What does a burr do in a grinder?

The burr in a grinder plays a crucial role in the grinding process by crushing and grinding the coffee beans into various sizes, depending on the selected setting. Burrs consist of two abrasive surfaces, which can be flat or conical, that work together to create a consistent grind. The adjustment of grind size is controlled by the position of the burrs relative to each other, impacting the fineness or coarseness of the coffee grounds produced.

This consistency is essential for extracting the best flavor from the coffee, as the size of the coffee grounds directly influences the brewing process. A uniform grind ensures that water interacts adequately with all the coffee particles, leading to an even extraction and balanced flavor profile in the brewed coffee. Thus, understanding the function of burrs is fundamental to using a grinder effectively in coffee preparation.