This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Burr grinders top blade grinders, no doubt. But which burr reigns supreme: flat or conical? Let’s find out.
In this post, we’re diving into the world of coffee grinders – flat vs conical burrs. We’ll look at their power, how much coffee they keep, noise, and cost. Our aim? To help you find the perfect grinder for you. So, let’s jump right in!
What is the difference between a blade grinder and a burr grinder?
Let’s start with the basics: there are two main coffee grinders – blade and burr.
Blade grinders, both manual and automatic, are budget-friendly options for coffee lovers. They chop coffee beans into smaller pieces by spinning them around, similar to how a blender works with food.
When you use a blade grinder, your coffee beans won’t grind evenly. You’ll get a mix of super fine powder and big pieces. The grind size mostly depends on how long you grind them: the longer, the finer the grind. But it’s hard to get it just right.
Burr coffee grinders crush beans with sharp burrs, acting more like a mill than a blender. This method gives you a perfect, even grind every time.
Using burr grinders lets you tweak the grind size by changing how close the burrs are. This way, only coffee particles of the right size pass through, giving you a consistent grind every time. This precision is key for perfecting your home-ground coffee.
Flat vs Conical Burr Grinders: The Basics
A flat coffee grinder uses two flat burrs sitting close together. Coffee beans fall between them, getting crushed into tiny pieces that then drop down. It’s a simple way to get evenly ground coffee.
A flat burr grinder works by grinding coffee beans between two flat rings. These rings face each other and grind the beans evenly, making your coffee taste even better.
A conical coffee grinder uses two cone-shaped plates to crush beans – a big one with burrs facing in, and a smaller one facing out. Beans drop right between them.
The Pros and Cons of Flat and Conical Burrs
Many coffee lovers agree: flat burr grinders are the secret to the perfect grind. Why? It’s generally easier to make high-quality flat burrs than their conical counterparts. So, for a top-notch coffee experience, consider going flat!
Marco Beltrame, a coffee expert from Della Corte, says a flat burr grinder gives you a near-perfect coffee grind every single day.
Conical coffee grinders can be tricky to make just right. That’s why flat burr grinders often give you a more even, fine grind for your coffee.
Experts, including Beltrame, recommend flat burr grinders for coffee. But, there’s more to explore in this choice.
Flat burrs grinders produce more heat
Flat burr grinders use more power and can get quite hot, especially with frequent use.
Most people making coffee at home won’t grind enough beans for this to be a problem. But, for coffee shops grinding lots of beans, the extra heat from grinding can burn the beans. This can change how the coffee tastes in the end.
Conical burr grinders waste fewer grounds
Great coffee can be pricey, so it’s important not to let it go to waste in your grinder. Also, when coffee grounds become stale inside your grinder, they can ruin the taste and freshness of your brew.
Conical grinders, like the beloved Baratza Sette 270, are a hit because they waste less coffee compared to flat burr grinders. This makes them a top choice for those who love fresh coffee with minimal waste.
Conical grinders are easier to clean
Conical burr grinders are a breeze to clean compared to flat burr grinders because they hold onto fewer coffee bits. But, don’t forget to give your grinder a regular clean-up to keep away nasty-tasting oils and avoid any maintenance troubles. With conical grinders, you’ll find they stay tidier in between cleanings.
Conical grinders are quieter
Flat burr grinders need extra power to push beans into the grinding area and then shoot them out. This effort makes the grinder’s motor often let out a loud, high-pitched noise.
Conical burrs are the secret to quieter coffee grinders. They work efficiently at lower speeds, needing fewer spins to grind your beans. This means they can run on less powerful, and thus quieter, motors. A bonus? Your roommates will love the reduced noise during early morning coffee prep.
Conical grinders are cheaper
Discover the secret to saving money without sacrificing quality: top-notch conical coffee grinders can be half the price of their flat burr counterparts. This is why many affordable yet excellent coffee grinders favor the conical design.
Final Verdict: Flat vs Conical Burr Grinders
When it comes to finding a great coffee grinder without spending a fortune, conical burrs are your best bet. They’re not the top choice for the super expensive, industrial-grade grinders, but for most of us, that’s not an issue. We’re not likely to splurge on those high-end models anyway.
It’s important to know that whether you choose a conical or flat burr grinder, both are way better than blade grinders. Looking for a grinder for your French press or AeroPress? Both types of burr grinders will do a great job. However, if you’re on a budget or need a compact grinder for travel, you might lean towards finding a conical grinder that fits your needs.
