Blade Grinder - Why You Shouldn't Use One
Blade grinders use an e-type propeller (think blenders) to chop coffee beans. They are less expensive than burr grinders and easy to clean but they don't yield uniform grounds and can cause excessive extraction and bitterness in your coffee.
For a first-class coffee experience, you need uniform distribution of the particles. This is only possible using burr mills. It's not surprising that coffee people who are snobs dislike burr grinders.
Inconsistent Grinds
If you've used a blade grinder for a long time, the chances are your grinding results have been inconsistent. This is because the machine has probably become worn out and dull. As the grinder wears out it will break up beans into various sizes. This can result in different levels of coarseness. With these various-sized coffee particles, it's difficult for your coffee maker to extract an even, consistent flavor.
A blade grinder uses an e-rotating blade that resembles a propeller to break the beans. It chops beans into smaller and smaller pieces which are then dropped into a catcher, which is then filtered through the screen. This method is effective however it's not the best grind possible for your drink. Burr grinders are a better alternative. A burr grinder comes with an efficient motor that has two grinding burrs and is a bigger machine. The burrs can be set at a specific distance which determines the degree of coarseness of the coffee being ground.
When the burrs are too close together, they will pulverize the beans instead of cutting them. The result is a more fine and less coarse grind. They may also be brittle and affect the flavor of your coffee. On the other however when the burrs are too separated, they could produce large chunks of coarsely ground coffee. It is crucial to select a coffee grinder that has an appropriate setting to match the coarseness you desire.
A sharp, properly-adjusted blade will produce a consistent and fine grind for your coffee. If you notice that your grind is becoming increasingly uneven, it could be time to replace the blade or burrs. It is also advisable to change the grind setting if you haven't done so previously, as this will allow you to achieve an even grind.
It's also worth noting that if your machine produces clumped up grounds, this is an indication of worn or damaged blades. The clumping is caused by small particles adhering to one another and larger pieces of grounds making larger granules that don't dissolve well in water. As your burrs become more and less dull this is more frequent.
Uneven Extraction
The size of the coffee grounds is crucial to extract flavor, whether you're making a French press pour-over, drip brew or pour-over. Uneven sizes of the grounds cause uneven extraction, resulting in an unbalanced cup of coffee.
The beans are cut and shredded randomly when they go through the blade mill, resulting in an uneven distribution of grind particle size. A blade grinder can produce a mix of large fragments as well as dust-sized particles and everything between. The different sizes of grinds produce at a different rate, resulting in the cup of coffee that is often bitter and inconsistent.
The lack of uniformity also results in problems with tamping and filtration. With a burr mill, you can achieve an even particle size, which allows for better tamping and filtration which prevents over-extraction. With a blade grinder, it is more difficult to get an even grind and you might find yourself tamping from side to side or using the Stockfleth method (which takes some practice).
The high speed and heat generated by blade grinders is a different issue. This can burn the grounds and create a bitter taste. Burr grinders are more cool and don't generate as much heat, which preserves the flavor of the bean.
bean grinder coffee machine has one final disadvantage: it is very easy to grind your beans to a fine. Keeping the grinder running continuously generates a lot of heat, which can cause your grounds to become excessively extracted, leading to bitter brew. To avoid this, always put the grinder off before turning it back on.
The use of a blade grinder is a simple and inexpensive way to grind your coffee at home, but it's not the ideal option for those who are serious about their coffee brewing. It is recommended to use whole beans and use a burr grinder to get the most effective results. You should invest in your the brewing experience and invest in a quality grinder that will meet all your coffee needs!
If you're looking to upgrade your blade grinder, look through our top picks for top burr grinders available on the market. Selecting the right grinder is a crucial choice that will impact your brewing and overall cup quality so take into consideration your budget, your space, and the method you prefer to use when deciding on the best grinder.
Grounds Burned Grounds
A blade grinder employs a sharp blade to grind the beans. The blade spins at high speed, like blenders. The blade's rapid movement produces heat, which can ignite some of the coffee grounds. The burned particles aren't suitable for brewing and can cause a bad taste in your coffee.
To ensure a top-quality experience the uniform distribution of particles is required to ensure the best flavor extraction. This consistency is impossible using a blade grinder that is able to break the beans into small and large pieces. A burr grinder on the other hand, achieves an even distribution of particles that is reproducible over a wide range of types of brews.
Blade grinders have many advantages, including their low price and speedy operation. However, they also have a few disadvantages for instance, the fact that they generate heat when in use and produce different grind sizes, and lack control over the final particle size. There are ways to increase the efficiency with this type of grinder despite its inherent limitations.
When a burr mill, the user is able to easily adjust their desired grind size by adjusting the distance between the discs. This lets them to extract the flavor they desire every time they drink their favorite coffee beans. It requires a lot of practice to make a great brew using a blade grinder.
Angle grinders are a powerful tool that should only be used by professionals. If used improperly, it can cause the dangerous condition known as grinding burn which causes localized changes in the metallographic structure of the surface of the workpiece. This can cause cracks that, if unchecked, can eventually result in macropitting and tooth fracture.
Grinding burn is a serious issue that can be caused by a range of factors including excessive grinding pressure, inadequate cooling, or inadequate operator training. Wear the proper safety equipment when using an angle grinder. This includes safety glasses with a face shield as well as steel toe boots. This will prevent hot sparks from flying off the wheel and hitting nearby people or equipment. Sparks can reach temperatures as high as 3,600 degF and can be able to burn through paint or even metal.
Disappointing Brew
A blade grinder will chop your beans up indiscriminately and leave you with different-sized grounds. The unevenly sized grounds are extracted at different rates in your coffee maker and this leads to an unpalatable or weak cup of coffee. The problem with this is that it destroys the balance that makes a great cup of coffee. The soluble compounds in the beans are removed over time, resulting in the flavor that makes your coffee taste delicious.
You've likely heard that using a brewing burr grinder instead of a blade grinder is the best method to ensure an excellent beverage. Many people don't even know what a burr mill does. They purchase the cheap blade grinders that are difficult to control and can buy at supermarkets and places that are kitchen-like.
Basically, these cheap grinders have a blade with two pronged at the bottom of a chamber that spins quickly and chops anything it strikes including coffee beans. You press a button start the grinder, and the blade chops up your beans into a variety of different sized pieces. Small pieces fall to the bottom and are chopped again, while the larger pieces remain towards the top of the chamber. This causes uneven grounds that are difficult to determine.
These grinders could also burn your beans, ruining your coffee. The heat can also take away some of the flavor of your beans, and you're left with a mediocre cup of coffee.
If you've grind your own coffee with a blade grinder and you're ready to get rid of it and upgrade to a more powerful. A burr mill will do the job at a fraction of the price, and produce the same results. It's worth the investment. If you want more control over the brew try a manual burr grinder, such as the Rhino hand grinder. These grinders feature burrs but are powered by turning the crank, which gives more control than a plug-in or electric grinder.