Coffee Grinder Mechanism : Everything You Need To Know

Coffee is so loved and so taken by people because it’s a beverage that makes you feel strong and motivated. But do you know what it takes to make a good cup of coffee?

Whatever your answer may be, a cup of coffee is made through a process that involves multiple hands and tools, and every step in this process is important for a barista. This, of course, includes the process of grinding coffee beans, and that’s where the making of a good cup of coffee begins.

The coffee grinder mechanism- something that you find interesting in the coffee-making process- is an excellent way to break those coffee beans into coffee ground. Let’s learn more about the mechanism of a coffee grinder.

Coffee Grinder Mechanism

There are two different grinding mechanisms: crushing and chopping. The type of grinder that crushes coffee beans into the coffee ground is called a burr grinder, also known as, a burr mill. Likewise, the type that involves blades to chop coffee beans into the ground is called a blade grinder.

How Burr Mills Work

Usually, a burr mill uses two abrasive surfaces to crush coffee beans into small, uniform sizes. When one surface crushes the beans, another burr stands still to provide a solid surface for the beans to get a uniform size.

Burr Mills also come in two types:

1. Conical Burr Grinder (uses cone-shaped burrs)
2. Flat Burr Grinder (uses donut-shaped burrs)

With two of these burr grinders becoming simultaneously popular these days, one must admit that flat grinders are winning the race in offering what a barista calls uniform coffee ground. However, many still like the energy-efficient conical burr for professional use.

 

Conical Burr Mills

Conical burr mills use cone-shaped burrs that put pressure on the coffee beans with their abrasive surfaces. Receiving pressures from both surfaces, the beans cannot retain their shapes; rather take a smaller form that is perfect for a brew. While it doesn’t offer super uniformity, you can expect a level of consistency you are satisfied with.

Flat Burr Grinder

Now the good thing is, that you can expect both consistency and uniformity from a flat burr grinder, thanks to the donut-shaped burrs. The burrs are designed in a way that coffee beans get stuck in between them until they are perfectly ground.

How Blade Grinder Works

Blade grinders are pretty much similar to blenders in terms of how they look and function. They have a sharp, double-edged blade that revolves like a propeller, chopping the coffee beans into pieces. You may have to give them some time to get a consistent coffee grind, but the end result shouldn’t disappoint you.

They are cheaper, yet work fast, though hard to get a uniform coffee grind.

Last Words

Coffee grinding is considered the first step in making a good cup of coffee. Hence, having a good coffee grinder is important for a home barista as well as for professionals.

Plus, when you understand how each type of grinder works, you can make good choices. That is why it is worth learning a bit about the coffee grinder mechanism.

When you grind it well and brew it well, it definitely tastes good as well.