If you’ve ever used a coffee grinder, you might have noticed something frustrating—static electricity causing coffee grounds to cling to the grinder, fly out of the container, or make a mess on your counter. It’s a common issue, but the good news is that it’s easy to fix with a few simple adjustments.
So, what causes static, and how can you prevent it? Let’s break it down.
WHY DOES STATIC HAPPEN?
Static electricity occurs when dry coffee grounds rub against the surfaces of your grinder’s catch bin, building up an electric charge. This is especially common in dry environments or with high-speed grinders that generate more friction. When the charge has nowhere to dissipate, your coffee grounds end up sticking to the sides of the bin—or worse, scattering everywhere.
THE RDT METHOD: A SIMPLE FIX
One of the easiest ways to reduce static is the Ross Droplet Technique (RDT). It sounds fancy, but it’s just adding a tiny amount of water to your beans before grinding. Here’s how:
1. Use a spray bottle or wet spoon to add just a few drops of water to your coffee beans. (A light misting is enough—don’t overdo it!)
2. Swirl the beans in your container to distribute the moisture evenly.
3. Grind as usual.
That small amount of water neutralizes static, making the grounds fall cleanly into your grinder’s catch bin without clinging or making a mess.
OTHER WAYS TO REDUCE STATIC
If RDT isn’t for you, here are a few other ways to cut down on static:
1. Use a metal catch bin. Metal conducts electricity better than plastic, helping to dissipate the static charge.
2. Grind in a more humid environment. If you live in a dry climate, using a humidifier in your coffee setup can help reduce static buildup.
3. Let your grinder cool down. If you’re doing multiple grinds back-to-back, the heat can amplify static. When a grinder runs continuously, heat can build up, drying out the beans even more and increasing the likelihood of static.
(If you’re making multiple cups, try waiting a few moments between grinds to let the machine cool slightly)
A SIMPLE ADJUSTMENT FOR A BETTER GRIND
While static in your grinder might seem like a small annoyance, making a simple tweak–like adding a few drops of water or giving your grinder a brief rest, can make a big difference. It’s a quick fix that leads to a cleaner workflow, less wasted coffee, and a better overall brewing experience.
Happy grinding!