The Burr Catalog: Unveiling the World of High-Performance Coffee Burrs
Burrs are the heart of any coffee grinder, responsible for transforming whole beans into the grounds necessary for brewing espresso, pour over, moka pot, or Aeropress. The grinder itself is simply a mechanism to enable the burrs to perform their essential function. Ideally, any well-designed grinder should allow a specific burr set to perform consistently, focusing on the burrs’ inherent capabilities. Factors like RPM, burr alignment, bean feed speed, and static control also play a role in grinder performance and workflow.
Before diving deeper into the world of burrs, it’s worth considering the broader context of grinder performance and the nuances of taste. As Lance Hedrick insightfully points out in his video, understanding these fundamentals is crucial for making informed decisions about coffee equipment.
High-Performance Burrs: Beyond the Standard
This article explores high-performance burrs, many of which are aftermarket upgrades from companies like SSP (Sim Sung Precision) Grinding, a prominent player in the field. We also recognize exceptional OEM burrs, such as those from Mahlkönig/Ditting, who have a long history of producing excellent burr designs that appear to have influenced many SSP offerings.
We will not delve into “standard-espresso” burrs, as these often exhibit similar performance characteristics, typically producing a less uniform grind with a higher proportion of fines.
Taste: Navigating the Subjective Landscape
Taste is inherently subjective, but we can discuss the general impact of burrs on flavor profiles.
Burrs break down coffee beans into particles of varying sizes and shapes. The uniformity of these particles significantly affects the taste of your coffee. Burrs can be designed to be unimodal (producing mostly particles of a similar size) or bimodal (producing two dominant particle sizes), or somewhere in between.
Generally, a grind with more fines tends to yield a shot with greater body and mouthfeel but potentially less flavor separation, sometimes described as “muddy.” Conversely, fewer fines can result in a lighter-bodied, “thinner” shot with enhanced flavor separation or “clarity.”
It’s crucial to remember that burrs are just one variable in the espresso-making process. Even within the realm of high-performance burrs, adjustments to grind size and other parameters allow users to significantly influence the final taste profile. A burr is a tool, and the barista’s skill in utilizing it is paramount.
Back to the Burrs: Defining “Standard Espresso”
What exactly constitutes a “standard” espresso burr? Often, these are burrs like the Italmill 64mm burr, commonly found as stock burrs in grinders like the DF64.
“Standard espresso burr” – this one is from ItalMill (DF64 stock)
Conical burrs are largely excluded from this discussion due to the limited availability of third-party options. However, it’s generally observed that flat burrs tend to produce more uniform grinds with fewer fines compared to most conical burr sets.
Identifying Burrs: Key Characteristics
How to Identify Burrs: The Basics
Identifying burrs involves considering several key characteristics:
- Outer Diameter (OD): The burr’s diameter, commonly measured in millimeters (e.g., 64mm, 83mm, 98mm).
- Mounting: The configuration of mounting holes (e.g., 2-hole, 3-hole, blind).
- Geometry: The shape and arrangement of the burr’s cutting surfaces, often described with potentially confusing and sometimes contradictory names.
- Coating/Material: Surface treatments or materials used, such as “Red Speed,” “Silver Knight,” “Titanium,” or “Tungsten Carbide,” which can affect durability and potentially grind characteristics.
Geometry Basics: Understanding Burr Anatomy
Burrs are composed of distinct parts, and understanding their terminology helps in discussing their function.
Prebreakers (Red) & Flats (White):
Prebreakers & flats on a standard EK43 98mm burr
Prebreakers initiate the grinding process, while the flats further refine the coffee particles to the desired size.
Overview of 64mm Burrs: Focus on SSP for Espresso
The 64mm burr size is a popular choice for home espresso grinders, offering a balance of performance and grinder size. SSP (Sim Sung Precision) has become a leading manufacturer of high-performance 64mm burrs, with several distinct models designed for different taste profiles. Let’s delve into a comparison of SSP’s 64mm burrs specifically for espresso:
SSP 64mm HU (High Uniformity)
The SSP 64mm HU burr is specifically designed for espresso, ensuring it can grind finely enough and is easy to dial in. It aims for a balanced espresso profile, delivering a full-bodied shot while enhancing flavor separation compared to stock burrs. The 64mm HU is considered a versatile option, not targeting extreme clarity but rather a well-rounded profile that balances body/mouthfeel with nuanced flavors.
SSP offers the 64mm HU in two primary coatings:
Red Speed (Red):
Silver Knight (SK):
Both Red Speed and Silver Knight coatings are designed to improve burr lifespan and potentially reduce static. The Red Speed coating is known for its hardness, while Silver Knight is praised for its anti-static properties. In terms of taste, differences between coatings are often subtle and debated within the coffee community.
Espresso Performance of 64mm HU: The 64mm HU is often recommended as an upgrade from stock burrs for those seeking improved espresso quality without sacrificing body. It provides a noticeable step up in flavor clarity and separation while maintaining a satisfying mouthfeel, making it a great all-around espresso burr.
SSP 64mm MP (Multi-Purpose)
The SSP 64mm Multi-Purpose burr is positioned as the “high clarity” option within the 64mm range. It prioritizes flavor separation, aiming to highlight the nuances and complexities of the coffee. However, this clarity comes with a trade-off: shots produced with the 64mm MP are often described as “thin” or lacking in body and mouthfeel. Acidity is typically very pronounced, which can be desirable for some coffee profiles but potentially harsh or unbalanced with others. Dialing in the 64mm MP can also be more challenging due to its emphasis on clarity and sensitivity to grind size adjustments.
SSP 64mm MP Red Speed:
SSP 64mm MP Silver Knight:
Espresso Performance of 64mm MP: The 64mm MP is best suited for espresso enthusiasts who prioritize clarity and are willing to sacrifice body. It excels at showcasing bright, fruity, and acidic coffees, but may not be ideal for those who prefer traditional, chocolatey, or nutty espresso profiles. It’s crucial to understand that “high clarity” doesn’t automatically equate to “best.” The 64mm MP can produce exceptional espresso in the right hands and with the right beans, but it’s not a forgiving burr and may not be universally appealing.
SSP 64mm Brew (Formerly MP, Reintroduced)
The SSP 64mm “Brew” burr is essentially an earlier iteration of the 64mm MP, reintroduced due to popular demand. It shares many similarities with the 64mm MP and is also capable of grinding for espresso. The primary difference lies in the “flats” geometry, or what’s referred to as “outfall.” Some users perceive the 64mm Brew as offering slightly better flavor separation than the current 64mm MP.
Silver: 64 BREW, Red 64 MP (Note: MP burrs have undergone revisions):
Visually, the difference is subtle, primarily noticeable in the flats. The 64mm Brew exhibits a more sawtooth-like pattern, while some revisions of the 64mm MP feature a more zigzag or completely flat design.
Espresso Performance of 64mm Brew: Similar to the 64mm MP, the 64mm Brew burr leans towards clarity and flavor separation for espresso. It might offer a slightly different flavor profile compared to the current MP due to the subtle geometry variations, but the overall characteristics are comparable.
SSP 64mm Lab Sweet (‘Cast’) / Cast V2 / ‘CV2’
The SSP 64mm Lab Sweet burr is an adaptation of the renowned Ditting 80mm Lab Sweet burrs found in Ditting 804 and 807 “LS” grinders, modified to fit common 64mm grinders. It is often considered the “sweet spot” among SSP’s 64mm offerings, aiming to strike a balance between body and clarity. The 64mm Lab Sweet is reported to provide greater flavor separation than the 64mm HU while retaining more body than the 64mm MP. For those uncertain about which 64mm SSP burr is best for espresso, the 64mm Lab Sweet is often recommended as a versatile and well-rounded choice.
SSP 64mm Cast front:
SSP 64mm Cast detail:
Espresso Performance of 64mm Lab Sweet: The 64mm Lab Sweet is designed to be a more balanced espresso burr compared to the HU and MP. It offers a compelling combination of clarity and body, making it suitable for a wider range of coffee profiles and preferences. It’s often praised for its ability to extract sweetness and complexity while maintaining a satisfying mouthfeel, making it a popular choice for those seeking an upgrade that enhances both clarity and body in their espresso.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right 64mm SSP Burr for Espresso
Selecting the ideal SSP 64mm burr for espresso depends heavily on your individual taste preferences and desired flavor profile.
- SSP 64mm HU: A versatile all-rounder, excellent for those seeking a balanced espresso with enhanced clarity and body compared to stock burrs. A safe and reliable upgrade for most espresso drinkers.
- SSP 64mm MP: For clarity-focused enthusiasts who prioritize flavor separation and are less concerned about body. Best suited for bright, acidic, and fruity coffees. Requires careful dialing and may not be for everyone.
- SSP 64mm Brew: Similar to the MP in its clarity focus, potentially offering a slightly different flavor nuance. Another option for those prioritizing flavor separation in their espresso.
- SSP 64mm Lab Sweet: The “sweet spot” burr, balancing clarity and body. A versatile and well-rounded choice for those seeking an upgrade that enhances both aspects of espresso. Often recommended for those unsure which direction to go.
Ultimately, experimenting with different burrs and exploring their impact on your favorite coffees is the most rewarding way to discover your perfect espresso. The SSP 64mm burr lineup offers a range of options to cater to diverse taste preferences and espresso goals.
