<p>That's pretty straightforward: if you're not too lazy and have the equipment at hand, always grind only the amound needed just before brewing.</p>

<p>Check out <a href="https://coffee.stackexchange.com/a/166/277">this answer</a> for impressive data.</p>

<p>Now if your beans are year old already, this might not make a huge difference --- but there's no way that grinding it all at once could help you have ``somewhat fresh cups''.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-06T14:54:30.880Z
See also [this question about pre-ground coffee versus whole-bean](http://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/2067/ground-coffee-or-beans). +1 for grinding immediately before brewing -- even *minutes* makes a huge difference! Whole or not, coffee that was roasted *a year ago* is far beyond recommended -- around 2 days to 2 weeks is when it's best -- more references at [this related question](http://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/6/why-is-it-not-recommended-to-drink-coffee-immediately-after-its-roasted).
hoc_age
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-06T20:26:01.333Z
@hoc_age: Thanks! I had the pre-ground vs. whole-bean question in mind, but failed to find it.
Ivan Kapitonov
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-05T23:11:29.807Z
2015-10-05T23:11:29.807Z
2017-04-13T12:51:53.733Z
Ivan Kapitonov
<p>Beans are so old that it won't make a difference. In general, you should be very particular about the freshness of the bean and then grind the amount of coffee you need only for that brew. It's a hassle when you are tired and need a cup of joe, but the results are worth taking the extra step!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-07T18:07:25.573Z
2015-10-07T18:07:25.573Z
El Coo Cooi
<p>Provided your grinder is a burr grinder of some assortment - I would at least grind at home for the future, fresh coffee. Otherwise if you are rolling with a fan/blade grinder, I've found better results using a precise grinder from a local shop. If you are drinking year old coffee though... not sure anything really matters :) </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-09T23:12:59.327Z
Well, blade grinders are thought to be inferior to burr ones, but I'm not sure they're that bad to prefer grinding in advance.
Ivan Kapitonov
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-09T17:18:07.413Z
2015-10-09T17:18:07.413Z
Induction
<p>You should always grind your beans just before brewing. Also keep the beans in an airtight bag. When you grind the beans you increase the surface of your coffee beans which means the area in contact with air is increased. Oxygen is a very reactive molecule that takes part in the formation of peroxides and free fatty acids. Both of these result in an awful bitter taste. You would want to keep the area subjected to reactions with oxygen as small as possible for as long as possible :)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-25T15:15:34.663Z
2015-10-25T15:15:34.663Z
Krumme
<p>I bought a pack of New Orleans' PJ's whole bean coffee. It is a bit old, about a year. I am flexible type though, I'll drink it.</p>

<p>The problem is my indecision about whether to grind it piecemeal or just all at once. I have a cuisinart machine that works quite well. But it's for a small amount.</p>

<p>Curious as to the best way to ensure somewhat fresh cups. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-10-06T15:01:32.383Z
See also [this question about pre-ground coffee versus whole-bean](http://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/2067/ground-coffee-or-beans).
hoc_age
<brewing-process><grinder>
Should I grind my coffee beans at home, or en masse in the coffee shop?
Caffeinated
# Should I grind my coffee beans at home, or en masse in the coffee shop?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-10-05)

I bought a pack of New Orleans' PJ's whole bean coffee. It is a bit old, about a year. I am flexible type though, I'll drink it.

The problem is my indecision about whether to grind it piecemeal or just all at once. I have a cuisinart machine that works quite well. But it's for a small amount.

Curious as to the best way to ensure somewhat fresh cups.

**Tags:** brewing-process, grinder

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: See also [this question about pre-ground coffee versus whole-bean](http://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/2067/ground-coffee-or-beans).  

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## 4 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2015-10-05. Score: 10 | Accepted answer

That's pretty straightforward: if you're not too lazy and have the equipment at hand, always grind only the amound needed just before brewing.

Check out [this answer](https://coffee.stackexchange.com/a/166/277) for impressive data.

Now if your beans are year old already, this might not make a huge difference --- but there's no way that grinding it all at once could help you have ``somewhat fresh cups''.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: See also [this question about pre-ground coffee versus whole-bean](http://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/2067/ground-coffee-or-beans). +1 for grinding immediately before brewing -- even *minutes* makes a huge difference! Whole or not, coffee that was roasted *a year ago* is far beyond recommended -- around 2 days to 2 weeks is when it's best -- more references at [this related question](http://coffee.stackexchange.com/questions/6/why-is-it-not-recommended-to-drink-coffee-immediately-after-its-roasted).  
> **username_2**: @username_1: Thanks! I had the pre-ground vs. whole-bean question in mind, but failed to find it.  

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### Answer by username_5 on 2015-10-25. Score: 5

You should always grind your beans just before brewing. Also keep the beans in an airtight bag. When you grind the beans you increase the surface of your coffee beans which means the area in contact with air is increased. Oxygen is a very reactive molecule that takes part in the formation of peroxides and free fatty acids. Both of these result in an awful bitter taste. You would want to keep the area subjected to reactions with oxygen as small as possible for as long as possible :)


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### Answer by username_3 on 2015-10-07. Score: 3

Beans are so old that it won't make a difference. In general, you should be very particular about the freshness of the bean and then grind the amount of coffee you need only for that brew. It's a hassle when you are tired and need a cup of joe, but the results are worth taking the extra step!


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### Answer by username_4 on 2015-10-09. Score: 2

Provided your grinder is a burr grinder of some assortment - I would at least grind at home for the future, fresh coffee. Otherwise if you are rolling with a fan/blade grinder, I've found better results using a precise grinder from a local shop. If you are drinking year old coffee though... not sure anything really matters :)

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Well, blade grinders are thought to be inferior to burr ones, but I'm not sure they're that bad to prefer grinding in advance.  

---

