Conical vs burr grinders - a sceptic no more

[kbc]

Hi all,

After 10 years and several flat burr grinders I finally decided to pull the trigger on a big conical burr grinder.

Why so late? I have been sceptical of the benefits of a conical. I read "The Titan Grinder" project many times and read many reviews from users who talked about the brightness and depth a that a conical can bring. I just wasn't sure if the difference would really be noticeable to me.

I just spent a week pulling shots using from a Mazzer Super Jolly. It's an awesome grinder and very consistent.

Yesterday I changed to a Compak K10 Fresh. I have pulled 20+ shots
With the same beans the Change in flavour was HUGE and consistently better that the flavour off of the burr grinder.

This is how I would explain the differences.

Flat burr grinder - muted high notes, big low notes.
Conical burr grinder - big sweet high notes with the low notes still there !!!

Conicals are pricey so not for everyone. But if you're on the fence like I was, jump over to the other side !

[kbc]

. My new setup

[kbc]

Conical choice... I ruled out the Kony due to slow speed and some average reviews. I was about to go for the Macap M7D but this $3k Compak beast came up at a price under the M7D so I couldn't say no to that.

[samuellaw178]

Congrats on the new acquisition! From my experience, it's not just the geometry, burrs size seems to make a difference as well. There is a difference between the smaller conical (38-40mm) versus the bigger conical (68mm+). The bigger conical burrs seem to bring out more luscious flavor/mouth feel compared to smaller ones. But these are only noticeable if you're drinking straight. Adding milk to that and I can't really tell much of a difference if any.

[Dimal]

I ruled out the Kony due to slow speed and some average reviews.

Average...

There is no way that I would call the quality of shots produced with the aid of my Kony-E average, by any stretch of the imagination...

Mal.

[chokkidog]

Congrats on the new grinder Pauly!

A couple of tweaks and the big Compaks will be all over Mazzer, who seem to be stuck in the mud and happy to stay there,

however, the Kony is not slow, circa 5 seconds for a 20+ gm shot. It is an excellent grinder.

And for newbies reading this thread..... conicals are burr grinders. The OP is actually making a

distinction between planar (flat) burr plates and conical burrs.

p.s. the Titan project is BS.

[kbc]

Conical vs burr grinders - a sceptic no more

Thanks guys. "Average" for the Kony is a bit harsh. It just seemed a little under on performance and over on price compared to other conicals IMO.

Interesting comment re the Titan Grinder project.

Also, thanks for adding those pics for the newbies

[kwantfm]

I was also going to ask about the comment on the Titan Grinder project.

[Gavisconi007]

Thanks guys. "Average" for the Kony is a bit harsh. It just seemed a little under on performance and over on price

Methinks it has something to do with build quality.....a Kony is likely to be found in an archeological dig in the year 2500, plugged in and it would still run (admittedly it may possibly need to be re-dialled in for good measure.......��)

[Davie]

I recently upgraded from a mazzer Mini e with Super Jolly burrs to a Kony and I am also surprised at what a difference there is between flat and conical. I do have milk based and can still taste the difference. The shots are so much more consistent and the crema is more uniform alowing easier latte art/milk integration.
I did look at many different conical options, however the Kony came up at a great price second hand and I couldn't resist. I'm very glad I made the switch.

[kbc]

After my new revelation I would recommend putting a conical right up on the priority list.

For example, if I had a $4k budget I would get a $2k conical and $2k espresso machine instead of a $1k flat burr and a $3k espresso machine.

Food for thought...

[noidle22]

That's a sweet looking grinder.

Also, can I ask where you got that coffee chart from?

[TC]

After my new revelation I would recommend putting a conical right up on the priority list.

For example, if I had a $4k budget I would get a $2k conical and $2k espresso machine instead of a $1k flat burr and a $3k espresso machine.

Food for thought...

I think the caveat on all of that is that it depends where your palate is and what you drink. There are many for whom the extra spend and bench space requirements would be 100% wasted.

I love my conicals, but would never push someone into one...

[LeroyC]

I think the caveat on all of that is that it depends where your palate is and what you drink. There are many for whom the extra spend and bench space requirements would be 100% wasted.

I love my conicals, but would never push someone into one...

And a taste test is only really truly believable if it's a blind taste test. Otherwise there's too much opportunity for any thoughts to be affected by emotions, good or bad.
Not tryin to poo-poo Pauly's new purchase though. It's something that's been on my want list as well.

[magnafunk]

I love my conicals, but would never push someone into one...

Not unless you were trying to get rid of the body, I've seen the auger on the robur!