The burrs in your coffee grinder might seem like a minor detail, but they’re actually the heart of what makes a brilliant cup of coffee. Whether you’re running a bustling café or perfecting your home espresso routine, grinder burr size directly influences grind speed, consistency, and the flavour profile in your cup.

At ADS Coffee Supplies, we stock quality grinders across the spectrum—from compact 55mm models perfect for home use to robust 75mm commercial workhorses. The question isn’t which size is “best,” but rather which suits your specific needs.

This guide breaks down the practical differences between 55mm, 65mm, and 75mm burrs. You’ll discover:

  • How burr size affects grind quality and speed
  • Which size matches your volume requirements
  • The real-world implications for your space and workflow
  • When it makes sense to invest in larger burrs

Let’s cut through the technical jargon and help you choose the right grinder for your situation.

But remember, a great beverage experience isn’t solely about coffee. At ADS Coffee Supplies, we also offer a variety of other products to enhance your beverage offerings. For instance, our PG Tips Enveloped Tea Bags are a British favourite known for their bold and reviving taste.

If you’re looking to diversify your menu with some delicious milkshakes, our Shmoo Milkshake Powder could be a perfect addition.

For tea lovers seeking something fruity, our Teapigs Super Fruit Tea Temples offer a super fruity blend that tastes as great as it smells.

Alternatively, if you prefer a robust black tea, our Teapigs Everyday Brew Tea Temples provide a perfectly balanced blend that’s an all-round favourite.

Lastly, don’t forget about dessert! With our Galaxy Hot Chocolate Machines, you can serve smooth, silky hot chocolate that will leave your customers wanting more.

Understanding Grinder Burr Size

Coffee grinder burrs are the hardworking components that actually crush and shear your coffee beans into grounds. These rotating cutting surfaces – available in either flat or conical shapes – determine how uniformly your beans are broken down and how quickly the job gets done. The burr size overview essentially refers to the diameter of these cutting surfaces, measured in millimetres.

The Role of Burrs in Your Grinder

Burrs work by creating a precise gap through which coffee beans pass and are ground to your desired particle size. One burr remains stationary whilst the other rotates, creating a consistent cutting action that produces far more uniform grounds than blade grinders. This uniformity directly influences extraction quality, affecting everything from espresso crema to filter coffee clarity.

How Burr Size Impacts Performance

The diameter of your coffee grinder burrs has three primary effects on performance:

  • Grind speed: Larger burrs cover more surface area with each rotation, processing beans faster. A 75mm burr set can grind significantly more coffee per second than a 55mm set running at the same RPM.
  • Consistency: Bigger burrs typically produce more uniform particle distribution because beans spend less time in the grinding chamber and experience more cutting surfaces.
  • Heat generation: Larger burrs dissipate heat more effectively, preventing the temperature rise that can compromise delicate coffee aromatics. Smaller burrs working harder to process the same volume generate more friction and warmth.

Typical Burr Size Ranges

Different grinder categories naturally gravitate towards specific burr dimensions:

  • Entry-level and home grinders: 40-55mm burrs suit domestic kitchens where space is limited and daily consumption remains moderate.
  • High-end home and small commercial: 55-65mm burrs balance performance with footprint for serious enthusiasts and boutique cafés.
  • Professional and commercial: 65-75mm+ burrs handle high-volume demands in busy hospitality environments where speed and durability matter most.

Comparing 55mm, 65mm, and 75mm Burr Grinders

55mm Burr Grinders (e.g., Eureka Mignon Specialita)

The 55mm burr grinders are ideal for home espresso grinder enthusiasts and smaller coffee businesses. These compact coffee grinder units offer impressive performance in a size that fits comfortably under most kitchen cabinets, making them especially appealing for homes where counter space is limited.

Key advantages of 55mm burr grinders include:

  • Rapid grinding cycles – Despite their smaller size, high-quality 55mm burrs grind quickly, usually processing a double shot dose in under 5 seconds.
  • Minimal retention – The shorter grind path means less coffee gets stuck in the grinder, reducing waste and ensuring fresher grounds with each dose.
  • Precision adjustment – Most models have adjustment systems that allow fine-tuning for both espresso and filter brewing methods.
  • Lower heat generation – The smaller surface area and shorter grinding time mean less heat generated during grinding, preserving delicate coffee flavours.

The Eureka Mignon Specialita is a perfect example of this category. Its hardened steel burrs handle daily home use with ease while maintaining the consistency demanded by serious coffee enthusiasts. These grinders excel at espresso preparation, where particle uniformity directly impacts extraction quality and crema formation.

For small specialty coffee shops serving moderate volumes, 55mm burr grinders offer reliable performance without the bulk or expense of larger commercial units. They’re equally skilled at producing grounds for pour-over, AeroPress, or cafetière brewing, making them genuinely versatile tools.

The compact design doesn’t compromise build quality. Professional home grinder models in this category typically feature robust construction, adjustable grind settings, and timed dosing options that rival their larger counterparts. The lower price compared to 65mm and 75mm commercial grinders makes them accessible for those starting their coffee journey or operating within tighter budgets.

Space-conscious baristas particularly appreciate how these units fit seamlessly into existing kitchen layouts. The smaller motor size (usually 250-350 watts) also means quieter operation – something often overlooked when buying a grinder.

Additional Coffee Equipment Considerations

While we’ve mainly talked about burr grinders, it’s important to remember that they’re just one part of the puzzle when it comes to making the perfect brew. Other tools like polyester pot brushes can be incredibly useful for keeping your equipment clean which is crucial for getting the best flavour out of your coffee.

Moreover, as we move into autumn with its chilly mornings and longer nights, it’s a great chance to refresh your current drinks menu. Adding comforting drink options like Chai or Pumpkin Spice into your offerings could be an excellent way to attract customers looking for seasonal beverages.

Finally, as Christmas approaches, it’s wise to start thinking about how you can use this festive period to boost your sales. With some planning and creativity in your menu offerings, you can create a warm atmosphere that encourages repeat visits during this busy time of year.

65mm Burr Grinders (e.g., Eureka Zenith 65 E HS and Atom Specialty 65)

Stepping up from 55mm, mid-size coffee grinders with 65mm burrs represent the sweet spot for serious coffee enthusiasts and moderate commercial operations. These professional home grinders deliver noticeably faster grinding speeds whilst maintaining the consistent particle distribution essential for exceptional espresso extraction.

The larger burr surface area translates into tangible benefits during your daily workflow. A 65mm grinder, such as the Eureka Atom Specialty 65, can process beans roughly 20-30% faster than its 55mm counterpart, which becomes particularly valuable when you’re preparing multiple drinks back-to-back. This increased capacity doesn’t compromise quality – the wider cutting surface actually enhances particle uniformity, giving you better control over extraction variables.

Key advantages of 65mm burr grinders include:

  • Quicker throughput without sacrificing grind consistency
  • More powerful motors (typically 500+ watts) providing stable performance under load
  • Enhanced heat dissipation during extended grinding sessions
  • Advanced features like anti-clumping systems (ACE) for improved workflow
  • Stepless micrometric adjustment for precise dialling-in

These grinders suit experienced home baristas who’ve outgrown entry-level equipment and want café-quality results without the footprint of full commercial machines. They’re equally at home in boutique coffee shops, office kitchens, or medium-volume hospitality settings where reliability and speed matter. It’s worth noting that these high-performance machines can come with a hefty price tag due to their advanced technology and durability. For a deeper understanding of the costs associated with commercial coffee grinders, check out this comprehensive breakdown on why commercial coffee grinders are so expensive.

For those looking to elevate their coffee experience even further, pairing a high-quality grinder with an exceptional espresso machine can make a significant difference. Consider exploring options like the Eureka Pura Espresso Machine, which showcases a fully metal body with exquisite finishes, designed by Studio Paoli Milano.

Additionally, having the right tools for brewing can enhance the overall coffee experience. A precision kettle such as the Timemore Kettle 600ml could be ideal for those who enjoy pour-over brewing. This kettle is designed with a comfortable thumb rest and anti-scalding wooden handle, ensuring a constant, consistent water stream even during the slowest pours.

To maintain optimal water quality for brewing, using a high-quality filter like the IEN 3000 Complete Filter with Head can be beneficial. This filter contains Microfilters specially designed to reduce scale and remove chlorine, taste & odour from water, ensuring that every cup of coffee is perfect.

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75mm Burr Grinders (e.g., Eureka Olympus series)

75mm commercial grinders are the heavyweights of the grinding world, designed specifically for high-volume environments where speed and durability are non-negotiable. The Eureka Olympus series is a prime example of this category, featuring burrs that are significantly larger than their smaller counterparts, delivering grinding performance that meets the demands of busy cafés.

Considerations for Heavy Workload Grinders

The most immediate consideration with these heavy workload grinders is their physical size. Machines with 75mm burrs are considerably larger and won’t fit neatly under standard kitchen cabinets. This bulkiness serves a purpose – the expanded burr surface area allows for grinding rates capable of processing up to 30kg of coffee per week without any strain. For coffee shops serving hundreds of customers daily, this capacity becomes essential rather than excessive.

Advantages of Larger Burrs

Diamond-coated flat burrs commonly found in this size category outlast traditional hardened steel by significant margins, reducing replacement frequency and long-term costs. The larger burr diameter also means each rotation covers more coffee beans, resulting in faster dose preparation during peak service times. Heat dissipation improves dramatically at this scale, keeping bean temperatures stable even during continuous grinding sessions. You can read more about the impact of burr coatings on coffee grinding performance and flavor here.

Key advantages of 75mm commercial grinders:

To meet your venue’s volume requirements, robust commercial grinders with large burrs are available at ADS Coffee Supplies. In addition to grinders, they offer a wide range of other equipment including the Cadbury Floor Standing Unit, which is perfect for boosting sales with its compact design for seamless Cadbury Hot Chocolate experience.

For establishments looking to provide a total refreshment solution alongside drinks vending machines, the SnackBreak Mini Vending Machine could be an ideal partner machine.

Moreover, if you need a quick and efficient way to serve a variety of drinks from black coffee to hot lattes during busy breakfast buffets or conferences, the Douwe Egberts Cafitesse Hot ‘n’ Cold machine is highly recommended.

Lastly, for those who appreciate quality in their coffee blends, consider trying the Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Sticks crafted from premium quality beans for a well-balanced flavour. And don’t forget about the essential ingredients such as granulated milk which can be sourced from ADS Coffee Supplies as well.

In addition to these considerations, it’s worth exploring techniques like the RDT test, which can significantly improve your grinding results. You can find more information about this method [here](http://clive

Other Important Factors Influencing Grinder Performance Beyond Burr Size

Burr diameter tells only part of the performance story. Several complementary factors work alongside size to determine how well your grinder performs day-to-day.

Motor Power and Burr Size Synergy

As burr sets increase in diameter, they require proportionally more powerful motors to maintain consistent torque at high speeds. A 55mm burr grinder typically operates with motors around 300-350 watts, whilst 65mm models often feature 450-510 watt motors. Commercial 75mm grinders can exceed 600 watts to handle the increased rotational mass and workload. This relationship between motor power coffee grinder specifications ensures your machine maintains grinding speed even when processing harder beans or working continuously during busy service periods.

Underpowered motors paired with large burrs create bottlenecks—the grinder slows down, generates excessive heat, and struggles to maintain particle consistency under load.

Anti-Clumping Technology’s Role

Modern anti-clumping technology has transformed how grinders handle static and clumping, regardless of burr dimension. Systems like Eureka’s ACE (Anti-Clumping & Electrostaticity) use mechanical agitation or ionisation to break up clumps before they reach your portafilter. This means even compact 55mm grinders can achieve uniform grind particle distribution that rivals larger models when properly equipped.

For coffee shops dealing with varying humidity levels, these systems prove invaluable for maintaining consistency shot after shot.

Flat vs Conical Burrs: A Secondary Consideration

The debate around flat vs conical burrs centres on flavour profile rather than capacity. Flat burrs (common in the sizes we’re discussing) produce a more uniform particle distribution with fewer fines, creating clarity in the cup. Conical burrs generate a slightly broader particle range, often described as adding body and complexity. When comparing 55mm, 65mm, and 75mm grinders, most professional models use flat burrs, making this distinction less relevant to our size-focused comparison.

Heat Dissipation and Flavour Preservation

Larger burrs naturally reduce heat buildup during grinding—a critical factor in preserving coffee flavour integrity. The use of specific tools such as the VST Precision Ridgeless Filter Basket can further enhance extraction performance while reducing sediment. These baskets are designed to maintain consistent extraction over a wide range of concentrations which is essential for achieving the desired flavour profile whether it’s a ristretto, normale or lugo.

Choosing the Right Burr Size For Your Needs (Home vs Pro Use)

Selecting the appropriate burr size requires careful consideration of your daily coffee volume, available counter space, and budget. The right choice balances performance with practicality, ensuring your grinder fits seamlessly into your workflow without compromising on quality.

55mm burrs excel in compact environments

where space comes at a premium. Home baristas pulling 2-4 espresso shots daily or small coffee shops serving up to 50 cups will find these grinders perfectly adequate. The Eureka Mignon Specialita, for instance, tucks neatly under kitchen cabinets whilst delivering professional-grade consistency. These grinders typically cost less to purchase and maintain, making them sensible investments for those building their first serious coffee setup. Small independent shops benefit from the low retention rates, which prevent waste when switching between different beans throughout the day.

65mm burrs strike the sweet spot

for serious home enthusiasts and growing businesses. If you’re grinding for multiple back-to-back espresso drinks during morning rushes or experimenting with various brew methods, this size handles the workload without overheating. The Eureka Zenith 65 E HS and Atom Specialty 65 demonstrate how these grinders manage medium-volume demands whilst maintaining the particle consistency demanded by specialty coffee. Cafés serving 100-200 drinks daily or offices with 20-30 regular coffee drinkers find this category delivers reliability without the footprint of commercial behemoths.

75mm burrs dominate high-volume professional settings

where speed and durability justify the investment. Busy cafés grinding 30kg weekly need the rapid throughput that large burrs provide, reducing queue times during peak periods. The Eureka Olympus series showcases how diamond-coated 75mm burrs withstand constant use whilst maintaining grind quality across thousands of shots. These grinders require dedicated counter space and three-phase power in some cases, making them unsuitable for home kitchens but essential for serious commercial operations.

In addition to selecting the right grinder size, businesses like those in the café sector can also enhance their offerings by considering year-round vegan drink options which can be made using seasonal ingredients and plant-based alternatives. This not only broadens their customer base but also aligns with current trends towards healthier and more sustainable eating practices.

ADS Coffee Supplies stocks grinders across all three burr sizes, helping you match equipment to your specific requirements. Whether you’re kitting out a

Conclusion

Understanding grinder burr size transforms how you approach coffee equipment decisions. Whether you’re pulling shots at home or serving hundreds of customers daily, matching burr dimensions to your actual needs creates better coffee and smarter investment.

55mm burrs deliver compact performance for home enthusiasts and smaller venues. 65mm options strike that sweet spot between capacity and footprint, perfect for serious home baristas or growing coffee shops. 75mm commercial grinders power through high-volume demands without compromise.

The right grinder depends on your space, volume requirements, and quality expectations. A 55mm grinder won’t suit a busy café, just as a 75mm commercial unit feels excessive for weekend espresso at home.

ADS Coffee Supplies stocks grinders across all burr sizes, from entry-level home models to professional workhorses. Their team understands the practical differences between these specifications and can recommend equipment that genuinely fits your operation—whether you’re brewing your first flat white or your thousandth.

Choose the burr size that matches your ambitions, not just your budget.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the impact of grinder burr size on coffee brewing?

The size of the burrs in your coffee grinder significantly affects the taste and consistency of your brew by influencing grind speed, particle consistency, and heat generation during grinding.

How do 55mm, 65mm, and 75mm burr grinders differ in performance and suitability?

55mm burr grinders are compact with fast grind times and low retention, ideal for home espresso and brewed coffee. 65mm burr grinders offer quicker grinding speeds with consistent particle distribution, suitable for serious home baristas or medium volume outlets. 75mm commercial grinders provide high throughput and durability for busy cafes but are bulkier and less suited for small spaces.

Why might a home barista choose a 65mm burr grinder over a 55mm or 75mm model?

A 65mm burr grinder offers the best balance between capacity, speed, and grind consistency, making it ideal for experienced home baristas who need more throughput than a 55mm can provide but don’t require the bulk or power of a 75mm commercial grinder.

What other factors besides burr size affect grinder performance?

Motor power must be sufficient to maintain torque at higher speeds with larger burrs. Anti-clumping technology improves uniform grind particle size regardless of burr dimension. Burr shape (flat vs conical) also influences grind quality but is secondary to size. Larger burrs help reduce heat buildup during grinding, preserving coffee flavour integrity.

How should I choose the right grinder burr size based on my usage?

Consider your daily coffee volume and space constraints: smaller 55mm burrs suit moderate daily consumption and compact setups; medium-sized 65mm burrs fit serious home use or moderate commercial needs; large 75mm burrs are best for professional environments requiring high throughput and durability.

Where can I find quality grinders with different burr sizes?

ADS Coffee Supplies offers a range of quality grinders featuring 55mm, 65mm, and 75mm burr sizes tailored to both home enthusiasts and professional users, ensuring you find the right grinder for your specific requirements.

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