For optimal brewing, you should use freshly ground coffee beans.
When it comes to coffee grinders, the best coffee grinders are those which suit the best for your requirement of use. Based on the evaluation, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder was overall the best grinder in this review as it provided even grounds, was very consistent and suitable to grind coffee for espresso and cold brew. If you need an affordable coffee grinder, the Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder is an exceptional choice as it can evenly grind up to nine tablespoons of coffee beans in a relatively short time.
Also, It also enables you to have control over the size of the grinds you prefer and flexibility to offer settings compatible with cold brew to espresso. While testing coffee grinders it is crucial to check how well the grinder grinds coffee or how accurate and consistent it is when it comes to grounds.
Freshly grinding your coffee beans produce better and more delicious coffee taste as compared to pre-ground coffee beans. Whole beans remain fresh in terms of taste and smell since their interior is not exposed to air as is the case with ground beans. This is why it is advisable to own a coffee grinder to have the freshest and the best tasting coffee.
Asking a professional barista what change would bring the most significant improvement to your coffee making process, they’ll say – a good burr grinder. It boasts sharp blades for uniform grinds, and also has a feature to easily switch the grind size depending on the brewing method. We are glad to report that the top models were not only durable but used in kitchens throughout our company at The Beauty Homes by our employees.
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1
Best Overall Coffee Grinder
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
PROS
- Aids in even grounds
- Large-capacity hopper holds up to 3/4 pounds coffee beans
- UV-blocking tint shields coffee beans from UV rays
CONS
- Oily beans might obstruct the grinder
The OXO burr grinder was highly rated among the products that underwent testing by our experts. We found it made very consistent grounds at various settings which can be used for espresso, cold brew and more.
The hopper, which is where the beans are stored, is also the largest of all the coffee grinders we looked at, with the capacity to hold up to 3/4 of a pound of beans. The hopper has a tight-fitting lid and UV-blocking tint, both of which are essential in preserving the freshness of the beans.
With just a push of a button, the grinder grinds the coffee beans into a container that is static-free, stainless steel, which has a lid with a small hole through which the grounds can be emptied into a coffee filter without spilling.This lid also assists in preventing grounds from scattered all over the place whenever grinding.
After that, you can safely snap off the lid and prepare the container for the next batch of beans after sweeping the grounds out of the chamber. An important point to consider: Some users have reported that when they insert very oily beans into this machine, it jams. Apart from that, the machine is okay.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 3/4 pounds | Dimensions: 8.5 x 12.5 x 16.3 inches | Grind settings: 15 | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, but offers a programmable timer for up to 30 seconds
2
Best Value Coffee Grinder
Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder
PROS
- This grinder processes coffee beans consistently
- Clear lid allows for easy monitoring of the grinding process
- It features hidden cord storage
CONS
- Grinds may stick to side of the container
Coffee blade grinders are not always considered as efficient as burr grinders; however, this Hamilton Beach Blade Grinder is an exception to that rule. Our specialists were particularly pleased with how well it ground beans, something not commonly found in other blade grinders in this price range. It’s also simple to use and the price is considerably less than $20.
The clear glass lid gives the user a clear view of the grinding process and he can easily adjust it when the beans are finely ground to his or her desired texture. The grinding container is also removable which is convenient for scooping it into a coffee filter. The only issue we have experienced is that grinds attach to the sides of the container due to static.
To determine how much coffee you need to grind to make a particular size pot, there are 6, 10 and 12-cup grind level markings. At the end of its body, therefore, is a compact storage compartment for the cord to eliminate tangling. As the brand suggests, this grinder can also be used for spices; we advise users to always use different grinders for coffee and spices since tastes can mix.
Grinder type: Blade | Coffee bean capacity: 9 tablespoons | Dimensions: 3.74 x 3.54 x 7.13 inches | Grind settings: Not applicable to blade grinders, grind size can be controlled by how many times you pulse it or how long you process it | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, but can be controlled by how many tablespoons of coffee beans you grind at a time
3
Easiest to Use Burr Coffee Grinder
Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder
PROS
- Optimizes even grounds in different settings
- Lid offers information on how long to grind the beans
- Can be easily shaken in a filter or scoop down from the container
CONS
- Coffee grinder must pause between each 20-second grinding process to cool down
One of the noteworthy features of Bodum’s burr coffee grinder is that it assists in setting the grind size with ease through the use of a plastic lid that is labeled with a chart that shows the recommended time to grind given the type and amount of coffee. Just rotate the hopper, which is 7.75 ounces, to choose one of 12 grind levels; the hopper is slanted, so beans must be placed in the grinder.
When it came to the test, the Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder ground coffee evenly on the fine, medium, and coarse settings but each were visibly different giving a good result for espresso, drip coffee, French press and the cold brew. The Bodum grinder operates through a timer, which gives a maximum grind of 20-seconds. According to the guidelines that accompany the product, the machine must be allowed to cool for 5 minutes after every 20 seconds of grinding.
Its glass coffee grounds container which is perfect since it has a lid to stop the coffee grounds from scattering all over. It is firmly locked on during shaking grounds into a filter and also can be easily removed to scoop the coffee out. The grounds container also has a rubber grip around it for easy handling and can be easily slid in and out of the holder.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 7.75 ounces | Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.1 x 12.5 inches | Grind settings: 12 | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, but grinds up to 20 seconds at a time
4
Best for Cold Brew and French Press Coffee
Cuisinart Electric Burr One-Touch Automatic Grinder
PROS
- Grind sizes 18-Position
- Cups of Coffee 4 to 18-Cups
- Easy to scoop coffee from the container into the filter
CONS
- Noisy grinding
The Cuisinart electric burr one touch automatic grinder gives you 18 grind sizes which enable use in making espresso, drip coffee, French press and others. The fine grind setting is great for espresso whereas the medium setting is ideal for drip and pour over brewing while the coarse grind setting is best suited for cold brewing and French press.
In addition to that the adjustable dial allow the grinder to grind a batch of beans to brew 4 to 18 cups of coffee. We found that the grinder is noisy as compared to several machines we used for this review although it wasn’t very disturbing.
The grounds container has a small hole that allows the grounds to enter the coffee filter, without spilling out all over. It was convenient to twist and lock the container into the base with the use of one hand. The grinder also features a two-in-one coffee scoop/brush for easy operation and easy cleaning.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 1/2 pound | Dimensions: 7.13 x 6 x 10.75 inches | Grind settings: 18 | Option to grind specific number of cups: 4 to 18 cups
5
Best for Coffee Enthusiasts
Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
PROS
- It operates quietly
- The grinder features 41 grind settings
- Lid has grind settings for different types of coffee drinks
CONS
- Grinds can fall from the grinder after the cup is removed
One of the most recognizable features of the Opus Conical Burr coffee grinder is its design which is both simple and sleek with a modern matt finish. It is even as refined as it looks and any real coffee lover will love the 41 grind settings for a better cup of coffee as per their desired strength. One impressive feature that we saw is that the lid shows the grind settings for espresso, pour-over, drip coffee, cold brewing, and others, so you do not need a manual to find your desired setting.
In our tests, it offered a precise and uniform grind across all the settings. It incorporates timed grinding of 30, 60 & 90 seconds as well as two minutes. There is no need to fear that grinding will wake someone up in the morning, as it was one of the least noisy grinders in our latest test.
The hopper has a large opening that is convenient to fill and the base magnet is very powerful to hold the ground cup firmly. The only low is that some of the grounds spillover from the grinder whenever the cup is removed, sort of cluttering a little. It’s not very tall and thus does not require a lot of space to be stored somewhere such as under the counter or cabinets.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 110 grams | Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.08 x 10.55 inches | Grind settings: 41 | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, but it has timed grinding
6
Quietest Blade Coffee Grinder
Proctor Silex Sound Shield Coffee Grinder
PROS
- Low noise during grinding
- Efficient grinding speed
- Space-saving footprint
CONS
- Lacks adjustable grind size options
Our specialists noted how this Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Award winner maintained its name with the sound shield feature that minimized the noise created by the grinder. Though not absolutely noiseless, it was among the least noisy coffee grinders in our last test.
Additionally, it also grinds coffee very fast and does a perfect job for those who need coarse grind. According to the brand, it is possible for it to brew up to 12 cups of coffee in one brewing process. It only ground under 11 tablespoons when full, so if you prefer a stronger brew, they would need to add more beans.
There are no adjustments for the grind size and, therefore, you have to estimate your required grind time to allow you to get your preferred size. It measures only slightly over 7 inches in height, which makes it suitable for places of limited counter space or easily stored in a cabinet if desired.
Grinder type: Blade | Coffee bean capacity: 5 ounces | Dimensions: 4.33 x 4.3 x 7.48 inches | Grind settings: Not applicable; grind size can be controlled by how many times you pulse it or how long you process it | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, but can be controlled by how many tablespoons of coffee beans you grind at a time
7
Best for Espresso Coffee Grinder
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Mill
PROS
- 60 grind settings available
- A large digital screen
- Delivering fine and even grounds
- Includes an attachment specifically designed for espresso portafilters
CONS
- Relatively costly
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro has been one of the go-to tools used for grinding our coffee beans in the process of testing coffee and espresso makers. During our tests, it produced some of the most level coffee grounds we came across. Our specialists appreciated fine powdery grounds to make the perfect shot of espresso.
We also like the attachment for portafilters, so you can grind the coffee directly into the filter used in an espresso machine. Besides making a cup of espresso, it also offers 60 different settings for preparing other types of coffee like the drip coffee, French press or the cold brew, depending on the preferred coarseness of the grind.
This is a highly readable digital display that enables the user to easily choose the grind size and grind time in increments of 0.2 seconds. It is also possible to choose to grind only the required amount of coffee beans for one to 8 shots of espresso or one to 12 cups of coffee. It features a plastic container for the grounds and includes a lid for the grinder if the user doesn’t use all the grounds at once.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 1 pound | Dimensions: 6.28 x 8.46 x 15.33 inches | Grind settings: 60 | Option to grind specific number of cups: 1 to 8 espresso shots, 1 to 12 coffee cups
8
Quietest Burr Coffee Grinder
Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder
PROS
- 16 grind settings available
- Clearly labeled for grinding from 1 to 12 cups
- The container has minimal static
CONS
- Not very easy to use compared to the other devices
The Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder was the least noisy among all the burr coffee grinders that we used in our review. Which we found to be the quietest blade grinder, the Capresso produced a low, muffled sound.
It has 16 different grind settings, each of which can be adjusted to easily visible labels. The grinder also has a dial that allows you to adjust the amount of beans you need in order to brew one to 12 cups of coffee.
The hopper can store up to 11 ounces of beans and the grounds container is capable of holding up to 4 ounces of ground coffee. It has a large mouth and doesn’t have a lot of friction, which is suitable when pouring the grounds into the coffee filter. The ergonomic container could be easily pulled out of the housing using a single hand.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 11 ounces | Dimensions: 5 x 7.75 x 11.25 inches | Grind settings: 16 | Option to grind specific number of cups: 1 to 12 cups
9
Best Manual Coffee Grinder
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
PROS
- It operates with minimal noise
- Electricity is not necessary for its function
- The grinding handle is user-friendly
CONS
- Requires greater physical effort than an electric grinder
As soon as you look at it you might think that you’re just looking at a small pepper mill since it is tall and slender, and has a dial on the base to enable one to change the size of the grind. But this is purposely designed for coffee with its grinder and brewing system that enables you to directly grind fine, medium, and coarsely for brewing.
It’s portable and unlike some machines it does not require any electricity to operate. It can hold 6 tablespoons of coffee beans which makes it ideal for a few shots of espresso or a small pot of coffee. There are no specific numbers mentioned on the bottom dial, but it is easy to rotate and in fact is easy to comprehend.
There are no particular numbers mentioned on the bottom dial, but it was smooth and easy to rotate and its use was quite natural. The long handle that doesn’t slip impressed us during our usage, and the handle turned out to be easy to grip while maneuvering. Our pros liked having a feature that allowed them to view the coffee grounds through the viewing window of the container.
Grinder type: Manual with burr grinder | Coffee bean capacity: 6 tablespoons | Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches | Grind settings: No specific settings are marked, but the grind size can be adjusted via a dial on the bottom of the grinder | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, but can be controlled by how many tablespoons of coffee beans you grind at a time
10
Best To Prevent Overheating
Baratza Virtuoso+ Coffee Grinder
PROS
- User-friendly design
- Allows for direct grinding into a portafilter for espresso
- Features a static-free grinding container
CONS
- Demands several additional steps for setup
- Relatively high cost
Baratza is a popular recognized brand among coffee lovers, and there is no doubt as to why this is so. It has 40 grind sizes and has a very simple interface with only one button and one digital display of time. The brand notes that its grinder has an added feature of auto grinding speed adjustment to prevent the machine and the beans from overheating.
This means that you can grind one batch after the other without having to wait for the machine to cool down like other machines. This we tested at home and when grinding multiple batches of coffee we did not feel the heat. In our tests at home, it brewed fine, medium and coarse grounds, which were visibly different, and the container was static free, so the coffee grounds didn’t fly around.
There were a few additional steps involved in setting the machine up like the installation of a gasket and securing the hopper; but after installation it was quite easy to use. A great feature for espresso lovers will be the capability to grind right into a portafilter, while the digital, large, and clearly displayed timer was a great feature as well.
Grinder type: Burr | Coffee bean capacity: 8 ounces | Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.12 x 13.39 inches | Grind Settings: 40 | Option to grind specific number of cups: None, uses an adjustable timer
