Recommended coffee grinder
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 $$$$ above $800.
Baratza Encore Electric Grinder
$133 now 11% off
$119
Burr | Loud | $$
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
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.
$66 at Amazon
Buy
$70 at Wayfair
Buy
Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill Grinder
$50
$60 now 17% off
$50
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 | $$
Matthew Kang, editor of Eater L.A., likes the Eureka Mignon even more than the similarly priced Baratza because he says it has better grind consistency. The catch is that it only mills on the coarser end of the spectrum — meaning it’s great for methods like pour-over, French press, and Aeropress, but not espresso. But the grinder is “strong, durable, and powerful,” Kang says, breaking down whole bags of coffee at a time with its bigger-than-average 50-mm. flat burrs. Kang does note that the machine only has a small dial to change the grind setting and a tiny button on the bottom to start the grinder without any timers. But he also says that doesn’t matter — in the end, “the beans will be ground more consistently, resulting in better-tasting coffee.” This grinder certainly makes some noise, but as you can see in this video, it’s quite a reasonable level — especially for this price point, as the pro testing it points out.
$209 at Seattle Coffee Gear
Buy
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
$299 now 15% off
$255
Burr | Quiet | $$
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.”)
$255 at Amazon
Buy
$255 at Nordstrom
Buy
Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder With Integrated Scale
$300
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 now 6% off
$300
Burr | Loud | $$
Jamie McCormick, co-owner of the East Village coffee shop Abraço, swears by this KitchenAid model. “It grinds at an insanely consistent particle size, right up there with my shop’s Mahlkonig EK,” a commercial coffee grinder that costs over $2,500. In addition to the top-notch technicals, it’s “very sturdy.” How does he know? It still works fine after being dropped on a concrete floor at the roastery about five years ago. “It looks totaled and unusable, but it still purrs, no problem,” he says. One potential downside to take into consideration, according to McCormick: “It is loud and sounds like the machine it is.” Naama Shefi, founder of Jewish Food Society, also calls this model “strong,” using it every day — sometimes multiple times a day — to brew coffee in her moka pot.
$300 at Amazon
Buy
$300 at Amazon
Buy
Smeg Coffee Grinder
$330
$330
Burr | Quiet | $$
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
$84 at Porlex
Buy
A coffee grinder with over 5,500 five-star Amazon ratings
$50
$59 now 15% off
Buy at Amazon
A cheap grinder from an expert-approved brand
$28
$43 now 35% off
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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Best coffee grinder 2023 for the freshest-tasting coffee
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
Determining the best coffee grinder was no easy task. We spent days comparing the results from top burr grinders from Smeg, Fellow, Breville, IZpresso, and other top brands to bring you our ultimate ranking.
While it is possible to pick up pre-ground coffee, true coffee lovers will instantly notice the difference when grinding their beans at home. Coffee starts to degrade 15 minutes after you put it through the grinder, so if you want to enjoy specialist coffee at its very best, this is the one investment that will bring out all the delicious flavors of every bean you try.
We tested these coffee makers alongside some of the best coffee makers on the market, including drip coffee makers and espresso machines.
Best coffee grinder: the top 8, ranked
Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
1. Fellow Ode Coffee Grinder
The best coffee grinder, overall
Specifications
Size: 4. 57 x 14.61 x 8.78 inches
Capacity: 80 grams
Settings: 31
Warranty: 1 year
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Chic and sturdy build
+
Flat burrs create flavorful coffee
+
Works wonders on pour-over coffee
+
Very quiet and user-friendly
Reasons to avoid
-
Won't do espresso
The Fellow Ode is the most expensive option in this guide, but in our taste-testing, it came out on top in a big way. As the only grinder in this lineup with flat burrs, it’s designed to give a brighter flavor, but won’t always deliver a rich, full-bodied brew.
This weighty coffee grinder is impressively compact. It’s designed to grind single servings at a time, so the hopper is on the small side. Grinding was whisper-quiet and pretty speedy, and with only half-gram retention we experienced minimal loss of our specialist beans. There is also a clearance trigger that will shift any excess grounds stuck inside the unit of the grinder, which is a really nice touch.
Since our initial testing, Fellow has released its Gen 2 , with increased grind capacity (100 grams) making it more useful for those of us who brew several cups at once, a new bin-loading design, new anti-static technology for less grind mess, and of course, upgrade burr grinders.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
2. 1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Coffee Grinder
The best manual grinder
Specifications
Size: 8.54 x 6.57 x 2.95 inches
Settings: over 200
Capacity: 35g
Warranty: 1 year
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Compact and cordless
+
No heat produced in grinding
+
Very consistent results
Reasons to avoid
-
Takes a bit of muscle
As the only non-electric grinder in our panel testing, the 1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Coffee Grinder does have the disadvantage of requiring a little arm strength to get it going, especially if you’re making espresso-ready grounds. Because it grinds a lot slower than electrical alternatives, there is very little heat created in this grinding process, which means your coffee won’t be degraded as it’s processed.
It’s a compact option, so if you lack counter space this hand-burr grinder will work well in your home. When we sifted our ground coffee we were struck by the consistency of this grind, with no major boulders and few fine pieces. You can also use it anywhere, whether that’s in the office or on vacation. Our coffee had excellent long-lasting complexity and worked particularly well for drip coffee.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
3. KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder
Best for fuss-free grinding
Specifications
Size: 5 x 8.25 x 15 inches
Settings: 70
Warranty: 1 year
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
User-friendly design
+
Excellent repeatability
+
Anti-static materials
+
Spring-loaded base
+
Can grind directly into a portofilter
Reasons to avoid
-
Takes up a lot of space
Not well-known among coffee enthusiasts, this KitchenAid Coffee Grinder was a really big surprise. It comes out on top for user experience, with micro-steps that are numbered for easy repeatability, and a user-friendly dial that will guide you when choosing the right setting depending on what coffee you’re making.
We enjoyed the spring-loaded base which held the receptacle flat against the dispenser, resulting in absolutely no spillage. Static was also low, meaning we had no trouble working with our finished grounds. We found that this coffee echoed the notes we would expect from a flat burr grinder, and had an impressive grind consistency when we sifted it.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
4. Breville Dose Control Pro Coffee Grinder
Best for espresso
Specifications
Size: 8 x 6 x 13.5 inches
Settings: 60
Capacity: 12 oz.
Warranty: 2 years
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Works well with fine grinds
+
Includes a holder for portafilters
+
Pre-set doses
+
Not too noisy
Reasons to avoid
-
No grounds container makes it messy
Breville is known for making brilliant espresso, but the Dose Control Pro also gave us distinct flavor in our pour-over testing. It comes with a portafilter holder, but no receptacle for other ground types which is a big shame as it resulted in quite a messy process.
The dial on the front has a timer for pre-set doses, and it had just over a half of a gram’s retention which was impressive. In testing we defaulted for the middle setting and adjusted depending on how fine our grind was. This one was a lot finer than the other grinders we tested, suggesting it’s set up to make espresso. If you want to make homemade espresso this one is speedy, quiet, and not too static.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
5. Smeg Coffee Grinder
Best for style
Specifications
Size: 8 x 11 x 18 inches
Settings: 30
Capacity: 12 oz.
Warranty: n/a
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Stylish design
+
Decent consistency
+
Good noise level
+
Low retention
Reasons to avoid
-
Only 30 steps
With the lovable retro design we expect from Smeg, we did wonder if this model puts style before substance. A few of the features have a distinctly plastic finish, and the grounds container does wobble slightly when in the base of the grinder.
When it came to our testing though, there is no denying that this grinder was a delight to use. We experienced no popcorning, no mess, and very little static. We had a couple of boulders, but overall the grind consistency was good. The taste? A well-rounded coffee that really brought out the fruity flavors of our bean.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
6. Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
Best for precise settings
Specifications
Size: 6.3 x 4.7 x 13.8 inches
Settings: 40
Capacity: 5 oz.
Warranty: 1 year
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Very low grind retention
+
Settings from 0 to 40
+
Low static levels
Reasons to avoid
-
Some popcorning
-
Lack of clarity about settings
We expected to be more impressed with the Baratza Encore, a grinder that’s a well-known option for entry-level coffee enthusiasts. The settings go from 0 to 40, so there is no lack of precise options, but we did wish that there was more guidance on which way increased and decreased the grind size. However, once you get past that hurdle, we were able to get the settings we wanted.
This grinder had a very low grind retention, only 0.3 grams, and very little static. It wasn’t the quietest of the day though, and we had some popcorning which meant it took longer to grind single doses. The flavor was a little flat, but we got some brighter middle notes. Our sample was supplied by Coffee Friend , in the UK, and it is widely available in the US.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
7. BODUM Bistro Premium Electric Grinder
Best coffee grinder under $100
Specifications
Size: 7.6 x 7.1 x 12.5 inches
Settings: 12
Capacity: 7.75oz.
Warranty: 2 years
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Good size
+
Glass grounds container
+
Budget-friendly
Reasons to avoid
-
Over a gram retention
-
Quite noisy
The BODUM was quite noisy in our testing, but this neat little grinder performed very well for the price point. We found it best to err on the larger side of medium to get a good pour-over grind, because we had a lot of very fine grounds when we went for the true medium setting. This muddied the overall flavor profile, but the coffee was still very drinkable with a fresh taste and light consistency.
We enjoyed the neat dimensions in this grinder, which still came with a generous hopper for batch grinding. The grinder also included a glass receptacle which kept the process quite mess-free. When we weighed our grounds after grinding though, we had over a gram of retention.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Sowels)
8. Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
Best budget coffee grinder
Specifications
Size: 10.75 x 7.13 x 6 inches
Settings: 18
Capacity: 8 oz.
Warranty: 5 years
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Hopper can hold enough beans for 32 cups
+
Mess-free container
+
Good guarantee
Reasons to avoid
-
High static levels
-
Inconsistent grind results
The Cuisinart is the least expensive of the grinders in our testing, so it did come in with a disadvantage. In the case of this burr mill though, we found that you do get what you pay for. The finish was not sturdy to the touch, with a plastic feel that we didn’t enjoy using. It’s also a noisy grinder, with quite a lot of static.
We experienced some popcorning in this grinder, which is because we single-dosed our testing. It would be best suited to batch grinding. The container slips neatly into the unit which means you’ll not experience much mess with this grinder. It does lack a lid though, so if you do the batch grind, have an airtight container handy.
How we review coffee grinders
We take coffee very, very seriously, so when deciding on the best coffee grinder we decided to compare all of the models we tested in a side-by-side test. There are so many factors that can go into making an amazing cup of joe, so we tried to control as many of these as possible in order to make sure that all of the grinders we tested were on a level footing. You can find out more about how we tested the best coffee grinders, and about how Homes & Gardens reviews.
In our guide, we were keen to feature a wide variety of grinders, but we did stick to burr grinders. This is because burr grinders will always be the best bet when it comes to grinding quality coffee, and some of the models in this guide will cost the same as a high-level blade grinder.
The price of the grinders in this guide ranges from around $60 to over $300, but we were sure to test them fairly and without bias. We carried out a blind taste test for each of the coffees we made in these grinders and found that a few of the grinders we expected to come out on top actually fell below some less-expected options. We considered the quality of the coffee, the user experience including noise levels and the feel of the product, and the mess and retention that came with each model.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Head of ReviewsMillie Fender is Head of Reviews for Future Homes. Formerly our head of everything cooking-related, she feels happiest when she is in the kitchen and has had the opportunity to refine her palate by reviewing dozens of coffee makers.
Millie tested these coffee grinders side-by-side in our test kitchen, but she also used them for a period of time before our official testing day to familiarize herself with each machine and its setup, and consider ease of use. She loves a good cup of coffee but thinks that even the best brew is not worth a counter covered in coffee grounds.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Photographer & Coffee ExpertA self-confessed coffee obsessive, when not behind a camera Philip can be found in his garage roasting on a 1.5kg Turkish Drum roaster, which was used to roast a Colombian Pink Bourbon for this grinder test. Sourced from Osito Coffee importers - this coffee was roasted as an “omni” roast suitable for both filter and espresso brewing.
Philip mostly drinks black coffee which he prepares with an aero press and a hand grinder from 1Zpresso - the JX pro. He also enjoys Mokka pot and Clever dripper. For weekends flat whites are on the menu courtesy of a Sage Dual Boiler and a Niche grinder. Philip also owns grinders from MaCap and Santos and previously Eureka, Mazzer and Anfim.
How to choose a coffee grinder
A range of the equipment and coffee beans we used for our review process were provided by Coffee Friend and Barista & Co. We spoke to Aurimas Vainauskas, the CEO of Coffee Friend, and James Gray, Founder and Coffee Expert at Barista & Co, about how to choose the best coffee grinder for you.
What are the different types of coffee grinders?
Coffee Friend CEO Aurimas Vainauskas told us about the different types of coffee grinders on the market. 'Coffee grinders can be put into several different categories based on a few different features. These are the categories you’re likely to encounter:
Manual coffee grinders vs electric coffee grinders.
Manual coffee grinders are particularly compact, lightweight and mobile. They’re as convenient to use at home as they are to take with you on a trip. Manual tools are perfect for producing small amounts of ground coffee for various coffee makers or ceramic filters. Not to mention that grinding your beans manually can turn into a beloved daily ritual—and that manual grinders are much cheaper than electric ones! Still, if you’re a sworn fan of espresso, an electric coffee grinder is definitely your best bet. Manual grinders aren’t really suited for grinding beans that finely. Using a manual grinding tool, you won’t be able to grind beans straight into a portafilter either, so your coffee won’t be as fresh as it could be. An electric grinder is a much better solution for those who tend to brew larger amounts of coffee too. It’s suited perfectly for espresso makers and coffee machines, as well as various other brewing tools.
Blade grinders vs burr grinders.
Even though blade grinders are still popular nowadays due to their compactness and price, they aren’t really capable of grinding coffee properly. To obtain a consistent grind (and a consistent grind is crucial for a truly delicious, well-balanced brew), you’ll need a burr grinder. There’s no need to throw your old blade grinder out though: use it to grind spices instead!
Grinders with flat burrs vs grinders with conical burrs.
When it comes to burr grinders, they’re divided into two further categories: there are those with flat burrs and those with conical burrs. We can’t really say that one of them is better than the other though. What they do is they unveil different flavors: conical burrs are suited better for traditional espresso (strong and full-bodied), while flat burrs are ideal for the modern take on the classic drink, which is focused on ensuring purity of flavor.
Grinders with ceramic burrs vs grinders with steel burrs.
There’s lots of discussion as to which material is better when it comes to burrs, but, again, there’s no right answer. Just like in the case of conical and flat burrs, what this comes down to is subtle differences in flavor. It’s thought that ceramic burrs produce more coffee dust, which endows the brew with a fuller body and ends up “masking” separate flavors. Steel burrs, on the other hand, result in a more consistent grind and a “cleaner” taste. This is why some people believe that ceramic burrs are suited better for traditional espresso and coffee blends, while steel burrs are perfect for modern espresso, filter coffee and specialty coffee varieties.'
How do burr coffee grinders work?
Barista & Co told us 'a burr coffee grinder is used to achieve a consistent fresh grind and heighten the quality of the brewing experience.
There are two types of burr grinders: flat burr and conical.
Flat burr grinders operate by grinding coffee beans between two serrated flat rings. The serrated edges of the rings face each other and rotate in different directions to generate the motion necessary to grind.
Conical burr grinders work in a similar way but with cone-shaped burrs. Once the coffee bean is inserted into the top of the grinder, it falls into the downward position of the cone whilst ground against a stationary and moving burr. '
Is it better to buy a separate coffee grinder or a machine with a grinder included?
'In terms of ease, convenience, and cost, buying a machine with a grinder included is often the preferred option' said James Gray from Barista & Co.
'However, to maximize the quality and consistency of the grind, we do recommend buying a separate, standalone coffee grinder when possible. This will provide you with complete control over your coffee, enabling the grinder to fully compliment your style of brewing. It is important to do your research surrounding the types of grinders available.
A standalone grinder will keep the beans cool during grinding. If coffee beans get hot, they begin to lose flavor; this is common with built-in grinders located too close to the boiler.'
Aurimas Vainauskas from Coffee Friend had the same to say. 'Thermal stability is key to a delicious cup of coffee, and a grinder located next to the brew group is bound to disrupt it. There’s a third argument here as well: if your in-built grinder breaks down, you’ll probably need to get a new espresso machine, but if this happens to a grinder you’ve bought separately, replacing the grinder will be enough. '
How much should I spend on a coffee grinder?
'Coffee experts are right to call the purchase of a coffee grinder an important investment,' Coffee Friend told us. 'Some of them even say that having a high-quality grinder at home is just as important as finding the right brewing tool for you—if not more so! That’s particularly true of espresso machines: lots of coffee lovers are more than ready to invest in an excellent espresso maker, but they forget to set some time aside for choosing a decent grinder. Grinders absolutely deserve the attention connoisseurs pay them. After all, if your coffee beans haven’t been ground properly, even the finest brewing equipment won’t turn them into a delicious brew!'
Why is grind size important
Grind size can influence the quality of your entire brew. In short, the size of the grind affects brewing speed, which influences flavor extraction. Finer grounds extract flavor fast in contact with water for a shorter time, while coarser grounds extract flavors slower and need to be in contact with water for longer. If the grounds are too coarse, but you're brewing with drip, or super-fast espresso methods, you'll be left with a weak, flavorless coffee.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Preparation Style | Grind Size |
---|---|
Espresso/Turkish Coffee | Extra Fine |
Moka Pot | Fine to Extra Fine |
Drip Coffee Maker | Fine |
Pour Over | Coarse to Medium-Fine |
French Press | Coarse |
Cold Brew | Coarse |
Which coffee grinder is best for espresso?
Based on our tests, the Breville Dose Control Pro Coffee Grinder is best suited for making espresso, as we found it works speedily, and quietly, and doesn't create too much static. It also includes a holder for portafilters.
We also got on with the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder, appreciating its user-friendly design, digital display, and overall great grind consistency.
What coffee grinder is best for French Press?
For complementing the best French press, the magic is found in a consistent and coarser grind. We thought the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder created perfect results for craft coffee methods such as French Press, cold brew, or pour-over. Meanwhile, at half the price, the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder is a great entry-level design with precise settings and minimal static as well, but we had some popcorning which meant it took longer to grind single doses.
Can a coffee grinder grind spices and nuts?
Yes, a coffee grinder can grind spices and nuts, quickly and fine. In any case, you will want to make sure to thoroughly clean before and after to prevent coffee from mixing with spices or nuts and vice versa. We'd typically choose a blade grinder to grind nuts and spices, as opposed to a pricey burr grinder, which is harder and more time-consuming to clean.
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Millie Fender is Head of Reviews on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances, such as the best kettles, and also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Millie loves to bake, so she will take any excuse to review stand mixers and other baking essentials. When she's not putting products through their paces in our dedicated testing kitchen, Millie's reviews are conducted at home, meaning she uses these products in her own day-to-day life.
grinder, grinder, grinder, then, need, skerton, porlex, grinder, difference, users
A good grinder is probably the most important tool in every home coffee bar's assortment. As the popular saying goes: “Before you buy anything, calculate how much you are willing to spend on all the equipment, and put it on a coffee grinder. ” You won't get a good drink without uniform grinding. 99 percent of problems with homemade espresso (bitter taste, lack of cream, too fast extraction) are mostly due to the grinder or lack thereof. nine0003
Not sure how to choose the right one? To begin with, note that the coffee grinder has millstones, not blades. Then make sure these burrs are well adjusted. Finally, choose a coffee grinder based on your goals.
Manual grinders.
For leisurely slow coffee, expensive espresso grinders are useless. A manual coffee grinder will do just fine. Yes, it takes some effort, but it's worth it. Moreover, these efforts are not so titanic: in order to grind 20 grams of coffee, you will need only one minute. Three manufacturers can be distinguished from those recommended by experts and amateurs. All Japanese: Hario, Porlex and Kyocera. Everyone has two options for coffee grinders: larger and smaller. nine0003
Hario.
The Hario Skerton (the bigger one) has a few differences from the Hario Mini (the smaller one). First, the size. The height of both coffee grinders is the same - 18 cm. The difference is in the size of the hopper. If in Skerton you can grind 60 grams of grains, then in Mini no more than 30.
Hario Skerton
The next difference is the grinding adjustment. In order to change the grinding at Skerton, you need to unscrew the handle, remove the stopper, and then adjust the wheel to the desired level. The Mini is a little different. Grinding is regulated not from above, but from the bottom of the hopper, that is, it is necessary to remove it, and then tighten the adjustment ring. nine0003
The Mini has a hopper cover. The Skerton does not have a lid, but it does have a rubber grip to stabilize it while grinding.
TheMini is better for travel because it's smaller and doesn't have glass parts like the Skerton.
Hario Mini
At first glance, the choice between these two coffee grinders is simple. Skerton is suitable for large volumes, Mini is more convenient to use on the road. But there is one more detail. Firstly, according to users, the Hario Mini is more convenient to adjust the grind. Secondly, both grinders have a big drawback: the lower part of the shaft with a movable millstone is not stable. And if with a small grind both coffee grinders do their job perfectly, with a coarse grind, for example, on a French press, it is almost impossible to achieve uniform particles. But, again, according to users, this shortcoming is less critical for Mini. nine0003
Porlex.
Porlex also offers grinders in two sizes: Mini and Tall. Moreover, the Mini is even smaller than the Hario Mini, but even less grain is placed in it. The metal body, streamlined shape and super compact size make this coffee grinder even more travel-friendly than the Hario Mini.
Porlex is more expensive than Hario, but it also grinds more evenly in large divisions.
Porlex
Kyocera.
There is almost nothing to say about this coffee grinder, the CM-45 and CM-50 models are almost completely similar to the Hario Mini and Hario Skerton, respectively, but also good.
Kyocera CM-50
blog/hario-skerton-vs-mini-mill
WMF coffee machines (VMF)
WMF espresso
(art. no. 03.5500.0001)
Price: 917 669.34 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 723 mm
Depth: 540 mm
Depth with open top cover: 600 mm
Height: 580 mm
Power / hot water
5.0 - 5.8 kW / 220 - 240 V - min. 120 cups
6.0 - 7.0 kW / 380 - 415 V - min. 190 cups
Recommended output per day / maximum per hour up to 300 cups
2 built-in coffee grinders, 2 coffee bean hoppers (according to 550 g), 2 brew blocks, Auto Steam+Basic Steam, SteamJet (cup heating with steam), hot water faucet, heater cups, LED-backlight, 3 holders (different sizes for one and double cups), legs 50 mm. nine0003
WMF 900 S
(art. 03.0400.102)
Price: 157 145.95 ₽
Office version
Dimensions
Width: 305 mm
Depth: 445 mm
Height: 404 mm
Clearance: 67 – 141 mm
Power / voltage 1.7 - 2.3 kW / 230 V
1 coffee grinder, automatic cappuccinatore, hot water, cup warmer, water tank (2.2 l)
WMF 1100 S nine0003
(art. 03.1120.1111)
Price: 283 571.64 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 325 mm
Depth: 561 mm
Height: 500 mm
Clearance: 100 – 175 mm
Power / voltage 2.3 kW / 230 V
Recommended output per day /
maximum per hour up to 80 cups
Hot water - minimum 90 cups
Basic Milk, 1 grinder (550 g), hot water, water tank 4.5 l, Steam Jet nine0003
WMF 1200 S
(art. 03.1200.010)
Price: 329 258.18 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 324 mm
Depth: 553 mm
Height: 682 mm
Clearance: 60 – 165 mm
Power / voltage 2. 2 kW / 230 V
Recommended output per day /
maximum per hour up to 100 cups
Hot water - minimum 110 cups
Basic Milk, 1 grinder (500 g), automatic cappuccino maker, water tank 4 l, Basic Clean nine0003
WMF presto! / 1400 Classic
(art. 03.1400.6100)
Price: 409 603.48 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 325 mm
Depth: 557 mm
Height: 676 mm
Clearance: 75 - 185 mm
Power / voltage 2.2 kW / 230 V
Recommended output per day /
maximum per hour up to 150 cups
Hot water - minimum 120 cups
Basic Milk, 1 grinder (500 g), auto cappuccinatore, Basic Steam, hot water, LED light Filled version (4.5 l water tank) nine0003
WMF 1500 S
(art. 03.1900.0050)
Price: 527,758.33 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 325 mm
Depth: 590 mm
Height: 675 mm
Clearance: 70 – 175 mm
Power / voltage 2. 75 - 3.25 kW / 220 - 240 V
Recommended output per day /
maximum per hour up to 180 cups
Hot water - minimum 120 cups
Basic Milk, 4.5 l water tank (filler version), 1 grinder (650 g) (right hopper with grinder, left hopper - without coffee grinder, decorative), SteamJet (heated steam cups), Jet Option (mixing hot water into coffee), Basic Steam, hot water, Basic Clean, LED lighting. nine0003
WMF 1500 S+
(art. 03.1920.0050)
Price: 582 897.26 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 325 mm
Depth: 590 mm
Height: 706 mm
Clearance: 70 – 175 mm
Power / voltage 2.75 - 3.25 kW / 220 - 240 V
Recommended output per day /
maximum per hour up to 180 cups
Hot water - minimum 120 cups
Highlights of the 1500 S+
+ 10" touch screen display
+ Automatic height adjustment of the coffee spout
+ Dynamic Coffee Assist (automatic adjustment of the amount of ground coffee and degree of grinding)
+ WMF Coffee Connect - remote access and control system for the coffee machine
Basic Milk, water tank 4. 5 l, 1 coffee grinder (1100 g) (right hopper - with coffee grinder, left hopper - without coffee grinder, decorative), SteamJet (cup warmer steam), Jet Option (mixing hot water into coffee), Basic Steam, hot water, Basic Clean, LED lighting, Dynamic Coffee Assist (automatic adjustment of the amount ground coffee and grind degree) nine0003
WMF 5000 S
(art. 03.1910.1000)
Price: 716 806.09 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 325 mm
Depth: 590 mm
Height: 706 mm
Clearance: 75 – 179 mm
Recommended output per day / maximum per hour up to 250 cups
Power / hot water
2.75-3.5 kW / 220-240 V - up to 160 cups
6.0-7.1kW / 380-415V - up to 180 cups
Easy Milk, water connection, 1 grinder (1100 g) (right hopper with grinder, left hopper without grinder, decorative), SteamJet (heating cup with steam), Jet Option (mixing hot water into coffee), hot water, Easy Clean, LED backlight 2. 75 - 3.5 kW / 220 - 240 V
WMF 9000 S+
(art. 03.8810.0100)
Price: 1,173,671.51 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 390 mm
Depth: 598 mm
Height: 744 mm
Clearance: 55 – 195 mm
Recommended output per day / maximum per hour up to 350 cups
Power / hot water:
3.4-3.8 kW / 220-240 V - up to 120 cups
6.0-7.0 kW / 380-415 V - up to 190 cups
Dynamic Milk, fixed water supply, 1 grinder (1200 g), automatic height adjustment of the cup holder, Clean in Place, LED lighting 3.4 - 3.8 kW / 220 - 240 V nine0003
WMF 1200 F
(art. 03.1210.0100)
Price: 291 448.63 ₽
Dimensions
Width: 324 mm
Width including coffee spout for thermos: 372 mm
Depth: 599 mm
Height: 682 mm
Clearance: 60 – 165 mm
Power / voltage 2.7 - 3.7 kW / 220 - 240 V
Recommended output per day /
maximum per hour up to 180 cups
Hot water - minimum 160 cups
water connection, 1 grinder with lock (1000 g)
WMF combiNation F
(art.