When it comes to choosing the right hand grinder for your home coffee setup, it's important to consider a variety of factors. The size of the burrs, the precision of the grind, and the materials used in construction can all have a significant impact on the quality of the coffee that you brew. In this guide, we've outlined some of the key features to consider when choosing a hand grinder.
To help you further in your decision-making process, we've also compiled a list of the most popular hand grinders currently available in Australia in 2024, along with their features and specifications, including the Mazzer Omega, Comandante C40 MK4, Kinu M47, Kingrinder K6, Kingrinder K4, Kingrinder K2, Kingrinder K1, Kingrinder K0, 1Zpresso K-Pro, 1Zpresso JX-Pro, 1Zpresso JX, 1Zpresso Q2, Timemore C2, Timemore C3, Timemore C3S, Timemore C3ESP, Timemore S3 and Porlex Mini II.
When choosing what hand coffee grinder to buy, these are key features to consider:
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Burr Size
The larger the burr size, the more cutting area available. A greater diameter burr means that for any quantity of beans, there will be fewer rotations of the burr set to grind them thoroughly, which leads to a faster dose of ground coffee: not a more rapid spin, a quicker result. Keep in mind that hand grinding your beans for espresso is a lengthier job as fine grinds require more effort and take longer to produce than coarser filter grinds. In this case, a bigger set of burrs will get the job done faster.
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Microns(ÎŒm) per Click
The unit of measurement used to talk about the size of the coffee particles when ground is called âmicronsâ. 1 micron equals one-thousandth of a millimeter. In general, the lower the number, the more precise you are getting, and that precision will help you to find the perfect grinding size for dialing in.
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Construction Materials
The use of materials and construction have an impact on the quality of the grinder. Basically all metal construction grinders will last longer, look nicer, feel better, grind smoother, are quieter and produce finer coffee grinds. This not only results in better coffee but also a better experience along the way.
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Burr Materials
While it is important for the grind experience and overall feel of the grinder to consider what the body and base of the grinder are made off, you want to pay extra attention to the material used for the burrs. You have the option between ceramic and steel burr sets, the latter being the sharper and more efficient choice, whereas ceramic burrs tend to produce a lot of dust.
In conclusion, choosing a hand grinder for your coffee brewing setup is a personal decision that depends on your budget, brewing preferences, and lifestyle. With this guide, we hope to provide you with a comprehensive overview of some of the most popular hand grinders available in Australia in 2024, so that you can make an informed decision and enjoy the best cup of coffee possible.