4 Reasons to Grind Your Own Coffee Beans

So, you recently purchased a new espresso machine (like these semi-automatics here), set it up in your kitchen and used some pre-ground coffee you purchased from the supermarket to make your first cup. Maybe you weren't satisfied with the results. Maybe it didn't taste quite as well as you expected. Any coffee expert will tell you the quickest way to improve the caliber of your espresso is to use freshly roasted beans with a quality coffee grinder. Below, I'll discuss why you should always grind your own beans if you want to enjoy better espresso and espresso-based drinks.

1) Brew Fresher Coffee

When you own a coffee grinder, you can grind the beans just before you brew your coffee. Why is this significant? Coffee experts agree that using freshly roasted coffee beans within 4-14 days after roasting will capture the coffee's peak flavor. Grinding beans will increase the surface area exposed to air. The more surface area exposed, the faster the coffee's flavor degrades. Pre-ground coffee purchased in grocery stores often goes stale very quickly, even if stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Brewing just after the beans are ground will minimize the degradation time.

2) Better flavor extractions
A quality coffee grinder should be able to grind the beans with precision and result in a consistent grind for maximum flavor extraction. When your espresso machine forces water through the ground coffee at 9 bar (131 psi) in a short amount of time, the water will extract the flavors and oils to be deposited in the cup. If the coffee grind is correct for the machine, the particles of coffee will be an equivalent size so the water passes through with equal resistance pulling all of the flavors and oils the grinds have to offer. Hence, a uniform ground size will result in an even extraction and an excellent shot of espresso!

3) Perfect grind every time
Most coffee drinkers know that different types of coffee makers require beans to be ground to specific levels in order to function properly. So, for example, coarse grinds work well in a percolator. Medium and fine grinds are made for drip coffeemakers. But for espresso, an extra fine grind is needed. So, if you are brewing coffee, as well as, making espresso, then you can dial in the correct setting for the extraction method being used.

4) Grind just what you need
A good quality grinder will save you money by allowing you to grind just the amount of coffee needed. Some coffee grinders control the dose of coffee by either timing the length of the grind or by weighing the amount you need. Whether you scoop beans into your grinder or allow it to dose the beans, a good quality grinder will give you more control over the brew.

If you enjoy a good cup of coffee or shot of espresso and would like to improve the caliber of your beverage, you should have a good quality grinder in your kitchen (we have a nice selection here). With a quality grinder, you'll be able to: