Are you overwhelmed by the coffee grinder choices? Our coffee grinder burr vs. blade comparison will help determine which is right for you and your needs.
When I first started my foray into coffee drinking, it took a while to adapt to the taste of different types of beans. At first, I thought I just wasn’t acclimated to the beverage, but then I drank coffee made with freshly-ground beans. The experience was life-changing, and I tried to grind my own beans as much as possible.
However, one of the challenges of grinding at home is finding the best coffee grinder for the job. There are multiple elements to pay attention to, including whether to use a blade or a burr grinder. If you’re wondering which one is best for your needs, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a full breakdown of how burr and blade grinders compare.
- What Are Burr And Blade Coffee Grinders?
- What Burr And Blade Coffee Grinders Have In Common
- Coffee Grinder Burr Vs. Blade: The Differences
- What’s Better About Blade Coffee Grinders?
- What’s Better About Burr Coffee Grinders?
- Who Should Get A Blade Coffee Grinder (And Why)?
- Who Should Get A Burr Coffee Grinder (And Why)?
What Are Burr And Blade Coffee Grinders?
A burr coffee grinder is one that uses two abrasive surfaces to crush and grind beans into coffee grounds. There are two primary types of burr grinders – conical and flat. Conical grinders are a bit more affordable, but they don’t get the same consistency as a flat grinder.
Generally, a flat grinder is the best option available, but it can be pretty expensive and hard to maintain.
A blade coffee grinder resembles a blender with a central, dual-sided blade. Blade grinders offer a fast approach to making fresh coffee, but they’re far more convenient than burr models.
What Burr And Blade Coffee Grinders Have In Common
Both of these models can be fast and efficient when grinding your own coffee. Also, the size and shape of these grinders can be pretty similar, depending on the brand and model you choose.
Coffee Grinder Burr Vs. Blade: The Differences
| Blade | Burr |
| Fast | Relatively slow |
| Blades can break | Burrs are more durable |
| Uneven grounds | Even consistent grounds |
| Affordable | Pricey |
| Very Loud | Quieter |
What’s Better About Blade Coffee Grinders?
No matter how you look at it, blade coffee grinders are almost always faster than burr models because they use a single spinning device instead of two. Also, burr grinders have to work more slowly to ensure better quality and consistency with each new batch. So, if you’re the type who likes fresh ground coffee but don’t have a lot of time in the morning, a blade grinder will be the best option.
Blade grinders are more affordable since they contain plastic components. Keep in mind that with regular use, you will have to replace your device eventually, so the money may add up in the long run. You might also be interested in learning will oily beans clog a coffee grinder.
What’s Better About Burr Coffee Grinders?
If you’re a coffee snob and only prefer to drink the best beans, a flat burr grinder is the best solution. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable middle ground, conical grinders can also work wonders. That said, if you like espresso and other coffees with fine grinds, you have to invest in a flat grinder.
Blade coffee grinders are only as good as the blades themselves, which can dull and wear down relatively fast. While you can remove and sharpen the blade regularly, you don’t have to perform as much routine maintenance with a burr grinder. Flat grinders generally wear down faster than conical ones because they experience more pressure and grind for longer times.
All coffee grinders are loud, but blade grinders tend to be slightly louder than their counterparts. Because the blade spins so fast, it can create a lot of secondary noise as the beans rattle around and bounce off the interior sides of the machine. Plus, like a blender, you can adjust the speed, making it louder or softer.
Who Should Get A Blade Coffee Grinder (And Why)?
Those who are consistently in a rush and need coffee grounds fast should invest in a blade grinder. Also, those who don’t care too much about the quality of their grounds and just want a cup of coffee to help them wake up or stay awake.
As we mentioned, blade grinders are relatively fast and loose when turning beans into coffee grounds. Typically, the grind will be coarse and have a mix of large and small chunks. However, if you’re in a rush and don’t care about consistency, a blade grinder can work wonders.
Who Should Get A Burr Coffee Grinder (And Why)?
Those who appreciate excellent coffee or prefer to drink espresso should invest in a burr grinder. Also, those who don’t mind the higher price for high-tech devices that deliver superior results with every cup will be impressed with a burr coffee grinder.
Flat burr grinders are the best for consistency because of how they’re built. Both sides of the grinder are shaped like a donut, and the only way coffee can make its way through is if it’s in the correct shape. Conical burr grinders can sometimes leave large pieces or whole beans, although not as often as blade models.
You might also be interested in our coffee grinder coarse vs. fine comparison.
