Enter your search term

Search by title or post keyword

10 Best Coffee Grinders: The Most Bang For Your Bucks 2021

Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn affiliate links when you click through the affiliate links on our website.

Sometimes you pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, but it tastes off. Maybe the beans are old, or maybe your machine isn’t working right. But it could actually be the coffee bean grinder. Many coffee drinkers don’t actually realize how important the coffee grinder is for preparing the perfect cup.

These coffee grinders are some of the best on the market, and can suite a range of price needs. Understanding how coffee grinders work will help you pick the best one for your needs, letting you perfect your favorite morning beverage.

Coffee grinders come in a surprising number of shapes and sizes. From the way they grind to the fineness of the beans, you’ll want to look at each specification when looking at which grinder is right for you. Keep an eye out for each of these features.

Blades vs. Burs

Coffee grinders can grind the beans using either a blade or a set of burs. Bladed grinders are typically much cheaper than burr grinders. The blade rapidly spins, crushing the beans in the process, and the fineness of the beans is determined by how long you grind for. However, there are a few drawbacks to using a blade.

The primary issue with bladed grinders is that they don’t grind very consistently. You may have chunks of coffee beans that are much more course than the rest of the grind. Blade grinders also heat up very quickly, which can affect the flavor of your coffee. However, the main advantage a blade grinder has over a burr grinder is that you can re-grind your beans to make them more fine.

Grind Consistency And Fineness

When looking at a coffee bean grinder, you want to check how fine the grind can be. While nearly every grinder will work with a standard drip coffee machine, some won’t grind finely enough for an espresso machine. Make sure to check the product specifications to see how well it works, and also check product reviews to make sure the seller’s description is accurate.

Grind consistency refers to how uniform the grind is. With lower-end grinders, you run the risk of getting an inconsistent grind. You may have larger chunks, which can make your cup of coffee taste watery. Consistency is especially important with espresso, where you need an even, fine, packed down grind, so check product reviews to see how consistent the grinder is.

Dosing

One easily overlooked feature is whether or not the coffee grinder automatically doses your beans. While it may not be too big of a hassle to scoop a quarter-cup of beans into the grinder for your drip coffee, dosing is almost required for espresso. When you’re dealing with measurements that small, a few beans can completely ruin your shots, so keep that in mind when searching for a grinder.

Manual Grinders

When you picture coffee grinders, odds are you pictured an electric one. But there’s actually an entire market for hand-grinders. This old-school method of grinding coffee beans is a cult-favorite, but also comes with a few benefits.

For starters, you don’t run the risk of overheating your coffee. Even burr grinders can burn your beans if you try to grind a whole pound. The low speed of the hand-crank prevents this from being an issue. You can also get a more delicate grind, since there’s no machinery involved. The burrs don’t have to be stainless steel, allowing for less force and impact on the beans.

Though for many, the main draw to hand grinders is the ritualistic element. Something about the soothing motion of the hand crank, and taking your time with grinding your beans appeals to many coffee drinkers. Or, of course, you just want something simple to take on the road.

The Best Blade Coffee Grinders

If you want a multi-use coffee grinder that’s easy to store, durable, and a perfect backup, then you want to go with a blade grinders. These machines are cheap, easy to repair, and don’t take up much space.

Comparison Chart

KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder for Spice, Dry Herbs and Coffee, 12-Cups, Black
Mueller Austria HyperGrind Precision Electric Spice/Coffee Grinder Mill with Large Grinding Capacity and HD Motor also for Spices, Herbs, Nuts, Grains, White
Bodum BISTRO Blade Grinder, Electric Blade Coffee Grinder, Black
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder White
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder, Brushed Stainless Steel
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Setting – Conical Burr Mill & Brushed Stainless Steel Whole Bean Burr Coffee Grinder for Aeropress, Drip Coffee, Espresso, French Press, Turkish Brew
Manual Coffee Grinder with Ceramic Burrs, Hand Coffee Mill with Two Glass Jars(11oz each), Brush and 2 Tablespoon Scoop
Manual Coffee Grinder, Ceramic Burr Hand Coffee Grinder Mill, Adjustable for Fine/Coarse Grind, Perfect for Home and Camping

Krups electric spice and coffee grinder

While bladed coffee grinders are not recommended, this one is an exception to the rule. An elegant design and quality engineering make this multi-use tool a great addition to your coffee cabinet. The grinder has an oval shape, which keeps the grinds consistent. The easy-to-use controls make this grinder perfect for quickly grinding your beans in those morning rushes.

Blade Grinders are generally more durable than burr grinders, and this machine’s design shows why. If, for any reason, your blades get dull, you can simply replace them. The compact design will free up counter space, letting you store this coffee grinder in the cabinet or behind your coffee machine.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Drip Coffee
  • Pour Over

Mueller HyperGrind precision electric coffee grinder mill

This compact blade grinder is the most affordable way to quickly grind your coffee beans in the morning. While it isn’t going to give you the most consistent grind every time, it’s an excellent back-up or travel grinder. Plus, it works for grinding spices, nuts, and more. It’s small size makes it easy to keep in storage for when you need it.

The most desirable part of this coffee grinder is the price point. You really can’t get the wrong grinder for this price. Whether it’s a back-up, travel, or your primary grinder, the Mueller Hypergrind will make your coffee grinds quickly and reliably. The nice thing about blade grinders is that they’re hard to break, so expect to keep this grinder longer than your coffee maker.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Drip Coffee

Bodum BISTRO Blade Grinder

This grinder bucks many of the conventions and stereotypes around bladed coffee grinders. Using a double bladed system and a pre-set timer, this grinder actually lets you set the grind size. All you do is add your beans, select the amount, adjust your fineness, and hit “start.” Surprisingly, this grinder comes in at a great price point, making it an excellent option for any coffee drinker’s kitchen.

Being able to control the fineness and quantity of your grind is a must for many coffee drinkers. While you may want to avoid large grind sizes for the sake of overheating, you can easily perfect your morning pot of coffee. At this price, you can’t really go wrong with Bodum.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Drip Coffee
  • Pour Over

The Best Burr Coffee Grinders

For more serious coffee connoisseurs, burr grinders are the way to go. These machines take up a lot of space, but deliver on quality and consistency. If you make lots of pour over, espresso, or turkish coffee, look to these machines for the right device.

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind

This is hands down one of the best coffee bean grinders out there. It has a consistent grind, works with most grind types, and is incredibly affordable. Operating it is a breeze; simply add the beans, select your grind, and watch it go. It’s pretty bulky, so you’ll need to keep it on the countertop for easy access. Otherwise, this grinder is perfect for your average coffee drinker.

The competitive price point makes this one of the go-tos for budding home baristas. The only drawback is that this coffee grinder doesn’t look too appealing sitting on your countertop. Like most burr coffee grinders, this Cuisinart takes up a lot of space, and is best left out on your countertop. The next option, however, offers a more elegant alternative.

Perfect for

  • Drip Coffee
  • Pour Over
  • Espresso

Baratza Encore

This coffee grinder is another excellent choice. With all of the precision and accuracy of the Cuisinart, this machine looks much nicer sitting on your countertop. Baritza uses a complex set of burrs to provide over 40 grind settings. This grinder is for coffee drinkers looking to experiment with your morning cup of joe.

While looks aren’t the main component here, you can’t help but notice how sleek this machine looks. Since you have to have it out on your counter, why not make it as non-intrusive as possible. This grinder won’t feel like tabletop clutter, making your coffee drinking experience that much more enjoyable.

Perfect for

  • Drip Coffee
  • Espresso
  • Turkish Coffee

OXO Brew

For coffee drinkers looking at durability, the OXO Brew is the best choice. This grinder has a simple set of burrs with 15 grind settings, as well as an accessible control scheme. If you’re constantly going through grinders and want a reliable machine to last for years, check out this machine.

Besides durability, this machine really delivers on quality. Burr grinders can come in a range of configurations, but more doesn’t always equal better. The simple design not only makes the OXO Brew more durable, but makes sure that your coffee grinds are consistent, making each cup taste exactly how you want it.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Pour Over
  • Espresso

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

For home-baristas looking to take coffee shops out of their lives, this is the machine to do it. This coffee bean grinder is the only one on this list that doses you beans. It has 60 settings that will work for any grind. The beans alway come out consistent, and a host of settings let you micromanage your grind. This machine is only for the truly dedicated coffee enthusiasts.

You really should be a true coffee fanatic to consider this option. It takes up quite a bit of space, and is the priciest item on this list. But in return you get a near-professional grade piece of machinery. Your grinds will alway be perfect, and you’re free to make any adjustment you want. You’ll truly get the perfect cup of coffee with the Breville Smart Grinder Pro.

Perfect for

  • Everything

Manual Coffee Grinders

Sometimes you want the satisfaction of grinding your coffee yourself, or you need a viable option for travel. Manual grinders require no electricity, making them the perfect suitcase companion. They can also add their own element to the coffee brewing routine, asking you to put time and effort into making your coffee. All of these machines are burr-grinders.

JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder

This elegant, compact machine is perfect for extending your morning coffee ritual. Its cylindrical design makes it easy to hold, and it comes with 18 different grind settings. This grinder is an excellent travel companion, requiring no electricity. It’s great for making a single cup of coffee, but don’t expect a full pot without getting an arm workout.

There’s just something therapeutic about grinding your own beans. Maybe it’s the cardio, or maybe it’s the act of transfering your own energy into your cup of coffee. Either way, don’t be afraid to try out something new with a manual coffee grinder. You may be converted to the wireless method.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Pour Over
  • Espresso

Triple Tree Manual Coffee Grinder

Sometimes you don’t want to use an electric coffee grinder at all. The Triple Tree Manual Coffee Grinder was designed to be your primary home grinder. You grind your coffee beans directly into the air-tight container, letting you keep your fresh, hand ground beans preserved for as long as possible. But beware, the shape of the jar makes it uncomfortable to grind finely, or for large portions.

This hand-grinder is compact and easy to store. It’s satisfying to watch the beans fall into the airtight jar. The Triple Tree Manual Coffee Grinder uses Ceramic Burrs. While these would break using an electric grinder, a manual grinder let’s you get a more delicate grind with the ceramic. It reduces friction and static, making for a pure grind.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Drip Coffee
  • Pour Over

Cumcitin Manual Coffee Grinder

This sleek coffee bean grinder from Cumcitin was made with the single-serve setting on your coffee machine in mind. The extra-large handle makes for a comfortable grind, with up to 7 settings. This machine is the smallest of the manual grinders on this list, making it perfect for camping trips, hotel stays, and keeping it in your bag in case of emergency

While this Cumcitin isn’t ideal for large quantities, it’s perfect for personal use. The company markets it for outdoor use, but it can work in a range of situations, from hotels to just home use. If you find yourself enjoying the relaxing motion of grinding your own coffee, this may be the grinder for you.

Perfect for

  • French Press
  • Drip Coffee

Which Coffee Bean Grinder is Right for You

Given the options, it can be a tough call for picking the perfect coffee grinder. Between price, grind consistency, and convenience, each coffee drinker has to weigh the pros and cons to each type of machine. You may not be interested in automatic dosing if you don’t have an espresso machine. You may find yourself in a rush every morning, so getting the perfect grind isn’t that important to you. Keep these questions in mind as we discuss how to buy your ideal coffee grinder.

Price and quality

These machines range from decent to ultra-high quality, with a variety of price points. A former barista will have different expectations of a coffee grinder than a college student, so come up with the budget you’re looking at before purchasing a grinder. You don’t want to spend money on a cheap grinder only to find that you’re happier with a higher end one.

Another huge consideration is how much you’re willing to pay for quality. You may value speed, ease of use, grind consistency, or how many different grind settings the machine has. A quality machine will be able to hit all of these points pretty consistently, but may be out of your price range.

You also need to consider how important your homemade coffee is to you. You may have the budget for a nice grinder, but if you still go out to get your coffee most of the time, you would be better off with something convenient and quick at home. This is doubly true if all you have is a cheap drip coffee machine. Your grinder should roughly match your coffee machine.

When will you use it

People incorporate coffee into their lives differently. For some coffee fans, it’s a quick burst of energy in the morning, while for others, it’s a essential part of the morning ritual. Your coffee grinder is a key part of your coffee experience, so make sure to get the appropriate grinder for your coffee situation.

You may need to focus on speed over quality, or on price over consistency. If you just need your coffee to wake you up, then a quick blade grinder should do the trick. If you find yourself enjoying a nice homemade latte once or twice a day, put in the money for a top-notch burr grinder.

If you absolutely cannot leave the house without being able to make your own drinks, or just really don’t want the hotel’s complimentary coffee, then pick up a nice hand grinder. You can even take your favorite beverage outdoors with a non-electric grinder. Many coffee enthusiasts have multiple grinders to match each occasion.

The brew method

There’s a pretty simple rule of thumb when it comes to coffee grinders. The finer the grinder, the more expensive the machine. If you enjoy turkish coffee and espresso, you’re going to have to get a pretty high end machine. If all you drink is french press and percolator coffee, you’ll be fine with a cheap blade grinder.

This is because the consistency is more homogenous with nicer grinders. If you’re making drip coffee, a stray chunk of coffee bean won’t be a huge difference in quality. A chunk of coffee in an espresso shot, however, will ruin the whole drink. So if you want finer coffee grinds, you’ll need to look at a higher end burr grinder.

Blade grinders have a hard time with coffee any finer than pour over. While you can use a blade to get french press or drip coffee, you’ll have to grind for quite awhile to get espresso. This overheats the coffee and charges it with static electricity. Mix that with the additional surface area from the finer grind, and you’ve ruined the most important drink of the day.

Getting The Right Grind

Coffee Bean Grinders are easy to forget. Novice coffee drinkers often buy their beans pre-ground, while many of us are still using the first grinder we bought years ago. The coffee grinder is such a vital part of the coffee making process, so it really pays off to get a good one. Whether you want to get a pot going as quickly as possible, or if you want exactly 1 ounce of coffee for your espresso, getting your ideal coffee grinder will enhance your morning routine even more.

Leave a Comment

what_is_a_frappuccino_1

May 13, 2022 0 min read

what_is_a_frappuccino_2

May 13, 2022 0 min read

strongest_k_cup_coffee_1

May 13, 2022 0 min read

Explore More within Art of Barista

Art of Barista
Browse our site for free advice to help you create coffee at home.
post explore

How we help

We’re coffee lovers at heart. That’s why we started this site – to share our love of coffee with you.

The art of coffee starts here

Start Here

Brewing Guides

Explore all the best ways to brew your coffee, from roasting the beans to making the perfect Caffe Latte.

View All

Buying Guides

With so many different kinds and brands of coffee out there, it can be hard to know what to buy. Explore our guides to find the best coffee for you.

View All

Coffee Facts

Our mission is to give coffee lovers the power to create the most delicious coffee cup from the comfort of their home.

View All