Why Your Coffee Grinder Matters
Great coffee starts before brewing.
It starts with the grind.
The way coffee beans are ground directly affects flavor, clarity, and balance in your cup. Different grinder types produce different particle sizes, and those particles extract at different rates when brewed.
That difference matters more than most people realize.
Blade Grinders
Blade grinders chop beans instead of grinding them.
What happens:
- Large and small particles mix together
- Fine dust over extracts
- Large chunks under extract
The result:
- Bitter notes
- Flat flavors
- Burnt or harsh finishes
Blade grinders are fast and inexpensive. They sacrifice consistency and flavor.
Conical Burr Grinders
Conical burr grinders crush beans between two burrs.
What happens:
- More uniform grind size
- Wider particle distribution
- Fewer fines
The result:
- Fuller body
- Rich texture
- Balanced extraction
Conical burrs work well for most brew methods and are a strong upgrade from blade grinders.
Flat Burr Grinders
Flat burr grinders use parallel burrs to create a precise grind.
What happens:
- Narrow particle distribution
- Highly consistent grind size
- Minimal fines
The result:
- Cleaner cups
- Clear flavor separation
- Bright, defined notes
Flat burr grinders excel at clarity and precision, especially for pour over and espresso.
How This Affects Your Brew
Water extracts flavor from coffee based on surface area and time.
Inconsistent particles extract unevenly.
Uniform grinds extract evenly.
Even extraction produces better coffee.
This is why grinder choice often matters more than the brewer itself.
Our Recommendation
If you care about flavor, skip blade grinders.
Choose a burr grinder that fits your brewing style.
Your coffee will taste smoother, clearer, and more intentional.