Is it not possible for a manual grinder to use flat burrs? - Page 3

Grinders are one of the keys to exceptional espresso. Discuss them here.
OldNuc
Posts: 2973
Joined: 10 years ago

#21: Post by OldNuc »

That is the entire point, why bother. The market niche for a large burr, high precision, hand grinder is very small. The large conical is top feed with the burr axis concentric with the handle axis and a flat burr would be a center/side feed with the burr perpendicular to the handle axis and the burr in a vertical orientation. A conical burr hand grinder is mechanically and ergonomically simpler.

I am far from convinced that there is a significant difference between the conical and flat burr taste in the cup in a home or low volume setting either.

whatapar
Posts: 1
Joined: 9 years ago

#22: Post by whatapar »

manual grinder with flat burrs is totally viable and equally effective as its conical counterpart when a second bearing is put in place like those OE models.

conical burr will self center itself towards the finest grind setting thus has the luxury to get away without the help of second bearing.

this is not the case for flat burr. i could be totally wrong though.

OldNuc
Posts: 2973
Joined: 10 years ago

#23: Post by OldNuc »

There is a large quantity of antique flat burr coffee grinders out there with slightly different designs, they are not espresso quality grinders. The early motor drive grocery store grinders are configured similar to the EK43, they are not espresso grinders either but they work fine for coarser grinding.

If you want espresso quality you will likely have 2 bearings on each side of the burr set or a rather massive shaft and a 2 or more bearing support setup regardless of the burr type.

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