Grinding your own beans is an important step in creating the perfect cup of coffee.  But the type of grinder that you use can make a big difference!  There are two different types of grinder out there: Burr and Blade Grinders.  Which one should you get?

First, let’s talk a bit about the differences between them.  A blade grinder typically has two metal blades, which rotate at a high speed.  These blades actually don’t grind the coffee beans, but instead chop them.  A burr grinder, on the other hand, has metal plates, called “burrs.”  These plates can be conical or cylindrical.  Either way, there will be one plate that remains stationary and one that rotates, grinding the beans between them.

So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of each type, and which one should you get?  Let’s start with the blade grinder. The main benefits of this type of coffee grinder are its ease of use and its affordability.  It makes a great, inexpensive, entry-level coffee grinder for someone who’s never ground their own beans before.  All you have to do is put the beans in, hold down a button, and wait a few seconds.  However, while this is fine for most drip coffee machines, for other types of drink, such as an espresso or French press, you may find that you don’t have the control you need over the particle size.  Espresso requires very finely ground beans, and it’s difficult to get a uniformly fine grind with a blade grinder.  This type of grinder also makes a lot of noise, and produces a lot of heat that can alter the flavor of the beans.

What about a Burr grinder, then?  While this type is more expensive, it is widely considered to give a better quality grind.  First, it does actually grind the beans, as opposed to chopping them, which makes a big difference in how their flavor is released.  Also, it gives you much more precise control over the size of the particles, allowing you to select from a number of different levels of coarseness or fineness.  Burr grinders also do a great job of producing uniformly-sized coffee grounds.  Plus, if you are looking for a manual coffee grinder, they are certain to be burr grinders, because of the better quality hand-grind that this style will give you.

Whether you are enjoying your coffee from an under counter coffee maker, a stove-top espresso maker, or a drip coffee machine, you can be sure that having the right coffee grinder will make a big difference.  For someone just starting out, the affordability of blade grinders makes them an appealing choice.  But if you are serious about the taste and quality of your coffee, then burr grinders are the best way to go.