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Topic: Conical vs. Flat Burr Grinders (was: Re: +solis maestro...) (7 msgs / 128 lines)
1) From: John Blumel
On Mar 12, 2005, at 1:28pm, Brett Mason wrote:
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Unfortunately, things are never so simple.
While it is often argued that conical burr grinders are theoretically 
superior to flat burr grinders, just using a conical burr in a grinder 
is no guarantee of superior grind quality. For example, two of the 
grinders frequently discussed on the list are the Solis Maestro Plus 
(and it's precursors) and the Mazzer Mini. Now, while I would be the 
last person on the list to insist that everyone must buy a Mazzer Mini, 
I will admit that the grind quality from the Mazzer Mini is better than 
the Solis Maestro Plus. As it turns out, the Mini is a flat burr 
grinder and the Maestro Plus is a conical burr grinder, which sort of 
turns the theory on its head.
Quality of design, materials and construction have much more to do with 
grind quality than whether a grinder uses conical or flat burrs.
John Blumel

2) From: Brent - SC/TO Roasting
Not to add fuel to the fire.  Mainly, I'm just confused about he
conical vs. plate burrs.  I understand the potential differences in
cutting styles.
I thought Rocky had conical burrs.  But, looking at the SweetMaria's
page on the Rocky, it has the flat, plate burrs.  So how does Rocky's
burrs differ from the same steel burrs in a less expensive grinder? 
Since many of those have the flat plate burrs.
And, how does a conical burr grinder (hand or electric) differ or
compare to the Rocky?  I'm only asking about Rocky because that seems
to be a major favorite among the gang.  Not trying to single it out. 
Just looking for some understanding.
Thanks.
-- 
Brent
Roasting in an SC/TO
For a Drip/Moka/Presspot Brew
On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 12:57:26 -0500, John Blumel
 wrote:
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3) From: Les
Brent,
Having just changed the burrs on my Mazzer Major I noticed that there
is no way the burrs can touch.  The way they are machined, is amazing.
 As John B. pointed out quality of manufacture is very important.
Les
On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 12:08:02 -0800, Brent - SC/TO Roasting
 wrote:
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4) From: Dennis Parham
you know... I noticed similar on my rocky I think...  you CAN touch the 
plates.. but I do not think the teeth actually can meet!! I did not 
turn it on..so not for sure... anyway really tested that??
Dennis
On Mar 15, 2005, at 2:43 PM, Les wrote:
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5) From: John Blumel
On Mar 15, 2005, at 3:08pm, Brent - SC/TO Roasting wrote:
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Generally speaking, and this is necessarily vague, the differences are 
in the design and manufacture of the burrs themselves, the mounting and 
adjustment mechanism for the burrs, the material the burrs are made of, 
and how these are all packaged together with the other components of 
the grinder. Hopefully, that's not so vague as to be meaningless.
John Blumel

6) From: Edward Spiegel
At 12:08 PM -0800 3/15/05, Brent - SC/TO Roasting wrote:
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Conical burrs are not inherently better than plate burrs. It is true that some cheap grinders have plate burrs but that doesn't say anything about whether plate burrs are good or bad. The implementation and design are everything. Better grinders have better quality burrs (expensive hardened steel vs. lesser quality steel), mount the burrs more solidly and have better motors than cheap grinders. There are good grinders with conical burrs and mediocre grinders as well.
Best,
Edward

7) From: Brent-SC/TO Roasting
Thanks, John.  That does clear it up for me quite a bit.  It was just vague
enough to make sense to me!  ;)
Sometimes too much detail isn't a good thing - for this roaster anywho.
Brent
Roasting in an SC/TO
For drip, moka, and presspot brew
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