What is the disadvantage of a burr grinder?
On the flip side, one of the main disadvantages of burr grinders is their cost. Compared to blade grinders, burr grinders tend to be more expensive. This is because they are made with higher-quality materials and precision engineering, which ensures a more consistent grind. And according to Costco employees, it’s for good reason. The grinders were broken at least once a week, Redditor @Storkman1007 commented on the initial post.
What is the lifespan of a burr grinder?
Burr grinders have two abrasive surfaces (burrs) that crush the beans into a consistent size, whereas blade grinders have a rotating blade that chops the beans into smaller and less uniform particles. In general, burr grinders tend to last longer than blade grinders, with a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years. Does burr size matter? Absolutely. A greater surface area means larger burrs grind more beans without generating as much heat that risks the oils essential to the coffee taste and aroma. This is true for both flat burr and conical burr grinders.
What happens if the grind is too fine?
Be mindful that with too fine a grind, your coffee might overextract. This can mean bitter, ashy flavors in the cup and a muddy mouthfeel. So, while you can get a stronger taste from a coarser grind by steeping for longer, when it comes to a punchy caffeine hit, finely ground is the only way to go! The more finely ground the beans, the more caffeine is released into the water.