FLAT VS. CONICAL Burrs Discussion with coffee grinder company Kafatek!

Summary

In this video, the hosts discuss the nuances of flat and conical burr grinders for coffee, challenging the traditional belief that flat burrs are best for light roasts and pour-over, while conicals are suited for dark roasts and espresso. They explore how modern grinder designs blur these lines, offering clarity and extraction efficiency across both types. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of grinder design, like surface area, particle size distribution, and the impact of grind speed and alignment on coffee flavor. The hosts conclude that while there are still differences, the gap between flat and conical grinders has narrowed, and the choice often comes down to personal preference, workflow, and the precision of the grinder.

Takeaways

• 😀 The debate between flat and conical bur grinders has evolved, with modern designs capable of handling both light and dark roasts effectively.
• 🔍 Flat bur grinders are often recommended for light roast coffees and pour-over methods due to their clarity and extraction capabilities.
• 🌟 Conical bur grinders are traditionally associated with dark roasts and espresso, offering a more blended flavor profile with less clarity.
• 🛠️ Surface area and grind size are critical factors in grinder performance, with conical burs potentially producing more fines due to the coffee's rolling action.
• ⏱️ The speed of coffee grinding and the time coffee spends in the bur affect the particle size distribution, which differs between flat and conical designs.
• 🛠️ Design intricacies such as the number of teeth and their aggressiveness influence the grinding speed and, consequently, the flavor extraction.
• 💰 Flat bur grinders tend to be more expensive due to the complexity of their design and manufacturing process.
• 🤔 The choice between flat and conical bur grinders may come down to personal preference and workflow, rather than a significant difference in coffee quality.
• 🔄 The precision of the grinder is paramount, with alignment being particularly important for flat burs to ensure consistent grind size.
• 🌿 The quality of coffee and water used is ultimately more critical to the final taste than the type of grinder, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality ingredients.

Q & A

What is the main difference between flat and conical burrs in coffee grinders?

Flat burrs consist of two flat cutting discs, while conical burrs have a conical shape with an outer burr and the coffee flows from top to bottom. The conical burr can either spin or have a stationary cone with a spinning outer burr.

What is the traditional recommendation regarding flat and conical burrs for different types of coffee roasts?

Traditionally, flat burrs were recommended for light roast coffee and pour-over brewing, while conical burrs were suggested for dark roast and espresso due to their ability to handle the oils and tars better.

How has the perception of flat and conical burrs changed in recent times?

The perception has evolved as modern burr designs have emerged that can perform well with both light and dark roasts. The distinction between what flat and conical burrs are 'intended' to do has become less clear, as both types can now achieve excellent results across a range of roasts.

What are the general flavor profiles associated with flat and conical burrs?

Flat burrs are often associated with clarity and sharp, distinct flavor peaks, while conical burrs tend to produce a more blended and smoother flavor profile.

How does the surface area of burrs affect the grinding process?

The surface area of burrs influences the speed of grinding and the particle size distribution. Larger burrs, like conical ones, can lead to more fines due to the coffee rolling around more before exiting.

Why are conical burrs considered easier to use in coffee grinders?

Conical burrs are easier to use because they generally require less preparation work for the coffee puck. They allow for skipping the distribution step, making it simpler to achieve a good tamp and extraction.

What challenges did the designer face when creating flat and conical burrs?

Designing flat burrs was more challenging due to the need for precise alignment and parallelism between the burrs to control grind size. Conical burrs, on the other hand, focus more on concentric alignment, which is less critical for performance.

Why might conical burrs produce more static in ground coffee?

Conical burrs may produce more static due to the rubbing action of the coffee as it goes through the burr. The coffee spends more time in the burr, which can lead to increased static buildup compared to flat burrs.

How important is the precision of a grinder when using flat or conical burrs?

The precision of the grinder is crucial as it affects the grind size and consistency. For flat burrs, the alignment and parallelism are critical, while for conical burrs, concentric alignment is more important.

What is the impact of grinder design on the cost of flat versus conical burrs?

Flat burrs generally cost more to produce due to the additional steps required for their manufacturing, which is why flat burr grinders tend to be more expensive than conical ones.

What factors should one consider when choosing between a flat and conical burr grinder today?

Today, the choice between flat and conical burrs is less about roast type and more about personal preference, workflow, and the specific characteristics of the grinder, such as precision and ease of use.