The benefit of purchasing an at-home coffee grinder is the ability to have the freshest cup of coffee possible. Buying pre-ground coffee is fine, but much of the quality is lost, especially if you don’t go through it very fast. Even if you store it in an airtight container away from light and moisture, or even freeze the grounds, the caliber just isn’t the same when comparing it to its whole bean counterpart.
Buying a grinder is great because not only will it let you preserve the freshness of your beans by grinding them only when you need them, you can also feel like a barista in the comfort of your home.
Nothing beats the convenience of a coffee maker with a built-in grinder. Not only that, but it also saves precious countertop space if you choose to buy one. As it is, though, you may find yourself wondering which model is the best one to buy. Coffee maker and grinder combos can be unreliable or have flaws that you may have a hard time looking past. So, when it comes to looking at which model to purchase, what should you look for?
Important Factors to Consider
When shopping for a coffee brewer/grinder combo, think about the size and weight of the appliance. Chances are you’ll use it daily, and leave it on the counter. Think about if a smaller model will be able to function in the capacity you’ll need. Do you prefer to make your own individual cup or do you brew an entire pot?
There are a variety of coffee maker/grinder combos that can brew regular drip or make delicious espresso. Decide what your preference is–there are tons of options for either type of machine.
Back to the Grind
Perhaps one of the biggest factors to consider when shopping for a coffee brewer/grinder combo is size. Chances are you’ll use it daily, and leave it on the counter. Think about if a smaller model will be able to function in the capacity you’ll need. Do you prefer to make your own individual cup or do you brew an entire pot? Some coffee machines may only have the option to make single-batch servings.
How easy is the grinder to clean? If you know that you’re not the kind of person who is good at staying on top of things like that, look for a model that doesn’t require as much cleaning or is at least easier to wipe down than others. Coffee grinders can be high-maintenance, but if taken care of, will be a worthwhile investment to your kitchen.
A machine’s ability to adjust the grind is also something you may want to take into account, and while it may not be the deciding factor in the model you purchase, it is important to understand how grind–how coarse or fine the coffee is–affects the way the coffee is brewed.
An important consideration is how noisy the grinder is. A lower-quality machine may rattle and create a big disruption, which could be a problem if others are sleeping. Read reviews to see what people say, if anything, about noise levels in grinders.
What Are Some Features I Should Look For?
When doing your research, think about what the ideal grinder for you would have. Machines that can be programmed to start at a specific time are great for those of you who want to save as much time as possible in the morning or have it ready when you come home from work. If you just can’t wait to take a sip before the machine finishes brewing, there are some models that let you pause the brewing process so you can sneak a cup in the meantime.
Does it come with a hot plate? This is something to consider if you don’t want to waste an entire pot of coffee by letting it get cold. Some pots are thermal insulated, and while that can do a good job keeping everything nice and hot, it may not do as well as a hot plate.
Some machines come with a built-in water filtration system. You may not know this, but filtered water is a crucial part of the coffee brewing process. This is why coffee shops (like Starbucks, who uses a triple-filtered osmosis system) have coffee that tastes different than what you make at home, even if you use the same beans that they use.
Final Words
One fun feature that some coffee makers have is the ability to adjust the strength of the brew. Having this is great if you have company over and want to accommodate their tastes, or maybe if you have a dark roast that you absolutely love but sometimes find a little overpowering.
Just do a little research and you’ll find the perfect coffee maker/grinder combo for you!
