Coffee grinders: types and characteristics

Coffee grinding is the last step before your product reaches the consumer. And it is one of the most critical.

Because an industrial coffee grinder does not only grind beans.

It defines the exact particle size, protects volatile aromas and ensures that each batch maintains the same sensory quality, cup after cup.

If you produce coffee on a commercial scale, whether for packaging, capsules or espresso …. you need equipment that combines precision, capacity and reliability.

Consistency is non-negotiable in industrial production.

An industrial coffee grinder is an equipment designed to process large volumes of roasted beans with precise control over three fundamental variables:

• Granulometry: Uniform and adjustable particle size depending on the final extraction method.
• Temperature: Friction generates heat that degrades essential oils. The best mills actively manage this variable.
• Production capacity: Between 200 and 2,000 kg/hour continuously, with no loss of precision.

Unlike a professional bar coffee grinder (designed for single doses), an industrial grinder has to work full shifts and is prepared to feed automated packaging systems.

• Product quality: Irregular grinding leads to under- and over-extraction at the same time.
• Throughput: If your mill does not reach the capacity of your packaging line, it becomes the bottleneck.
• Aroma preservation: A temperature-controlled mill protects volatile compounds until packaging.
• Costs: Less downtime, less unplanned maintenance, less wastage

Disc grinders use two circular abrasive surfaces that grind the grain between them. The grain enters through the centre and exits through the periphery. The separation between the discs determines the grinding thickness.

Advantages:

• Continuous particle size adjustment
• Compact construction, no complex installations
• Grindable discs (2-3 times) before replacement
• Low power consumption

Capacities: 200 to 500 kg/hour

Ideal for: Medium roasters packaging ground coffee, flexible productions with frequent grind changes, coffees working natural and roasted.

Example: TecAIRE S range, with models S-13 (up to 300 kg/h) and S-16 (up to 500 kg/h), both with fan cooling.

The coffee cylinder grinder represents the most advanced technology when you are looking for absolute control over particle distribution and need capacities exceeding 400 kg/hour.

How they work: Pairs of cylinders with independent hydraulic drive. The coffee goes through 3 or 4 stages of progressive grinding, refining the size at each step.

Advantages:

• Homogeneous coffee grinding with extremely controlled distribution
• Hydraulic system for elasticity (prevents clogging)
• Water cooling for constant temperature
• Pneumatic amortisation system

Capacities: 400 to 2,000 kg/hour

Ideal for: Capsule grinder (precision is critical), large packagers, automated plants, industrial espresso coffee grinder.

Example: TecAIRE TecRoll range, from TecRoll 403I (400 kg/h) to TecRoll 2004Y (2.000 kg/h).

For speciality coffees in industrial format, thermal management is critical.

The problem: In continuous production, the temperature of ground coffee can exceed 50-60°C, degrading essential oils and volatile aromatic compounds.

The solution: A water-cooled coffee grinding system keeps the temperature under constant control, preserving fruity and floral aromas.

Example: TecAIRE’s ACCURA range, designed specifically for producers of SCA 85+ coffees who do not want to give up organoleptic quality when scalding.

Before deciding, evaluate these six technical aspects:

1. Accurate and repeatable particle size adjustment: Readable, lockable, micrometric scales
2. Temperature control: Cooling system (fan, water), temperature sensors
3. Actual hourly capacity: To be met under actual conditions (roast type, grind setting, continuous operation).
4. Durable materials: Grinding surfaces made of hardened steel, grindable
5. Quick access, easy disassembly, HACCP compatibility
6. Safety and regulations: Certified protections, sensors, CE compliance

For medium roasters looking for robustness, flexibility and ease of operation. Suitable for natural and roasted coffee, with fan cooling and compact construction.

For industrial plants requiring maximum uniformity and control. With independent hydraulic drive, water cooling and product temperature controls. Ideal for capsules and large volumes.

For speciality coffee producers who need to scale up without losing sensory profile. Water cooling technology and fine particle size adjustment.

Find out about the complete range of TecAIRE mills here.

Before making your decision, answer these questions:

1. Production volume: How many kilos do you produce today? 2-3 year target?

Recommendation: Buy with 30-40% margin on your current production.

2. Final format: retail ground coffee, capsules, third party grind, speciality coffees?

Each application has specific particle size requirements.

Type of roast: Dark roasts are more brittle. Lighter (specialty) roasts require more temperature control.

4. Line integration: Will your mill directly feed a packaging machine? Do you need intermediate silos?

5. After-sales service: Response time? spare parts in local stock? training for your team?

A stopped grinder is lost money. Technical support is part of the product.

For capsules: Roller mills (TecRoll) with cooling. Precision is a must.

For packaged ground espresso: Disc grinders (S range) for medium volumes, TecRoll for large productions.

For speciality coffees (SCA 85+): ACCURA range with water cooling. There is no better technical alternative.

For mixed production (roasted + natural): S range, designed for this flexibility with quick access for cleaning.

You can have the best coffee in the world. You can roast it with the perfect curve.

But if the grinding fails, all of the above is lost.

The industrial coffee grinder you choose will define the consistency of your product, the efficiency of your plant and your ability to grow without compromising what made you special.

At TecAIRE we have been helping roasters for more than 40 years to find the perfect balance between industrial capacity and respect for the grain. From small productions with disc mills to large automated plants with refrigerated roller systems.

Because the best grinder is not the biggest or the most expensive. It’s the one that fits exactly what your coffee needs.

If you are evaluating options for your plant:

• See complete range of TecAIRE grinders
• Discover our industrial roasters (grinding and roasting should be thought of together).
• Complete processing facilities
• Contact our technical team for a personalised consultation.

Tell us about your current volume, type of coffee and objectives. We’ll help you find the right solution, without selling you equipment you don’t need.