How To Clean A Drip Grinder? – Ultimate Guide

Do you know what coffee enthusiasts love more than caffeine? It is the control over the taste of their coffee, which is possible through variables like grind size. It’s also interesting to note that this seemingly small variable influences coffee taste significant. The science of grind size is real, and as manufacturers develop more ways to ensure consistency and control for the bean grinder, the competition between the drip grinder and the espresso grinder continues to loom over our heads. But what rarely plays into this rivalry is the aspect of maintenance.

Let’s talk more about caring and cleaning for our grinders so they can do what they do best efficiently—give us the best coffee grinds.

What You Need To Know About Drip Grinders

Simply put, a drip grinder is a grinder that makes the optimum grind size for drip coffee machines. And if you’re a coffee lover and a coffee grinder, you’ll know by now that coffee machines have a lot to do with how fine or coarse grind size should be. We even need the best measuring cup set just so that we get that perfect cup of coffee right the first time.

What Is A Drip Grinder?

Simply put, a drip grinder is a grinder that makes the optimum grind size for drip coffee machines. And if you’re a coffee lover and a coffee grinder, you’ll know by now that coffee machines have a lot to do with how fine or coarse grind size should be, which leads us to the next question.

What Is The Best Grind Size For Drip Coffee?

Drip coffee makers use steam produced by boiling water to rise through a tube until it drips. The hot water passes through the grounds and then through the filter until it gets to the pot. From this process, it’s easy to recognize the importance of filter use: the best grind for drip coffee depends on filter type. Paper filters use a medium grind, and metal filters need a coarser grind. Drip coffee machines generally require medium coffee grounds, and since it takes a while to brew coffee through this method, coarse grounds are also an excellent alternative. The secret to making the most out of your coffee using automatic drip coffee machines is to use freshly ground roasted beans. That’s why the right grinder is essential.

Although the expectations for an excellent drip grinder may sound like your normal high-performing coffee grinders, there are key factors to consider. And once the selection is over, maintenance takes over.

How To Clean A Blade Drip Grinder

Blade grinders pulverize coffee beans with motor-powered blades, usually in 2’s or 3’s. They’re known to produce uneven coffee grinds, but with the exception of newer models with adjustable speeds and power, it all boils down to technique.

Use Dry Uncooked Rice

1. Fill the grinder to the blade level with dry, uncooked rice.
2. Grind the rice grains for one minute.
3. Pour out the pulverized rice grains.
4. Make sure to unplug the grinder.
5. Wipe the residue of ground rice with a damp cloth.
6. Grind more rice if needed.

How To Clean A Burr Drip Grinder

Burr grinders are more popular because they produce consistent grind sizes due to their adjustable inner and outer burrs. However, cleaning it can be a bit challenging.

Use Cleaning Tablets

Cleaning tablets are an excellent way to thoroughly clean your burr grinder. You can do this every two weeks, depending on how often you use your grinder.

1. Wipe down the grinder with a slightly damp towel and brush.
2. Run the grinder to ensure no coffee is left.
3. Follow the cleaning tablet’s instructions and pour it into the hopper.
4. Run the grinder with the cleaning tablets.
5. Continue to grind until the tablets are caught in the bin.
6. Grind a few coffee beans to ensure there are no cleaning tablets left in the burrs.

Divide And Conquer

Yes, you read that right. Burr grinders can be challenging to clean, especially if you prefer taking them apart and cleaning them piece by piece.

1. Remove the receptacle attached to your grinder.
2. Clean the hopper with mild dishwashing soap and water.
3. With the burr grinder still plugged, run it for 2-3 minutes to ensure you remove all the coffee residue.
4. Unplug the burr grinder.
5. Take it apart by starting with removable pieces exposed to the coffee beans.
6. Wash the pieces with mild dishwashing soap and water.
7. Follow manual instructions and remove the inner burr.
8. Use a brush and toothpick to remove coffee stuck in the burr.
9. Wipe the burrs with a damp towel.
10. Use a cotton swab to clean hard to reach places like a chute.
11. Ensure all parts are dry.
12. Reassemble the parts
13. Grind a small number of beans to position the burr back in place and lubricate the burrs.

Conclusion

Depending on the type chosen, cleaning a drip grinder will either be a challenge or a breeze, but this shouldn’t deter you from choosing the best and using it to its full potential. With some practical cleaning techniques in your pocket, you can enjoy the optimum coffee taste with a simple drip coffee machine.