Conical vs flat burrs is an ongoing debate in the world of coffee. They’re the two primary designs of burrs used in electric grinders and each come with their own strengths and drawbacks depending on what you’re looking for out of your coffee grinder. We’re here to look at the differences and which one reigns supreme, if one does! 

The Physical Differences

• Conical Burrs: these feature a cone shaped inner burr that rotates within a ring shaped outer burr. The beans are pulled down through the decreasing space between the two burrs as they grind. 

• Flat Burrs: two burrs are horizontally oriented (hence the flat name). They are ring shaped burrs and the beans pass between the two flat surfaces. 

Particle Size Distribution

This is where the main differences come into play when comparing conical vs flat burrs:

• Conical Burrs: these tend to produce bimodal particle size distribution, so there are a wider range of particle sizes, including both larger and smaller. 

• Flat Burrs: these tend to produce unimodal particle size distribution, so there is a more uniform grind. 

Whilst some people argue that with conical burrs you can achieve a more complex and nuanced flavour, in our experience as coffee enthusiasts, a flat burr is the direction to take if you’re looking for consistency between each grind, as well as a more balanced flavour profile with real clarity in each cup. Conical burrs can bring something unique out of coffee, and if consistency between grinds isn’t something that particularly matters for you, then this more traditional blend of flavour could be the direction to take. 

In terms of conical vs flat burrs, it does all come down to personal preference, so before purchasing an electric coffee grinder and a burr set, we’d recommend trying a few cups of coffee from both sets of burrs and to analyse the difference. A coffee festival would be a great place to do this. 

Heat Generation

• Conical Burrs: conical burrs have lower rotations per minute, so generate less heat. This is considered as a positive as too much heat can be too volatile for the delicate flavour profiles within coffee beans. 

• Flat Burrs: flat burrs do run with higher RPMs, so in some cheaper models of electric grinder, this can impact the flavour of the coffee. However, improved designs and manufacturing choices are helping to minimise this, even in some more affordable models. 

Generally in newer models heat retention isn’t too much of a concern, although if you’re wanting to spend less than £200 on a grinder, you will likely be better off choosing a conical burr grinder to help minimise the heat retention that can come with some cheaper models with flat burrs. If you could stretch slightly higher to the £250 mark, the DF54 grinder has minimal heat generation at a lower price point, with a fantastic quality of grind. 

Conical vs Flat Burrs: Which Is Best?

In terms of “best” with conical vs flat burrs, it all comes down to personal preference. Like we said, if you’ve not had both conical and flat burrs at home, go out and try both on a few occasions to see what your preference is. A coffee festival is a great place to do this, or simply asking local coffee shops. Some coffee shops do tastings specifically around different burrs and grinds to show how different coffee can taste by adjusting the process, so look out for this. 

• Conical burrs: conical burrs can help to produce a more complex flavour profile, as the combination of larger and smaller particles bring something different out of the beans. Potentially a better choice if you’re looking to spend less than £200 on a grinder, as heat retention is less of a concern with conical burrs in a cheaper grinder. 

• Flat burrs: if you’re wanting consistency between your grinds, as well as a more consistent grind in terms of particle size, then flat burrs will be for you. This will help to provide a clearer flavour profile and the true taste of the coffee will be extracted each time. 

So, our final thoughts on conical vs flat burrs. Both can produce a great cup of coffee, and experimenting with both is advised. If you want to chat through the pros and cons with a member of our team, get in touch.