More and more people nowadays start the day off right by enjoying a cup of coffee. According to Yahoo Finance, 64% of the people between the ages of 40 to 59 drink coffee in the morning, and 47% of those aged 18 to 24 do as well. Some people buy their coffees in cafes, but most coffee drinkers brew and drink at home. This makes the coffee grinder a popular device for Americans and other people worldwide. If you love drinking coffee, then you might have heard about burr coffee grinders already, and you are probably even considering buying one.
However, before you invest in something that will cost you a lot, it is crucial to know how a burr grinder works and its advantages.
Blade Grinders vs. Burr Grinders
A coffee grinder is one of the devices that many coffee drinkers have. It is used to grind coffee beans into a size suitable for brewing. There are manually operated models with a hand crank that can be turned to move the blades and grind the coffee beans. On the other hand, some electric models are more convenient and quicker to use. Blade grinders and burr grinders are some of the popular types of coffee grinders used by many people. When comparing these two types, the difference relies on what you want out of a cup of coffee. Blade coffee grinders utilize a propeller-like blade to grind the coffee, while burr grinders use two revolving abrasive surfaces.
As a coffee drinker, you have to keep in mind that poorly ground beans may lead to a bad cup of coffee. So, it is crucial to choose the best coffee grinder for an excellent morning coffee.
So, are Burr Grinders Worth your Money?
Burr grinders are also known as burr mills. They are grinders that grind beans into small and uniform sizes, essential for making tasty coffee. A burr grinder has two abrasive surfaces that turn the coffee beans into cocoa bean powder. You also have the option to change the setting of these surfaces. For instance, you can keep the two surfaces apart, which will produce coarse and a little bigger ground material. On the contrary, if the surfaces are closer, the ground will be super flat and fine. To further help you determine whether it’s worth your investment, though, allow us to share with you the pros and cons of getting one.
Pros of Burr Coffee Grinders
- Uniformity. The main benefit of using a burr grinder is that it can grind beans to a small and uniform size, which helps create delicious coffee.
- Durable. A good quality burr grinder can last you many years.
- Adjustable. A burr grinder will allow you to grind coffee in various sizes, which can open the possibilities of different methods of coffee prep.
Cons of Burr Coffee Grinders
- Uncommon. It may not be easy to find this type of coffee grinder in brick-and-mortar stores. Hence, we recommend hunting for one online.
- Higher Electric Bill. This con is only applicable to electric models.
What About Blade Coffee Grinders?
To give you a complete picture, allow us to share further info on blade grinders. Blade coffee grinders are a more typical option for those new to the world of fresh coffee. They are more affordable compared to burr grinders and much easier to use. However, it is hard to achieve a consistent grind size with this type of grinder.A blade grinder is a device that crushes coffee beans while mixing them. It has a blade in the center that is similar to a propeller. This coffee grinder provides more power for faster crushing, but the grounds are not even in size. Hence, this can also potentially lead to bad-tasting coffee if you’re not careful. To achieve the best cup of coffee using a blade grinder, pulse the grinder until it is done instead of holding it down. Doing so will allow the bean to readjust and fall back to the blade to achieve a better consistency. This will also avoid heating the beans, affecting the overall flavor.
Pros of Blade Coffee Grinders
- Affordable. The cost of this grinder is lower than burr grinders.
- Convenient. Blade grinders are easy to use. You just have to press a button, and you are done after a few seconds.
- Accessible. You can easily find one in any kitchen store or grocery.
Cons of Blade Coffee Grinders
- Inconsistent. It’s hard to achieve uniformity in the size of your coffee grounds.
- Poor quality. Most blade grinders, even the better quality ones, do not usually last for a long time.
- Heat. You can lose some flavors from the grounds due to the heat blade grinders produce.
Is it Best to Invest in a Burr Coffee Grinder?
Coffee grinders are essential products to make delicious coffee; hence, finding the one best suited for your needs and preferences is crucial.
With all the advantages and characteristics, though, there is no doubt why many people prefer to purchase a burr coffee grinder. It may cost a lot, but it is definitely worth the money.
