How to Choose the Best Burr Coffee Grinder
A grinder is one of the most important tools in a home coffee-making arsenal. What kind of grinder should you get?
Burr grinders crush beans between two rotating serrated surfaces instead of slicing them with blades. They're generally regarded as superior to blade grinders. But what characteristics should you look for in a grinder?
1. Conical Burrs
A conical-shaped burr mill has sharp teeth that are angled and a circular burr ring inserted inside the other. This shape lets it grind more efficiently, since the burrs revolve around a central point. The inclined teeth are more effective in cutting beans evenly, and they produce less heat. This is a good thing since too much heat can cause bitter taste in your coffee. Conical burrs are also more durable than flat burrs. Flat burrs are prone to warping and dulling quickly, resulting in unevenly ground coffee that is not evenly ground. They are also more fragile, which means that small stones and other debris can cause damage over time. Flat burrs also generate more noise, and require regular maintenance and cleaning.
Many burr grinders on the market claim to be "burr grinders," but they have flat burrs or have no burrs whatsoever. These "false burr grinders" feature large flat teeth, and are often paired with motors that are weak and produce irregular grounds. They aren't genuine burr grinders, and, despite what some people believe they don't have the same quality of grind as actual burr grinders.
Some experts do not agree with this assertion however, others believe that the size and type of burrs used in a grinder for coffee can influence the final taste. best espresso coffee grinder are mostly anecdotal but hold a firm grip on the minds and hearts of coffee lovers. Some believe that conical burrs can bring out the distinctive flavors of exotic beans. Flat burrs soften and enhance darker roasts.
This could be true. However, it is something you should think about in the event that your grinder has significant impact on the quality of your espresso. The only way to determine that for certain is to test a grinder out with the beans you will be using it with. The overall design of the grinder and its operating features will have a greater influence on the final cup than the type or burrs. It's important to consider other aspects when evaluating the grinder, including its reputation and customer reviews.
2. Convenience
The Baratza Encore burr grinder is one that many coffee lovers swear by. Several reviewers praise it as an "time-tested choice" that offers great value for money and is designed for drip, pour-over, French press, and cold brew.
The grinder utilizes burrs that rotate instead of blades to grind the beans, resulting in larger and more evenly-sized beans than a blender or other burr grinders, according to the company. Additionally the burrs produce less heat while grinding which helps preserve the beans' aroma and flavor.
In contrast, blade grinders can produce excessive heat and unevenly-sized grounds, which affects the taste of the finished cup. Burr grinders also tend to be quieter than blade grinders, but this may vary based on the model and the brand.
Some burr grinders utilize flat burrs instead, rather than conical ones. These are two discs with cutting edges that are facing each opposite. We don't recommend them for espresso as they are more difficult to calibrate and are generally less expensive than a premium, flat-burr burr grinder such as the Fellow Ode Gen 2 or the Baratza Virtuoso+.
A few of the grinders we've tested allow you to choose how long the machine will grind for a certain period of time, which is useful when you're making espresso. Others, including our top choice, the Baratza Sette 270--have a built-in smart timer that can deliver precise split-second timing. But this feature isn't necessary for most brewing methods, and the majority of burr grinders priced under $200 use what's a fancier version of the windup timer.
The most affordable models, such as the Porlex II or the Capresso infinity, utilize manual burrs. This means that you have turn them by hand yourself to grind your coffee. This requires more effort but is a great option in the event you're seeking an easy, compact and inexpensive option without electrical power.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is another affordable option that uses a burr grinder. It's louder than some of the other models we've tried however it's still acceptable in the event that you're okay with a bit of noise. The more quiet a grinder is likely to be, in general the more expensive. This is due to the upgraded materials and the advanced soundproofing techniques.
3. Easy to Use
A burr grinder is a tool that is recommended by every expert for those who are just beginning to learn about home coffee making. These grinders create a much more consistent, finer grind than the regular blade grinder. They also assist in making brews that are better balanced in body, flavor, and acidity. They also tend to perform the job more consistently. But, as you might expect, top burr grinders can cost upwards of $200, and some are difficult to operate.
We asked experts for their recommendations for the best electric burr grinders you can use. Many people, including those with a budget are recommending the OXO Conical Burr Grinder. It has multiple settings that allow it to accommodate a variety of different brewing methods, from pour-over, French press, and drip coffee. And it performed well during our testing.
It's also quieter than other electronic grinders we've tested, and doesn't generate the same amount of heat. That's important, as excess heat can harm the delicate aromas in your beans.
The OXO grinder's main disadvantage is that it's only effective at grinding on the coarse end of the spectrum, which can be a problem for espresso. If you're looking to make espressos, a burr mill with more advanced features like the Baratza Encore may be a better choice.
Manual burr grinders that run by cranking are simpler to use and ideal for those who drink just one or two cups of coffee per day. They're a good choice for those who travel or need to brew up a single serving of pour-over.
Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Director of Test Kitchen, is a fan of the Fellow Ode Gen 2 Burr Grinder. It comes with 41 settings that are easily adjustable and will make a fantastic beverage using any method - except for espresso (the burrs made of flat steel don't grind well enough). It's easy to use for anyone who isn't afraid of a little messes and flyaway chaff, and it's quiet.
4. Cost
A quality burr mill will cost you a few hundred bucks, but is definitely worth it. The grinding mechanism is simple enough that even a beginner can figure out how to get the most out of it, and you'll save money in the long run by ditching the pre-ground coffee and bad-for-the-environment coffee pods.
Conical burr grinders are the standard in electric home units, and they're a great choice for most people just starting out with this whole grinding-your-own-beans-at-home thing. They produce a little bit of fines (the tiny bits of coffee that are smaller than the official grind size you select), but this won't be noticeable to the majority of people who drink coffee and is a minor cost to pay for delicious consistent coffee grounds.
Flat burrs are two discs with cutting teeth facing one another. They are not as common but are favored by coffee enthusiasts because they give a consistent grind size, perfect for French press and espresso. The downside is that they are expensive to purchase, and you may need to buy new burrs for every different kind of brew or roast level.
The Baratza ESP is the best combination of cost and capability for a burr grinder, according to our experts. It costs less than $200 and is far more affordable than many other models that have similar capabilities. It is equipped with a 64-mm flat brewer set that is perfect for all methods of brewing. You can easily upgrade to other sets, such as the ones from SSP.
The OXO is a similar model that is affordable with a proven performance in our tests. The burrs on this model aren't as precise, as ones in more expensive models, but its user interface and the variety of settings are suitable for both French drip and press. While true coffee lovers may require a more sophisticated model but the OXO is a great starter for most people.
For those who prefer to crank their beans manually, we also tested a few manual burr grinders that are ideal for travel and for people who are able to make one or two cups at a time. These models utilize the same mechanism for grinding as electric burr grinders, but operate using a hand crank instead of motors. They are also typically quieter than electric models.