The 3 Best Coffee Grinders of 2024, Expert Tested
The ideal coffee grinder produces consistent and correct-sized grind particles. What we mean is that the size of the ground coffee particles should match the coarseness setting of its grinder, fine or not. The coffee grounds produced should also be sized for the intended brewing method, as stated in the product manual.
To test each grinder for our coffee grinder reviews, we first hand wash and dry all parts as recommended by the manufacturer. We then set each machine to the appropriate level for grinding drip coffee or an automatic coffee machine (again, as indicated in the manual). Sometimes manuals lack specific instructions. In this case, we choose the middle coarse grind setting to grind the coffee, and then move it up a notch (from a fine grind, like an espresso grind, to a coarse grind). For example, if a grinder has a total of 16 coarse grind settings (assuming 16 is its coarsest grind option and 1 is the fine grind option), we would set it to coarse grind level 9.
Look at this: Five things to know before buying a coffee grinder
Next, we weigh out 10 grams of whole coffee beans and grind them. By default, our test bean is Kirkland Colombian Grill. This is the same coffee bean we use for coffee machine testing. (Please don’t judge.) When you grind coffee and espresso like we do, it pays to be frugal.
We then put the sample beans through a grinder. We also note how long it takes the grinder to grind the coffee beans. Next, we carefully collect the coffee grounds and sift through a two-layer sieve for 60 seconds. For this we use Kloof screening system. Our original Kruve Two unit came with two mesh screens with different pore sizes (800 and 400 microns). This step allows us to measure the grind size and grind consistency of the sample. this screw base Now replaces the Kruve Two and is available in five screen sizes (300, 500, 800, 1,100 and 1,400 microns).
We use the Kloof Coffee Sieve System to confirm grind size consistency.
A good electric coffee grinder or hand grinder produces grinds, preferably with stainless steel blades, that mostly range in particle size from 400 to 800 microns (at the grind settings we chose). Finally, we weighed the powder collected between the two screens (top 800 μm, bottom 400 μm).
A bad grinder will grind particles of different sizes, from large to small. Blade grinders are notorious for this problem. Unlike blade coffee grinders, coffee grinders with steel or ceramic burrs generally produce coffee grounds that are more uniformly sized.
In addition, we have to grind it at least two more times. From there, we can record the average optimal yield for each grinder.
