Selecting the best grinder for brewing espresso is just as crucial as selecting the ideal espresso machine, related site. It is important to choose a grinder that will produce a uniform and consistent grind, as this directly affects the flavor and extraction of espresso. This article will compare the two most popular grinders used for espresso machines: blade and burr grinders.
Burr Grinder:
The burr grinder is widely considered the best choice for making espresso. Two rotating burrs, either conical or horizontal, are used to crush coffee beans into a uniform size. The burr grinder allows for precise control of the size of the coffee grind, which results in better tasting espresso and a consistent extraction. They also produce less heat when grinding the coffee, which preserves the aroma and flavor.
Blade Grinders
As the name implies, blade grinders use rotating blades to chop the coffee into smaller pieces. Although blade grinders may be more affordable and widely available, they do not make the best espresso.
The uneven grinding size of blade grinders can result in an unbalanced shot and inconsistent extraction. It is difficult to get the best results when you can’t control your grind size.
Grinding Size Consistency
For a consistent espresso, consistency in the grind size is essential. You can adjust the burr size for your machine, which will ensure a consistent espresso extraction. The blade grinder on the other side tends to mix coarse and fine particle sizes, resulting in over or under extraction of coffee.
Burr Grinder Investment:
If you are serious about making quality espresso shots, a burr mill is a must-have. Burr grinders with high quality burrs, durable construction and adjustable settings are the best. Burr grinders are more expensive initially, but they offer better flavor, control and consistency.