There are many ways to ensure that your cup of Fah King Good Coffee tastes delicious. Even though we get you started with that process by supplying you with our amazing fresh, roasted to order coffee, there’s more to it of course.
Today, let’s focus on the grind (no, not the MTV show from years ago - have we dated ourselves?). More specifically, let’s talk about grinding your own beans at home.
Grind size is one of the most important factors in making a great cup of coffee. The grind size will affect the extraction of the coffee, which will in turn affect the flavor of the coffee. In other words, you don’t wanna mess this up!
If the grind size is too coarse (think kosher salt), the coffee will be weak and watery. If the grind size is too fine (think powdered sugar), the coffee will be bitter and over extracted.
Let’s take a look at 3 ways to grind your own coffee beans at home with some suggestions for you as well!
1. Burr Grinder
The absolute best way to grind coffee beans at home is with a burr grinder. This is the most popular and preferred method for grinding coffee beans. It’s also the most dependable and consistent way to grind your coffee beans the same way every time.
Burr grinders use two rotating burrs to grind the beans into a consistent grind size. This is important for ensuring that your coffee tastes its best. Burr grinders come in both manual and electric models with many different options on the market.
Our preference is the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. This beautiful looking grinder is well worth the investment if you’re a true coffee enthusiast. It’s an electric burr grinder that lives up to its “smart” name. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro has 60 programmable settings that allow you to grind coffee beans to match any type of coffee you’re looking to brew.
(Ps. This is the same grinder the Fah King himself owns!)
2. Blade Grinder
If you are on a budget, a blade grinder can be a good option. Blade grinders use a spinning blade to chop the beans into smaller pieces. However, while they can get the job done, blade grinders are not as efficient and do not produce as consistent of a grind as burr grinders. This can result in a range of grind sizes in the same batch of coffee, which can affect the taste of your coffee as different grind sizes extract coffee differently.
But again, if you’re not looking to spend a big chunk of money, a blade grinder will work just fine. In fact, if you go this route, we would recommend the Cuisinart DCG-20BKN Coffee Grinder. It has a large container big enough to grind beans for up to 12 cups of coffee. It’s safe, simple to use, and gets the job done.
3. Hand Grinder
Hand grinders are a great option for people who want to grind their coffee beans without electricity. It’s also great for those who want to get a little bit of a quick and cheap morning workout (ok maybe that’s a stretch). Hand grinders use a crank or handle to grind the beans. The great thing about hand grinders is that they are an affordable option and they produce a consistent grind size, better than the blade grinders.
If getting that little workout in is what you’re looking for (OK, we’ll stop), we recommend the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder. It’s very versatile with 18 different settings, compact which makes it perfect for travel, and it produces very consistent grinds.
What NOT to use:
- a hammer
- your fist
- a book
- a coffee pot
- your head
Alright, enough with the Fah King comedy.
No matter which method you choose, it is important that you grind your coffee beans just before brewing. Don’t grind an entire bag and let it sit there if you can avoid this. Grinding as you brew will ensure that the coffee is fresh and flavorful.
Here are some Fah King tips for grinding coffee beans at home:
- Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans.
- Grind your coffee beans just before brewing.
- Use the correct grind size for your brewing method.
- Store your coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- If you are using a burr grinder, start with a coarse grind and adjust the grind size as needed.
- If you are using a blade grinder, grind the beans in short bursts to prevent the beans from overheating.
- Don't over-grind the beans, as this will make the coffee bitter.
- Experiment with different grind sizes to find what you like best.
With a little practice, you'll be able to grind coffee beans like a Fah King pro and consistently make delicious coffee at home every time.