Burr vs. Blade Coffee Grinder -Know the Difference

The best coffee is made when the coffee beans are perfectly ground, and the ground is perfectly brewed. Hence, you need a good grinder that helps you get the beans perfectly ground.

Also, grinders play an important role in making a cup of joy stand out. If you don’t grind the beans perfectly, no matter how good a barista you are, you cannot achieve the best results. Hence, you have to make a good choice concerning the burr coffee grinder vs. Blade.
Their functionalities are different, and so the results coming out of these two types of grinders are also different. In today’s topic, we will discuss how the grinders work and what you can expect from your ground coffee.

Burr Coffee Grinder Vs. Blade Cofee Grinder: Pick The Right One

You’ve probably heard all the hype around burr coffee grinders. Some people swear by them, while others think they’re overrated. Budget-conscious people may benefit from a blade grinder, but burr grinders can change the way coffee tastes.
Let’s discuss both types in more detail so you can get a better understanding of them.

Burr Grinder

Burr grinders are loved by most coffee connoisseurs and baristas. Different brands may vary in durability and longevity, but no one can argue over the size and flavor achieved by a burr grinder.
Burr grinders, also known as burr mills, are the best option for you when you care more about the uniformity of your ground coffee than the time spent in the process. In comparison to blade grinders, burr grinders produce less sound. So, if you are looking for a quiet coffee grinder, a burr grinder should be an awesome addition.

How Does the Grinder Work?

A Burr Mill uses a crushing method that involves two abrasive surfaces to crush the beans into a uniform coffee ground. While one abrasive burr revolves around, another burr stands still to crush the beans into the ground.
This process may take longer, but the result you can achieve through it is priceless.

Burr Grinder Types

Burr grinders are primarily of two types: conical burr grinder and flat burr grinder. If you go deeper, you will also know about manual and electric burr or mill grinders. To know more about different grinder types, read this article.
In order for you to choose the right grinder, you need to know about what they offer, or what makes them different from other grinders.

Conical Burr Grinders

Conical burr grinders feature a central burr(cone-shaped) that crushes the coffee beans with the help of a serrated burr. Two burrs of different designs come together to crush the beans into almost uniform sizes of beans.
However, if you look at the ground carefully, or examine the sizes of coffee beans, you will notice that they are not totally uniform. Although it does not affect the coffee’s taste badly, some baristas prefer more consistent ground which can be achieved by using a flat burr grinder.
However, some baristas prefer a conical burr grinder because it is cost-effective and heat-resistant. This may seem insignificant to some people, but others take it seriously, especially when they think about the long-term results.
If you are looking for good quality burr grinder at an affordable price, you can check my review about the best burr grinder under $100.

Flat Burr Grinders

Flat burr mills use a pair of burrs(donut-shaped) that come together to crush the beans into uniform, consistent shapes. This is because the flat burr mills are designed in a way that doesn’t allow beans to stay untouched, or partially undamaged. In other words, you can achieve the best possible results using a flat burr grinder.
In addition to using more energy, flat burr mills generate more heat, but they also crush the beans into uniform shapes. Thus it becomes ideal for a cheap cup of coffee, but if you are ready to spend a little more money to get the best results, you may invest in a flat burr coffee grinder.
Moreover, you can achieve an espresso quality grind using a flat burr grinder. Check this review to get a budget-friendly espresso grinder that offers tons of bells and whistles.

Blade Grinders

It’s a good idea to buy a blade grinder if you’re new in the coffee-making world. While investing in an inexpensive grinder, you can experiment with different types of coffee, and discover different tastes and flavors achieved through different processes.
However, the most common disadvantage of using a blade grinder is it does not result in consistent grind sizes and produces a huge sound while grinding.

How Does It Work?

A blade grinder is very much like a blender, or food processor. The blade is shaped similar to a propeller that spins rapidly to chop off coffee beans. When you press the button, the blade starts revolving and cuts the beans into uneven pieces.
Thus you are likely to get grinds of different sizes; some may be tiny while others will look like boulders.
Moreover, the process produces more heat resulting in a loss of flavor and taste. Different sizes of grinds may also have a negative impact on the taste of the coffee.

Burr vs. Blade Grinders: Which One is Better?

As you have already realized, all types of grinders have some advantages as well as some disadvantages. But if you put them on a scale, you will see that burr grinders are far more advantageous than blade grinders.
Burr grinders produce consistent, one-size coffee grinds. They tend to be more durable and easy to control. Above all, they retain the original flavor of coffee beans which is compromised when using a blade grinder. Blade grinders also make uneven, inconsistent grinds that are prone to bring bitterness to a cup of coffee.
A blade grinder is, however, ideal for beginners who are looking to buy an inexpensive grinder. Although the blade spins at high speed with a large sound, you can do it using only a button.

Frequently Asked Questions

⦁ Can you grind spices in a burr grinder?

No, you can’t grind spices in a burr grinder. Moreover, a burr grinder is designed to grind coffee beans and it isn’t ideal for producing fine ground spices. You need a blade grinder or spice grinder to grind spices finely.
⦁ Do burr grinders really make a difference?
Yes, burr grinders make a difference! They offer a much more consistent grind, which leads to better-tasting coffee. Burr grinders also allow you to adjust the coarseness of the grind, so you can tailor it to your preference. If you’re serious about making great coffee at home, then a burr grinder is definitely worth the investment.
⦁ How long does a burr grinder last?
Burr grinders last 6-8 years on average. The main thing that affects how long a burr grinder lasts is how often it’s used. If you use it every day, it will wear out sooner than if you use it once a week.
Burr grinders are also susceptible to wear and tear from things like coffee oils and residue. If you don’t clean your grinder regularly, the oils and residue can build up and cause the burrs to wear down more quickly.
⦁ How long does a blade grinder last?
A blade grinder will last for about 5-6 years with regular use. Over time, the blades will become dull and need to be replaced.
⦁ Which type of grinder is best for espresso?
If you’re going to make espresso, you want to go for a burr grinder. Burr grinders provide a more consistent grind, which is important for making a great cup of espresso. Plus, they tend to be less messy than blade grinders (no flying coffee beans!).

Last Words

To sum up, in terms of coffee grinders, there are two main types: burr grinders and blade grinders.
However, which one is better really depends on what you’re looking for. Burr grinders are more expensive but they produce a consistent grind size. Blade grinders are less expensive but the grind size can be inconsistent.
If you’re looking for a reliable grinder that will produce consistent results, then a burr grinder is the way to go. In contrast, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sacrificing some consistency, then a blade grinder may be right for you.