If you’re looking to make the best possible cup of coffee or espresso, then you need to first ensure you have the proper equipment. This is why it’s important to start by looking at your grinder, which is where the whole process of drink-making begins.
We recommend learning to understand the differences between various types of grinders so you understand which one to choose for yourself. That’s why we’ve created this guide to conical burr vs burr mill grinders.
We’ll be going over what the differences are between these two grinder types, as well as what their benefits and drawbacks are. By the end of this post, you should have an idea of which one you’d like to choose for yourself.
Conical Burr vs Burr Mill: What is the Difference?
Truthfully, there isn’t really much of a difference between these grinders. A burr mill is simply another way of referring to a grinder that uses burrs, which is what a conical burr grinder is.
However, the image that may come to mind for many when they think of burr mill grinders is one of a manual grinder. A manual grinder is one with burrs in it that is operated by turning a lever.
A conical burr grinder is one that has cone-shaped grinding discs inside it. They’re known for creating bimodal particles, or coffee particles of varying sizes. This results in a lighter and zestier flavor in the drink.
What are the Pros and Cons of Conical or Manual Burr Mill Grinders?
Because a conical burr grinder is technically a burr mill grinder, we won’t be comparing them. We’d simply be comparing the same thing.
Instead, we’ll compare the benefits and drawbacks of using either a manual or electric burr grinder. There is a marked difference between the two.
Manual grinders tend to be more mobile because of their smaller size. They’re also fairly affordable, because you’re the one that has to give them power. Furthermore, because they don’t have to rely on electric components, there’s less that can break down, which leads to them being pretty long-lasting.
The downside to them is that you’ll be getting an arm workout every time you use one. Additionally, their small size means they cannot grind as much at once.
Electric burr grinders can be more convenient, because they’ll do the grinding for you. They’ll generally have a greater capacity than manual burr grinders. This is the type that is used most often in professional coffee shops.
Of course, their biggest drawback is that they can be more expensive, especially the higher quality they get. They also make more noise than manual grinders.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, which type of grinder you go with will depend on you and what you need. If you’re looking for a grinder to use in a business, you’ll probably want an electric one, because it will save you time that would otherwise be spent turning a lever.
In a home, however, a manual grinder could be quite suitable. It’s quieter and usually more affordable. The more you grind fresh coffee, though, the more feasible it becomes for you to invest in an electric one.
If you’d like to check out some grinders, you can see the selection in our store. You can click on the chat in the bottom right corner of our store if you have any questions.