Burr grinders are automatic, electronic versions of the manual coffee grinders that people have used to grind coffee for centuries. Whether it's a flat or conical blade grinder (I explain the difference in Instructions for using the best coffee grinder), those heavy-duty burrs break down coffee beans into a relatively uniform size, and on a microscopic level, they have a different texture than knife-ground coffee beans. They are crushed rather than cut to express and preserve the oil. Nothing will improve the quality of your home coffee like investing in a burr grinder.
Unfortunately, the more oily residue the coffee produces, the more oily residue remains in your grinder over time. Burr grinders are more complicated than burr grinders, requiring more thorough and frequent cleaning than you might expect. Here we'll explore how and how often you should clean your grinder so your coffee tastes as fresh and flavorful as possible.
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Necessary tools and preparation
Chances are your burr grinder comes with some of the tools you need to clean it. If you know where those tools are, go get them. We are looking for a brush with stiff bristles. If you lose or your device doesn't come with accessories, don't worry, you can find plenty of accessories elsewhere. I lose these little brushes all the time, so I Buy spare parts from Amazon.
Next, take a look at your blender's manual. If you can't find it, check the manufacturer's website, I guarantee there's a PDF version online waiting for you. This is so you can access instructions on how to remove burrs from the inside. Some grinders require a screwdriver to remove the hopper and remove the burrs; If so, the user manual will tell you. If you're not having much luck, chances are there's someone explaining your particular model on YouTube.
Eventually, you'll want some Urnex Grindz cleaning tablets. They are little crunchy pills that sit inside your blender to remove built-up oils or debris. (We'll talk more about them later.)
Before starting, make sure your coffee grinder's hopper is empty. Sometimes there's still some coffee in there from your last use, so run the grinder without any coffee beans for a few seconds or until no more coffee comes out. You can also tell by the sound of the blender. It will produce a higher sound when empty because the blades spin faster without any resistance from the coffee beans.
1. Expose burrs
Unplug the machine. Do not open the blender while it is still plugged in. Nearly every blade grinder I've tested has a safety mechanism to ensure you can't turn it on with the blade exposed, but just to be sure, I always unplug it.
The next step in this process will vary depending on the type of coffee grinder you have. In my experience, most burr grinders go something like this: Place one hand on top of the hopper and twist in whichever direction the user manual tells you to. You will probably hear a click when you reach the correct position, then the funnel will turn off immediately. Leave it nearby.
