Some people think of grinding their coffee as a simple necessity to getting to a great cup of coffee and others turn it into an art or even a throwback in time.
When it comes to grinding coffee, the best way to create the perfect cup is to grind as close to drinking as possible.
“I love my coffee and the few minutes grinding and smelling the aroma in the morning is almost as good as the first cup,” said Tom Kurys, who builds old-fashioned coffee grinders.
Blade grinders are the more modern style of grinders and cheaper than the burr kind, but coffee lovers tend to agree that burr grinders are better.
Kurys sells his home-made burr grinders at Texas Coffee Grinders, which can add a bit of history to the kitchen since they are patterned after ones built in the 1800s, according to his site.
He even uses a waxing formula that was created by a cabinetmaker in the 18th century to finish the hardwood grinders. “I started making the grinders over 12 years ago,” Kurys said. “I like old simple things and decided to build myself an old type coffee grinder. Then all my kids wanted one, then all my friends … and here we are.”
According to CoffeeResearch.org, the key to good coffee is to not only grind right before brewing, but to make sure to grind the bean down to the right size for the brewing process that will be used.
For instance, a drip method of brewing requires a medium grind size, a French press needs a large size and a vacuum pot needs a mega size grind. Those who prefer making an espresso, they need to get a fine grind, according to the site.
Coffee grinders can range in cost with blade grinders running for as little as about $20 and burr grinders for as low as about $45.