What is the purpose of a coffee grinder?

The purpose of a coffee grinder is indeed to ensure a uniform grind size. Consistency in grind size is crucial because it directly impacts the extraction process during brewing. If coffee particles are unevenly ground, some will be over-extracted while others will be under-extracted, leading to imbalanced flavors in the final cup. A uniform grind promotes an even extraction, allowing the soluble compounds in coffee to dissolve at the same rate, resulting in a more harmonious flavor profile.

Uniform grind size is particularly important for various brewing methods, as each method has specific grind size requirements to achieve optimal extraction. For instance, espresso requires a fine grind for quick extraction, while French press requires a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction during the longer brewing time. Thus, having a grinder that can produce a consistent grind size is essential in the coffee-making process.