Does Burr Shape Matter? | Flat vs Conical vs Block

Summary

In this video, Josh explores different burr shapes commonly found in grinders, breaking down their impact on grind consistency and flavor. He compares block burrs, flat burrs, and conical burrs, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Block burrs, often seen in budget grinders, can create a lot of fines and muddiness in coffee. Flat burrs, using extrusion pressure, tend to have more retention but offer consistent results, especially in espresso. Conical burrs, with their unique design, help reduce retention and improve consistency. Josh concludes that the choice between burr types doesn't significantly affect espresso quality, leaving it to user preference.

Takeaways

• 😀 Block burrs are commonly found in budget grinders (under $100) and often feature smaller motors that are cheaper to produce.
• 🛠️ Block burrs have large angled shapes that help crack beans into smaller pieces, but they tend to produce more fines, leading to murkier coffee with less clarity, especially in pour-over setups.
• ☕ Block burrs can cause excess fines in filters, which is more noticeable when using finer grinds, such as for Chemex.
• 🔧 Flat burrs offer a more precise grind and work differently by applying extrusion pressure to push grounds out of the grinder.
• 💡 Flat burr grinders are recommended to run while adjusting grind settings to avoid jamming due to beans partially grinding and sticking in the burrs.
• 🌀 Flat burrs tend to have more retention compared to conical burrs, meaning some beans stay in the grinder and affect grind consistency.
• 🔄 Conical burrs come in two parts: the insert burr and the outer burr, with a design that helps beans fall down smoothly, minimizing retention and improving consistency.
• ⚙️ Conical burrs tend to offer better consistency because of the varying space between the burrs as beans are ground, adjusting to smaller particle sizes.
• 📊 Both flat and conical burrs perform well for espresso quality, and there’s no significant difference in performance between the two types for espresso grinders.
• 💬 Personal preferences around burr types are often subjective; both flat and conical burrs are suitable for various brewing methods if paired with a high-quality grinder.
• 🎯 The choice of burr type (block, flat, or conical) often comes down to personal taste and budget, with flat and conical burrs being better for precision and consistency.

Q & A

What is a block burr and where is it commonly found?

A block burr is a common grinding mechanism found in budget-friendly burr grinders, typically under $100. These grinders are often sold in department stores and use smaller, cheaper motors that require additional support.

Why do block burr grinders tend to produce more fines?

Block burr grinders create more fines because of the large, angled burr shapes that crack the beans into smaller pieces. This results in some fine particles that can lead to a muddy coffee cup, especially in methods like pourover.

What is a downside of using a block burr for pourover coffee?

A downside of using a block burr in pourover coffee setups is the higher presence of fines, which can clog filters and muddy the cup, affecting the clarity of the coffee flavor.

How does a flat burr differ from a block burr in terms of design?

A flat burr is designed with a more planar surface, allowing for larger chunks of beans to be ground in the center, while the edges grind finer. This design helps achieve a consistent grind size and is typically used in higher-end grinders.

What is the extrusion pressure process in flat burr grinders?

Flat burrs use a process called extrusion pressure, where beans are pushed up and out through the burrs due to the grind's compression. This helps move the ground coffee out of the grinder but can also result in higher retention of grounds in the burrs.

Why is it recommended to have the grinder running when adjusting grind settings on flat burr grinders?

It is recommended to have the grinder running when adjusting grind settings on flat burr grinders to avoid compacting partially ground beans inside the burrs. If the grinder is off during adjustment, it can cause a jam due to this compression.

How do conical burrs differ from flat burrs in terms of design and function?

Conical burrs consist of two pieces: an insert burr and an outer burr. They mesh together, allowing more space for beans to fall into the grinder cavity. As the beans are ground, the space between the burrs decreases, helping with consistency and reducing retention compared to flat burrs.

What is the impact of using conical burrs on coffee retention?

Conical burrs generally result in less retention than flat burrs. This is due to the design where the beans move more freely through the burrs, helping to reduce the amount of coffee left behind in the grinder.

Which type of burr is better for espresso, flat or conical?

Both flat and conical burrs can perform excellently for espresso grinders. There is no significant difference in espresso quality between the two types, as long as the grinder is high-quality.

What should you consider when choosing a grinder for pourover coffee?

When choosing a grinder for pourover coffee, it's important to consider the grinder's ability to minimize fines, as too many fines can lead to a muddy cup. A grinder with a flat burr or conical burr system might be better suited for this method, depending on other factors like consistency and retention.