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Burr material
The metal or ceramic the burrs are made from — hardened steel, titanium-coated steel, red-speed steel (HSS), or ceramic.
Category: Grinders — Burrs & Build
The material burrs are made from. Hardened steel is most common — durable, sharp, replaceable. Titanium-coated steel lasts longer with the same geometry. Ceramic stays cooler but is brittle. Tungsten carbide is the hardest and longest-lasting.
Why it matters — Burr material affects longevity, heat generation, and to a small degree flavour. Specialty espresso users tend to favour hardened steel or titanium-coated steel for the balance of edge quality and life span.
Good to know
- Coated burrs (titanium, diamond-like carbon) extend life by 2–3× over uncoated steel — useful in commercial settings where burr replacement is frequent.
- Ceramic burrs are popular in some hand grinders (Hario, Porlex) but less common in espresso-tier grinders.