Brew

Best Coffee Grinder Reviews 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best coffee grinder can seem overwhelming at first. Too many of them are designed for what we call “countertop appeal” while others can have complicated specs for ground size and more.

But don’t fret. It’s actually all pretty simple, and finding the best grinder for your tastes is worth the effort when you’re sipping a perfect cup of coffee, morning after morning.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Coffee Grinders

Our reviewers, writers, and coffee-loving researchers have tested a wide selection of the best grinders and boiled them down to the 12 most effective for a whole range of needs and budgets.

Coffee grinding is a broad category though–with many different styles depending on your needs. So to keep it simple, we’ll  categorize them for you so you can see at a glance which would be the best for your particular needs. Whether you’re a home hobbyist or a coffee shop owner, a lover of espresso or cold brew, there’s something here for everyone.

 

Our Pick: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder | The Best Coffee Grinder

If you’re looking for a budget-conscious starter grinder, the Baratza Encore is the perfect choice. This conical burr grinder is ideal for multiple brew methods. This grinder has everything that you need and nothing that you don’t.

At A Glance:Our Top 5 Picks for Coffee Grinders

Our reviewers, writers, and coffee-loving researchers have tested a wide selection of the best grinders and boiled them down to the 12 most effective for a whole range of needs and budgets.

Coffee grinding is a broad category though–with many different styles depending on your needs. So to keep it simple, we’ll  categorize them for you so you can see at a glance which would be the best for your particular needs. Whether you’re a home hobbyist or a coffee shop owner, a lover of espresso or cold brew, there’s something here for everyone.

Our Pick: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder | The Best Coffee Grinder

If you’re looking for a budget-conscious starter grinder, the Baratza Encore is the perfect choice. This conical burr grinder is ideal for multiple brew methods. This grinder has everything that you need and nothing that you don’t.

Alongside these reviews, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the best cup of coffee every single time. Before that, why use a grinder in the first place?

What’s The Point of a Coffee Grinder?

The secret to a wonderful, lip-smacking cup of coffee is freshly ground beans.

Buying your own grinder means that you can take full control of the freshness factor while also enjoying a much wider scope of grinds than buying pre-ground coffee.

So, if you don’t make taking a little extra time and devoting some effort to the job, grinding your own coffee will result in the freshest and most aromatic brew without you needing to hit the coffee shop on a daily basis.

To help you every step of the way, we’ll kick off with a brief snapshot of 12 of the very best coffee grinders…

I. Coffee Grinder Comparison Table

Editor’s Rating: 5.0

Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky

Our top pick for the best overall coffee grinder. Rancilio serves up a doserless espresso grinder that’s powerful but extremely quiet for a double-win.

Best Suited For: Espresso fiends with money to spare

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Breville BCG820BSSXL The Smart Grinder Pro

The Breville offers unbeatable flexibility and the perfect grind for espresso without costing the earth.

Best Suited For: Budget-conscious espresso fans

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Baratza Encore | The Best for Cold Brew and Pour Over

If you’re looking for a budget-conscious starter grinder, the Baratza Encore is the perfect choice. This conical burr grinder is ideal for multiple brew methods. This grinder has everything that you need and nothing that you don’t.

Best Suited For: Bargain hunters not prepared to compromise on quality.

Our #1 Recommended

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Baratza Virtuoso | The Best for Drip Coffee

As the name suggests, this pro-grade coffee grinder excels across the board. You’ll get consistently ground coffee every time. From the striking aesthetics to the highly efficient motor, the Virtuoso is a superb conical burr grinder from a brand you can trust.

Best Suited For: Coffee connoisseurs with an eye for design.

Read More: Best Drip Coffee Maker

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Capresso 560.01 Infinity

The Capresso Infinity is an awesome lightweight but durable conical burr grinder at a highly affordable price. Check one out today and enjoy fresh coffee tomorrow!

Best Suited For: Anyone looking for a cheap conical burr grinder

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder

For a blade grinder from a brand you can trust, check out the KRUPS F203. Easy to clean and a dream to use, what’s not to like?

Best Suited For: Espresso lovers looking for a bargain

Editor’s Rating: 4.6

KRUPS Electric | The Best Budget Coffee Grinder

For an extremely cost-effective electric grinder ideal for use at home or on the road, you can’t beat this KRUPS. With 9 grind levels for the ideal espresso through to French press, you get versatility and affordability in one neat bundle.

Best Suited For: Caffeine hounds with a taste for different styles of coffee.

Editor’s Rating: 4.6

JavaPresse Manual Grinder

A quiet, back-to-basics manual grinder offering plenty of bang for your buck, this conical burr has 18 settings offering a great range of grinds.

Best Suited For: Purists who need a quiet grinder

Editor’s Rating: 4.6

OXO On, Conical Burr with Integrated Scale

OXO offer a heavy-duty but portable conical burr grinder with a built-in scale for a first-class grinding experience.

Best Suited For: Tech-lovers hunting for a conical burr grinder

Editor’s Rating: 4.5

Bodum BISTRO, Electronic Grinder

For a user-friendly and ultra-quick way to grind coffee for your French press, the Bodum BISTRO is hard to beat.

Best Suited For: French press fans grinding lots of beans

Editor’s Rating: 4.5

KitchenAid KCG0702OB

If you want to grind lots of beans for a wide range of coffee makers, this burr coffee grinder is a faultless choice.

Best Suited For: Home enthusiasts with multiple coffee makers

Editor’s Rating: 4.5

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind (Automatic Burr Mill)

For a cheap burr grinder that punches above its weight, check out the Cuisinart DBM-8. With a generous capacity and 18 settings, you can’t go wrong!

Best Suited For: Those who want great ground coffee on a budget

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Baratza Forte BG (Brew Grinder) – Flat Steel Burr Commercial Grade

For a highly capable commercial coffee grinder offering a combination of speed, consistency and performance, the Baratza Forte is the go-to grinder.

Best Suited For: Coffee shop owners

II. Coffee Ground Size: Quick Guide

Here are some simple principles for how to select the most appropriate coffee ground size for you.

One of the most common errors you can make brewing your very best coffee is to overlook the importance of ensuring you get the right size of grounds for your preferred brewing method. It’s obviously pointless trying to enjoy espresso made from a coarse grind, and of course a fine grind results in poor cold-brewed coffee. But there are other considerations you should keep in mind, so check out our guide below.

Principles of How to Select Coffee Ground Size

There are 3 main things to consider when you’re thinking about the size of your coffee grounds:

  • Contact Time
  • Pressure
  • Temperature

For brew methods with a short contact time, you’ll need a fine coffee grind. If the contact time is too high, you risk over-extracted and bitter coffee. When the contact time is too short, the brew will be weak and insipid.

With the majority of brewing methods operating between 90.6 degrees and 96.1 degrees Celsius, temperature can play a part along with pressure but by far the most crucial balance to strike involves the contact time.

7 Levels of Coffee Ground Size

We’ll give you a handy breakdown now of the 7 varying levels of coffee ground size from extra coarse right on through to super-fine.

With this handy guide, you can make sure you get the right size grind for your preferred coffee the easy way…

1. Extra Coarse Grind

This grind is about the largest you’ll get with a standard burr grinder. To look at, these grinds will resemble peppercorns.

If you want to enjoy cold brewed coffee or a back-to-basics pot of cowboy coffee, roll with an extra coarse grind.

2. Coarse Grind

With a consistency not dissimilar to sea salt, there’s nothing better than coarse grind if you like making your coffee in a French press. Like extra-coarse coffee, a coarse grind also lends itself well to cold brewed coffee. It’s a great way to taste different coffees and also works well in a percolator.

3. Medium-Coarse Grind

Ramping things up to a medium-coarse grind, this consistency resembles builder’s sand but certainly doesn’t taste like it!

Chemex coffee makers harness an infusion method. If you use one of these decorative brewers on a daily basis, medium-coarse grind is a smart choice. Clever drippers and café solo brewers are also great with this halfway house between coarse and medium grinds. Experiment a little and broaden your horizons with medium-coarse.

4. Medium Grind

If you’re new to grinding coffee beans, medium grind makes a sensible starting point.

You can use a wide range of coffee makers to take advantage of medium grind. Whether you use a conical pour-over brewer or a drip brewer with a flat bottom, a siphon brewer or a turbo-charged Aeropress, medium grind coffee is the perfect multi-purpose option.

5. Medium-Fine Grind

Not quite as fine as the grind you’ll need to enjoy the best espresso, a medium-fine works wonders with pour-over drippers.

6. Fine Grind

The staple grind of pretty much all pre-ground coffee, fine grind is by some distance the most popular size.

It’s finer than salt and helps you achieve the perfect espresso every time. Whether you use a stovetop espresso maker or prefer a traditional vintage Moka pot, you really can’t put a foot wrong with a nice fine grind.

7. Super-Fine Grind

Otherwise known as Turkish, super-fine is difficult to source. If you want to grind your own, you’ll need a dedicated grinder or you’ll come up short.

For lovers of Turkish coffee, also known as Ibrik, accept no substitute for a super-fine grind.

III. Coffee Grinder Reviews and Top Picks

1. Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky

Editor’s Choice

First up in our coffee grinder reviews is the Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky. Not only is this our choice for the best burr coffee grinder but also our top pick overall.

If you like your coffee short and strong, you’re in for a treat with the Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD, our choice for the best espresso grinder.

The first thing to mention is the eye-watering price. If you want a budget grinder, this is certainly not for you.

If, on the other hand, you want a first-class grinder fit for heavy industrial use, the Rancilio makes perfect sense. The substantial burrs are built to last and deliver top-tier coffee every time.

The Rancilio is a doserless grinder. Put simply, this means there’s not the same level of automation as a doser grinder offers so you grind as you need straight into the porta-filter.

Although it’s marketed as a grinder for espresso, you’ll be able to adjust the settings to produce a coarser grind with ease.

Amazingly for a grinder with a motor this powerful, the Rancilio is super-quiet so you get the best of both worlds.

This espresso grinder is a smart choice for any commercial coffee shop owner or home enthusiast not prepared to compromise on quality.

Pros

  • Motor is potent and effective but also exceptionally quiet
  • Fantastic looks combined with rugged build quality for a double-win
  • Oversized 50mm commercial-grade burrs deliver in fine style
  • Variable grind adjustment is a breeze to manipulate
  • Stash up to half a pound of coffee in the hopper and it will stay fresh until it’s time to grind
  • Makes perfect grind for espresso but great for French press as well

Cons

  • Ruthlessly expensive so absolutely not a grinder for everyone

2. Breville BCG820BSSXL The Smart Grinder Pro | Best for Espresso

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is also great for making espresso cups but comes at a slightly more competitive price than the Rancilio so deserves an honorable mention.

The Breville is still not cheap but the best things in life rarely are. In return, you’ll get a fully automated grinder with a staggering 60 grind settings so you can tweak things for whatever coffee you prefer fuss-free. You can adjust things with the ultra-precise timer ensuring consistency is second to none.

With an electric timer displaying a countdown on a crisp LED coupled with hot buttons simplifying things further, the Breville offers an unparalleled automated grinding experience.

While this grinder comes fully into its own for making espresso, the coffee is not ideal if you use a French press so bear this in mind to avoid an expensive mistake.

For a smarty grinder that looks great and will last the distance, the Breville takes some beating.

Pros

  • Jaw-dropping 60 grind settings plus 10 micro-adjustments putting most other grinders to shame
  • Electric timer for convenience and the ultimate consistency rolled into one
  • 2 cradles, grinds container and burr cleaning brush included
  • Relatively user-friendly considering the functionality
  • Fully adjustable grind time with handy LED displaying countdown timer
  • Hot buttons allow you to save time by rapidly grinding when needed

Cons

  • Not the cheapest grinder on offer but still great value
  • Less than ideal for French press so bear this in mind if that’s your preferred method of making coffee

3. Baratza Encore | Best Conical Burr Grinder

While the Baratza Encore is marketed as a beginner’s grinder, build quality and performance certainly don’t take a hit in the pursuit of a keen price point.

While the Encore is hardly loaded down with features, you’ll get 40 settings with a grind range spanning from 250 microns through to 1200 microns. In plain English, whether you prefer fine or coarse grounds, the Encore has you covered.

The speed of grinding is crucial for that perfect golden cup and Baratza gets the balance just right with this conical burr grinder. The torquey DC motor spins at 450RPM so you’ll get enough speed without excess heat that can scorch your beans.

For a conical burr grinder that offers remarkable simplicity without stiffing you in terms of grind quality, the Baratza Encore is the best grinder for cold brew and pour over coffee.

Pros

  • 40 settings gives you a broad spread of choice whether you prefer a coarse French press or a finely-ground espresso
  • Motor designed to keep your coffee beans cool even during prolonged grinding sessions
  • Surprisingly affordable given the quality and brand heritage
  • User-friendly grinder with no surplus features and an easy-access pulse button
  • Restrained running speed of 450RPM keeps the noise down and the efficiency up
  • High quality conical burrs built to last the distance

Cons

  • Hopper size leaves something to be desired
  • Minimal functionality that might disappoint

4. Baratza Virtuoso | Best for Drip Coffee

Baratza’s Virtuoso is a first-rate conical burr grinder from a brand you can trust.

As with the entry-level Encore, you’ll get a motor running at 450RPM and optimized for grinding with a superb consistency while generating remarkably little noise.

This conical burr grinder is designed for use with both beans and pods. You’ll be able to grind particularly fine espresso or a much coarser ground if you prefer your coffee from a traditional French press.

We’d suggest upgrading the hopper since the 8oz one provided is a little on the small side.

This grinder doesn’t run hot anyway but the addition of a thermal safety device leaves you secure in the knowledge you won’t burn out your investment. You’ll also get a 1-year limited warranty for further peace of mind.

If you’re on the trail of a capable conical burr grinder that doesn’t just do the job well but also makes a strong statement on the counter top, the Baratza Virtuoso is hard to beat.

Pros

  • Burrs grind to a uniform size with ruthless efficiency and consistency
  • Slow speed means an optimum grind with none of the noise that can blight many grinders
  • Thermal safety device prevents any overheating
  • Designed so you can grind directly into an espresso basket fuss-free
  • Works equally well with fine and coarse grinds for maximum flexibility
  • Exceptional aesthetics so the Virtuoso sets off any kitchen in style

Cons

  • Too much plastic means the grinder is not as durable as we’d like
  • Cleaning this grinder can be awkward as you need to invert the machine to empty out the hopper

5. Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr | Best Budget Grinder for Espresso

The Capresso 560.01 Infinity is another great conical burr grinder, this time at a much more affordable price.

Although the Capresso is marketed as a commercial-grade coffee grinder, we’d recommend it more for home use. The plastic parts and overall speed mean it would not stand the test of time working overtime in a coffee shop.

Having said that, if you want all the advantages of a conical burr grinder without the stinging price tag, we’d strongly recommend this grinder for the home enthusiast.

You’ll be able to process 8.5 ounces of beans in one hit and you can keep 4 ounces of grinds down in the see-through container.

Carved into four categories of coarseness, the 16 grind settings give you plenty of room for maneuver.

If you’re prepared to accept a slight dip in build quality and you aren’t expecting an industrial whirlwind of a grinder, the Capresso is well worth road testing and adding to your arsenal.

Pros

  • Swift automatic grinding between 5 and 60 seconds
  • Conical burr grinder which is rare in this price range
  • Deals with 8.5 ounces of beans at a time so great for coffee lovers with busy lives
  • Keep up to 4 ounces of grinds in the nifty transparent container
  • 16 grind settings in 4 categories makes your life easier
  • Hard-hitting grinder but still lightweight at just 8 pounds

Cons

  • Labeled a commercial-grade grinder but best for home use
  • Cheap plastic parts detract from build quality and raise questions about durability

6.1. KRUPS F203 Electric | The Best Blade Grinder

KRUPS are a legend in the coffee industry and this candidate for the best blade grinder comes in at an extremely attractive price point.

Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on the best burr grinder so if you want a rugged and attractive grinder for less than a round of drinks at Starbucks, the KRUPS is tailor-made.

You’ll get a large volume of coffee ground very quickly and the fine grind at your disposal means it’s a wonderful option for lovers of fresh espresso.

Cleaning is often a bugbear with coffee grinders but this model requires very little effort along with some water and vinegar to get things sparkling again.

Aside from a tendency to run hot like all blade grinders, there’s a great deal to recommend this budget-friendly offering from KRUPS.

As a parting shot, you can also grind up a full range of spices so it’s a multi-purpose addition to your kitchen at ultra-low cost.

Pros

  • Great brand heritage at a price you’ll love
  • Ideal for espresso lovers thanks to the fine grind available
  • Fast action grinding 3 ounces of coffee in seconds flat
  • Surprisingly rugged given the affordability
  • Extremely easy to clean using just water and vinegar
  • Added bonus of serving double-duty as a spice grinder so a versatile kitchen appliance

Cons

  • As with all blade grinders, it runs hot and can scorch your beans
  • Kicks off a fair amount of dust so it’s advisable to use a paper filter
  • Hard to control ground coffee size

6.2. KRUPS Electric | Best Budget Grinder

If you’re looking for a versatile and nimble coffee grinder that will also serve a turn with your favorite herbs and spices, this electric burr grinder from KRUPS is a must.

The German brand has a hard-won reputation for producing top-tier products that don’t cost the earth. While this grinder is at the low end of the spectrum, it’s still a more than serviceable product.

Cleaning coffee grinders can be a tiresome chore. With a fully removable top burr, sprucing up your KRUPS is a breeze.

The metallic flat burr ensures that you won’t experience any overheating that can ruin your grind and you’ll retain all of that precious coffee aroma. The 9 settings give you an acceptable range of choice in grind size whatever type of coffee you prefer.

Although this is a relatively basic grinder, that’s reflected in its competitive pricing. While there are plenty of grinders that give you more bells and whistles, the KRUPS does its job and does it very well. It’s also very compact so works in smaller kitchens where it won’t dominate a more limited space.

The only significant drawback is the noise but you always expect some degree of compromise when you’re getting such an incredible bargain. Overall, it’s a rock-solid grinder for the money.

Pros

  • Extremely affordable without sacrificing too much by the way of quality
  • Space-saving grinder tailor-made for apartments or small kitchens
  • Multi-purpose grinder that grinds herbs and spices as well as your favorite coffee
  • Designed to be extremely easy to clean unlike many of its competitors thanks to removable top burr
  • Choose from 2 to 12 cups for a totally flexible grinding solution
  • Buy into great brand heritage at a very reasonable price point

Cons

  • Extremely noisy grinder with no insulation whatsoever
  • A lack of uniformity in the grind mars the overall effect of this grinder

7. JavaPresse Manual

Not everyone wants an electric coffee grinder that kicks out a great deal of noise and the JavaPresse is our pick for the best manual coffee grinder on the market.

Priced keenly and offering a superb range of 18 different grind settings, you’ll enjoy a solid and durable grinder that’s built to stay the distance.

As with any manual grinder, you’ll get very little noise when you’re preparing your beans but you’ll need to set aside plenty of time as it’s not the quickest grinder on the block. That said, you won’t need much physical effort so it’s less taxing to use than many manuals.

If you want a no-nonsense conical burr grinder at a pocket-friendly price, the JavaPresse is well worth popping on your shortlist.

Pros

  • 18 grind settings means you can get the perfect consistency whatever type of coffee you prefer
  • Although it’s a manual device, you won’t need to put in much elbow grease to use it
  • Extremely quiet so make your morning coffee without waking up the household
  • Ideal for traveling as you need no batteries or power at all
  • Conical burr action perfect for coffee connoisseurs
  • Rugged and built to last so more than just a kitchen ornament

Cons

  • You need to be patient as it takes some time to get a great grind
  • Pretty disappointing capacity so reconsider if you want to make large quantities of coffee in a hurry
  • Some complaints about consistency

8. OXO On, Conical Burr with Integrated Scale | The Leading Conical Burr Grinder

One of the best conical burr coffee grinders money can be is the OXO On, it comes with an inbuilt scale.

Boasting large 40mm conical burr grinders, you’ll get the most efficient form of grinding for superior results.

You can switch between Cups, Grams and Manual mode affording you real versatility. You can also fine-tune the strength of your coffee so you stay in complete control throughout the process.

The inbuilt scale removes the need for a separate appliance and you can weigh your grounds instead of timing the procedure.

We should point out that this is not the most user-friendly option on the market. Take your time to study the instruction manual rather than hoping to learn on the fly. It will be time well-spent.

For a reliable and consistent device that offers a tech-driven experience and results in great coffee every time, check out the OXO On. You won’t be disappointed.

Pros

  • Dependable 40mm burrs and 38 settings mean you get the consistency of grind you need every time
  • 3 modes for maximum flexibility (Cups, Grams, Manual)
  • Integrated scale and automatic shut off so measure grounds by weight rather than time
  • Looks great and takes up very little space on the worktop
  • Tweak the strength of your coffee fuss-free
  • Excellent range of grind compared to similar appliances

Cons

  • Not the easiest or most intuitive to operate
  • Some inconsistency with coarser grinds
  • Pretty expensive although sound overall value

9. Bodum BISTRO, Electronic Grinder

Another titan in the coffee space, Bodum serve up the BISTRO which is in our opinion the best coffee grinder for your French press.

Many options are off-putting in their complexity. The stripped-down Bodum is a pleasure to use even for complete beginners. The automatic timer is a lovely bonus.

Speed of delivery is at a premium and you’ll get enough coffee for a whole pot in less than half a minute.

Although the borosilicate glass does its job and staves off the static that can fling coffee against the sides, on the downside it’s rather thin and likely to crack if you don’t treat it with care.

If you want a to-notch conical burr grinder without the attendant price tag, we’d strongly recommend the Bodum BISTRO.

Pros

  • Unlike many over-complicated options, the Bodum is a cinch to use even if you’ve never ground coffee before
  • Stainless steel conical burrs keep the flavor of the beans intact and ensure consistency in every grind
  • Timer is convenient and puts a stop to wasted beans
  • Glass container lessens the chance of beans clinging to the sides
  • Get enough coffee for a full pot in 20 seconds flat
  • Multiple colorways so simple to co-ordinate with your kitchen

Cons

  • Glass is a trifle thin so exercise caution to avoid cracking it

10. KitchenAid KCG0702OB

Although the Kitchenaid looks striking and would grace any kitchen, it’s certainly not a case of form over function. The stainless steel cutting burrs are built to last and this grinder is easy to use even if it’s your first time grinding your own beans.

With 15 grind settings to choose from, you can fine-tune the consistency so it’s perfect for your French press, espresso maker or automatic drip coffee maker. You really are spoiled for choice.

You’ll get a generous 7 ounces of beans in the hopper which is made from glass to lessen the chance of statically-charged coffee clinging to the sides. The burrs rotate at a pedestrian 450RPM which is slow enough to reduce the heat kicked out by the friction of burrs spinning too quickly while also maximizing the flavor.

Treat it with care and you’ll be enjoying fresh coffee the easy way for years to come.

Pros

  • Extremely easy to assembly and very user-friendly so get going straight out the box
  • Fairly quiet
  • Wide choice of 15 grind settings so get the best consistency for any type of coffee maker at a lower temperature
  • Sleek, compact footprint so takes up very little counter space and is easy to stash away
  • Perfect combination of aesthetics, performance and durability
  • Scoop and cleaning brush thrown in

Cons

  • Although glass jug minimizes static, it’s fragile so handle with care
  • A number of complaints about poor customer service
  • Cleaning is a tiresome chore

11. Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind (Automatic Burr Mill) | Leading Cheap Grinder

Often, cheap products suck. The Cuisinart DBM-8, in the other hand, is a fantastic grinder trumping the functionality of many more expensive coffee options at a fraction of the cost.

This automatic burr mill offers a choice of 18 grind settings to cater for all palates. It’s super-swift too serving up sufficient coffee for 18 cups in just 60 seconds.

In common with all burr grinders, you’ll get less heat than with a blade system and also a better overall consistency. Most options at this price point are bladed so this is a nice bonus.

Don’t be fooled by the price either…

The Cuisinart is a heavy-duty and completely automated machine so it works well if you need to grind up large volumes of coffee in a hurry.

With ample capacity, the optimum system and an 18-month guarantee to ice the cake, the Cuisinart DBM-8 gets our vote as the best cheap coffee grinder on the market.

Pros

  • Outstanding value for money without compromising quality
  • Choose from 18 grind settings for coffee exactly the way you want it
  • Substantial 8-ounce bean hopper combined with a chamber good for 32 golden cups of coffee
  • Delivers enough medium grind coffee for 18 cups in just 1 minute
  • Auto shut-off mechanism for your safety and convenience
  • 18-month limited warranty so buy with complete confidence

Cons

  • Takes up a lot of room in the kitchen so make sure you’ve got space
  • Some reported issues with grind consistency

12. Baratza Forte BG (Brew Grinder) – Flat Steel Burr Commercial Grade| Leading Option for Coffee Shop

If you want the best grinder for your coffee shop, the Baratza Forte BG leads the pack.

Obviously, your grinding needs are amplified if you have a restaurant or coffee shop and the Baratza won’t let you down. Solid and built to last, it’s also small enough at 13 pounds not to eat up too much valuable counter space.

The 54mm burr is flat ceramic and absolutely ideal for grinding coffee for pretty much any method of delivery whether it’s espresso, French press or drip.

While it comes with plenty of bells and whistles, using the Baratza couldn’t be easier. Cleaning is also a cinch which is crucial if you have a busy commercial outlet.

The grinding method is weight-based rather than timed and you’ll be able to deal with large volumes of beans super-swiftly.

Price aside, there’s really nothing we can say against this superb commercial coffee grinder and we’d urge any coffee shop owner to check it out right now!

Pros

  • Choose between batch brewing or manual brewing for a multi-purpose grinding experience
  • Small and compact at 13 pounds but punches above its weight
  • 54mm flat ceramic burr catering for all methods from drip coffee through espresso
  • Removable burr makes cleaning a cakewalk
  • Advanced functionality without sacrificing user-friendliness
  • Heavy-duty construction means the Baratza excels in a commercial setting

Cons

  • Savagely expensive but consider this an investment not an expense

13. Barsetto 150W Powerful Blade Coffee Bean & Spice Grinder

If you are looking for a coffee grinder that does not take much counter space and does a good job then this is the product for you. It has a removable bowl which makes it easy to empty the coffee powder. It is very easy to clean. You can just rinse it under the tap and wipe it clean.

The device does not create a mess and is very easy to use. Just push down the button to start and release it to stop. It is quick and does an amazing job. It barely takes seconds to get a fine coffee powder.

The container is of the right size and can make up to 8 cups of coffee at a time. The lid is transparent so we can view the grind consistency. It has stainless steel blades which help in even grinding. It does not make too much noise while grinding. This is a multipurpose electric grinder.

You can use it for grinding garlic, oats, nuts and peppercorns along with coffee.

Fresh ground coffee is a lot better than a store-bought pre-ground coffee. The same goes for spices. This grinder would make an excellent house warming gift or a Christmas gift. It’s great for its price and it is an ideal and efficient option that can perform multiple tasks.

Pros

  • Very portable
  • Compact
  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Sometimes it chops rather than grinds

14. Cusibox Electric

It’s been a month that I am using this grinder and I have been experimenting its use in all ways that I can. It has never let me down and gives me an efficient grind. It is very light and easy to handle. The device looks beautiful and is portable. I can easily take it from my cupboard whenever I need it and when I am done using it can store it back. It is so easy to handle and clean and is not at all messy.

Just by pressing the lid you can control the grind according to your preference. You can see the grinding process through the transparent cover and get the desired grind, be it coarse or fine. You get the desired result in seconds. It has got an amazingly fast motor and is equipped with stainless blades.

In one grind it delivers 12 cups of coffee. It is very easy to use. It is very safe to use. This grinder is well worth the price.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Very portable
  • Safe to use
  • Can use at your home and office
  • 12 cups in one grind
  • Light in weight

Cons

  • Makes loud sounds

15. KitchenAid BCG111OB

Our favorite part about the KitchenAid BCG111OB grinder is it has touch control blades. The blades are very powerful. You can blend the coffee according to your preference – course, medium and fine.

It has a dual lock mechanism. The top is made of strong acrylic so we can view the grind consistency. The container of the blades is made of stainless steel which is strong and sturdy and doesn’t catch rust.

The device comes with a measurement guide to know many beans to fill in the machine. It can make around maximum 12 cups of coffee and a minimum of 4 cups of coffee.

The grinding bowl is removable which makes the cleaning process a lot easier. So all you need to do is fill the grinder with your favorite coffee beans, press the button for a couple of seconds and there it is a fine blend of coffee beans. You can enjoy a rich cup of coffee in the middle of the night or early in the morning. All you need to do is invest a couple of seconds to enjoy this fresh instant cup of coffee.

The only drawback that I found was some coffee gets stuck on the bottom of the container which you can take out with a few pokes of a fork or a spoon.

Pros

  • Powerful blades
  • Quick process
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Coffee gets stuck at the bottom

16. OXO BREW

If you are a coffee lover the OXO grinder is the superior brewing appliance to have in the kitchen. This burr grinder has a plastic container with a lock on the inside and a stainless steel ground collector. It has 15 different settings along with different micro settings and also a timer.

The taste of properly ground coffee is exceptionally amazing. The OXO works like a peppermill. The setting you choose on the burr grinder determines the space between the burrs and thus the size of the grind. It is not as noisy as other burr options.

This device is light in weight and looks good on the countertop. It is light weight and portable. It does not create any static electricity.

You can make up to 12 cups of coffee with no big mess. The grinds are uniform in size. The OXO is very easy to operate, easy to clean and easy to move.

Pros

  • Not noisy
  • 15 settings and a timer
  • Portable and light in weight

Cons

  • Can’t clean the inside section with water

17. Mueller Austria HyperGrind Precision Electric

Ask any coffee lover and they would all give you the same answer – They love a perfect cup of steaming hot coffee any time of the day. There are many coffee grinders in the market. When you buy fresh beans and you want to grind them, not all options on the market will give you that perfect ground texture or coarseness as per your choice. Muller Austria’s hyper grind solves this issue.

With the Mueller Austria electric coffee grinder you get the choice of adjusting its settings. You can control the coarseness of the coffee grounds and enjoy your aromatic cup of coffee.

The Muller HyperGrind is compact and portable. It has an elegant design and finish. You can use it not only at home but also can keep it on your office table so you can have your favorite cup of espresso, French press, or pour-over coffee anytime you want.

Its silent functioning, sleek body and user-friendly functionality make it an attractive gift for your friends and family. The German machinery in the coffee grinder ensures its durability.

Muller’s HyperGrind can be used for not only beans but also for your spices. It has a lot of versatility. It can chop and grind nuts, whole spices, herbs and seeds without any issue.

Pros

  • Versatile grinder
  • Cost and user-friendly
  • No loud sound
  • Elegant finish and sturdy built

Cons

  • Coffee grinds can get into the motor

18. Hamilton Beach 80335R Fresh-Grind

One of the most sought after coffee grinders in the market today, Hamilton has introduced a noiseless and elegant option that appeals to all coffee lovers.

Unlike other grinders on the market, the Hamilton Beach makes absolutely no sound. It has a sturdy built. It’s satin black finish appeals to the eye. The device is small and compact and does not occupy lot of space. So you can easily keep it on your kitchen top.

The beauty of this grinder is that it can be used for grinding herbs, whole spices, seeds along with your fresh beans.

This budget-friendly option has stainless blades that cut through your beans with utmost precision.

The device is made of high-quality steel and is durable. Instead of purchasing bags of grounded coffee powder, with this machine at your home, you can purchase fresh beans and enjoy a hot steaming cup of aromatic and flavourful coffee.

The grinder also has a hideaway compartment to store away the cord after using it instead of just allowing the cord to hang around the device.

The grinding chamber portion can be removed easily, cleaned and replaced without any hassle. You should wash and dry the chamber well and remove any residue and moisture with a dry clean cloth.

Pros

  • Can be used for not only coffee but spices, herbs, seeds, etc too
  • Budget-friendly
  • Can make up to 12 cups of coffee
  • Durable stainless steel blades
  • Store away compartment for the electric cord

Cons

  • The button can be faulty

19. SHARDOR Electric

Shardor is yet another sought after brand. It has a 200 w motor that is efficient, durable and powerful. It grinds the beans with utmost perfection. By pressing the coffee grinders lid, you can accordingly change the device’s settings.

Its durable stainless steel blades are made of premium quality. They cut through the beans and the result is an aromatic steaming hot cup of coffee, French press, pour-over, etc.

Shardor coffee grinder has an elegant body with a transparent lid for you to check on the grounded beans. Its grinding bowl is food grade safe. It can be easily removed and cleaned with water. It is advised to wipe it dry with a damp cloth. The Shardor comes with a 1-year warranty.

The grinding bowl has a maximum storage capacity of 70 grams. The lid has a sturdy safety seal and lock which prevents any leakage or spillage, especially during the grinding process.

As mentioned above, the grinding process can be controlled by just pressing the lid. In this way, you can decide how coarse or fine you require your coffee beans.

Pros

  • Comes with manual, 2 in 1 spoon, bowl and body
  • Cost-friendly
  • The lid has an efficient locking seal
  • Premium quality  stainless steel blades
  • Pressing the lid controls grinding process
  • Comes with 1-year manufacturers warranty
  • Bowl storage capacity 70 grams

Cons

  • The plastic triggers can break off easily

20. KF2020 Electric by Kaffe

Kaffee has come up with a cost-efficient and elegant coffee grinder that just serves any coffee addict’s purpose of getting aromatic hot seaming cup to sip on whenever they need to. This electric gadget is portable. It is lightweight and can fit easily on your kitchen or office tabletop. It has a sturdy built and the body is made of premium quality material. The KF2020 does not make any loud sounds like other competitors.

Weighing up to 2.5 oz, Kaffes electric grinder comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. The device has a transparent lid so you can check out the grinding process. If the lid is not placed well, the device will not function, thus keeping in mind the safety of the user.

In this coffee grinder, you can not only grind beans but also nuts, whole spices and even seeds like chia and flax. After the grinding is over, you can clean the device with a cleaning brush which is part of the kit or else wash it with water and dry it well.

The lid has an on and off button for you to control the coarseness or fineness of the powder. It is also dishwasher-friendly. Kaffes option is an excellent gift for your close friends and family members.

Pros

  • Weighs up to 2.5 oz
  • Great price
  • High-quality stainless steel blades
  • On and off button for the grinding process
  • Comes with 2-year manufacturers warranty
  • Elegant and sturdy body

Cons

  • If used continuously, it will overheat

IV. Coffee Grinder Buyer’s Guide

Buying the best coffee grinder can seem complicated because of the sheer number of variables in place. It’s not a question of assessing the options on the market in an order of preference because everyone has varying tastes and requirements.

Before anything else at all, it makes sense to think about the type of grinder you want.

1. Burr

We’ll kick off with burr grinders since they are far and away the most effective and efficient option at your disposal.

Although they’re pricier, burr grinders serve you up with a shower of benefits if you’re looking for the best coffee grounds which we’ll briefly explore below…

There are 2 main variants with burr grinders:

  • Conical Burr Grinder: This has 2 conical burrs positioned according to the grind size delivered. These burrs face each other. The beans are crushed between the burrs into particles of the same size. One of these cone-shaped burrs spins around while the other one remains in place
  • Flat Blade Burr Grinder: With a flat blade burr grinder, the blades are parallel and flat rather than cone-shaped. This means you’ll get a nice even grind with more surface area exposed for extraction

The crushed coffee is stored in a hopper then drops into a chamber after it passes through the burrs. Adjusting the gap between the burrs dictates the grind size.

With burr grinders, you get an extremely consistent grind. They don’t shatter the beans or give off too much heat so the quality of the end beverage is not compromised.

On the flipside, you will have to spend a little more to get a top of the line burr grinder. Also, these options tend to be bulkier so make sure you have enough counter space to accommodate one before launching in and buying one on a whim.

2. Blade

If you’re looking for a much cheaper entry point to grinding your own beans, don’t discount the idea of a blade grinder completely.

These options are extremely cheap so there’s a low barrier of entry.

Very simple in construction, there’s a chamber with a blade at the bottom. Pop the lid on, hit the button and this blade rotates to grind your beans.

It’s awkward to get a precise and consistent grind with a blade grinder so bear this in mind before committing to one. The way in which the beans are smashed around means there will be grinds of different sizes. Also, since the blades kick off a fair amount of heat, you’ll lose some flavor and aroma during the procedure.

Note, too, that if you’re an espresso fiend, blade options are not the way forward. The grind delivered is highly likely to clog up while brewing your espresso so avoid them if you want your coffee short and strong just like the Italians.

Although they are limited in terms of performance and results, if you want coarser grinds and you’re operating on a budget, give one a go. We suggest you check out our hand picked selection of blade alternatives to avoid being sold a dummy.

3. Manual or Electric?

When you’re mulling over whether you should get an electric or manual grinder, there are 3 main points to consider:

  • What’s your budget?
  • Are you prepared to put in some elbow grease?
  • What type of coffee do you brew?

A manual grinder is understandably cheaper. If you’re looking to work with coarse grinds, you won’t need a great deal of work. If, on the other hand, you like finely ground beans, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and be prepared for some serious effort. For anyone who travels frequently or needs a small, compact and convenient solution for achieving a coarse grind, manual options make perfect sense.

Electric grinders are still pretty user-friendly but they are usually bigger, obviously demand a power outlet and they are much more expensive. Truly effective electric coffee alternatives are not cheap. For espresso lovers with money to spare looking for a fine grind fuss-free, electric options are the superior approach by far.

4. Your Grinder: Intended Use

Now we’ve broken down the range of options you can choose between in general, it’s worth taking a moment to think about your intended use…

There’s a world of difference in the requirements of someone looking to make the occasional pot of fresh coffee, a true aficionado wanting large volumes of coffee on a regular basis and someone with a commercial premises so we’ll carve these different needs into 2 broad categories:

  • Home Use
  • Commercial Use

Personal Grinder for the Home and Family

A manual grinder is a sensible option if you’re a casual homeowner operating on a stricter budget.

If you want to step things up a gear, we’d advise opting for a high-speed direct drive option which offers you plenty of bang for your buck and a pretty decent, consistent grind.

For the average home user, a doserless alternative is generally more than fit for purpose.

To keep things clear and simple, if you’re a home user but you are particularly picky or money is no object, take a look at these excellent options for commercial grinders and consider adopting one of these instead…

Commercial Grinder for a Coffee Shop or Restaurant

Low speed options are the go-to choice of most coffee shops and restaurants. You can choose between gear-reduction or direct-drive models.

With almost no heat or troublesome static generated, you’ll get a superior grind. These low-speed grinders are also remarkably quiet given their outstanding functionality.

A doser style alternative allows you to prepare your beans in batches so this is a useful feature in an industrial backdrop. You’ll get much less waste and cleaning is simplified.

OK…

Now we’ve explored all aspects of getting the best grinder money can buy, we’ll round out with some of the most frequently asked questions about grinding your own beans…

V. Coffee Grinding FAQs

1. What is the perfect drip coffee ground size?

Drip coffee brews by permeation rather than infusion. This means that the speed at which the water goes through the coffee is affected by how porous the grind is. This, in turn, influences the contact time and extraction level. Smaller grinds in drip coffee drain slower and impart more flavor. Larger grinds act in the opposite fashion. You need to strike a happy medium so try a medium grind or medium-fine grind for drip makers.

2. What is the perfect French press coffee ground size?

The classic French press represents one of the most flexible and user-friendly approaches to coffee making. The French press is an infusion method so the flavor comes from the coffee soaking in the water before it’s filtered. Use a coarse grind for superior results.

3. What is the perfect cold brew coffee ground size?

Cold brewing your coffee is an increasingly popular alternative to the regular iced version that’s so tempting when the temperature outside starts to rise. You’ve got a great deal of flexibility when it comes to grind size than with other methods. Extra-coarse and coarse grinds both work extremely well with cold brew. You can even get away with a medium grind so experiment and determine which you find most suits your palate. Cold brewing is a very forgiving method of delivery so think about what ‘s optimal for you rather than fixating on a pre-determined grind size.

4. What is the perfect espresso coffee ground size?

For the perfect espresso, fine grinds work most effectively. It doesn’t need to be as fine as the grind you’ll need for Turkish coffee but stick with fine and… well, you’ll be fine too!

5. What is the perfect stove top coffee making ground size?

As with espresso, if you use a stove top option like the traditional Moka pot, roll with a fine grind for the perfect golden cup of coffee every time.

6. Burr or Blade: which is better?

There’s really no contest here… in terms of raw performance and results, burr grinders are by some distance the superior option. The only real advantages of a blade option are affordability and their compact nature. In all respects, they’re inferior. You’ll get a weaker brew with far less consistency. With a burr grinder, as long as you invest in a decent model, you’ll have much more freedom to choose your grind size with repeatable settings helping consistency. Burr options generate less heat leading to a better tasting coffee so go with a burr option if you put a premium on the quality of the coffee in your cup.

7. Low-speed or high speed grinding: which works better?

With a manual grinder, however quickly you can physically grind the beans, this will not generate so much heat that you will end up damaging the beans. Consistency is more important than speed. With burr options, speed is not an issue. Calibrate it to your preferred setting and let the machine do the work without any concerns about grinding speed. Where speed is most important is with blade alternatives. These run hot anyway so avoid grinding too quickly and minimize the damage to your beans.

8. Do you get more caffeine from a brew if you use more grinds?

This question can first be answered directly then needs some clarification… Regardless of the brewing method, the more grinds you use, the higher the caffeine content of the finished drink. This is simple math and common sense. That said, the type of bean and roast level have far more of an overall effect on caffeine levels. Robusta beans have double the caffeine content of Arabica hence they are so frequently used for espresso. Lighter roasts counter-intuitively have a higher level of caffeine than darker roasts. The temperature of the water, brewing time and, of course, the volume of your finished drink also impact caffeine content so there are many factors to consider, the amount of grounds being just one of them.

9. How do you adjust your grinder to the proper grind size?

This issue pertains to commercial options. These come equipped with a dial enabling the adjustment of grind size. Check the model you have and determine which direction leads to a finer grind and which to a coarser grind. Move the dial extremely slowly and carefully in increments of a few millimeters. Once you’ve made the adjustment, turn on the grinder for 10 seconds and discard what you’ve ground. After this, run a test shot, give it a try and make further adjustments if necessary.

10. How do you clean your manual and electric grinders?

To clean a manual device, disassemble it leaving just the burrs and main shell intact. Pull out the inner burr, the washers, spring and rod. Scrub the handle and lid with soapy water. For small parts, use a Q-Tip dipped in the soapy water. Avoid dishwashing, dry everything off and reassemble.

To clean an electric grinder, put ¼ cup of rice in the device and run it for a minute or so. Wipe it out with a damp paper towel to remove the rice flour and you’re good to go. That simple hack can save you a great deal of fiddling around so give it a try!

11. What is a conical burr grinder?

This type has 2 conical burrs of varying size that face each other. The distance between them affects the grind size. While one burr remains stationary, the other rotates. The beans go between the burrs which grind the beans into fine or coarse particles depending on your preference. A conical burr option is the Rolls-Royce of grinders and the choice of coffee connoisseurs.

VI. Conclusion

We trust you’ve found this comprehensive guide to coffee grinders has given you plenty of useful information to further your knowledge of this broad but intriguing subject.

We hope, too, our reviews have simplified your search for the superior option for your requirements whatever your budget or preferences. We appreciate that everyone has different needs so we’ve attempted here to bring together a wide range of the top of the line options so there’s something for all tastes and pockets.

There’s no right or wrong answer as to what makes the best option. All we have done here is presented you with the full facts and honest reviews so you can go in forewarned and maximize your chance of spending wisely and ending up with superior coffee every day of the week without needing to head to Starbucks.

Feel free to get in touch any time if you’ve got any questions or feedback. We’re always delighted to hear from our readers and more than happy to help in any way we can. You’re welcome to share any of our articles on your preferred social media.

Happy grinding!

Our Top Pick: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder

4.8

User Rating 3.33 (3 votes)