Behind every great cup of coffee is a hardworking grinder. It may come as a surprise to some, but the quality of your coffee starts with how the bean is ground. Achieving the perfect grind can take some practice, but the good news is with the right grinder, anyone can become a bean grinding pro! For those using a ceramic coffee slow dripper, getting the right grind for your beans is the key to a tasty cup of coffee every time.
The Right Grind for Slow Drip
Before you get started on grinding, it is important to understand how different grinds pair with different brewing methods. A coarse grind tends to work well with a French press whereas fine grinds are best reserved for espresso. Medium-fine is an ideal choice for siphon methods, leaving medium and medium-coarse the front runners for your ceramic coffee slow dripper. Some coffee lovers like to use coarse grinds for drip as well, so don’t be afraid to try a little extra body with your slow dripper. Experimenting with different grinds and brews is the only way you are going to find your preferred bean grinding technique.
Blade Grinders
Rather than grind, blade grinders actually chop beans with the help of a stainless-steel blade spinning at high speed. This method of bean grinding (or chopping) can be controlled by the operator by running the grinder for different lengths of time for different grinds. The longer you let the blade grinder go, the smaller the bean will be chopped. Blade grinders are fully manual, so if you plan to use this type of grinder for your brewing needs, you are going to need to become familiar with what different bean grinds look like. Some coffee lovers prefer to use blade grinders with their ceramic coffee slow drippers as they are generally inexpensive, conveniently sized, and easy to clean. The downside is they are prone to inconsistent grinds.
Burr Grinders
Burr grinders are made up of two spinning surfaces, called burrs, that grind beans a few at a time. You can adjust the distance between the burrs to create different grinds. Compared to blade grinders, burr grinders make it easier to achieve an even and consistent grind. Burr grinders are a great option for those using a ceramic coffee slow dripper to get their caffeine fix.
So What’s the Best Grinder for Pour Over?
For a ceramic coffee slow dripper, while coarse can certainly make you a great cup of coffee, your best bet is aiming for a medium grind. The key to a great cup of coffee is well ground beans that are a consistent size and texture. A burr grinder will help you grind your beans to the perfect consistency every time. With so many blends and methods for brewing, it can be tough to keep up with the ‘how-to’ of coffee making. For those using a ceramic coffee slow dripper, achieving the perfect cup of java takes patience and plenty of practice and while it may seem daunting, brewing that perfect cup of coffee makes it all worth it. Click here to learn more.