How a coffee bean grinder works: from beans to a cup of coffee

How it works

A coffee bean grinder is a device used to grind coffee beans into powder. Its working principle can be simply summarized as follows: put the coffee beans into the machine, and the high-speed rotating blades or conical grinding wheels will break and refine them, and finally get coffee powder suitable for brewing.

Blade and conical roller

According to different design structures, coffee bean grinders can be divided into two types: blade type and conical wheel type.

Blade coffee bean grinders use a cutting method similar to those used in food processing. In this machine, one or more rotating blades will quickly chop the coffee beans into small particles. This method is simple to operate and relatively inexpensive, but it tends to produce particles of uneven size and shape.

In contrast, the conical wheel coffee bean grinder is more advanced and professional. It consists of a conical wheel with grooves fixed to the bottom and a rotating conical wheel. The coffee beans enter the machine from above and are clamped and refined by the two wheels. This method can better control the grinding process and produce particles of uniform size and similar shape.

Adjust the powder size

Coffee bean grinders usually have an adjustable grind function, allowing users to choose the appropriate powder coarseness based on their preferences and brewing method.

In blade coffee bean grinders, different degrees of refinement are usually achieved by changing the distance between the blade and the container or by changing the blade's rotation speed, while in conical wheel coffee bean grinders, the particle size is controlled by adjusting the distance between the two grinding wheels.

Factors affecting quality

In addition to the working principle and adjustment function, there are some other factors that affect the final coffee quality.

The first thing is to choose high-quality fresh coffee beans. Whether it is a blade type or a conical wheel type coffee bean grinder, it needs to have enough power to break the coffee beans. If you use old or poor quality coffee beans, it may result in uneven particle size and poor taste.

The second is the skill and experience of operation. For conical wheel coffee bean grinders, it is very important to adjust the appropriate spacing. If the spacing is too small, it may lead to over-refining and produce bitter taste; conversely, it may not fully release the aroma and flavor of the coffee.

Finally, keep the equipment clean. Since coffee contains oil and other substances, a layer of sediment will accumulate on the blade or grinding wheel after a period of use. These sediments not only affect the particle size and uniformity, but also easily produce odor. Therefore, regular cleaning of the equipment is essential to ensure quality.

Summarize

By understanding the working principle of coffee bean grinders and the factors that affect quality, we can better understand how to use and maintain this equipment to obtain more fragrant and delicious coffee. Whether it is a blade type or a conical wheel type coffee bean grinder, you need to pay attention to the selection of high-quality fresh coffee beans and adjust the powder coarseness according to personal taste and brewing method. In addition, regular cleaning of the equipment is also an important part of ensuring quality.