Stone Mills in General
The Significance of Grinding with a Stone Mill and the Structure of the Stone Mill
Grinding coffee with a stone mill holds a special significance in bringing out its unique flavor and aroma.
When coffee beans are ground slowly using a stone mill, minimal friction heat is generated. In contrast, electric grinders operate at high speeds, producing friction heat that can slightly diminish the beans' aroma and flavor. Stone mills, however, allow for grinding at low temperatures, preserving the original characteristics of the beans.
Stone mill grinding also produces less fine powder (micro-particles). The uniformly ground coffee promotes a stable water flow during extraction, reducing unwanted bitterness. As a result, you can enjoy a clear taste and a smooth, well-rounded coffee.
The grind size can be easily adjusted by controlling the way beans are added, allowing for finer or coarser grinds as desired.
Although grinding manually with a stone mill takes more time, the process itself has a calming effect. Using a traditional method to grind beans fosters a sense of attachment and satisfaction proportional to the effort involved, enhancing the overall coffee experience.
Coffee ground with a stone mill is known for its rich body and delicate aroma. Lightly roasted beans highlight their natural fruity notes and acidity, while dark roasts deliver a smoky, intense flavor that becomes even more pronounced.
Grinding coffee with a stone mill is more than just crushing beans; it is a unique method that draws out the true essence of the beans through time and effort. By grinding manually and slowly, the taste and aroma are elevated, transforming your daily coffee into a more luxurious and indulgent moment.
Differences Between Electric Grinders and Stone Mills, and the Structure of Stone Mills
Electric grinders are convenient for grinding coffee beans quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings or when you're short on time. Many household electric grinders can grind beans in just a few seconds, and some models can handle a large quantity of beans in a single use.
Most electric grinders are equipped with adjustable settings, allowing you to choose between coarse and fine grinds. This makes it easy to adjust the grind size for different brewing methods, from espresso to drip coffee.
Electric grinders are designed to achieve consistent grind sizes, ensuring the beans are evenly ground, which results in a stable and balanced coffee flavor.
Since electric grinders automatically grind the beans without requiring manual effort, they are simple and comfortable to use. They are especially convenient for those who find manual grinders cumbersome or want to simplify their morning coffee routine.
Electric grinders are convenient for grinding coffee beans quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings or when you're short on time. Many household electric grinders can grind beans in just a few seconds, and some models can handle a large quantity of beans in a single use.
Most electric grinders are equipped with adjustable settings, allowing you to choose between coarse and fine grinds. This makes it easy to adjust the grind size for different brewing methods, from espresso to drip coffee.
Electric grinders are designed to achieve consistent grind sizes, ensuring the beans are evenly ground, which results in a stable and balanced coffee flavor.
Since electric grinders automatically grind the beans without requiring manual effort, they are simple and comfortable to use. They are especially convenient for those who find manual grinders cumbersome or want to simplify their morning coffee routine.
The Structure of a Stone Mill
The components of a stone mill consist of only five parts: the upper millstone, lower millstone, handle, brush, and collection tray. This simplicity makes cleaning straightforward, requiring only rinsing with water and drying. Failures are virtually impossible unless physical damage occurs.
Thanks to the use of extremely hard granite, the millstone does not wear down, even after decades of use.
Stone mills have been used for centuries to grind grains, tea leaves, and more recently, coffee beans. Their design is both simple and efficient.
The primary parts of a stone mill are the two millstones: the upper millstone and the lower millstone, which are stacked on top of each other. These are typically made from durable, wear-resistant stone materials such as granite or basalt, ensuring longevity even with extended use.
The upper millstone is the movable part and is rotated manually by hand or with a handle or lever. It features a hole (feed inlet) through which beans or grains are introduced. As the upper millstone rotates, the material flows downward.
The lower millstone is fixed and does not rotate. The grinding action occurs as the material is pressed between the upper and lower millstones.
The surfaces of both the upper and lower millstones are carved with grooves to guide the material outward to the edges. These grooves, called "usume" (millstone grooves), play a crucial role in the grinding process.
The radial grooves extending from the center create a force that pushes the material outward. These grooves, combined with the rotation of the upper millstone against the fixed lower millstone, ensure consistent grinding and allow for adjustments to produce a uniform powder.
The stone mill is equipped with a handle for rotating the upper millstone.
While the system involves inserting a handle or wooden rod and turning it manually, my stone mill is designed with a precisely carved handle receiver, crafted from the same material as the upper millstone itself, ensuring stability and ease of rotation.
The upper millstone features a hole, which serves as the inlet for grains or beans.
The ground powder is discharged through a hole located on the outer side of the lower millstone. A tray is placed at the outlet to make it easier to collect the powder.
The structure of the stone mill is simple yet designed to grind materials uniformly. It plays a crucial role in bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
