Real coffee lovers know that the secret of an ideal drink lies not only in the right choice of coffee beans, but also in the features of their grinding. Today there are electric coffee grinders that make it possible to prepare the basis for the future hot drink in a few seconds. However, such a grinding can in no way be compared with aromatic, preserved full taste grated grains, which can only be obtained in a manual coffee mill.
What are the advantages of such a coffee grinder?
The first weighty argument in favor of a hand mill is the opportunity to enjoy the process of making coffee. It takes up to 5-6 minutes to grind the grains in a hand mill. However, real connoisseurs of an invigorating drink are sure that such a waste of time is fully paid for by its rich taste and unique aroma. Other advantages of a manual coffee mill include the following:
- the ability to change the fineness of grinding;
- coffee with such gentle processing is not burnt and transfers all its aroma to the drink;
- you can safely take a manual coffee grinder with you on the road and even outdoors.
In addition, it is enough to clean the mill a couple of times a year, and with the help of environmentally friendly material, rice: first you need to grind a few grains of cereals, and then pass coffee through the millstones. Everything - your miracle - “machine” will again become clean and ready for further work. The price is also important - in comparison with the electric one, it costs an order of magnitude cheaper.
What does such a mill look like?
Features of manual coffee grinders are that they consist of a container into which grains are poured, grinding millstones and a handle that drives the millstones (gears are the link between the latter). The principle of operation is as follows: coffee grains poured into the upper container through a small hole wake up and fall between a moving millstone-auger and a fixed wheel equipped with special teeth. Here, the grains are carefully frayed, after which they wake up in the lower container or a special drawer (it all depends on the type of mill). Changing the fineness of grinding is very simple: just change the distance between the moving millstone and the stationary wheel.
What are manual coffee grinders?
In stores you can find a manual coffee mill in the form of a small box (cube) or a high cylinder. The first is called European, the second - eastern.
The European coffee grinder is distinguished by its attractive appearance - in the kitchen it may well become an important element of decor - and the presence in the box of a pull-out drawer, which, in fact, gets ground coffee. The handle can be located both on top and on the side, which makes it possible to stay on the option that is more convenient for a coffee lover. Another point - when grinding beans, the European mill can be installed on the table and just hold it with your hand.
An Eastern, or Turkish, coffee grinder must be kept in hand when working, but it is much more convenient to do this than in the case of the European one. The handle is located only on top. Ground grains from the upper part are poured into the lower. You can find options for the eastern mill, installed immediately on the Turk.
The role of a millstone in a manual coffee grinder
Thanks to their presence, the coffee grains are carefully ground to the desired state - which one, determines the coffee lover himself. And therefore, the material from which the millstones are made plays a role here.
Most often, you can find a manual coffee grinder with iron millstones. This is understandable: they are much cheaper than their other brothers. So, they have both advantages and disadvantages. Cast iron millstones are more affordable, strong and durable, but over time they have the ability to wear out. Chips in the latter case will fall into the coffee and give it a metallic flavor.
Something similar happens with steel millstones. But they, in addition to everything else, are also covered with titanium, which not only gives the coffee grinder additional strength and wear resistance, but also increases its cost. Millstones with their smooth texture are easy to wash, they do not absorb odors, but, again, they can spoil coffee with a touch of metal.
An excellent option when choosing a manual coffee mill is a copy with ceramic millstones. They are not afraid of moisture, remain strong and sharp for a long time, do not spoil the aroma and taste of the drink. Perhaps the only drawback is that, like other ceramic products, such millstones can become unusable, for example, if the coffee grinder is accidentally dropped.
Well, and finally, the perfect version of a hand mill - with stone millstones. This material is notable for its extraordinary strength, environmental friendliness, resistance to moisture and odors, and the ability to grind grain into dust if necessary. With such qualities, the high price of such a coffee grinder does not become an obstacle to purchase - after all, with proper care, a mill with stone millstones will last for more than a dozen years.
Do not forget about the little things
To finally close the question of how to choose a coffee grinder to get the perfect drink, there are a few points to note.
- It is better to calculate the volume of the mill in advance, based on what portion of coffee is usually required for one brewing and what type of drink is supposed to be prepared (espresso, French press, etc.).
- If the coffee grinder becomes a detail of the interior, perhaps you should pay attention not only to the material of which its body is made, the particulars of decoration, but also to the ability to remove the handle. This, by the way, will help to make the mill more compact if it is often supposed to be taken on the road.
- A coffee grinder without a case - it is installed immediately on a Turk - is suitable for those who appreciate the aroma and taste of hand-ground coffee, but still prefer to save time on the preparation of the drink.