Best coffee grinder machine
13 Best Coffee Grinders 2022
13 Best Coffee Grinders 2022 | The StrategistEvery product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Coffee Talk
Skip article listPhoto: Marcus McDonald
Photo: Marcus McDonald
I’ll be honest: I’m not a coffee snob. Give me a cup — pretty much any old cup — and I won’t complain. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a particularly good one. And as any actual coffee snob will tell you (trust me, I’ve talked with a lot of them), your coffee is only going to be as good as your beans. And your beans won’t be any good at all if you’re not grinding them yourself right before brewing.
Unfortunately, most decent coffee grinders, even those made specifically for home use, cost a very pretty penny — we’re talking hundreds of dollars. So to figure out which models are worth the investment, we asked baristas, roasters, and coffee-shop owners about the versions they keep on their own kitchen counters (and sometimes in their suitcases because apparently good coffee never takes a vacation).
If you’re still not quite convinced a coffee grinder is something you should put so much hard-earned money toward (ahem, me), don’t worry: We’ve included a few more affordable options that are still very much pro-approved.
Best overall | Best less expensive | Best even less expensive | Best for filter brew methods | Best quiet | Best with an integrated scale | Best with an integrated timer | Best for espresso | Best less expensive for espresso | Best durable | Best retro style | Best professional quality | Best manual
Grind consistency: Every expert we spoke to noted that burr grinders (which break down beans in a kind of milling action) are better than blade grinders (which act more like choppers). As someone who has a barely used blade grinder sitting shamefully in the back of a cabinet, I concur. Will Pratt, owner and founder of Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine, explains that with burr grinders, all the beans pass from the top of the machine to the bottom, meaning they end up a uniform and precise size as opposed to getting “thrown around like they’re in the dryer.” Joanna Lareau, café manager at Stumptown Coffee, agrees that blades are a haphazard method, leaving you with some coffee that’s “overextracted” (quite bitter) and some that’s “underextracted” (quite sour). Plus, she says, “with burr grinders, you can tinker until you find what tastes good” for whatever coffee maker you use.
Noise level: Whether it’s at your own pre-coffee expense or your sleeping partner or roommate’s, early-morning noise is pretty universally unwelcome. Almost every grinder makes some, but we categorized each as either “loud” or “quiet” depending on which way it leaned — and went into more detail in the description of each.
Price: As noted above, these aren’t cheap. But with coffee grinders, cost is relative, denoted by the number of dollar signs. $ means it costs less than $100, $$ means between $100 and $400, $$$ between $400 and $800, and $$$$ above $800.
Baratza Encore Electric Grinder
$135
Burr | Loud | $$
As a brand, Baratza came up in our reporting more often than any other. Some favor its higher-end models (more on a couple of those below), but nearly a dozen of the coffee aficionados we spoke with recommended this more affordable option, highlighting its quality performance and solid build — especially for the price. “It’s simple to use and super-consistent,” Lareau told us. “I’ve had one for almost three years now, and it’s still amazing.” Humberto Ricardo, founder of Third Rail Coffee, adds that Baratza machines are “designed to be repaired instead of thrown away should something break, which is good for my wallet and for the planet.” And speaking of repairs, Pratt noted Baratza’s great customer service. “When you have to replace the burrs every few years, they make it incredibly easy to do so,” he says.
Elliott Foos, director of coffee at Daymoves in Brooklyn, told us he used the Encore at work when he used to run the coffee shop attached to chef Flynn McGarry’s Lower East Side restaurant, Gem. “It’s intuitive and performs wonderfully,” he says, “grinding from fine espresso to the most coarse setting for French press or cold brew.” (The Encore has 40 grind settings, so you can easily adjust to whatever you’re looking for.) While he acknowledges it can be a little loud — or a “touch chatty,” in his words — Foos says that’s to be expected for a grinder made of plastic and designed for the home.
Krups Precision Grinder
$66 now 20% off
$53
Photo: retailer
Burr | Loud | $
If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge on a model upwards of $100, the Krups Precision Grinder is a very solid place to start. It comes recommended by Paul Schlader, owner of New York City–based Birch Coffee, who promises it has the essentials: 12 settings for selecting your preferred grind size and a “cup selector” dial to grind the exact amount of coffee you need for the number of drinks you’re making.
$53 at Amazon
Buy
$53 at Wayfair
Buy
Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill Grinder
$56
$60 now 7% off
$56
Burr | Loud | $
If you don’t drink coffee every single day (or, like me, you buy pre-ground beans most of the time), you might not even want to spend as much as $100. This $60 grinder from Cuisinart is one of the most affordable on the market with burr-style blades — and works totally great, at least in my experience. It’s quite intuitive to use: You simply fill the chamber with beans (it can fit nearly a whole pound at once), set the dial to any of the 18 settings between fine and coarse grind, set the number of cups you are planning to brew (though you won’t need this if you pre-weigh the amount of beans you put in in the first place), and press start. Most of the pieces are removable and dishwasher-safe, and it stores well; it’s rectangular and compact, with a place to wrap the cord underneath.
Eureka Mignon Filtro Coffee Grinder
$209
$209
Burr | Quiet | $$
Matthew Kang, editor of Eater L.A., likes the Eureka Mignon even more than the similarly priced Baratza because he says it has better grind consistency. The catch is that it only mills on the coarser end of the spectrum — meaning it’s great for methods like pour-over, French press, and Aeropress, but not espresso. But the grinder is “strong, durable, and powerful,” Kang says, breaking down whole bags of coffee at a time with its bigger-than-average 50-mm. flat burrs. Kang does note that the machine only has a small dial to change the grind setting and a tiny button on the bottom to start the grinder without any timers. But he also says that doesn’t matter — in the end, “the beans will be ground more consistently, resulting in better-tasting coffee.” This grinder certainly makes some noise, but as you can see in this video, it’s quite a reasonable level — especially for this price point, as the pro testing it points out.
$209 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Buy
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
$299
Burr | Quiet | $$
When it came out a little over a year ago, Fellow’s Ode grinder was all the buzz among professional and amateur baristas alike — so much so that it prompted associate editor Louis Cheslaw to try it out and write an extremely favorable review, noting in particular that at its very loudest, the grinder sounds “like crumpling up a newspaper. ”
But its appeal goes beyond noise control. The Ode combines fast, consistent, and typically commercial-grade flat-burr grinding technology with a compact size and the thoughtful design details that Fellow’s other tea and coffee products are known for (here at the Strategist, we’re particularly fond of the company’s electric kettle). “They really thought about every detail,” says Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco. “The dial that adjusts the grind size is very intuitive. The cup that catches the grind is magnetic, so it clicks into position tightly and easily. The machine even has a button that shakes out any residual chaff” — the leftover coffee skins that mostly come off during roasting but usually not all the way — “into the cup instead of blowing them out onto your counter, which happens with other grinders. ” (For what it’s worth, when I checked back in with Cheslaw, he noted that he did sometimes find excess grounds on his counter but that he might have misunderstood the correct button — and, regardless, that it’s a “small price for quieter grinding.”)
$299 at Amazon
Buy
$299 at Nordstrom
Buy
Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder With Integrated Scale
$300 now 20% off
$240
Burr | Loud | $$
Schlader loves this Oxo grinder for a number of reasons, but chief among them is its “built-in intelligent scale” — which means you won’t lose extra money or counter space buying a separate one. The feature “simplifies the process of grinding coffee for your average home brewer and cuts down on equipment,” he says. Enter the number of cups you’re going to brew and your preferred coarseness for whatever coffee-making method you employ, and the grinder spits out exactly what you need. “It’s an incredibly thoughtful product,” he says.
Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder With Digital Timer Display
$250
Burr | Loud | $$
If you’re looking for a grinder with a timer (or if you’d just like a general step up from the Baratza Encore), four of our baristas praised this model. You can set it to grind for a specific time, turn it on, walk away, and come back to beans that are never overground. (The Encore, by contrast, must be stopped and started manually.) Ricardo says it’s fast and relatively quiet.
La Marzocco Lux D Coffee Grinder
$995
$995
Burr | Loud | $$$$
The grinder is on the pricier side, but according to Morrison, it’s worth it. “Most grinders claim they can get a fine-enough consistency for espresso,” he says, “but that’s just not true.” The Marzocco, on the other hand, was made specifically for espresso and espresso alone. It’s high-quality enough to be used in many coffee shops but is still a good investment at home if you’re a serious espresso drinker. “For espresso preparation, a mediocre grind is a nonstarter,” says Morrison.
Niche Zero Coffee Grinder
$570
$570
Burr | Quiet | $$$
Several times a year, Cary Wong, a member of the Partners Coffee education team, attends trade shows to try lots of new products. This grinder left such a lasting impression that he still recommends it years later. The Niche Zero is a stepless grinder, which means you have infinite grind-size settings as opposed to having to choose from predetermined ones. That feature, Wong says, “really allows you to grind fine enough coffee to make great espresso.” While it’s only single dose, that makes its footprint smaller than most — ideal for if you have limited counter space or want to store it in a cabinet. “I also love that it comes with a nice dosing cup with a perfect size for your portafilter,” Wong says, “which makes it easy and allows for no mess.” Other pluses he points out are its sleek design, well-built construction, and the fact that it’s quiet, “perfect for early-morning coffee drinkers.”
[Editor’s note: The Niche Zero is priced in pounds, so the price shown is an approximate conversion to U.S. dollars.]
$570 at Niche
Buy
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Bean Grinder in Silver
$319
Burr | Loud | $$
Jamie McCormick, co-owner of the East Village coffee shop Abraço, swears by this KitchenAid model. “It grinds at an insanely consistent particle size, right up there with my shop’s Mahlkonig EK,” a commercial coffee grinder that costs over $2,500. In addition to the top-notch technicals, it’s “very sturdy.” How does he know? It still works fine after being dropped on a concrete floor at the roastery about five years ago. “It looks totaled and unusable, but it still purrs, no problem,” he says. One potential downside to take into consideration, according to McCormick: “It is loud and sounds like the machine it is.” Naama Shefi, founder of Jewish Food Society, also calls this model “strong,” using it every day — sometimes multiple times a day — to brew coffee in her moka pot.
$319 at Amazon
Buy
$319 at Amazon
Buy
Smeg Coffee Grinder
$330
$330
Burr | Quiet | $$
Smeg makes many particularly attractive, retro-style appliances (we’re talking everything from refrigerators to toasters). And while we would never urge you to buy something just for looks, Kang says its coffee grinder is super solid, the one he has been using nearly every day at home for the last year and a half. Kang owns it in pastel green, which he says “looks really adorable with its 1950s design.” But he also points out that the grind consistency is good, the container captures most of the coffee dust, it’s easy to dose a specific amount, and the hopper is big enough for almost a pound of beans.
Baratza Forte BG Commercial Coffee Grinder
$900
Photo: retailer
Burr | Quiet | $$$$
If you are in fact ready to take the plunge on the very high end of the coffee-grinder spectrum, it doesn’t get much better than the Baratza Forte BG. The word commercial in the name is an indicator; it’s intended for extensive daily use in restaurants and cafés. For one, it’s virtually silent. For another, “the grind-by-weight feature is incredible,” says Reagan Petrehn, specialty coffee consultant and former branding lead of Felix Roasting Co. Petrehn adds that he loves its capabilities across the board, which allow him to use it “both for espresso and pour-over” and change his grind settings as he goes.
$900 at Amazon
Buy
$900 at Amazon
Buy
Porlex Mini Grinder II
$84
$84
Burr | Quiet | $
In an entirely different category are manual grinders. The Porlex — an updated version of one that a couple of our experts noted was great — features the same burr-grinding method as the electric models on this list, but you have to do the work yourself. Although it may sound strange to take a technological step backward, manual grinders have plenty of fans. “It’s great to travel with or to gift someone if you don’t want to assume anything about the setup of their kitchen,” says Caroline Bell, owner of Cafe Grumpy in New York City. “It’s easy to adjust, and the grind size is really consistent.” I think this would be a good pick for someone who doesn’t make coffee every single day.
$84 at Blue Bottle
Buy
$71 at Porlex
Buy
A coffee grinder with over 5,500 five-star Amazon ratings
Buy at Amazon
A cheap grinder from an expert-approved brand
Buy at Amazon
The grinder Brad Leone of 'Bon Appétit' swears by
$200
$350 now 43% off
• Caroline Bell, owner of Cafe Grumpy
• Louis Cheslaw, Strategist associate editor
• Elliott Foos, director of coffee at Daymoves
• Matthew Kang, editor of Eater LA
• Joanna Lareau, cafe manager at Stumptown Coffee
• Jamie McCormick, co-owner of Abraço
• Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee
• Reagan Petrehn, specialty coffee consultant
• Will Pratt, owner and founder of Tandem Coffee Roasters
• Humberto Ricardo, founder of Third Rail Coffee
• Paul Schlader, owner of Birch Coffee
• Naama Shefi, founder of Jewish Food Society
• Cary Wong, member of the Partners Coffee education team
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10 Best Coffee Grinders (2022): Conical Burr, Flat Burr, Manual, Blade
Jaina Grey Scott Gilbertson
Gear
Get more joy from your java. These conical-burr, flat-burr, and bladed machines let you enjoy freshly ground beans in every cup.
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Featured in this articleWhat Is a Conical, Flat, or Blade Grinder?
Why We Prefer the Burr
Read more
Best for Most People
Oxo Conical Burr Grinder
Read more$100 at Target
Best Conical Burr Grinder
Baratza Encore Burr Grinder
Read more$170 at Amazon
The Best Grinder, Period
Eureka Mignon Notte
Read more$329 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Show more
4 / 14
It's all in the beans. Nothing will improve your morning coffee like grinding the beans right before you brew. It doesn't matter whether you're rocking a fancy liquid-cooled-quantum-AI-powered espresso machine or a $20 Mr. Coffee—making the switch to whole beans will transform your coffee-drinking experience.
We have some advice on finding good whole beans at the end of this article, and you might want to read our guide to the best coffee bean subscription services. Then, once you have your beans, it's time to grind 'em up fresh each day. Here's our guide to the best coffee grinders.
Also, be sure to check out our other coffee gear roundups, like the Best Latte and Cappuccino Machines, Best Portable Coffee Makers, Best Espresso Machines, and Best Portable Espresso Makers.
Updated August 2022: We’ve added the Eureka Mignon Notte and KitchenAid blade grinder.
What Is a Conical, Flat, or Blade Grinder?
Why We Prefer the Burr
Our list consists mostly of conical-burr grinders. In a conical grinder, coffee beans are crushed and ground between two rings of burrs. They deliver a finer, much more consistent grind than you’d get with a traditional blade grinder, even the nicest ones.
Flat-burr grinders are similar, but they’re typically more expensive. In these, the burrs are laid on top of each other, and the beans pass through them as they grind. The grinder action pushes the grounds out of one end, instead of relying on gravity like a conical burr grinder, and the beans spend more time in contact with the burrs. This results in a more consistent grind, but for home brewers, conical-burr grinders are just as good—even if they require more maintenance and don’t result in consistent-down-to-the-micron-scale grounds.
Blade grinders have a chopping blade that spins around like a food processor. But blades don't produce even results. Some of your coffee will be fine powder at the bottom, and at the top you'll have bits too large for even French press. The result is an inconsistent, unpredictable brew. These grinders are cheap, and yes, using fresh beans in a blade grinder is far better than buying ground coffee. (You can learn how to shake the beans to even your grind just a little. See world barista champion James Hoffmann's video for some more blade grinder hacks.)
If you can afford it, we highly recommend going with one of the burr grinders we've listed. There's a reason why they cost a little more than a budget burr grinder. The machinery in a high-quality burr grinder is a bit more complicated, and it's built to withstand greater wear and tear. In cheap burr grinders, the burrs will typically get blunt from regular use, and the flimsier motors may burn out with regular use in a matter of months.
Photograph: Oxo
Best for Most People
Oxo Conical Burr Grinder
Oxo's Brew grinder has a good balance of features, usefulness, and relatively low price among the electric grinders we've used. It's a conical burr grinder, so it gives you the precision for most types of brewing. There are 15 settings, covering every brewing scenario from finely ground espresso to coarse-ground that’s perfect for a French press. Its slim, narrow profile doesn't hog counter space—though it is 16 inches tall and may be a tight fit under the cabinets. (Remember, you need some clearance to take the lid off and pour in beans.) It's not silent by any means, but it's not too loud, and it grinds quickly.
We've used this grinder daily for more than a year, and it's held up well! If you've never had a burr grinder and want to see what all the fuss is about without breaking the bank, this is where you should start. But be careful, you will end up drinking more coffee because it tastes so good when it's burr-ground. Avoid the equally popular Cuisinart burr grinder ($60). Members of our reviews team have purchased and tested this Cuisinart model at least three times because of its low price. It was loud, the grind wasn't as even as we wanted, and the motor gave out on all of our units (which we purchased years apart) after a month or two.
$100 at Target
$100 at Amazon
$100 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Photograph: Amazon
Best Conical Burr Grinder
Baratza Encore Burr Grinder
There’s a good reason the Baratza Encore’s been unchanged on the market for over a decade. While coffee culture can often seem elitist and uninviting, this conical burr grinder is more accessible and less expensive than most quality grinders. There are 40 settings, from a fine grind for espresso all the way to a coarse grind for French press. However, if drip coffee is your life’s blood like it is mine, you’ll want to stick with a medium setting of around 20. It's simple to operate, features an automatic shutoff timer, and doesn't hog counter space. (It's about 14 inches tall, so check the specs against your kitchen.)
The Baratza Encore is also easily cleanable and repairable. No tools are required to take the machine apart, and replacement parts are easy to obtain. Plus, there’s a one-year limited warranty. The Encore has a bigger, beefier cousin, the Encore Vario-W, but for most people the Encore is a much better pick. The Vario-W does include a scale, and it has flat burrs, but at over $500 it doesn't do much to justify that price. —Haley Sprankle
$170 at Amazon
$170 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Most Popular
Photograph: Eureka
The Best Grinder, Period
Eureka Mignon Notte
Hand-built in Florence, Italy, the Eureka Mignon Notte is the best grinder we've ever tested. It's built from top to bottom with longevity in mind. You can disassemble it to service its robust inner machinery, clean the burrs, and troubleshoot any issues you might be having. Moreover, the chassis is built like a tank, and unlike most grinders, it's made almost entirely of steel. Servicing a heavy-duty machine like a burr grinder encased in flimsy plastic can be a huge pain—and sometimes impossible without breaking something.
Burr grinders will always run into problems. They break up oily beans into fine powders, so there's going to be some buildup, somewhere. The Mignon Notte is one of the first burr grinders that I feel confident might actually outlast me. Plus, it grinds coffee to perfection in a matter of seconds, no matter how fine or coarse you want it, and it costs hundreds less than most flat-burr grinders.
$329 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Photograph: KitchenAid
Best Blade Grinder
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder
A burr grinder will get you noticeably tastier coffee, but there's nothing wrong with a plain old blade grinder. If you're just grinding coffee for a drip machine, French press, or pour-over, a blade grinder will do just fine in most cases. My personal favorite has been this KitchenAid that I picked up on Amazon a few years back. It's sturdy, and it has a little removable cup so you don't have to invert the whole grinder over your coffee machine to empty out the grounds. But most importantly, it gets the job done. Add in fresh, locally roasted beans and you'll be in for a killer cup of coffee.
Pro tip: If you pulse it instead of holding it down for one long grind, you'll get a more consistent grind, and you won't end up with as many nearly whole beans floating at the top of your coffee filter. More consistent grind = more flavor in your cup.
$30 at Amazon
Photograph: Fellow
Best for Pour-Over & Drip Coffee
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
The Ode Brew Grinder only grinds coffee coarse enough for pour-over, drip, or French press brewing, but it's a great grinder. Its flat burrs produce a super consistent grind that really elevates a good pour-over. It's also nice to look at and is built from solid metal, like a tank. The Ode thoroughly, speedily, and relatively quietly grinds your coffee beans. We recommend it if you’re looking to raise your coffee game at home but aren't interested in making espresso.
$299 at Amazon
$300 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Most Popular
Photograph: Breville
Easy to Clean
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
We have killed quite a few burr grinders in our day. They can be hard to keep clean, hard to maintain, and most of the ones you’ll find under $80 aren’t going to live very long no matter how well you look after them. The motors burn out, the burrs get worn down, coffee dust builds up in places you can’t get to—being a burr grinder is a hard life.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is one of the best I’ve used. It has all kinds of helpful features like a grind timer and adjustable dose control, and attachments that let you settle a portafilter in right under the spout where the grounds come out. The standout feature for me is its cleanability. You can easily disassemble the hopper, get access to the burrs, and pull out the spill tray under the spout—it’s amazing for keeping a burr grinder in working order.
★ Alternative: The KitchenAid Burr Grinder ($170) is also very stylish and easy to clean. The burrs are just a bit more accessible thanks to their placement directly beneath the hopper. It also features precise dose control and a dial controlling the consistency of the grind (with helpful guidelines for different kinds of coffee preparation). Plus, you can swap the little container that catches the grounds with a holder for a portafilter—which makes it super easy to grind exactly how much you need and not a single bean more.
$182 at Amazon
$200 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Photograph: Oxo
Best Grinder With a Scale
Oxo Burr Grinder with Scale
Making great coffee is all about starting with fresh roasted beans, getting them to just the right grind, and adding hot water. Making great coffee consistently is all about measuring your variables, and adjusting one at a time. One key variable is the weight of grounds you use, and this Oxo model is one of the only grinders with a built-in scale. Set your grind size, select the weight you want, hit Start, and walk away; it shuts itself off when it's done. You could use a kitchen scale to weigh your beans, but this is a nice way to streamline your morning ritual, especially if counterspace is at a premium. Be warned though, it does have a tendency to cast off a few grounds here or there when you open the little grounds container, so make sure you sweep your counter regularly.
$278 at Amazon
$300 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Photograph: Amazon
Best Manual Coffee Grinder
Hario Skerton Pro
WIRED senior reviewer Scott Gilbertson prefers to hand-grind his coffee, and he's tried half a dozen manual grinders. The Skerton Pro is far and away his favorite. It's fast, taking less than two minutes to grind out the half cup of fine grounds for my moka pot—and the burr design produces a consistent, fine grind. Note that we said “fine.” This is not the best choice for French press brewing, because the Skerton Pro is just not consistent enough at coarse grinds.
On the downside, the silicone grip constantly falls off. (Scott threw his away, as it didn't do much anyway.) On the upside, the threads on the grinder portion are standard, so if anything happens to the glass jar you can just use a regular Ball mason jar.
$38 at Amazon
$50 at Blue Bottle Coffee
Most Popular
Photograph: Amazon
Best Grinder for Traveling
Hario Mini Slim Plus
This smaller Hario is the first hand grinder that senior reviewer Scott Gilbertson ever used. It's perfect for a shot of espresso or even a small moka pot. It doesn't grind as fast as the Skerton, but it's much lighter and safer to throw in your bag when you travel, thanks to the plastic construction. There's also the slightly larger and more expensive Mini Slim Pro. Grind-wise, the Mini Slim is about the same, but he doesn't like it as much, because you can't see how much coffee you've ground.
$32 at Amazon
$40 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Photograph: VSSL
Sturdiest Grinder
VSSL Java Grinder
VSSL started life making ultra-durable camping tools—waterproof canisters with flashlights, compasses, first aid kits, and more. Recently the company took that same design—a slender tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum—and turned it into the Java, a portable coffee grinder rugged enough to survive the zombie apocalypse, or a bumpy ride to your favorite campsite.
Senior reviewer Scott Gilbertson loves everything about the Java. It's incredibly well made, yet (relatively) lightweight. The handle is clever. It folds out and provides a lot of leverage while you grind, and you can use it as a hook to hang the Java up when you're done. The setup produces a nice even grind, covering the full spectrum of brew possibilities, from French-press coarse to espresso-fine.
At roughly 14 ounces, you wouldn't bring it backpacking, but it's great for grinding fresh beans while camping. The Java isn't cheap, but if you do a lot of camping and want a grinder that's going to last a lifetime, this one fits the bill.
$160 at VSSL
Photograph: Fellow
A Place to Store Your Beans
Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister
It's easy to overlook bean storage, especially if you go through coffee pretty quickly. But during months of testing, I can say definitively that a vacuum container preserves the delicate flavors of locally roasted coffee much longer than the bag they came in does. The Atmos Vacuum Container is my hands-down favorite, and every single bag of coffee I get goes right into one as soon as I bring it home from the store. By using a twist-action pump on the lid to vacate the container of any air, the Atmos effectively puts your beans into stasis. Without air, there are fewer passive chemical reactions going on that break down those roasty toasty flavors before you can get to them.
$40 at Fellow
$40 at Williams Sonoma
Most Popular
Photograph: Ozeri
A Scale for Weighing Your Beans
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Food Scale
Ok. I admit, I was one of those people who was vehemently against weighing out my beans for each cup. I thought it was bougie and unnecessary—until I tried it. I bought the Ozeri food scale for weighing out baking ingredients, and one day I used it for coffee and really enjoyed the results. By weighing out exactly how many grams of whole coffee beans I'm going to use, I can achieve a level of consistency that's hard to beat. A scale is a must-have if you're trying to troubleshoot or explore the differences you experience in your coffee from cup to cup.
Whether you're using a drip brewer, an espresso machine, or a pour-over setup, weighing out your beans before you grind them is a wonderful way to ensure you're only grinding exactly what you need (which reduces waste). It's been especially helpful in my home, which drinks a lot of standard and decaf coffee. My partner is sensitive to caffeine, so we like to make sure there aren't any caffeinated beans left in the grinder before grinding her decaf. Weighing the beans for each cup (or pot if you're using a drip brewer) makes it super easy to control which beans are going into which cup. Plus, I guarantee you'll find more uses for this food scale than you ever expected.
$10 at Amazon
$10 at Walmart
Buy Fresh Beans (You Won't Regret It)
Where to Find Whole Beans
Whole beans will always taste fresher than preground, but the fresher they actually are, the more delicious they may taste. We suggest visiting your local coffee roaster. Just Google “coffee roasters near me” and I guarantee you’ll find something nearby. Your local grocery store probably even stocks locally roasted beans.
Look for bags of whole beans with dates printed on them. (That’s when they were roasted, and you’ll usually only find those on local brands. ) If you don't have any coffee roasters in your area, you can order some quality beans online.
If you're unsure which variety of coffee to get, again, check our guide to the best subscription coffee services. These services send you new beans to try every few weeks.
Jaina Grey is a product reviewer at WIRED, covering all those devices that make your life easier—and sometimes much more difficult. Since her first byline in Dragon Magazine to her more recent work at Digital Trends, she’s covered a little bit of everything, from crime, courts, and patent filings to... Read more
Scott Gilbertson is a senior writer and reviewer for WIRED, specializing in portable technology. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED's Webmonkey.com, covering the browser wars, web standards, the independent web, and all aspects of internet culture. He studied at the University of Georgia.
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The coffee grinder is a special kitchen appliance that lovers of freshly brewed coffee will appreciate. If the beans have just been ground, the coffee will have a pleasant taste and aroma. There are quite a few varieties of coffee grinders - they are mechanical, but they are being replaced by electrical products.
Summary of rating: (hide/show)
How to choose a good coffee grinder?
At first glance, it may seem that choosing a coffee grinder is as easy as shelling pears - just go to a hardware store and purchase a product that is affordable and has a beautiful appearance. Some housewives use blenders instead of such an apparatus, but it is better not to do this, since the grains can greatly dull the blades, and besides, it is unlikely that you will be able to get fine grinding.
Today, it is impossible to say exactly which company produces the best coffee grinders in the world, since many enterprises produce high-quality devices. There are a lot of criteria for choosing a coffee grinder:
- Equipment capacity;
- Number of operating modes;
- Availability of security systems;
- The material from which the working container is made, the body of the structure, and so on;
- Odor free.
We analyzed a lot of customer opinions, based on which we compiled this ranking of the top 10 coffee grinders in 2022. We hope that after reading our article, you will be able to make your choice much easier and faster and purchase the most suitable coffee grinder that will serve faithfully for a long time.
List of the best models of coffee grinders
10. Bosch TSM6A011W
In order for coffee beans to retain their pleasant taste and aroma for the longest possible time, they are advised to finely grind them immediately before brewing. It is very convenient to use this equipment. High quality knives are installed here. They are made from special food grade stainless steel and have a self-sharpening design. With their help, you can achieve effective uniform and fine grinding. The degree of grinding is regulated by the duration of the coffee grinder itself and the amount of product loaded. Up to 75 grams of coffee beans can be placed in the container of the product - this amount is enough for several servings at once.
The coffee grinder is quite suitable for grinding and grinding spices, you can also make powdered sugar here. Turning on the device unintentionally will not work, because the device starts working only if the lid is closed. The manufacturer recommends using the design for no more than 30 seconds. If the coffee grinder overheats, a special protection system will work.
Advantages:
- Very stylish appearance;
- Can handle various types of bulk solids;
- There is a reliable protection against injury.
Disadvantages:
- The motor is weak and overheats quickly.
Coffee grinder Bosch TSM6A011W
9. AKSINYA KS-602
The electrical design is characterized by a fairly high power. This allows this model to cope with the assigned tasks in the shortest possible time. The knife is made of steel, does not become dull during the entire period of operation. It effectively copes with any variety of bulk products. Coffee beans are ground quickly and very high quality. The design of the case is complemented by rubberized legs, due to which the stability of the device is increased, regardless of the type of surface. The case itself is made of durable plastic with a matte finish. Dust and other contaminants will not accumulate on the surface. The coffee grinder fits perfectly into any kitchen interior.
The device can grind up to one hundred grams of grains in one go. The knife does not oxidize during operation, does not emit harmful compounds during operation, which could harm human health or in some way adversely affect the quality or taste of the drink. It will not be possible to start the grinder motor until the lid is closed, as the lock function is activated.
Advantages:
- Very attractive and stylish appearance;
- Decent power figures;
- Reliable and durable electric motor;
- Locking function available;
- The motor is equipped with overheating protection.
Disadvantages:
- The supply cable is not always long enough.
Coffee maker AKSINYA KS-602
8. Polaris PCG 1017
It has an attractive and quite stylish design, the design is equipped with a transparent cover connected with an injury protection system. If it is not installed in its place, then a protective interlock will work, which will prevent the motor from starting. The power of the coffee grinder is 170 W - this indicator is quite enough even for very large coffee beans. In order for the device to grind them faster, it has a pulsed mode.
The grinder holds up to 50 grams. The case is made of high-quality food-grade plastic, painted in a dark pleasant color. Practically does not make noise in the course of work, does not vibrate. The container is small in size, with a full load, the grinding speed is about thirty seconds.
Benefits:
- Conveniently located function buttons;
- High grinding speed;
- Acceptable cost;
- Can be used not only for grains, but also for spices, nuts, sugar and so on;
- Very user friendly.
Disadvantages:
- Grinding is not too even, so that it is relatively uniform, the coffee grinder has to be shaken periodically;
- The bowl is non-removable - it cannot be washed, so you only need to wipe it with dry or damp cloths.
Polaris PCG 1017
7. Kitfort KT-1315
This model can grind up to 60 grams of even the toughest and hardest coffee beans at one time. The manufacturer claims that the device is allowed to be used even for grinding spices of a very different plan. The tank is removable, so it is very convenient to wash it. Despite its compact size and reasonable cost, this device is characterized by advanced functionality. In particular, there is a pulse mode of operation, with which you can quickly and thoroughly grind the contents of the tank. A system of protection against accidental start is provided - until the tank is placed in its place, it will not be possible to start the engine. This technology allows you to fully protect the user from serious cuts.
The machine is very easy to use and easy to maintain. The type of coffee grinder control is mechanical, so it will be possible to figure out the principle of its operation within a few minutes. The grain tank is made of stainless steel with a special coating, which is completely devoid of foreign smell. It is also easy to wash, especially since the knife blade can be removed from the container if necessary. The body of the product is also made of metal, which gives the device additional attractiveness and style. The shape of the coffee grinder resembles a trapezoid, in the lower part you can find ventilation holes for cooling the engine and rubberized legs that will dampen the vibration of the device during operation. The device is characterized by significant power, but it works relatively quietly.
Advantages:
- Removable bowl very easy to clean;
- Well designed system to protect the user from injury;
- Elementary design control;
- Grinding size adjustable by grinding time;
- Can work not only with coffee beans, but also with other products;
- Attractive appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Short supply cable.
Kitfort KT-1315 coffee grinder
6. Polaris PCG 0815A
The power of this coffee grinder is 150W with a maximum bowl capacity of 70 grams. The design provides a pulse mode, which allows for fine grinding. The security system is represented by a start limiter, which does not allow the motor to turn on when the lid is open.
The product has an attractive appearance, painted in silver. The case is made of high-quality food stainless steel. Grinding is carried out by a rotary knife, also made of stainless steel.
Advantages:
- Beautiful appearance;
- Robust and well built metal housing;
- Good security system.
Faults:
- Lid sticks intermittently;
- The finished product is not easy to pour out;
- Stickers that spoil the appearance and are also quite problematic to remove.
Polaris PCG 0815A
5. BRAYER 1170BR
110 W electric household appliances, ideal for handling bulk products, coffee beans, sugar. Operates on standard power supply. The case is made of high quality plastic, characterized by increased strength. The device has a very stylish appearance, it will become a real decoration in any kitchen, regardless of the style in which the room is decorated. The design includes two compartments. Grinding is carried out not with the usual knife, but with real millstones. There is a special lever on the body that is responsible for grinding - you can choose a large or small option.
There is also a dispenser with which you can grind or dispense the required amount of coffee. A maximum of 100 grams of coffee is ground at a time. To prepare one cup of espresso, you need only 15 grams of food. The pulse mode of operation of the product allows you to additionally protect the motor from overheating and increases the period of operation of the device.
Benefits:
- Stylish appearance;
- Excellent build quality;
- Millstones are used instead of a knife;
- Grinding fineness adjustable;
- Pulse mode;
- There is a reliable protection against overheating.
Disadvantages:
- Some users believe that this machine turned out to be oversized for a coffee grinder.
BRAYER 1170BR coffee grinder
4. De Longhi KG 89
This is the first burr type design featured in our roundup of the best coffee grinders. With its help, you can grind a significant amount of grains. It has a beautiful appearance, which organically combines metal elements, black and translucent plastic, has a backlit device power button.
The device is controlled by two mechanical regulators and one button. The maximum capacity is 120 g, the power cable is 0.6 m long.
Easily remove lid and container, so they can be easily washed under running water without fear of contact with electrical components and causing a short circuit. Mechanical rotary knobs allow you to select the portion, as well as the grinding level. The maximum continuous operation of the device is 60 seconds, which is enough to make coffee for 12 cups.
Benefits:
- Easy to use;
- Large number of grinding options;
- Nice looking;
- Reasonable price
Drawbacks:
- Difficult to clean;
- Ground coffee often spills out
De Longhi KG 89
3. Kitfort KT-717
This grinder is equipped with flat burrs. They are made from the highest quality alloy steel. Such a solution does not allow the device not to overheat, the taste of coffee is just perfect. Up to 230 grams can be placed in the bean tank, the ground coffee container is designed for 100 g. All containers can be easily removed if necessary, they are easy to wash, they can even be placed in the dishwasher. The degree of grinding is adjustable if necessary, thanks to this function, you can ensure the optimal texture of coffee for preparing a drink in a coffee maker, French press or cezve.
After the end of the work, the device switches itself off. The maximum continuous operation time can reach 5 minutes. If the coffee grinder still overheats, then the protective thermostat will work. It will stop the engine and prevent it from failing. The design is disassembled, the millstones can be cleaned with a special brush that comes with the machine. Rubberized feet reduce vibration and prevent the device from sliding or jumping on the surface.
Benefits:
- Several grinding levels available;
- One cycle can grind up to 15 cups of coffee;
- Easy to use;
- Well thought out ergonomics;
- Although the motor is powerful, it runs almost silently;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Fits perfectly into the interior of the room.
Faults:
- The bowl is prone to static electricity.
Coffee grinder Kitfort KT-717
Available in several colors - green, burgundy, orange, milk and so on. The products are characterized by a high level of engine power, which allows you to quickly and efficiently work not only with coffee beans, but also with various spices. The case is made of stainless steel and plastic, looks quite bright and attractive - it will fit well into any kitchen interior. The cover of the device is securely held in place thanks to a reliable lock: the user can be completely sure that it will not fly off during the operation of the device. When developing the device, it was decided to equip the device with a convenient removable container, and it can also be used to store ground coffee.
The device has rubberized feet. The case has a special compartment for the power cord, which can significantly save space when storing the device. A self-sharpening knife made of stainless steel is used here as the main moving element. It has no foreign odors. The power of the electric motor is 250 W - enough for thorough grinding of grains. In one cycle of work, up to 75 grams of grains can be processed. There is a special pump for pumping air out of the bowl so that ground coffee does not scatter throughout the volume, but is concentrated in the area of \u200b\u200bthe knife.
Advantages:
- Many products can be handled;
- Runs as loud as a blender;
- Stylish housing made of stainless steel and plastic parts;
- Odorless self-sharpening knife available;
- Wire storage compartment included.
Disadvantages:
- Vacuuming is only possible temporarily.
Oursson OG2075
1. Bosch MKM 6000
The leader of our top coffee grinders, developed by German specialists. The device has a cylindrical shape, under the body there is an engine that drives the main shaft. In the upper part of the body there is a bowl with a rotary knife made of stainless steel.
The device is equipped with a convenient transparent lid made of high quality plastic. There is a start button on the side. Inside the bowl there is a slight slope, due to which it is possible to ensure uniform grinding. Medium power motor - 180 watts.
Benefits:
- Good capacity - bowl volume 75 grams;
- The design is quite simple and reliable;
- It has a high degree of protection against unintentional start;
- Acceptable cost.
Disadvantages:
- No grind setting, otherwise perfect for home use.
Bosch MKM 6000
Final video
We hope that our review of the best coffee grinders for home will help you decide on a quality product. You can express your opinion on the presented rating, as well as on the models that we reviewed here, in the comments to this article.
How to choose a grinder
We have already explained why a grinder is more important than a coffee machine for making coffee. Grinding directly affects the extraction, and hence the purity and balance of the drink. Choosing a good coffee grinder is not easy: you need to decide on the type of burrs, their material, diameter and purpose. We have compiled a guide to help you get through this path faster.
The text deals with automatic coffee grinders for home and professional use, such as coffee shops. We will not consider manual coffee grinders in the framework of this article, however, much of what is written below is also true for them.
Why the grinder is so important
The main task of the grinder is to grind the most homogeneous coffee, in which all particles are as close to each other as possible in size.
If the fractions in the grinding are very different in size, then water will dissolve more substances from small particles, and less from large particles. As a result, we will get both under- and over-extracted, unbalanced and tasteless cup.
The ability to grind uniform fractions is the most important parameter by which you should choose a coffee grinder. However, do not forget about other characteristics: performance, purpose, ease of use.
So, let's analyze the main differences between coffee grinders.
Type of burrs
The type of burrs determines the uniformity of grinding, as well as the speed of the coffee grinder, the degree of heating and clumping of coffee.
Blade grinders is the simplest type of coffee grinder. They consist of a chamber inside which knives rotate at high speed.
The device is very similar to a blender and is not suitable for any of the preparation methods, because it gives an extremely uneven grinding. We will not dwell on this type of millstones, but simply recall that this is the worst choice for making delicious coffee.
Flat burrs cut grain.
Flat burrs used in the Mahlkoenig EK43 grinder
To do this, they have three types of cutting surfaces. The first stage crushes the grains that enter the path of the coffee grinder. The second grinds large particles of coffee after crushing. The third stage "cuts" the coffee particles to the required fraction, after which the coffee enters either the outlet channel or a special container.
Scheme of operation of flat burrs
Conical burrs break grains more by squeezing rather than cutting.
Conical burrs used in the Mazzer Kony grinder
When the lower burr is rotated, the beans are sent through screw cutouts to a series of teeth. They, in turn, grind the grains to the required size.
Conical burr pattern
The flat burr grinder grinds coffee more evenly than the conical burr grinder.
Green line - Mazzer Super Jolly grinder with flat burrs, red and blue - Mazzer Robur and Macap MXK with conical burrs. The sharper the graph, the more even the grind
What is the difference between flat and conical burrs
On the left is a Mazzer Kony coffee grinder with conical burrs, and on the right is Mahlkoenig K30 with flat burrs
Flat burrs help to make more even coffee, which grinds coffee. However, there is a significant disadvantage: a coffee grinder with flat burrs has a lower performance. The burrs rotate faster, which causes the grind to heat up. Strong heating of the grind leads to several negative consequences: the aroma quickly disappears, the taste deteriorates and the stability of the preparation decreases.
Conical burrs produce a slightly less homogeneous grind. Such a grinder is more barista-friendly when setting up espresso, as the wider range of fractions reduces the influence of the environment on grinding, which means that you will have to adjust the grind less often during the day. Coffee grinders of this type have higher productivity at a millstone rotation speed that is two times lower. As a result, the grinding heats up less.
What materials the burrs are made of
The material of the burrs determines how long the grinder will grind the same quality, as well as the amount of coffee dust in the grind.
Ceramic burrs hardly dull, which means they can last longer. However, it is a brittle material, so there is a risk that the burrs will break if hit by a hard foreign object. In addition, ceramic millstones produce significantly more fine fractions, which means that it is more difficult to get delicious coffee on them.
Ceramic burrs used in the Baratza Vario grinder
The main reason for the popularity of ceramic burrs among machine manufacturers is their relatively low price.
Steel millstones come in different qualities. Over time, metal burrs become blunt, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of the grind, heating of the grind and a decrease in the performance of the coffee grinder. To increase the wear resistance of millstones, they are sometimes coated with titanium or tungsten carbide.
Steel flat burrs inside the coffee grinder Mahlkoenig EK43
These burrs are more expensive, but they will have to be changed much less often: if steel burrs are recommended to be changed every 500–1000 kg, depending on the capacity of the coffee grinder, then coated burrs remain sharp for about 3 times longer.
Should I choose a grinder with steel or ceramic burrs?
We recommend steel burrs over ceramic burrs because the difference in taste is significant.
Burr diameter
Baratza Encore conical burrs on the left, Mazzer Kony burrs on the right
Grinding speed, uniformity and grinding temperature depend on the burr diameter. If the grinders are overheated, the coffee particles will bake in the grinder, resulting in a burnt taste in the cup. Moreover, the barista often has to adjust the grind, because due to the expansion of the metal, the size of the fractions also changes.
Ground coffee residue inside the Mahlkoenig EK43 grinder
The larger the diameter of the burrs, the faster the grinding speed, less chance of overheating the burrs and a more uniform grind.
The diameter of the burrs also influences the clumping of coffee, which has a negative effect on extraction. Clumping is more common on small diameter flat burrs and is less common on conical burrs or large diameter flat burrs.
Which burr size should I use with a coffee grinder?
Depends on how much performance you need. For a home or establishment with a small flow of guests, the diameter of the millstones may be small, but when working on a stream, a large diameter is simply necessary.
Espresso Grinders
Espresso grinders are "sharpened" for fine grinding and often come with a special holder for the holder. These grinders come in two types.
With ground coffee hopper. This hopper is useful if the grinder capacity is not very high, and the flow of guests is high. In this case, you can grind coffee into the hopper in advance and then pour it into the holder in a second.
The blades inside such a hopper, when pouring coffee into the holder, additionally break up lumps in the ground coffee.
The obvious disadvantage is the oxidation of coffee and the instability of preparation, since there will always be different times from grinding to preparation.
Compak K3 grinder with ground coffee hopper
Direct grind into holder. This type of coffee grinder has an obvious advantage: the coffee is ground into each serving and does not oxidize. Often these coffee grinders have a built-in timer that helps to dose the coffee.
However, there are also disadvantages: with a small capacity of the coffee grinder, a standard portion of 18 grams of coffee can be ground up to 15 seconds, which is rather slow. Another disadvantage is the high probability that the grinding will clump.
Direct grinder grinds coffee directly into holder
In most cases, a direct grinder into holder with timer is preferable. If we are talking about a coffee grinder with a small capacity that grinds coffee slowly, then the ground coffee hopper can be convenient.
Coffee grinders for alternative brewing methods
The grinder for alternative brewing is easy to grind coarse beans without coffee dust. They do not have a holder for a holder, but there is a removable hopper for ground coffee or special fasteners for a measuring cup or bag.
Mahlkoenig EK43 grinder for alternative brewing methods
Other things to look out for
Overheat protection. The temperature of the burrs affects the size of the grind, the taste in the cup and the stability of the preparation, so many manufacturers strive to stabilize the temperature of the burrs.
The more the millstones heat up, the more the metal expands, which means that the fractions in the grinding decrease. In addition, very hot millstones "cook" coffee during grinding and it loses some of the flavor, becoming flatter and bitter.
Temperature stability is especially important when preparing espresso, as heating can increase the espresso preparation time by 3-5 seconds, which will greatly affect the taste.
Cooling grid for Mazzer Kony
A grinder with engine or burr coolers prevents these parts from reaching a certain temperature.
In addition to cooling, there are grinders with heated burrs that make it easy to adjust the grind at the start of a shift or after long breaks in brewing.
Nuova Simonelli grinders with burr heating element
If you are making espresso at home, in a restaurant with a small number of guests or using a coffee grinder to brew coffee with alternative methods, then the thermoregulation system is not to worry about. If you have a large flow of guests, it is better to purchase a coffee grinder with burr coolers. If the flow of guests is not stable, but the quality of cooking is of great importance to you, we recommend that you opt for coffee grinders with cooling and heating.
Ground coffee residue inside. In many grinders, a small amount of ground coffee remains in the channel between the burrs and the grinder outlet. This can greatly affect the taste of the drink.
This problem affects coffee grinders with horizontal grinders. After the millstones stop, part of the grinding remains in the channel and does not fall out until the next portion begins to grind. All this time, the remaining coffee oxidizes and inevitably affects the taste of the next cup.
According to our observations, in a Mazzer Kony coffee grinder with conical burrs, about 10 grams of coffee remains in this channel. If you are making coffee from 18 grams, then more than half of the serving is old coffee. We recommend grinding one extra coffee if you have been making coffee for more than an hour. This will help freshen up the grind and make a really tasty cup.
Grinders with inclined or vertical burrs are virtually free from this problem.
Micrometric grind setting on the Mazzer Kony 9 coffee grinder0391
Grind adjustment type. They are divided into two main types: micrometer and step. Micrometric type of adjustment means smooth. With this type of grinding, you can change the grinding by shifting the millstones literally a few microns. The incremental type of adjustment means that the burrs move in set steps. A micrometric grind setting is better for espresso, especially if it's a flat burr grinder.
Cunill Tranquilo Tron grinder step-by-step setting
For an alternative grinder, the type of adjustment is not so important, since a coarse grind is used.
Automatic dosing. Often grinders can be programmed for a specific coffee dosage. This is especially convenient on espresso grinders, but it is not superfluous on filter grinders either.
Mazzer Kony grinder dosing control panel
Dosing usually works on a timer. This is an inexpensive and fairly effective solution, but it also has a significant disadvantage - due to the different density of grains of different varieties, different weights will be ground at the same time.