Burr Grinder
A Burr Grinder is a professional-grade coffee grinding tool that coffee shops and cafes use to prepare coffee beans. Unlike basic blade grinders, burr grinders crush beans between two surfaces (called burrs) to create consistently-sized grounds, which is essential for making high-quality coffee. When this term appears on a resume, it indicates that the candidate has experience with professional coffee equipment and understands the importance of proper coffee preparation techniques. This knowledge is particularly valued in specialty coffee shops and high-end cafes where coffee quality is a priority.
Examples in Resumes
Trained staff on proper use of Burr Grinder equipment and maintenance procedures
Calibrated Burr Grinders daily to ensure consistent coffee quality
Maintained and cleaned Commercial Burr Grinder equipment for optimal performance
Typical job title: "Baristas"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Baristas
Professional Communities
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you train staff on proper burr grinder maintenance and calibration?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain their process for teaching proper cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting. They should mention the importance of consistency in grind size, regular cleaning schedules, and quality control procedures.
Q: How do you determine the right grind size for different brewing methods?
Expected Answer: They should demonstrate knowledge of how grind size affects different brewing methods (espresso, drip, French press), and explain how they adjust grinder settings to achieve optimal results.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What daily maintenance does a burr grinder require?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic cleaning procedures, how to check for worn burrs, and understanding when calibration is needed. Should mention the importance of regular cleaning to maintain coffee quality.
Q: How do you know when burr grinder parts need replacement?
Expected Answer: Should explain signs of wear and tear, impact on coffee quality, and basic troubleshooting steps. Should understand maintenance schedules and when to call for professional service.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a burr grinder and a blade grinder?
Expected Answer: Should explain that burr grinders crush beans between two surfaces for consistent size, while blade grinders chop randomly. Should understand why this matters for coffee quality.
Q: How do you clean a burr grinder?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic cleaning steps, including brush cleaning, grinder tablets, and the importance of regular cleaning for coffee quality and equipment longevity.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic burr grinder operation
- Daily cleaning procedures
- Understanding different grind sizes
- Basic coffee preparation skills
Mid (1-3 years)
- Grinder calibration
- Routine maintenance
- Training others on equipment use
- Quality control procedures
Senior (3+ years)
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Staff training and development
- Advanced maintenance procedures
- Coffee quality optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic coffee grind sizes
- Unfamiliarity with cleaning procedures
- Lack of equipment maintenance experience
- No understanding of how grind affects coffee quality
