What is a Coffee Grinder?
A coffee grinder is an essential coffee gear designed to break down coffee whole beans into smaller grounds for brewing. While it may seem like a simple tool, the grind size and consistency play a crucial part in the overall flavor, aroma and extraction of your finished coffee.
Why is a High Quality Coffee Grinder Important?
A great cup of coffee starts with the perfect grind. A top-tier coffee grinder ensures consistency in grind size, which directly impacts overall coffee quality. If your coffee grounds are uneven, some particles will over-extract (causing bitterness), while others under-extract (resulting in sourness).
Investing in a reliable burr grinder is one of the best upgrades for your coffee routine. Unlike blade grinders that chop beans inconsistently, burr grinders crush beans uniformly, giving you better control over flavor and strength.
Looking for the best coffee grinder for your setup? Check out our Top Coffee Grinders list, where we break down the best options to take your coffee game to the next level!
How to Grind Coffee with a Fellow Opus Coffee Grinder
Step 1: Select You Grind Setting
The Fellow Opus features a 41-step grind adjustment dial, allowing you to customize the grind size for different brewing methods.
- Rotate the grind adjustment ring to your desired setting.
- Use the grind guide inside the lid as a reference:
- Espresso : 1–3
- AeroPress: 3–5
- Pour-Over / Drip Coffee: 5–7
- Coffee Maker + Cupping: 7–8
- French Press: 8–9
- Cold Brew: 9–11
Step 2: Measure and Add Your Coffee Beans
- Weigh your coffee beans using a scale before grinding (recommended guidelines below).
- Pour the whole beans into the hopper and secure the lid.
Recommended Coffee-to-Water Ratios:
- Espresso (1-ounce shot): 7–9 grams
- Drip Coffee (8-ounce cup): 15–20 grams
- French Press (12-ounce cup): 21–24 grams
- Cold Brew (16-ounce batch): 40–50 grams
Step 3: Start Grinding (Press and Hold for Two Minutes)
- Press and hold the power button for two minutes to start the grinding process.
- The Fellow Opus will automatically stop once grinding is complete.
- Lightly tap the grinder to ensure all grounds are fully released.
Step 4: Collect and Use Your Freshly Ground Coffee
- Remove the grounds catch and shake gently to distribute evenly.
- Use immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.
How Long Does Freshly Ground Coffee Stay Fresh?
Freshly roasted coffee grounds begin to lose their aroma and flavor almost immediately after grinding. While whole beans can stay fresh for two to four weeks after roasting, ground coffee has a much shorter freshness window due to increased exposure to oxygen.
- Best Flavor: Use within 15 minutes of grinding for the freshest, most vibrant cup.
- Good Quality: Ground coffee remains decent for up to a week if stored properly.
- Stale Coffee: After two weeks, ground coffee loses much of its complexity and can taste flat or dull.
How to Store Freshly Ground Coffee for Maximum Freshness?
For prolonged freshness, proper storage of your coffee grounds is essential. Oxygen, light, heat, and moisture all play a role in degrading freshness, so minimizing exposure is key. Storing coffee grounds in an airtight container is the best way to protect them from oxidation, with a vacuum-sealed coffee canister being the most effective option for preserving overall freshness.
It's also important to keep coffee in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, rather than leaving it exposed on the counter. Direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations can cause the coffee’s natural oils to break down more quickly, leading to stale flavors. While it might seem logical to store coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, doing so can actually cause more harm than good. Ground coffee absorbs moisture and odors, which can result in off-flavors and a loss of complexity.
For the freshest coffee possible, it's always best to grind only what you need right before brewing. However, if you must store pre-ground coffee for longer periods, consider using a specialty coffee canister with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) valve. These containers help release trapped gases while keeping oxygen out, better preserving the coffee’s integrity over time.
Why is it Better to Buy Whole Bean Coffee vs Ground Coffee?
We get it—pre-ground coffee is convenient. It’s ready to brew the moment you bring it home. But if you want the best cup of coffee, whole bean coffee is the way to go.
Coffee loses its freshness and aroma within 15 minutes of being ground. By buying whole beans, you preserve the flavor and freshness for a much longer time. Grinding right before brewing retains the natural oils and sweetness of the beans, leading to a richer, more flavorful cup. Plus, grinding your own coffee gives you complete control over grind size, allowing you to customize it for espresso, pour-over, French press, or cold brew.
For fresher, better-tasting coffee, whole beans are the way to go!
What Grind Size Should I Use for My Coffee Maker?
Grind Size Guide:
- Espresso (Fine) – Feels like table salt
- AeroPress / Moka Pot (Medium-Fine) – Slightly finer than sand
- Pour-Over / Drip Coffee (Medium) – Similar to sea salt
- French Press (Coarse) – Like coarse breadcrumbs
- Cold Brew (Extra-Coarse) – Like peppercorns
Matching the correct grind size ensures balanced flavor extraction and prevents over- or under-extraction.
How Often Should I Clean My Coffee Grinder?
A lot of people overlook grinder maintenance, which impacts coffee flavor over time.
- Daily: Lightly brush out leftover grounds.
- Weekly: Wipe down burrs to remove excess oils.
- Monthly: Deep clean using grinder cleaning tablets or by disassembling the burrs.
Keeping your grinder clean prevents stale flavors and extends its lifespan.
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Investing in a high-quality coffee grinder and learning the ins and outs of coffee grinder and its importance, will totally transform your coffee routine. Navigating the world of whole beans coffee, grinding fresh daily and storing your coffee properly will results in a more flavorful cup coffee and add an extra spark of joy in your day.
If you're looking to upgrade your setup, be sure to check out our Top Coffee Grinders guide for expert recommendations and our Fellow Opus Burr Coffee Grinder. Ready to start grinder? Grab your favorite high-quality coffee beans, dial in your grind, and enjoy the difference that fresh-ground coffee makes! ☕️✨
