How to Clean a Coffee Grinder: Quick Guide for Manual and Electric Grinders

So you’ve invested some money in your coffee brewing equipment, but you don’t know how to clean a coffee grinder…that’s like pouring money into a car that you’re never going to fill up with gas. Kind of.

Grinding your coffee right before you brew is one of the best ways to improve your coffee at home, but to keep enjoying that exceptional cup of coffee, you need to clean your coffee grinder regularly. I’m not talking about just a quick wipe-down…in this guide, I’m going to discuss how to deep clean your coffee grinder for the best results.

Do You Need to Clean Your Coffee Grinder?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Cleaning your coffee grinder isn’t an optional chore; it’s a vital part of your coffee routine. Here’s why:

Oils and Coffee Flavor: When coffee beans are roasted, oils rise to the surface. These oils are a delightful part of the coffee experience. However, if they’re not regularly removed from your grinder, they accumulate and turn rancid, affecting the flavor of your coffee. You might end up with an unpleasant, bitter cup instead of the aromatic, rich brew you love.
Fines and Extraction Rate: All coffee grinders create fines – tiny, powdery particles that cling to the inside of your grinder right after you use it. These particles stick to surfaces, including the internal components, thanks to static electricity. Fines from yesterday’s batch can make their way into today’s cup, leading to over-extraction. What’s more, the fines can build up for days and leave unpleasant flavors in subsequent brews, causing bitterness and astringency. The reason is simple: fines have a much greater surface area than whole coffee grounds, and this increases their extraction rate. Some fines are fine. A lot of fines are BAD.

So, doing a deep clean on your coffee grinder every 1 to 2 months isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity for preserving the quality and flavor of your coffee.

How to Clean an Electric Blade Coffee Grinder

If you own an electric blade coffee grinder, it’s time to give it a little TLC. Here’s how:

Unplug the Grinder: Safety first! Always unplug your grinder before cleaning.
Empty the Reservoir: Remove any remaining coffee grounds and beans. If you have a grinder brush, use that to brush out the remnants.
Brush the Blades: Use your brush to remove as many coffee particles as possible. Pay special attention to the underside of the blades, which are often missed. Make sure the brush is clean and dry to avoid introducing moisture.
Wipe Down the Interior: Using a clean, dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth, carefully wipe down the interior components of the grinder. Do not use water; moisture can damage the electronics. Also, be careful not to cut your fingers.

Blade grinders are simple to clean, so this process shouldn’t take more than a minute or two. Plug your grinder back in and get to grinding!

How to Clean an Electric Burr Coffee Grinder

Electric burr grinders are great for their precision and convenience,, but they require a bit more attention when it comes to cleaning. Here’s how to clean one:

Unplug the Grinder: As always, safety is key. Unplug your grinder before cleaning.
Empty the Hopper: Remove any leftover coffee beans from the hopper. You might want to shake your grinder to get any hard-to-reach beans out.
Disassemble the Grinder: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembly, and take apart the burrs and any removable parts. Some electric burr grinders let you do quite a bit of disassembly, which is great. Take apart what you can, but don’t do anything the manufacturer doesn’t recommend. The internal components are the heart of your grinder, so damaging them might set you back a few hundred dollars.
Brush the Burrs: Use a brush to remove any trapped coffee grounds and fines from the burrs and surrounding areas. It’s crucial to get into every nook and cranny.
Clean the Grounds Container: If your grinder has a removable grounds container, clean it thoroughly with a brush and a damp cloth.
Wipe Down the Exterior: Using a slightly damp cloth, clean the exterior of the grinder. Avoid using water near the burr chamber to prevent damage and rusting.
Reassemble and Test: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reassemble the grinder correctly. Once done, plug it in, and ensure everything is in working order.

How to Clean a Manual Coffee Grinder

Manual coffee grinders are my jam. I use one almost every morning because the quality for the price can’t be beaten. However, cleaning one takes some time.

Empty the Grinder: Begin by removing any remaining coffee grounds from the collection cup and beans from the hopper (you don’t leave beans in your hopper, do you?!)
Disassemble the Grinder: Follow the manufacturer’s directions to disassemble the grinder. This step might include removing the handle and separating the components. I take almost all of the components on my Orphan Espresso Lido 3 grinder apart to get DEEP inside the grinder.
Brush the Burrs: Use a brush to clean the burrs and all other components. Fines can be particularly troublesome in manual grinders, so be meticulous in your cleaning.
Wipe Down Everything: Using a slightly damp cloth, clean the exterior of the grinder and the interior components. Be careful not to introduce too much moisture into the burr chamber. If you have stainless steel burrs, this isn’t a huge deal, but less moisture is still better.
Reassemble and Test: Reassemble your manual grinder according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once done, give it a whirl to ensure everything is back in perfect order. Side note: the first time I reassembled my manual grinder after cleaning, there was a loud grinding noise when I turned the handle. Make sure your grinder works as it did before you took it apart.

How to Keep Your Coffee Grinder Clean

Deep cleaning is crucial for coffee grinders to remove oils and built-up fines, but daily maintenance plays a vital role in preserving the quality of your coffee. Here’s what you should do EVERY MORNING to keep your grinder in top shape:

Brush Away the Fines: After each use, take a soft brush, like a pastry brush or a dedicated coffee grinder brush, and sweep away any visible fines. These powdery particles accumulate quickly, and they can lead to bitterness in your coffee.
Keep Coffee Fresh: Store your coffee beans in an airtight container to preserve their freshness. Even a small amount of stale coffee can taint your next cup, or future cups if they get caught in your grinder.
Regularly Check for Grind Consistency: If you notice your grinder isn’t producing consistent grounds, it might be time for a deeper clean. Inconsistent grounds can lead to uneven extraction and a disappointing cup, and the culprit might be a build-up of gunk in your grinder.
Periodic Lubrication: Some grinders benefit from occasional lubrication of moving parts, like adjustment knobs and internal gears. Consult your grinder’s manual to see if this applies.

Wrapping Up: Why It’s So Important to Clean Your Coffee Grinder

In the world of coffee, every detail matters. Cleaning your coffee grinder is more than just a chore; it’s an essential step in ensuring your daily brew is as delightful as possible.

The buildup of oils and fines in your grinder can taint the flavor of your coffee, and the science behind it is quite clear. Oils that accumulate and go rancid can produce unpleasant, bitter tastes in your cup. Fines, with their massive surface area, over-extract, leading to astringency and bitterness. If you’re invested in crafting the perfect cup, regular maintenance is the key.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembly and reassembly and, most importantly, unplug your electric grinder before cleaning. Daily maintenance is also a must – sweep away those fines and keep your coffee beans fresh. Your taste buds will thank you for the extra effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my coffee grinder?

You should do a brief clean of your coffee grinder after every use, and plan on a deep clean every one to two months to prevent the buildup of oils and fines. Manual grinders may require less frequent deep cleaning—maybe once every two to three months—but routine brushing of fines should still be done after each use. Additionally, if you notice any inconsistency in grind size or taste, it might be time for a more thorough clean.

Can I use water to clean my coffee grinder?

No, it’s not advisable to use water to clean the interior of your coffee grinder, as it can damage the electronic components or cause rust in manual grinders. Instead, use a dry, clean cloth or a slightly damp cloth for the exterior and a dedicated brush to remove grounds and fines. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance will ensure your grinder stays in excellent condition.

Is it necessary to disassemble my grinder for cleaning?

In most cases, yes. Disassembling your grinder is essential for a thorough clean, especially for electric burr grinders. The burrs and internal components in all coffee grinders need regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of oils and fines. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for disassembly and reassembly, as this ensures you do it correctly and safely. For manual grinders, disassembly is usually simpler, but it’s still necessary to access all the components for cleaning.

Why should I bother with daily coffee grinder maintenance if I’m already doing deep cleaning monthly?

Daily maintenance is important because it prevents the accumulation of fines and ensures that your coffee beans remain fresh. Even a small amount of stale coffee can negatively affect the flavor of your brew. By regularly brushing away fines and storing your coffee beans properly, you’ll enjoy a consistently delicious cup of coffee every day. Think of it as a small investment of time for a big payoff in taste.