How To Clean Your Coffee Grinder: 5 Simple Steps
If you’re serious about your coffee (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), keeping your coffee grinder clean should be top of your list. Regular maintenance keeps every cup full of fresh, bold flavour. But don’t worry—cleaning your grinder is easier than you might think.
We’ll cover why, how, and how often you should be cleaning your coffee grinder. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Why should I clean my coffee grinder?
When brewing the perfect cup, every detail counts. A dirty grinder can lead to clogged mechanisms, uneven grinds, and worst of all—stale-tasting coffee.
Did you know? Coffee oils can go rancid over time, and old grinds can stick around, adding unwanted bitterness to your coffee. A well-maintained grinder can improve the taste of your coffee by as much as 20%.
How often should I clean my coffee grinder?
Cleaning your coffee grinder depends on how often you use it. For the average coffee drinker, a deep clean once a month might be enough. But if you’re brewing multiple times a day, you’ll want to clean it weekly or even daily.
Signs it’s time to clean:
- Your coffee tastes bitter or off.
- Your grinder is making strange noises or working harder than usual.
- You notice the build-up of oils or residue on the grinder’s parts.
Blade vs. burr coffee grinders
Before we dive into cleaning tips, let’s break down the two most common types of grinders. They may sound similar, but they operate quite differently.
Blade Grinders
Use a sharp blade that spins to chop the coffee beans. They’re typically less expensive but can produce inconsistent grind sizes.
Burr Grinders
Use two revolving abrasive surfaces to crush the beans, resulting in a more consistent grind. These tend to be the choice of serious coffee enthusiasts and professionals.
At Mulmar, we specifically only sell high-quality Burr Grinders, so let’s learn how to clean them.
How to clean your burr grinder
Burr grinders require a bit more care, but the process is still easy enough for anyone to handle. Here’s how you do it:
1. Unplug the grinder (again, safety first).
2. Disassemble the grinder by removing the hopper and burrs (check your grinder’s manual for details).
3. Use a brush (many grinders come with one) to clean the burrs and remove stuck coffee grounds.
4. For a deeper clean, some burr grinders allow for the burrs to be washed with water—just be sure to dry them completely before reassembly.
5. Wipe the hopper and other removable parts with a damp cloth.
Some manufacturers also offer cleaning tablets specifically designed for burr grinders. These are easy to use and save you some scrubbing time
What happens if I don’t clean my coffee grinder?
Skipping on cleaning your grinder is a fast track to stale, bitter coffee.
Over time, coffee oils build up, causing clogs and making the motor work harder. Not to mention, old grounds will mix with fresh ones, leading to inconsistent flavours. If left unchecked, you could damage your grinder.
Did you know? Dirty grinders are one of the top reasons for inconsistent coffee quality in commercial settings.
Why choose Mulmar for your coffee grinder needs?
At Mulmar, we understand the importance of top-notch equipment to keep your coffee tasting and brewing the best it can be. We offer a wide range of premium burr coffee grinders to achieve the best-tasting results, whether you’re running a bustling café or perfecting your home setup.
Our grinders are built for durability and easy maintenance, making cleaning a breeze. Plus, we provide expert advice on how to keep your grinder performing at its best.