I switched from a blade grinder to a burr grinder 3 months ago

For years I used a $20 blade grinder I got at Target, just pulsing it until the beans looked kinda small. I finally picked up a Baratza Encore for $140 and the difference in my French press is night and day. No more muddy sludge at the bottom of my cup. Has anyone else noticed a big jump when they upgraded their grinder?

3 comments

3 Comments

miles2771mo ago

My buddy Tim bought a burr grinder and his coffee stopped tasting like fireplace ash.

morgan3161mo ago

Is it really that big of a deal though? I mean yeah a burr grinder is better than a blade one but Tim was that close to drinking ash? That sounds a little dramatic honestly. Most people can't even tell the difference in a blind taste test unless they're really into coffee. Ive used a cheap blade grinder for years and my coffee tastes fine. Not great but not fireplace ash either. Sounds like Tim was probably using stale beans and bad water to be honest.

tessa_kelly1mo ago

I used to be exactly like you, thinking a blade grinder was fine. But honestly, I finally tried a proper burr grinder last month, and @miles277 is totally right - it's a night and day difference. My old blade grinder gave me coffee that was half dust and half chunks, which definitely tastes bitter and ashy. Now my morning cup is actually smooth and I can taste the beans. Maybe you got lucky with your setup or your taste buds aren't as picky, but for anyone who's tried both, it really is that big of a deal.