The Grind

Blade vs. Burr Grinders

Blade grinders (also called "whirly blade" grinders) are not able to produce a consistent particle size: the size of the grounds in any particular batch will be quite varied. As a result, coffee extraction will be uneven, with the larger particles underextracting (producing thin, weak coffee), and the smaller particles overextracting (producing bitter coffee); this does not "even out." This problem is undesirable for brewed coffee and a fatal flaw when making espresso.

The burr coffee grinder, also called the burr mill or coffee mill, has two metal discs or burrs that face each other, and can be adjusted to create grinds of different sizes. Coffee beans are fed through the discs, a few at a time. The ground beans then fall into a compartment below, out of the way of the discs. The results are the same every time, giving you a consistently good, brew. Definately worth the extra cost!