Pre-ground coffee is never fresh
Coffee degrades very quickly after it is ground, therefore it is critical to have a coffee grinder at home. You can taste the difference after about 30 minutes, yet store-bought coffee is often ground several months prior to it being sold.

Pre-ground coffee is rarely the correct grind size
The correct grind size for coffee is unique to each brewing method. For instance, a French press demands a coarse grind while an espresso machine demands a fine grind. It is unlikely that your coffee will be the correct grind size if it is pre-ground. Fortunately, most coffee grinders allow you to customize the grind size to your specific brewing method.

Our coffee grinder recommendation: Baratza Encore
Baratza is the gold standard brand when it comes to coffee grinders. Their baseline model, the Baratza Encore ($140), has everything you need. It is consistent, durable, compact, and has a clean look. There are more advanced Baratza grinders that are fantastic, but the Encore has all of the essentials to make outstanding coffee.  

Cheaper alternatives
If you are looking for a cheaper coffee grinder on Amazon, just make sure 1) it is a burr grinder (not a blade grinder) and 2) the grind size is adjustable.

Feel free to give us a shout if you have any questions.

Written by Seth Jorde | seth@coppercoffee.com