Burr Grinders: 11 Things That You're Failing To Do

What You Need to Know About Burr Coffee Grinders

A burr grinder that is of top quality can make a huge difference in the flavor and consistency of your coffee. There are a myriad of models to choose from, ranging from cheap grinders that perform well in tests to more expensive grinders that have additional features.

Selecting a model that suits your needs is essential. Burr grinders have two cutting surfaces that can be moved closer or further apart to regulate the size of the grind. They are available in flat or conical styles and can be powered by either an engine or a reduction motor.

Direct Drive

The name implies that direct drive burr grinders are powered by a motor with a low speed that is directly connected to the burrs. This means that when the machine is running at a high speed, both the motor as well as the burrs are spinning at the same time, resulting in an exceptionally quiet operation. Contrary to many motorized burr grinders and spinning blade spice grinders, that produce a sloppy grind, a good direct drive burr grinder produces an extremely uniform, fine grind that is ideal for espresso and other difficult techniques of brewing.

Burr coffee grinders come with one or more burrs that can be adjusted with various teeth which can be adjusted closer to or further away so that when the beans are crushed, they are broken into a uniformly small particle size. The sharp cutting edges of the burrs ensure the maximum extraction and the smooth and sweet taste in your coffee. There are also inexpensive commercial grinders that can crush the beans into similar pieces by pulverizing instead of cutting them. But this method results in jagged, uneven and varied-sized particles.

The majority of home grinders are equipped with cone or flat burrs. Flat burrs, also known as flat plate, are found on all types of grinders regardless of motor speed or step while cone shaped burrs, called conical burrs, are more commonly seen in low speed and gear reduction models.

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right burr grinder. However your preferred method of brewing will almost always be the most important factor. The key to a great cup of coffee is a properly ground coffee, so choosing the best home espresso grinder grinder for your needs is crucial.

The next major feature to look for in the burr grinder is its motor type and whether it is step-free or not-stepped. Non-stepped grinders do not have preset settings for grinding by the manufacturer and give you full control over the size of your grind, however, they can be tricky to dial in as the procedure requires you to turn an hopper or lever that is a bit off of its normal location. Stepped grinders, such as the Baratza Sette or Vario are more traditional and feature the appearance of a series of steps that are easy to find and identify when looking at your burrs.

Gear Reduction

Burr grinders have two rotating abrasive surfaces that are separated by a distance set by the user. They can be used to cut and grind small foods such as spices, peppercorns and salt. The grinders can be operated manually or electrically. They are more expensive than blade grinders, however they are more durable and generate less heating during grinding. This is important to preserve the quality of the final product. They are available in a variety of designs with different features to meet the needs of many types of users.

Choosing a good quality burr grinder is an essential element in making great espresso and coffee. Poor quality grinders can create heat, which could damage the oils contained in coffee beans and cause static electricity. If the grinder is opened at the wrong time the grounds may spring out. The best burr grinders have powerful motors that turn at a slower rate and is quiet, which minimizes the transfer of heat to the beans and minimizes static electricity.

Some grinders claim to be burr grinders, however they only pulverize beans instead of cutting them. This isn't what a true burr-grinder does. These grinders are typically jagged, inconsistent particle sizes which extract the flavor unevenly and result in a flat, sour, and murky taste.

When selecting a good quality burr grinder, consider the lowest speed setting, a large capacity for the grinding burrs and a solid design to ensure maximum control over heat generation and to help keep the quality of the beans. It is also important to consider whether you want a dosing or not-dosing grinder, which determines how much of the beans are ground at a time. Many of the electric burr grinders on the market are dosing models however, they are also sold as non-dosing models, for those who want to grind just enough to make one cup of coffee at a time. The Encore is equipped with a low-speed gear reduction motor, which is quiet and produces a smooth consistent grind without heat or static charge.

Ceramic

A ceramic burr mill employs an easy but reliable mechanism to grind the beans evenly. Its low-speed operation produces a lower temperature, which preserves coffee's delicate taste. It's also more precise than a blade grinder, as the ceramic burrs shave rather than crack the coffee beans and grinder bean, creating a much finer grind. This ensures more consistent extraction when you're brewing coffee, whether it's a drip or espresso.

The OXO burr set performed very well in our tests, compared to other budget-friendly grinders. The OXO burr grinder is a massive step up from the basic blades found in most kitchens. However, true coffee geeks might want something more flexible. A top-quality burr grinder will create a perfect grind for all methods of brewing, and the best ones are more precise than the cheaper models.

Most of the burr grinder machines we tested have conical burrs, where a flat ring rotates upwards and downwards over a cone-shaped rotor in the middle. They give a cleaner and more even grind than blade grinders we've test. They also have a higher volume of sound and cost more than cheaper burr grinders.

Some of the more expensive grinders like the Fellow Ode Gen 2 use flat burrs, which are simpler to calibrate. They also tend to be quieter compared to the conical burrs of some of our favorites. They also have a wider range of options, and some have the option of switching between different burrs to adjust the grinder to specific brewing methods such as espresso or French press.

As a bonus, most burr grinders are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. They also last longer than the steel blades found in other winners of the test, such as the Breville Smart Grinder Pro.

The Baratza Virtuoso+ has a very long-lasting burr grinder, and is an excellent choice if you're looking for a professional-grade tool that'll last. The flat burrs of the machine can grind up 500 pounds of beans, which is enough to last for 10 years at one pound every week.

Steel

Burr grinders crush food by using two abrasive surfaces that rotate. They can be conical or flat in shape and made of ceramic or steel. The grinding surfaces are set apart by default, however they can be adjusted closer to control the ground size. A good burr mill minimizes heat production during the grinding process. This is crucial since excessive temperatures could cause oils to lose their lubrication. This is important for ensuring that the flavor of your coffee remains.

The two burrs are typically constructed from stainless steel, which is durable and capable of withstanding impact that could harm ceramic burrs. This material will wear out over time and may require replacement. Most manufacturers sell replacement burrs, which can be swapped easily to provide a longer-lasting and a more consistent ground. They may also recommend that you change them at regular intervals depending on the weight of coffee you grind.

While the choice between conical and flat burrs is based on individual preference, both can deliver excellent grind consistency. They provide uniform, consistent grind size, which results in more even extraction of coffee grinder accessories during the brewing. This is contrasted with blade grinders which can crush the beans into irregularly-sized pieces which result in a wildly different flavor taste.

Burr grinders are also more durable than blades. This makes them a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who are interested in a long-lasting and high-quality grinder that can withstand frequent usage. In addition, they tend to be quieter than blade grinders and don't require the continual lubrication of their blade counterparts.

Burr grinders are available in both electric coffee bean grinder and manual versions. The difference between the two is that manual vs electric coffee grinder grinders require more effort and physical exertion. On the other hand, electric models are powered by an electric motor. Grinders powered by an electric motor are typically faster than their manual counterparts and require much less maintenance. This type of grinder could generate excessive heat, which can alter the flavor of your final beverage.