemakers, use medium ground coffee
This is the most popular type of coffee machine in the United States and uses both conical and flat filters, which does not affect the grain of the beans. A medium grind has the same consistency as sand.
If you have a conical percolating cup, a pressure cooker or an infuser, use a medium-fine grind
Step 4. Use a very fine ground for espresso and Turkish coffee
If you need to make a special coffee, you need a special grain. The extra-fine one has the consistency of flour and can only be obtained with a grinder.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Coffee Grinder
Step 1. Choose the model that fits your coffee maker
Once you have determined the level of grind your coffee maker needs, you need to be sure that the grinder is able to do the job. There are three types to choose from and each allows for a different grain:
- A blade grinder is perfect for a very coarse, coarse or medium grind. This is the most common model in Anglo-Saxon countries because it produces a ground suitable for percolating coffee makers, French ones and cold extraction machines. The beans are poured into the upper part of the grinder, the lid is closed and, by applying a certain pressure, the blades that break up the coffee are set in motion.
- If you need a medium-fine, fine or very fine grind, you need a grinder. In fact, the blades cannot reach this level, so if you want an espresso or a Turkish coffee you have to buy this type of grinder. This is a more expensive model than the bladed ones, but can be adjusted to achieve all types of grain. Buy it if the accuracy of the grind is important to you.
- Finally, you can use a manual grinder if you like things done "the old way". You will have to load a basket with coffee beans and operate a crank that will set the internal blades in motion. This is a fun model to use but does not guarantee you the same accuracy as the electric ones.
Step 2. Grind the beans just before making the coffee
You may be tempted to grind enough to make "stock of the week", and while it may be convenient (so you won't wake your partner up every morning with the deafening noise of the grinder), however, be aware that coffee tastes better if grains have just been chopped. You bought whole beans and a grinder, try to get the best out of your investment.
Step 3. Measure the quantity
For each cup of coffee you will need about 2 tablespoons of beans. There may be some small differences, based on your taste, but this is a good rule of thumb. If you like strong coffee, add two tablespoons of beans to 180ml of drink; if you prefer something lighter, use two tablespoons for 240ml of drink.
- The grinder and coffee maker model also play an important role in the taste and strength of your coffee. Experiment to find the right amount to get the best and have a sublime cup of coffee.
- Place the beans in the grinder following the manufacturer's instructions. Most models have a basket at the top of the machine with a lid that can be removed.
Step 4. Grind the coffee
Always follow the instructions of the specific model but, in general, if you have a grinder with a grinder you will first need to set the grit level. If you have a blade model, push the top of the grinder or press the grinder button until you get the grind you want. Finally, if you have a manual model, operate the crank until the ground is the grain you need.
- When using a blade model, you have to lift it and shake it a little between one cutting session and the next. This way you can be sure that all the beans are processed evenly.
- It will take a few tries before you figure out how to get the grind you want from your coffee grinder.
Part 3 of 3: Without a coffee grinder
Step 1. Use a blender
Put the beans in the glass of the food processor and pulse it until you get the grain you want. You'll likely only be able to get a coarse or medium grind, but that's okay if you have a French or percolating coffee maker.
Step 2. Try a mortar and pestle
Put the grains in the mortar and mash them with the pestle as you would peppercorns and other spices. Keep working them until you reach the grain you want. It takes some elbow grease but in the end you will have a delicious coffee.
Step 3. Get a hammer
If you are really desperate, place the coffee beans between two sheets of parchment paper and on a sturdy surface that you don't mind ruining. Hit the beans with the hammer until you have "ground" them enough for your coffee pot.
Advice
- The grinders break the beans evenly and ensure a full aroma.
- Make sure you use the ground within 2-3 days.
- Most homeware stores are stocked with the grinders described above.
- On the internet you can also find old-fashioned hand grinders with crank.
