Blade
Blade grinders work like blenders, slicing coffee beans into small granules.
- Tend to be cheaper than burrs
- Least uniform grind size
Burrs
Burr grinders capture beans between rotating serrated surfaces. The beans are crushed under pressure.
- Overall more uniform grind size
- Can be adjusted more precisely
Conical burrs
- Cheaper than flat burr grinders
- More bimodal grind distribution
Flat burrs
- The most uniform and consistent grind distribution
- More expensive
- Can run noisier and hotter when grinding large amounts
- Can have problems with retention, which is usually mitigated by bellows or installing them at an angle
Burr material
- Ceramic is sharper and retains its edge better, but can break
- Steel is overall more durable
- Steel generates more heat if grinding large amounts