The Coffee Kits

The Differences Between Conical and Flat Burr Grinders for Cold Brew Coffee

Coffee is a popular drink worldwide, and there are different ways to make it. One of the most popular techniques is cold brew. It is a method of brewing coffee where you steep coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for several hours. This technique produces a smooth, less acidic, and less bitter coffee flavor. However, to make the best cold brew coffee, you need to grind the coffee beans properly, and that is where burr grinders come in.

What is a Burr Grinder?

A burr grinder is a coffee grinder that uses two burrs to grind coffee beans. It is different from a blade grinder, which uses blades to chop the coffee beans. Burr grinders produce consistent and uniform coffee grounds of the desired size. There are two types of burr grinders: conical burr grinders and flat burr grinders.

Conical Burr Grinders

Conical burr grinders have two cone-shaped burrs with ridges that grind the coffee beans. The ridges break the coffee beans into smaller pieces, and the size of the grounds depends on the distance between the burrs. Conical burr grinders produce more consistent coffee grounds than blade grinders and are ideal for cold brew coffee. They also generate less heat, which preserves the coffee's flavor and aroma.

Flat Burr Grinders

Flat burr grinders have two flat, parallel burrs that grind the coffee beans. The distance between the burrs determines the size of the coffee grounds. Flat burr grinders are also consistent, but they generate more heat than conical burr grinders. This heat can affect the coffee's flavor and aroma, making it less suitable for cold brew coffee.

The Differences Between Conical and Flat Burr Grinders for Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee requires coarse coffee grounds, and both conical and flat burr grinders can produce these grounds. However, there are differences in the size and consistency of the coffee grounds, which can affect the final taste of the coffee. Conical burr grinders produce more consistent coffee grounds, making them ideal for cold brew coffee. They also generate less heat, preserving the coffee's flavor and aroma. Flat burr grinders, on the other hand, generate more heat, which can affect the coffee's taste and aroma. Therefore, conical burr grinders are better for cold brew coffee than flat burr grinders.

Conclusion

Cold brew coffee is a popular drink that requires coarse coffee grounds. To make the best cold brew coffee, you need to grind the coffee beans properly. Burr grinders are the best option for this task, and conical burr grinders are the best choice for cold brew coffee. They produce consistent coffee grounds and generate less heat, preserving the coffee's flavor and aroma. Flat burr grinders are also consistent, but they generate more heat, making them less suitable for cold brew coffee.