Consistent grind size is an important aspect of coffee preparation and a major contributor to delicious flavor. While cheap electric grinders create a mess instead of a consistent grind and result in unevenly extracted coffee, a good-quality burr grinder makes a noticeable difference.
What is coffee sieving?
What began as a fine-tuning technique known only to coffee enthusiasts and baristas who use sifting to prepare the perfect cup at coffee competitions is now accessible to everyone at a very affordable price.
Consistent grind size is one of the key factors that ensures uniform extraction. You may not know that even the best grinder isn't perfect, and ground coffee always contains some particles that are too coarse or too fine for your desired grind.
This is where a sieve comes in. It catches any grounds that are too coarse or too fine and leaves you with only the coffee grounds that are perfect for your brewing method.
The sieve's functionality is fairly straightforward. Regardless of the logic behind the teardrop design, it doesn't seem to affect the grip of the unit or the sifting process. Inserting the screens themselves can be tricky, but they're flexible enough to snap into place. It may take some getting used to.
Once securely in place, you can rest assured that the coffee won't spill over the edges. The unit isn't too heavy or cumbersome, and after about 3 minutes of shaking and stirring, you should reach your preferred grind. (To this end, you should keep in mind that it will omit a certain percentage of the coffee, so sifting all the time could be really expensive.)
Cleaning the unit can be tricky, and it's recommended to give the screens a wipe down from time to time, as they will catch some coffee, and you don't want that to build up over time. It has a relatively small footprint in your kitchen and also comes with a handy screen stand.
Is it necessary?
It's important to note that while sifting coffee makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of your brew, you should view it more as an icing on the cake. Worrying about using a coffee sieve only comes after you've mastered all the basics.
The aspects of coffee preparation that come first include sourcing the finest freshly roasted beans, choosing the right grind size, a well-functioning coffee maker and grinder, and a consistent, correct brewing temperature. Only then does the sifting come.
Even when most coffee is ground to the desired grind size, small differences influence the overall flavor of your brew. If you don't want to observe every particle under a microscope to ensure all the differences are removed, coffee sieves are a good solution.
One of the most popular is the Kruve Sifter, which is affordable, functional, and easy to use. The Kruve Sifter represents a small investment that will eliminate the margin of error from your grinder and perfect your coffee experience. Especially if you've already invested in a good coffee machine or grinder, having a sifter is the cherry on top that will give you the perfect cup you're looking for.
With a robust stainless steel construction, the sieve is durable, easy to use, and clean. There are two options to choose from. The basic option comes with two sieves, 400 and 800 microns.
With these, you sift the coffee grounds through 3 sieves, the top one will catch those that are too coarse, the middle one will collect those of the correct size, and the bottom sieve will contain the fine grounds.
The sieve isn't designed for any particular brewing method and will work with your favorite. And while it will create superior consistency and extraction for your espresso machine, it would also be effective at preventing overly fine particles from entering your French press and presenting an unpleasant bitter taste.
To sift or not to sift?
Coffee lovers are always looking for ways to achieve the most delicious brew and make their coffee taste even better. While a good grinder can produce a consistent grind size, there's always a small portion of grounds that end up uneven. That's why a sieve would bring the flavor profile of your cup even closer to perfection.
While the thought of the added hassle of sifting coffee before brewing may seem daunting, the process is easy and doesn't take up much time. And since the Kruve sieve is also affordable and doesn't take up much kitchen space, it's nice to have even if you don't use it every time you make coffee.