Is a conical burr grinder better than a blade grinder?

Yes for consistency. Conical burrs crush beans to a more even size, while blades chop unevenly and can heat the grounds. The difference shows most in drip and pour-over.

Can it grind fine enough for espresso?

It reaches fine settings, but stepped adjustment limits the small tweaks espresso dialing-in usually needs. It is a better fit for drip, pour-over, French press and cold brew.

Does it work for French press?

Yes. The coarse end of the adjustment suits French press and cold brew, where a coarse, even grind limits sediment and over-extraction.

How often should I clean it?

Brush out the burr chamber and grounds bin every few weeks, and more often with oily dark roasts. Built-up grounds stale and affect flavor.

What should I compare it with?

Compare burr type, adjustment steps and hopper size. Stepless espresso grinders cost more and offer finer control; flat-burr models trade a different grind profile for a higher price.