Brew the Perfect Coffee

TL;DR

NEVER blade grinders. Inconsistent particles = bad coffee.Learn why →
Burr grinders only. Conical or flat. Both work.Learn more →
Baratza Encore. The standard, reliable workhorse.Learn more →
Invest here. Grinder > everything else.

❌ Why NOT Blade Grinders

Blade grinders chop randomly. You get huge chunks next to fine powder.

Uneven extraction: Big chunks under-extract (sour). Fine powder over-extracts (bitter).
Result: Muddy, inconsistent flavor every brew.
Bottom line: Skip them. Even a cheap burr grinder beats an expensive blade grinder.

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⚙️ Conical vs Flat Burrs

Both work great. Pick based on your priorities.

Conical Burrs

✓ More forgiving (fewer fines)
✓ Quieter
✓ Cheaper
✗ Slightly less precise

Flat Burrs

✓ More precise
✓ Consistent grind size
✗ Can generate more heat
✗ More expensive

For beginners: Go conical. Easier to dial in, more forgiving.

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✓ What Matters in a Grinder

Adjustability

You need fine control over grind size. Click adjusters (like Encore) are easier than macro dials.

Consistency

Minimal fines (dust) and boulders (chunks). Uniform particles extract evenly.

Speed

Slower is better. Fast grinding = heat = flavor loss. Burr grinders at 1500+ RPM are ideal.

💡 Grinder Recommendations

🏆 The Standard: Baratza Encore

Conical burrs, 40 grind settings, reliable, easy to adjust. The industry standard for pour-over and immersion brewing.

Baratza Encore →

Better: Wilfa Svart

Conical burrs, flat burr grind consistency, adjustable, beautiful design. Worth the jump up.

Premium: Eureka Mignon Specialita

Flat burrs, precise, espresso-grade consistency, works great for pour-over too.

Splurge: Fellow Ode

Flat burrs designed for filter coffee, ultra-consistent, premium build quality.

💡 Pro Tips

✓ Grind right before you brew. Pre-ground coffee loses flavor fast.
✓ Start with medium grind, then adjust based on taste.
✓ Cleaner cup? Go finer. Too sour? Go coarser.

Grinder: Non-Negotiable