Whole Bean Vs. Ground Coffee: Which is Right for You?

If you brew coffee at home, you likely start your day with one question – whole bean or ground? In this guide, we're spilling the beans on the difference between the two so you can understand how the freshness and flavor of your coffee may be affected by the option you choose. So, grab your cup, and learn how to brew the best one for you.

What is Whole Bean Coffee?  

All coffee beans must be ground before brewing, but whole bean is the label you'll see on a bag of coffee when it contains whole roasted coffee beans. Once roasted, the whole beans are cooled and packaged in the bag you purchase. Buying whole bean coffee means you'll have to grind it at home before you can brew it, but this option gives you total control over the grind size and other elements of the coffee brewing process that can elevate your at-home coffee experience.

What is Ground Coffee? 

If you don't have a coffee grinder at home or the time to grind it before you brew it, buying ground coffee from the grocery store or a grower like Kauai Coffee is a great option. Ground coffee has already been through a grinder and is ready to meet hot water in a hurry.

If you buy ground coffee from a grocery store, it is most likely a medium grind best suited for brewing with an automatic drip brewer. Buying ground coffee instead of whole bean is an excellent option if you're all about the "grab-and-go" coffee or hitting the snooze button one more time before you start your day. 

Why Choose Whole Bean Coffee?

• Freshness Boost: Whole beans retain their flavor-packed oils until you're ready to grind and brew. That means every cup is fresh and bursting with aroma and flavor. 
• Custom Grind: You're the boss of the grind size, which allows you to use various brewing methods and machines. 
• Coffee Connoisseurship: If you're into the art of coffee, whole bean lets you explore different grind sizes, brewing techniques, and flavors. It's like a DIY coffee adventure!

Why Opt for Ground Coffee?

• Speedy Brewing: When time is of the essence, ground coffee is your trusty sidekick. No grinding, no waiting – brew and enjoy.
• No Grinder Required: Not everyone has a grinder at the ready. Ground coffee is hassle-free for those who want their caffeine fix without making an additional purchase.

The Flavor and Quality of Whole Bean vs. Ground Coffee 

There's a slight trade-off here. When coffee is roasted, the natural oils contained inside of the bean are pushed to the surface. These oils impart most of the flavors you taste when you consume coffee. When coffee beans are ground, the surface area exposed to air and light increases. More exposure to the elements causes the flavorful oils to evaporate quicker. So, buying whole bean coffee and grinding it right before brewing is the best choice if you're chasing the freshest cup of coffee and maximum aroma.

However, ground coffee can still deliver a fresh and satisfying cup in record time, especially when it is stored properly in an airtight container and away from sunlight. When you order 100% Kauai Coffee online you can choose your desired grind which means you'll have the right size for the way you like to brew. 

Grinding Whole Bean Coffee at Home

If you are ready to enhance your at-home coffee experience with whole bean coffee, investing in a coffee grinder is the next step you need to take. 

• Burr Grinders are the golden ticket to ground coffee perfection. Their multi-blade system creates more surfaces for coffee bean crushing, which results in a more even and consistent grind.
• Blade Grinders are the most common type of home coffee grinder you can find at a kitchen equipment store near you. They feature a simple blade at the bottom of the vessel and a few speed settings. Blade grinders are best for coarse to medium grinds because their limited speed settings and single blade can deliver inconsistent results.

Find Your Grind

Grinding your own whole bean coffee at home requires an understanding of the different sizes, textures, and brewing methods you can use to prepare coffee. Now that you know why grinding coffee beans matters, here are the most common names and sizes of grinds you can try at home or order from Kauai Coffee. 

• Whole bean coffee is un-ground and the best choice for fresh coffee prepared at home.
• Coarse perk grind is a coarse grind that is best for immersion brewing methods where water has a lot of contact with the coffee while brewing. A coarse perk grind should have the texture of Poipu Beach sand – gritty and granular grains you can see with the naked eye about the size of sea salt crystals.
• Auto drip grind is a medium grind and the most common size at the grocery store or on the shelf at your corner coffee shop. Auto drip or medium grinds work best in automatic home brewers. Auto drip grinds should be about the size and texture of fine beach sand or flaky sea salt.
• Cone fine grind is a medium-fine grind for cone-filtered brewers and should be slightly more refined than a medium grind and resemble classic table salt.
• Espresso grind is a fine grind for pressure extraction brewing methods. Coffee ground for espresso should have a size and texture corresponding to granulated sugar.
• Turkish grind is an extra-fine, powdery grind used for making Turkish coffee. The consistency should resemble all-purpose flour or baker's cocoa powder.

Now that you've breezed through the whole bean vs. ground coffee guide, you're equipped to make the perfect coffee call. Whether you're a flavor chaser or a busy bee, both options have their perks! So, fill up your cup, raise it high, and taste paradise with Kauai Coffee.