I Tested 12 Coffees on 4 Grinders at the Same Gap. Here's What Happened.

Summary

In this video, Lance Hedrick explores the nuances of coffee grinders, comparing different models like the Niche Zero, Breville Smart Grinder Pro, PK100, and EK Omnia. He highlights how particle size distribution affects espresso extraction times and ease of dialing in. The Niche Zero, with its wide particle distribution, is praised for being easy to use and consistent, especially for beginners or those who enjoy lattes. However, for advanced espresso enthusiasts seeking more precision, flat burr grinders like the EK43 are recommended, as they offer a tighter distribution and higher potential for flavor extraction.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Niche Zero grinder offers a wide particle size distribution, making it easier to dial in different coffees without much adjustment.
• 😀 While a wide particle distribution like the Niche Zero's makes dialing in easier, it may not extract all the potential flavors from the coffee, especially with lighter roasts.
• 😀 The Breville Smart Grinder Pro and the Niche Zero both have smaller ranges of variation, but the Niche is easier to dial in with its wider distribution.
• 😀 Flat burr grinders like the EK Omnia and PK100, with unimodal particle distribution, tend to be harder to dial in but can produce a higher quality shot when dialed correctly.
• 😀 The main challenge with wide particle distributions, such as those from the Niche, is a lack of granularity, which can lead to inconsistent extraction and taste.
• 😀 For those who want an easier coffee-making experience, grinders like the Niche Zero are perfect, offering quick and palatable espresso without much effort.
• 😀 Unimodal grinders, which produce tighter particle distributions, require more precision and experience in dialing in, but they allow for a more refined and higher-quality espresso shot.
• 😀 The wide particle distribution in some grinders, such as the Niche Zero, means that it can handle different types of coffee with little need for adjustments, but might lack the clarity of flavor.
• 😀 Taking notes and tracking your grind settings can significantly improve your ability to dial in various coffees efficiently and accurately, especially with more advanced grinders.
• 😀 For roasters and home baristas, knowing the fixed gap (a specific grind setting) and how long it takes to pull a shot can make the dialing-in process quicker and more consistent across different beans.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to explore how different coffee grinders perform when dialed in using the same coffee and recipe. The video emphasizes the impact of particle size distribution, grinder types (flat vs. conical burrs), and the ease or difficulty of dialing in espresso shots.

What coffee grinders were tested in the video?

The video discusses tests on the Niche Zero, Breville Smart Grinder Pro, modified Compak PK100, and the EK Omnia. A secret grinder was also mentioned but not included in the published data.

How did the Niche Zero perform compared to the other grinders?

The Niche Zero had the smallest variation in shot time, meaning it was the easiest to dial in with different coffees. It provided a wide window for shot extraction, making it suitable for a range of coffee types without needing frequent adjustments.

What is meant by 'particle size distribution'?

Particle size distribution refers to the variety in the size of coffee grounds at a given grind setting. A wide distribution means there's a broader range of particle sizes, while a more unimodal distribution means the particles are more uniform in size.

Why is a wide particle size distribution considered beneficial for beginners?

A wide particle size distribution, like that of the Niche Zero, allows beginners to achieve good espresso shots more easily. The broader range of particle sizes provides more forgiveness when dialing in, making it easier to get consistent results without being overly precise.

What are the drawbacks of grinders with wide particle size distributions?

Grinders with wide particle size distributions, such as the Niche Zero, tend to blend flavors more broadly, which can result in a less homogeneous texture. This might be less ideal for those seeking a more refined or nuanced espresso experience, especially with lighter roasts.

What makes grinders with flat burrs, like the EK Omnia, more challenging to dial in?

Grinders with flat burrs that produce a more unimodal particle size distribution tend to have a narrower window for optimal extraction. This means they require more precise adjustments to dial in correctly, which can be difficult for less experienced users but offers higher potential for flavor if dialed in properly.

How can taking notes help when dialing in coffee grinders?

Taking notes helps by providing a baseline for future shots. By recording the grind settings and extraction times for different coffees, users can more easily make adjustments for new coffees, minimizing waste and improving consistency over time.

Why does the video mention a fixed gap approach to dialing in coffee?

The fixed gap approach is suggested as a method for creating consistency. By identifying the grind setting that works best for a specific coffee, users can reference that setting when dialing in new coffees, making adjustments based on extraction time rather than completely reconfiguring the grind each time.

What role do fines play in the espresso extraction process?

Fines are small coffee particles that are often undesirable in espresso extraction because they can lead to uneven water flow and inconsistent extraction. Grinders with fewer fines are typically preferred for achieving more precise and consistent espresso shots.