If you’re in the process of procuring coffee shop supplies for your café, a high-quality espresso grinder is a must. There are many products on the market, and an important decision to make is whether you need a grinder with or without a doser. Not sure which is best for your needs? Here, we share the details on both options:
Pros and Cons of Espresso Grinders With a Doser
If you’re in a high-volume setting, a machine with a doser is often a convenient choice. A doser is a chamber located on the front of the grinder that pushes coffee grounds into a container. The doser chamber is often divided into equal triangle-shaped segments that rotate. When the lever is pulled, the machine deposits a pre-measured dose (usually in the neighborhood of seven grams) of grounds into the filter basket. Baristas in busy environments often appreciate espresso grinders with a doser because they’re great for keeping the counter clean and minimizing waste. If the portafilter is overloaded, no problem–just transfer the extra grounds back into the doser. Although machines with a doser are convenient, this type of product isn’t ideal for shops that grind multiple types of beans. Because the grounds often sit in the doser for more than a few minutes, this can cause diminished freshness and flavor.
Pros and Cons of Espresso Grinders Without a Doser
A doserless espresso grinder is typically the preferred option for small cafés and home coffee connoisseurs. Grinders without a doser require the user to grind directly into the portafilter. This means that there’s no possibility of mixing grind sizes, and once you’ve perfected your timing, the freshness can’t be beat. However, since there’s no doser for excess grinds to be returned to, there is the possibility of wastage. Since doserless machines often produce more static electricity that can spray grinds, it may be a messier process.
When you’re ready to start stocking your establishment with must-have coffee shop supplies, an espresso grinder is a crucial product to invest in. Choosing between a doser or doserless grinder is a decision that requires weighing the pros and cons, and the considerations mentioned here will help your team find the best fit. If you have any questions regarding the products we carry and which ones may be ideal for your shop, we’d love to help. Feel free to contact us for a consultation.