Question: Coffee Grinder - Burr vs Blade Assembly - Which is Better?
What's the difference between a burr and blade coffee grinder? Does a burr grinder make a difference in how it grinds coffee beans or is it better?
Answer: Coffee grinders have either a burr or blade assembly which when operated, grinds the coffee beans. Burr coffee grinders are usually more expensive than blade models. While the type of grind mechanism is sometimes a personal preference, there are differences.
A burr grinder will usually grind coffee beans very fine and more evenly ground (that's the goal) than a blade grinder. When a coffee grinder has a regulated grinding process as found with some burr-type grinders, this slows the process and results in a more efficient and even grinding. This is preferred for some coffee makers and specialty coffee machines.
However, the fine bean dust can cause a sludge in the coffee carafe and it can be transfered to the cup. Some consumers find that this bean dust can also clog permanent filters and suggest that a burr grinder is more suitable when paper filters are used in the coffee maker.
Burr grinders are messy and take more time to clean - often with a small brush. They are also noisier than blade models. A blade grinding assembly is quick and easy to clean. For this reason alone, some consumers prefer a blade coffee grinder.
As for performance depending on their features, either can deliver good coffee grinding results that lead to a great cup of coffee. Burr models usually have a few features. Likewise, blade models are available with basic features as well as grinding choice settings and other features, so they do offer more than the basics.
If you like the idea of a more sophisticated grinding process, you believe this leads to a better cup of coffee and you're ready to pay a little more as well as take on the extra maintenance, a burr coffee grinder is your best choice. If you're looking to grind your own beans simply for that fresh coffee aroma and taste, are not concerned about how the grinding is done, but want to minimize cost and maintenance, a blade assembly model is the better choice for you.
Read More About Making Coffee:
How to Buy a Coffee Maker
Types of Coffee Makers
Does Filter Shape Affect the Coffee?
Best Coffee Maker Feature
Coffee Filters - Paper vs Permanent
Go to Home Page
A burr grinder will usually grind coffee beans very fine and more evenly ground (that's the goal) than a blade grinder. When a coffee grinder has a regulated grinding process as found with some burr-type grinders, this slows the process and results in a more efficient and even grinding. This is preferred for some coffee makers and specialty coffee machines.
However, the fine bean dust can cause a sludge in the coffee carafe and it can be transfered to the cup. Some consumers find that this bean dust can also clog permanent filters and suggest that a burr grinder is more suitable when paper filters are used in the coffee maker.
Burr grinders are messy and take more time to clean - often with a small brush. They are also noisier than blade models. A blade grinding assembly is quick and easy to clean. For this reason alone, some consumers prefer a blade coffee grinder.
As for performance depending on their features, either can deliver good coffee grinding results that lead to a great cup of coffee. Burr models usually have a few features. Likewise, blade models are available with basic features as well as grinding choice settings and other features, so they do offer more than the basics.
If you like the idea of a more sophisticated grinding process, you believe this leads to a better cup of coffee and you're ready to pay a little more as well as take on the extra maintenance, a burr coffee grinder is your best choice. If you're looking to grind your own beans simply for that fresh coffee aroma and taste, are not concerned about how the grinding is done, but want to minimize cost and maintenance, a blade assembly model is the better choice for you.
Read More About Making Coffee:
How to Buy a Coffee Maker
Types of Coffee Makers
Does Filter Shape Affect the Coffee?
Best Coffee Maker Feature
Coffee Filters - Paper vs Permanent
Go to Home Page
