Which coffee grinder is best?
Besides an effective coffee maker, a coffee grinder is an essential piece of equipment if you want to make a barista-quality cup of joe at home.
Using freshly ground beans for your coffee delivers a richer flavor and aroma, so choose a grinder that makes it quick and easy to grind your beans every morning. You can pick from manual or electric models, depending on your budget and coffee preferences.
To help you get up to date on the latest developments in coffee grinders, we’ve taken a fresh look at product trends and highlighted a few of our favorites for your consideration.
In this article: , and
What you need to know before buying a coffee grinder
The first decision to make when buying a coffee grinder is whether you want a manual or electric model. While electric models are typically pricier, they’re easier and more convenient to use. A manual grinder takes much longer to grind a batch of beans, which can pose an issue if you’re hosting a dinner party or holiday dinner and need to make coffee for a large group. The grounds usually aren’t consistent, and you may have trouble getting a fine grind manually.
You also have to decide whether you prefer a blade grinder or a burr grinder. Blade grinders feature a spinning blade that grinds the beans, while burr grinders have two perforated discs that the beans are trapped between for grinding. Burr grinders offer much more precision than blade models, so you can get the grounds as fine or as coarse as you need. Their results are usually much more consistent, and they don’t generate as much heat, maintaining the coffee’s flavor. A burr grinder is quieter than a blade model and typically has a larger capacity.
Blade grinders are generally more affordable, so they work well for those on a budget. They also have a smaller footprint on your countertop, which makes them ideal for a small kitchen.
It helps to choose a coffee grinder that comes apart easily and features dishwasher-safe components for easier cleaning. Some models have a built-in timer, so you can turn the grinder on and leave it to finish by itself without ruining your grind.
You can pay $20-$25 for a basic blade grinder. If you prefer a burr grinder, you typically spend at least $45. For a high-end model burr model with ceramic rather than steel burrs and plenty of extra features, you can pay as much as $90-$150.
Coffee grinder FAQ
Q. Why should I grind my own coffee?
A. Coffee starts to lose its natural oils and flavor through oxidation when exposed to the air. Pre-ground coffee is particularly vulnerable because there’s a greater surface area exposed to the air, so it can lose its freshness and flavor more quickly. Grinding coffee right before you brew it ensures the best-tasting coffee.
Q. How do I choose a grind size?
A. The best grind size usually depends on the type of coffee machine you have. For a drip coffee maker with flat bottom filters, you want a medium grind. For drip machines with a cone filter, opt for a fine grind. An espresso machine calls for an extra-fine grind, while a French press or percolator requires a coarse grind.
Which coffee grinders are the best?
Best of the best
Our take: A reliable workhorse, this grinder is exceptionally designed and offers 15 grind settings plus 43 microadjustments, so you can achieve the perfect grind for your coffee drinks.
What we like: Settings are easy to dial and customize. The large hopper can hold 12 ounces of beans and keep them fresh for up to two weeks. It runs much quieter than expected, so you won’t wake anyone. Very simple to clean.
What we dislike: The mechanical settings are a bit low-tech for the money.
Best bang for your buck
Our take: This basic grinder is straightforward to use and won’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen.
What we like: This is an affordable model with simple controls that make it easy to operate. It features stainless steel construction with a durable blade. The transparent lid lets you monitor the grinding.
What we dislike: The lid feels flimsy.
Worth checking out
Our take: Great for getting your buzz on the go, this portable, easy-to-use manual burr grinder can create high-quality coffee grounds.
What we like: Operation is extremely user-friendly. Clockwise turns produce a fine powder, and counterclockwise turns produce a coarse powder. It holds about 20 grams of coffee beans and works for espresso, pour-over and French press coffee.
What we dislike: On the pricey side for a manual grinder.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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