Which Is Better: Whole Bean or Ground Coffee?

Crafting your perfect cup of coffee really comes down to finding out what you want most out of that cup. The question is: what’s important to you in your coffee? 

There are a lot of variables to making a cup of coffee, from origin, roast levels, grind, freshness, and storage, to how it’s brewed, each variable influences your final cup. The shelves of the coffee aisle at your grocery store and all of the different brewing tools show that a lot of different preferences exist.

To find how to make the best cup of coffee for yourself, one thing to decide is whether you prefer pre-ground coffee or whole bean.

When deciding between whole bean and ground coffee, there are several key differences to consider. Check out our list below and pick your coffee based on your priorities.

Factors To Consider For Your Coffee

• Freshness
• Flavor
• Grind Size Customization
• Convenience
• Equipment

Freshness

The fresher the coffee, the more flavor it retains and imparts to your cup. Once coffee is ground, it begins to lose flavor more quickly due to increased surface area exposure to air. That means whole beans retain their freshness longer than pre-ground coffee.

Most coffee is stored in bags that work to retain freshness, to minimize this loss of flavor.

Flavor

Many coffee enthusiasts believe that grinding just before brewing helps preserve nuances in the flavors of the beans that are released fresh before the brew. 

Grind Size Customization

Grind size is important for espresso drinkers, in particular. With whole beans, you can choose your grind size based on your brewing method. It’s important to make sure you have a grinder that allows for control of the grind size. You’ll want a coarser grind for French press, finer grind for brewing espresso or using an aeropress. This flexibility with whole beans allows for a more tailored coffee experience.

Convenience

Ground coffee is quicker to use, plain and simple. It's a little thing, but removing an additional step from your morning routine could make the difference between being on time or being stuck in traffic. If you find you're always in a rush out the door, having the convenience of pre-ground coffee will help shave off a few seconds, which could save you precious time.

Additionally, if you don’t have access to a grinder, pre-ground coffee can be more practical. If you’re the early riser of your household, it also is the quieter option. Grinders can be loud!

Equipment 

Purchasing whole beans means you’ll need a grinder. Depending on your brewing method and preferences, you can choose between blade or burr grinders, which can vary in cost and quality. 

Some people have less kitchen space than others, as well, especially in city housing where counter space can be limited and valuable. One less piece of equipment on your counter could make ground coffee the preferred option.

So What’s Your Preference?

In summary, if you prioritize freshness and getting the most flavor from your coffee that you can, whole beans are the way to go. If convenience is a high priority for you, pre-ground coffee might be the better choice.

There is no wrong answer, here. Coffee is a very personal thing. Craft your coffee to fit your preferences.

At Segafredo, we have coffees to fit most enthusiasts’ tastes. We offer four roasts to choose from as ground coffee. We have two whole bean coffee options, as well as two whole bean espresso options. You can also get our decaf coffee in whole bean.