The Science Behind Baristas Activating the Doser While Grinding Coffee

If you’ve ever watched a skilled barista at work, you may have noticed that they often activate the doser on the grinder while grinding coffee. This seemingly repetitive action has puzzled many coffee enthusiasts. In this article, we will examine the reasons for this practice and explore the science behind it.

The Legacy of Doser-Style Grinders

Traditionally, coffee shops used mechanical doser grinders. These dosers were designed to dispense a predictable amount of ground coffee into the portafilter. Baristas would grind enough coffee to fill the doser and then dispense the grounds as needed. This method allowed for a simple and efficient workflow in busy coffee shops.

The Third Wave Coffee Movement

However, with the rise of the Third Wave Coffee Movement, a new approach to coffee brewing emerged. This movement focused on emphasizing the flavor and texture of coffee and brought about a shift in grinding practices. Instead of grinding coffee in advance and using dosers, Third Wave coffee shops began grinding coffee on demand, just before brewing.

Preserving Coffee Aromas

When coffee beans are ground, they release gases that contribute to the flavor and aroma of the final brew. These gases, including carbon dioxide, are trapped within the coffee particles. Over time, the gases dissipate, resulting in a loss of flavor and aroma. Therefore, grinding coffee beans just prior to brewing preserves the maximum amount of aromatic compounds.

The Role of Dispenser Activation

So why do baristas continue to activate the dispenser while grinding coffee if they are not using the dispenser to dispense? The answer lies in the design of the dispenser chute. By activating the dispenser, baristas create vibrations that help to evenly distribute the grounds in the chute. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a consistent flow of coffee into the filter.

Efficiency and Workflow

Another reason for activating the dispenser is related to workflow and efficiency in a busy coffee shop. By activating the doser, baristas can quickly move freshly ground coffee from the grinder to the portafilter. This allows them to maintain a steady pace and serve customers efficiently.

Transition to Doserless Grinders

With advances in technology and the availability of affordable doserless grinders, many coffee shops have transitioned away from doser-style grinders. Doserless grinders allow baristas to grind coffee directly into the portafilter, eliminating the need to activate the doser. These grinders offer more control over the grinding process and further enhance the freshness of the coffee.

Conclusion

The practice of activating the doser while grinding coffee is rooted in tradition and efficiency. While it may seem unnecessary in the context of doserless grinders, it still serves a purpose for baristas using traditional doser grinders. By settling the grounds and ensuring a smooth workflow, baristas can deliver a consistent and flavorful cup of coffee to their customers. Understanding the science behind this practice adds a layer of appreciation for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into making exceptional espresso.

FAQs

Why do baristas keep activating the dispenser while grinding coffee?

Baristas activate the dispenser while grinding coffee to ensure that the grounds settle evenly in the chute, preventing clumping and ensuring a consistent flow of coffee into the portafilter. It also helps maintain efficiency and workflow in a busy café.

What is the purpose of dosers in coffee grinders?

Dosers in coffee grinders were traditionally used to dispense a predictable amount of ground coffee into the portafilter. They allowed for an easy and efficient workflow in coffee shops by grinding enough coffee to fill the doser and dispensing the grounds as needed.

Why did the coffee industry shift to doserless grinders?

The rise of the Third Wave coffee movement, which focuses on flavor and texture, has led to a shift toward doserless grinders. Grinding coffee beans just prior to brewing preserves the maximum amount of aromatic compounds. Doserless grinders offer more control over the grinding process and enhance the freshness of the coffee.

Are there any drawbacks to using dosers in coffee grinders?

The main drawback of dosers is that they can lead to a loss of flavor and aroma over time. When coffee beans are pre-ground and stored in the doser, the gases trapped in the coffee particles dissipate, resulting in a less flavorful brew. This is one of the reasons why doserless grinders have become so popular.

How can baristas achieve optimal coffee quality without dosers?

Baristas can achieve optimal coffee quality without using dosers by using doserless grinders. These grinders allow coffee to be ground directly into the portafilter for maximum freshness. By grinding coffee on demand, just before brewing, flavors and aromas are preserved, resulting in a more flavorful cup of coffee.

What is a ground coffee doser?

It catches all of the grounds from the grinder, and dispenses them with a pull of the dosing arm. Pros: The doser will help keep your counter clean and prevent coffee grounds from being wasted. If you overload the portafilter, you can just dump the excess grind back in to the doser.

How do you use a coffee doser?

Quote from video: Invert it give it a bit of a shake. And a bit of a tap. And you’ll end up with your coffee cleanly inside your basket.

Should a dosing chamber be full of coffee grounds at all times?

Automatic doser grinders will ensure that the coffee chamber is full at all times. The ground coffee in the chamber stays fresh for no more than 2 hours.