Are you struggling to pick a coffee grinder? Discover what makes a difference between a coffee grinder ceramic vs. steel and which one is better for your needs.
The ceramic coffee grinder uses a ceramic burr. Use ceramic burr since they last longer and maintain their sharpness better than steel. But ceramic is tough and fragile, so most big electric grinders use metal burrs.
The steel coffee grinder uses a steel burr. Steel burr is made by CNC tech, the sharpness and mill efficiency is better than ceramic.
Flavor Profiles
Ceramic burr grinders produce a more traditional coffee taste and feel with each sip. Coffee made with ceramic burrs runs a more complex taste with a good body.
Stainless steel grinders are excellent at creating a clean feel and taste in their coffees, creating a crispness you can’t quite get with ceramic ones.
Steel burrs also create fewer fines and more even particle distribution, making them perfect for alternative coffee methods. A stainless steel grinder gives such precision that your perfect brew is guaranteed with every cup.
Sharpness
Sharpness is key when it comes to the grind, especially when it comes to getting uniform grind sizes.
Ceramic coffee grinders tend not to be as sharp but retain their sharpness for their entire lives, only rarely needing sharpening. Their sharpness is highly durable, but the ceramic burrs can be broken if the grinder is dropped or thrown.
On the other hand, stainless steel coffee grinders are incredibly sharp from the jump.
These strong and hard-wearing steel burr grinders dull over time and may need sharpening if they are commercial-grade grinders.
Cleaning
In the ceramic vs steel burr debate, there is not much difference between them when it comes to cleaning. Both are easy to clean and need a quick brush after use and a weekly wipe to remove coffee oil and residue.
It is recommended that you clean a stainless steel coffee grinder both before and after each use for optimal results.
Automatic (Electric) Vs Manual Options
When it comes to electric vs manual models, both ceramic and steel burrs can perform well in either category.
Some manual purists may prefer their manual coffee grinder to be cranked manually, while some people may prefer an automatic touch item.