Most coffee lovers will tell you that the burr grinder is far superior when it comes to grind size and flavor. While more expensive than a blade grinder, burr mills are widely recognized for their consistency, quality and overall uniformity.
How does a burr grinder work?
A burr grinder, also called a burr grinder, consists of two rotating burrs through which the coffee is ground. The beans are crushed between a movable grinding wheel and a non-moving surface.
Types of burr grinders
There are two main types of burr grinders: Conical burr grinders and flat burr grinders. While both grinders produce consistent, high-quality grinds, there are two differences you need to be aware of to find which burr grinder is right for you. You can also choose between manual burr grinders or electric burr grinders depending on your preference. Hand grinders are very simple to use and can produce a more consistent grind size, while electric burr grinders are much more convenient and can handle larger amounts of coffee.
Conical Burr Grinders;
Conical burr grinders are the industry standard when it comes to burr grinders. They use a cone-shaped middle burr with an outer serrated burr that helps produce well-ground coffee over and over. And its design is inherently energy efficient and heat resistant, making it a great option for professional and home baristas alike. However, conical burrs do not produce evenly ground coffee and if placed under the microscope you will notice different sizes of beans in the mix. While this won't affect the overall taste of your coffee, some people prefer a flat burr grinder for espresso. In fact, a straight burr became popular after it was introduced during the 2013 World Barista Championships.
Flat Burrs
Flat burr grinders have two ring-shaped burrs facing each other with very sharp edges. This design allows the cores to stay between the burrs until they are perfectly (and symmetrically) grounded, unlike conical burrs, which can allow the cores to pop out and remain somehow intact. When all coffee or espresso grounds are the same size, the flavor is single-note, which can give baristas more room for creativity. However, flat burrs are noisier than conical burrs and use more energy and heat during the grinding process, making them less ideal for commercial or even domestic use. However, when precision is required, flat burrs are a better option.