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Coffee Glossary

Burr Grinder

Definition

A burr grinder uses two revolving abrasive surfaces (burrs) to crush coffee beans into consistent particles. Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders produce uniform particle sizes, which is crucial for even extraction. There are two main types: flat burrs (common in home grinders) and conical burrs (often in commercial grinders). Burr grinders offer adjustable grind settings, allowing precise control over particle size. They're essential for espresso (which requires fine, consistent grind) and significantly improve coffee quality for all brew methods. While more expensive than blade grinders, the consistency they provide is worth the investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.

Common Mistakes

  • Not cleaning burrs regularly (affects grind quality)
  • Adjusting grind while grinder is running
  • Using wrong burr alignment
  • Not seasoning new burrs
  • Storing grinder in humid environment

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