Grinding Coffee

Before you can use it, you have to grind your coffee. Different levels of grind, that is, different sizes of coffee particles, are required for different brewing methods. For example, espresso requires very, very fine particles -- almost, but not quite dust. Drip coffee requires a much coarser particle.

There are a number of different ways to grind your coffee beans:

• Manual grinders (slow, but fun)
• Whirly-bird grinders (cheap, unevenly sized particles, fine dust, not recommended)
• Burr grinders -- medium priced home models, e.g. Solis Maestro
• Burr grinders -- high-end home models, e.g. Rancilio Rocky and Baratza Vario
• Burr grinders -- commercial versions, e.g. Mazzer Mini

Great information on roasting can be found at Sweet Maria's. 

Until recently, I used a Solis Maestro for all grinding, from espresso through French press to drip coffee. The Maestro still gets almost daily activity, as I use it for grinding for drip brewing and for vacuum pot brewing. I also have Rancilio Rocky grinder, twin to my Rancilio "Miss Silvia" espresso machine, which is used strictly for my espresso and espresso-based drinks.  The difference using the Rancilio Rocky instead of the Maestro for espresso was phenomenal. The Vario was another step up.

The Rocky was a significant addition to the kitchen — and not just price — my wife likes it because it's quiet. The grinder is almost worth the price for that reason alone.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Terry A. Stockdale