Alignment and parallelism

Key Concepts

• Burr Alignment:

• Both burrs must be properly aligned to avoid uneven particle sizes.

• Misalignment causes excessive fines, boulders, and channeling during extraction.

• Parallelism:

• The flatness and parallel positioning of burr surfaces ensure uniform contact with coffee beans.

• Even minor deviations lead to inconsistent grind and flavor irregularities.

• Impact on Extraction:

• Uneven grinds result in over-extracted fines and under-extracted coarse particles.

• Espresso and drip methods are highly sensitive to misalignment; immersion methods less so.

• Adjustment Techniques:

• Manual adjustment screws or factory calibration ensure burrs remain parallel.

• Periodic maintenance and calibration are crucial for consistent performance.

• Measurement Tools:

• Feeler gauges or alignment jigs can verify burr parallelism.

• Visual inspection and test grinding also help detect alignment issues.

Summary

Proper burr alignment and parallelism are essential for consistent grind size, predictable extraction, and optimal flavor. Regular maintenance and careful calibration prevent defects and maintain brew quality.

• Tags:
• Key Concepts
• Grind Size
• Coffee Beans
• Highly Sensitive
• Inconsistent Grind
• Excessive Fines
• Particle Sizes
• Visual Inspection
• Summary Proper
• Regular Maintenance
• Essential Consistent
• Impact Extraction
• Measurement Tools