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Burr Grinder vs Blade Grinder: What's the difference?
As a coffee lover, you know how important it is to use good coffee beans. But did you know that the choice of coffee grinder can also have a major impact on the taste of your coffee? Some even argue that a coffee grinder is more important than the equipment or tools for making the coffee.
There are many different types of coffee grinders on the market, but Burr Grinders and Blade Grinders are the two most common. Both have their own pros and cons and it's important to understand what these are before making a decision on which coffee grinder is best for you.
In this blog, I will explore the difference between Burr Grinders and Blade Grinders and discuss the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed choice when choosing your coffee grinder.
What is a Burr Grinder?
A Burr Grinder is a coffee grinder that works by two grinding discs that move over each other. These grinding discs are also called burrs, which grind the coffee beans to the desired size. These burrs can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, ceramic, and even glass.
The distance between the burrs can be adjusted to determine the grind size of the coffee, meaning you can adjust the fineness of the ground coffee to suit your personal taste and the method you use to brew coffee.
One of the benefits of a Burr Grinder is the even grind it produces. Because the coffee beans are ground evenly, the coffee will taste better and have a more consistent taste. In addition, adjusting the distance between the burrs can also help to improve the extraction of the coffee because in some cases coffee must be ground coarser or finer for a good flow. By adjusting the grind size, you can improve the extraction and thus make better coffee for your preferred brewing method.
Tip: Always use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best taste experience.
While Burr Grinders tend to be more expensive than Blade Grinders, they tend to have a longer lifespan and are often more reliable. In addition, they produce less heat during grinding, which is important as heat can affect the taste of the coffee. If you're looking for a coffee grinder that provides a more consistent and better flavor to your coffee, a Burr Grinder is definitely worth considering.
Types of Burr Grinders
Burr Grinders are available in two main types: conical burrs and flat burrs. Conical burrs have a cone shape. Flat burrs, as the name suggests, have a flat shape. Both variants are usually made of ceramic or steel. Each type of Burr Grinder has its own unique features and benefits.
Conical Burrs
Conical burrs have a longer life than flat burrs and are less prone to clogging. This is because conical burrs have a slower rotational speed, resulting in better coffee extraction. Conical burrs also produce less heat during grinding, which is important for preserving the flavor of the coffee. In addition, they can be easily adapted for different types of brewing methods.
Flat Burrs
On the other hand, flat burrs produce a more consistent grind than conical burrs. This is because flat burrs have a higher rotational speed and exert more pressure on the coffee beans. This ensures a more even extraction and a more even grind.
In addition to conical and flat burrs, there are also Burr Grinders with different sizes of burrs, including 40 mm, 50 mm and 60 mm. Larger burrs take less time to grind the beans. Smaller burrs, on the other hand, are often less expensive and take up less space.
In general, the higher the quality of the burrs, the better the coffee will taste and the longer the life of the grinder will be. It is therefore important to choose the highest quality Burr Grinder that fits within your budget.
"A major drawback of Blade Grinders is that they often produce an inconsistent grind"
What is a Blade Grinder?
A Blade Grinder is an electric coffee grinder that works with a rotating blade that resembles a propeller. The blade chops the coffee beans into small pieces, similar to a blender, producing an uneven grind. Unlike a Burr Grinder, which grinds coffee beans by squeezing them between two burrs or burrs, a Blade Grinder uses a cutting motion to chop the beans.
A major drawback of Blade Grinders is that they often produce an inconsistent grind because the size of the coffee particles is not uniform. This can lead to over-extraction of fine particles and under-extraction of coarser particles, resulting in a weak or bitter taste. In addition, there is a risk that the ground will overheat during grinding, which will affect the taste of the coffee.
Although Blade Grinders are cheaper than Burr Grinders, they are generally not recommended for true coffee aficionados who are serious about brewing coffee. For those who only make coffee occasionally and don't have high demands on the taste and consistency of the grind, a Blade Grinder can be an affordable option.
However, if you're looking for a more consistent grinding experience and are serious about the flavor of your coffee, a Burr Grinder is the better option. Burr Grinders are able to grind more consistently and are less likely to overheat. In addition, they offer more control over the grind size and are easier to adjust for different brewing methods.
Grind consistency
As mentioned earlier, one of the main differences between Burr Grinders and Blade Grinders is the consistency of the ground coffee. It should be clear that Burr Grinders generally grind more evenly than Blade Grinders. This is because Burr Grinders work with two grinding discs that move over each other and grind the coffee beans evenly. Blade Grinders, on the other hand, work with blades that chop and slice the beans, resulting in uneven pieces of coffee.
The inconsistency of the ground coffee in Blade Grinders can lead to problems with the brewing process. For example, the uneven pieces of coffee can cause uneven extraction and an uneven taste. In addition, it can also lead to blockages in the coffee machine.
So it is clear that Burr Grinders offer better grind consistency than Blade Grinders, resulting in a better coffee taste and fewer brewing problems.
Based on what criteria to choose?
Based on what criteria can you choose between a burr grinder and a blade grinder? There are a number of factors that you can take into account when making your choice. Most factors have already been discussed, but here we summarize the most important differences.
- Firstly, the quality of the grind is an important aspect. A burr grinder is able to grind the coffee beans more evenly and consistently than a blade grinder. This is because a burr grinder uses two rotating grinding discs that finely grind the beans. With a blade grinder, the grinding is done by a blade that rotates quickly and chops the beans. This creates more variation in the size of the ground coffee, which can affect the taste of the coffee.
- Another aspect to take into account is the price. In general, burr grinders are more expensive than blade grinders. If you're looking for a less expensive option, a blade grinder might be your best bet. However, keep in mind that you may end up spending more money on coffee beans, as the inconsistency of the grind can lead to a lower quality of the coffee.
- Finally, the versatility of the grinder is also a factor to consider. Burr grinders are often capable of producing a variety of grinds from fine to coarse, making them suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blade grinders, on the other hand, are often limited to one type of grind, making them less suitable for people who like to experiment with different brewing methods.
In short, when choosing between a burr grinder and a blade grinder, there are several criteria to consider, such as the quality of the grind, the price and the versatility. Consider these factors carefully before making a choice and choose a grinder that best suits your coffee needs.
Conclusion
Coffee lovers know that a good coffee grinder is essential for a great cup of coffee. If you're looking for the best coffee grinder, it's important to know which type of grinder best suits your coffee preferences. In this blog we have explained the differences between a burr grinder and blade grinder.
If you go for the best quality, we recommend a burr grinder. Are you still looking for the best burr grinder? Then check out our blog with a top 5 of the best burr grinders of 2023! Click here to read the blog.
