If you can’t remember the last time you changed your espresso grinder burrs then chances are they could be dull. In fact, if you grind coffee, and I’m sure you do, then your burrs are slowly dulling each and every time you turn on your espresso grinder. This goes for all the your bulk grinders too, though their burrs tend to last significantly longer.
“SO WHEN DO I CHANGE MY BURRS?“
THE OFFICIAL ANSWER:
The easy answer is to change your burrs using the grinder burr manufacturer’s recommendations.
Mazzer Mini (58mm flat burr) – change at 660lbs coffee throughput
Mazzer Super Jolly (64mm flat burr) – change at 880lbs coffee throughput
Mazzer Major (83mm flat burr) – change at 1300lbs coffee throughput
Mazzer Kony (63mm conical burr) – change at 1640lbs coffee throughput
Mazzer Robur 110V (71mm conical burr) – change at 1700lbs coffee throughput
Mazzer Robur 220V (83mm conical burr) – change at 1800lbs coffee throughput
La Marzocco Swift (64mm ceramic flat burr) – change at 3300lbs coffee throughput
Anfim Caimano (75mm flat burr) – change at 1300lbs throughput
Burr life is calculated by burr size and the amount of coffee put through each grinder. While there are recommended grinder burr life spans, these will vary for both flat and conical burrs, the burr material, and size ( i.e. cutting surface area) of the burr. Smaller grinders use small burrs. For example, the Mazzer Mini uses a flat burr set 58mm in diameter, this cutting surface sees a lot less action than the Mazzer Major flat burr set which measures 83mm in diameter.
PREMATURE WEAR.
Premature burr wear can be caused by rocks, nails, etc., that aren’t removed in the roasting and bagging process. Motor shaft and/or bearing damage can also accelerate burr deterioration.
THE COFFEE PROFESSIONAL’S APPROACH TO BURR LIFE:
For the serious coffee professional the manufacturer’s recommended replacement standards take the burrs far past their personal threshold of quality. The extreme perspective might call for one to change their burrs at the half-life. So your 880lbs becomes 440lbs and so on…
We suggest to our customers that you just be aware of the condition of their burrs. If you are quality orientated and find yourself particularly sensitive to negative effects dull burrs can have on espresso flavor or consistency, Espresso Parts recommends to start looking for signs of wear beginning from 50%-75% of the recommended burr life. (See chart above)
It’s a fine line. As long as things are looking and tasting great you are probably good to go.
WORN BURRS. THINGS TO LOOK FOR.
- Grind consistency. Are your grounds similar in size with very little variation?
- Taste. Does your espresso taste flat no matter what you do?
- Burr edges. Do they feel dull?
PROLONGED LIFE?
To prolong the life of your burrs keep them clean. We find that Urnex Grindz does a terrific job of cleaning the burrs and removing lodged solids and oils.
Removing, thoroughly cleaning, and re-installing grinder burrs regularly will also help extend their life.
LASTLY…
Brand new burrs can require a breaking in or “seasoning” period before they achieve the consistency you might desire. Its a good idea to save a few pounds of old coffee so that you have something other than fresh coffee to break those bad boys in. Mazzer Robur burrs are probably the most notorious for requiring such a break in period.
BURR CHANGING TUTORIAL
If you are feeling ambitious we have a tutorial on changing espresso grinder burr sets on our website. http://www.espressoparts.com/ChangingGrinderBurrs Good luck and remember to always use caution and ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR GRINDER before starting to work on it.
GRINDER CLEANING SUPPLY
 Urnex Grindz Espresso & Coffee Grinder Cleaner URNX_GRINDZ $22.40 |
 Espresso Grinder Brush Heavy Wood Handle/Natural Bristles 3007_10R $3.23 |
 Pallo GrindMinder Espresso Grinder Brush Combination PALLO_GRINDMINDER $11.35 |
 2” Wide Flat Brush with Natural Bristles and Wooden Handle 3007_20 $3.46 |
ESPRESSO GRINDER BURRS
If you don’t find your espresso grinder’s burr set below visit the “Espresso Grinder Burr Sets” section of our website.
 Mazzer Robur Three Phase 83mm Conical Espresso Grinder Burrs MAZ_128 $156.16 |
 Mazzer Major Espresso Grinder Burrs 83mm MC_19 $81.14 |
 Mazzer Mini Espresso 58mm Grinder Burrs MC_129 $45.54 |
 Mazzer Mini E Espresso Grinder Burrs MC_129E $40.00 |
 Mazzer Super Jolly (Normale) Espresso Grinder Burrs MC_18 $47.43 |
 Rossi RR45/45A Espresso Grinder Burrs MC_66 $39.62 |
 Rancilio Rocky – MD40 – Obel Bregant 50mm Espresso Grinder Burrs MC_41 $38.36 |
 Anfim Grinder Burrs 75mm MC_2 $77.17 |
 Obel Bregant/Carimali/La Pavoni Zip Grinder Burr Set MC_21 $44.52 |
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| If you don’t find your espresso grinder’s burr set below visit the “Espresso Grinder Burr Sets” section of our website.Once again, remember EQUIPMENT PARTS SHIP FREE. You can read more about our Free Shipping For Parts offer here:http://www.espressoparts.com/Parts | |
