One of my favorite ways to start the day is grinding coffee beans. The aroma of the beans makes my mouth water for my morning coffee. Grinding your own coffee beans is one of a few simple ways to make your morning coffee more aromatic and flavorful.

When it comes to selecting a coffee grinder, there are lots of options, and not all are created equal. Your coffee grinder should be easy to use, have adjustable grind settings, and make enough grounds for your normal coffee routine.

In this guide, I offer my thoughts on purchasing the perfect coffee grinder for your coffee routine. I’ll also offer some great products that other Curated customers have loved to help you make a great choice.

How to Choose the Right Coffee Grinder for Your Needs

Whether you are considering your first grinder or you are looking for an upgrade to an older or entry-level grinder, you need to have a good idea of what to look for in the sea of grinder options. The goal for a great cup of coffee is to find a grinder that makes a consistent grind as efficiently as possible. The proper grounds will improve the flavor and complexity of your morning joe. The proper grounds will also make a difference in how your coffee maker, espresso machine, or other brewing equipment brews your coffee.

For many of us, the first coffee grinder we purchase is the compact, blade-style electric grinder. While these are handy for traveling or brewing at a location that is not your home, they do not create consistent grounds and often do not grind fine enough for brewing espresso. However, that doesn’t mean that this is the wrong grinder for your needs.

When I brew at home, I use a higher-end burr grinder. These grinders use plates with “teeth” or burrs to pulverize your beans. The benefit of a burr grinder is a consistent grind of your beans. If you have a particular style of coffee you enjoy each day, the consistency with burr grinders allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee that tastes the same every morning. If this is what you are looking for, a burr grinder is a great thought.

I briefly mention these two types of grinders because they make up the large majority of grinders on the market. We start with these base grinders and add on a wide variety of features, sizes, and configurations. The ultimate goal when selecting a grinder is to have properly ground coffee beans that create the most delicious cup of coffee.

We will touch on these features and configurations more in later parts of this guide, but I wanted to make sure that you had a good general understanding of what to look for when shopping for your perfect coffee grinder. Besides the basics of burr versus blade, you should also consider the style of coffee that you enjoy, the amount of coffee that you typically brew, and your budget.

Types of Coffee Grinders

As previously mentioned, when shopping for a coffee grinder, you will quickly realize that there are a wide range of options. If you are looking for a good grinder, you will need to carefully consider what is important to you with respect to your ideal cup of coffee.

Burr Coffee Grinders

I mentioned burr grinders earlier to help you start thinking about coffee grinders. These types of grinders use two metal or ceramic surfaces that have teeth. The teeth are used to crush the beans to the desired grind size. Burr grinders come in two styles, conical and flat. There is not a huge difference in how they perform, but some coffee connoisseurs will insist that one is better than the other.

The benefit of burr grinders is that you tend to get a more consistent ground size. Burr grinders are also a great investment if you like making a wide range of coffee styles. I use my burr grinder for fine espresso grounds, medium grounds for drip coffee, and coarse grounds for pour-over and French press.

You do need to keep in mind that burr grinders tend to be a bit more expensive to purchase. However, they tend to be longer-lasting and more versatile than blade grinders.

Blade Coffee Grinders

For many of us, our road to coffee perfection starts with a blade grinder. These simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-use grinders are highly popular with coffee beginners and those on a budget. Blade grinders are also popular with travelers who just cannot leave home without their coffee.

These simple grinders use a rapidly spinning blade to chop your beans to the desired size. While these basic grinders are easy to use, you will find that the consistency of the grind is not great. Day to day, your grind will be different, even if you try to do the exact process each time.

I recommend blade grinders for drip coffee or your French press. In both of these styles, a more coarse grind is good, and consistency in size will not make a significant difference in coffee quality.

Hand (Manual) Coffee Grinders

Manual or hand-grind coffee grinders are a fun way to grind your coffee beans. When I think of hand grinders, I see the old-school wood box grinders that are common in antique stores. However, the modern hand grinder is a much better product and results in a more consistent grind.

Most manual grinders use conical or flat burrs to grind the beans. The difference is that you will have to use your physical effort and strength to grind your beans. There’s no motor to help you.

Hand grinders are great for camping or if you do not have electricity. They are also fairly affordable and result in a reasonably consistent grind quality. ​

Flat Burr Grinders

Flat burr grinders are those that use two grinding discs set parallel to each other. Flat burr grinders are ideal if you are looking for a highly consistent, uniform grind.

Conical Burr Grinders

Conical burr grinders work similarly to flat burr grinders. However, instead of using a flat disc, the burrs are cone-shaped. Many people select conical burr grinders because they are quieter than flat burr grinders and tend to make less of a mess.

Factors to Consider: What I Look for in a Great Coffee Grinder

Now that you know a little bit about the different types of coffee grinders, and why picking the right one is important for making a good cup of coffee, I want to look closer at what you need to consider when shopping for the perfect coffee grinder.

When shopping for your ideal coffee grinder, here are some of the factors that you should consider before purchasing:

Blade type

Blade type is really the most important factor when it comes to coffee grinders. Thankfully, you do not have a ton of choices when it comes to the blades that grinders utilize. You will have to decide between a blade grinder, a flat burr grinder, or a conical grinder. Once you know which of these you want, the rest of the factors are just the fun extras.

Remember, blade grinders tend to be more affordable and are great for making delicious French press or drip coffee. They are not as good at making a consistent grind, but that may be okay for your preferred coffee style.

Burr grinders are ideal if you are really into your coffee routine and want to take your coffee brewing to the next level. Burr grinders provide a consistently sized grind and are adjustable depending on how coarse or fine you need your grounds. This consistency in grind quality is what makes coffee from a burr grinder predictable and delicious.

If you are looking for a good portable option, the manual burr grinder is great. Not only do you not need the power to have a delicious cup of coffee, but you get the consistency in the grind, as most manual grinders use flat burrs to crush your beans.

Hopper Capacity

If you are going to make multiple cups of coffee at once, and you do this process daily, you are going to make hopper capacity a priority. Look for a grinder that holds enough beans for a couple of days worth of grinding. I would not recommend purchasing a grinder with a hopper that holds more than a day or two worth of beans. As beans are exposed to air, they will dry out and become less flavorful.

Size

When considering the size of the grinder you purchase, you need to know where you are storing your grinder. In other words, what is the footprint of the grinder? If you have lots of counter space, a larger grinder is okay. However, if you need to tuck your grinder in your pack for a multi-day camping trip, a compact, manual grinder is ideal.

Grind Size Adjustment

There are a couple of settings that are handy for coffee grinders. The most important is the grind coarseness adjustment. This setting allows you to make very fine to very coarse grounds. If you like a variety of coffee styles, this is important. Look for a grinder that has a wide range of grind sizes for the most versatility.

Dosing or Timer Control

The second setting that is helpful is the quantity of grounds. This setting will grind enough coffee for a selected number of cups. This is done by timing or weight.

Noise Level

Do you like to make coffee before the rest of your house gets up? If so, consider a coffee grinder that has quiet operation. There is nothing as jarring as waking up to the sound of a roaring coffee grinder.

Ease of Cleaning

For me, this is the second most important factor in selecting a coffee grinder. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your coffee grinder will make a difference in your coffee quality. This will likely mean taking apart the grinder and reassembling it. If this is a huge chore or you do not feel comfortable with this process, a more complex coffee grinder will not be a good pick for your kitchen.

Price

Really, this is an important consideration. You may be excited about the fancy grinder with all the bells and whistles, but if it is out of your price range, you should consider a different product.

The Most Recommended Coffee Grinders

Overall Best Coffee Grinder: Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder

The Baratza Encore ESP coffee grinder is the ideal grinder for the espresso lover. But don’t let that steer you away from this great grinder if you enjoy other coffee styles. This grinder is amazing for a lot of reasons, but what I like the best is the consistent grind result and simple operation combined with more features than other grinders. The high-resolution grind technology is the key to perfect espresso grounds and also makes a great cup of drip coffee.

The Encore ESP is a compact addition to your kitchen but does not lack in styling or functionality. This durable yet attractive coffee grinder will look great on your counter without taking up a ton of space. This grinder does have a number of features that are great for experienced coffee brewers. If you are new to the home brewing process, this grinder may feel a bit overwhelming with its extras.

Second Best Overall Coffee Grinder: Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee & Espresso Grinder

If you are not focused on espresso but are looking for a versatile grinder, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro coffee and espresso grinder is a great addition to your coffee routine. This grinder has 60 different grind settings, allowing you to achieve the perfect grind for the perfect cup of coffee.

One of the great features of this grinder is that it allows you to select whether you want to brew cups or shots. The grinder then delivers the perfect amount of ground coffee for your needs. You can even grind directly into your portafilter, which is a great feature.

Best Upgrade Coffee Grinder: Eureka Mignon Silenzio Coffee Grinder

The Eureka Mignon Silenzio coffee grinder is the ideal pick for the coffee lover who is ready for an upgraded grinder. The first thing that you’ll notice with this grinder is the quality of the burrs. The larger burrs made from hardened steel do an exceptional job of creating a consistent grind. Combined with timed dosing and an adjustable coarseness setting, this grinder is a nice step up from a basic grinder.

Besides its high grinding quality, the Eureka Mignon Silenzio is built to be quiet and easy to use. The compact and simple styling make this a good option for smaller kitchens.

Best All-Purpose Coffee Grinder: Fellow Opus Conical Burr All Purpose Grinder

If you love all types of coffee and are looking for a grinder that can make pour-over, espresso, and everything in between, then look no further than the Fellow Opus Conical Burr all-purpose grinder. This grinder has more than 40 coarseness settings, allowing you to make the perfect grounds for your favorite coffee styles. The grinder also features high-quality burrs and a strong motor that can easily handle all styles of beans.

The Fellow Opus has many of the features that we love in automatic coffee grinders, including timed grinding for the perfect amount of grounds, anti-static grounds cup, easy operation, and easy cleaning. This grinder is perfectly compact and looks great in just about every kitchen.

Best for Espresso: Baratza Sette 270 Coffee & Espresso Grinder

If you are committed to your espresso and want the ideal grinder for a perfect shot, the Baratza Sette 270 is a must-have for your kitchen. While this grinder does a good job with other grind styles, it excels at the extra fine grounds that make a robust and flavorful shot of espresso. The grind adjustment controls give you 30 micro-adjustment options to dial in the perfect grind. This grinder is also one of the best for grinding directly into your espresso machine’s portafilter.

You will enjoy the simple and intuitive control panel that allows you to program your grinder for the perfect amount of grounds every morning. This grinder is also one of the most convenient to clean and maintain. The one big downside to this grinder is that it runs very loud.

Best for Single Dose: Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose Espresso Grinder

The Eureka Oro Mignon is the ideal grinder for making a single cup of coffee or espresso. This grinder is designed for grinding fine and extra fine grounds for your espresso portafilter. It is also great for your AeroPress coffee maker. The flat steel burrs are highly efficient and of exceptional quality. The Eureka Oro Mignon does allow you to adjust the amount of grounds based on the number of shots you are making.

This is one of the more compact grinders on our list, so it is great if you do not have much available counter space. It is also very quiet when running, which is great for smaller spaces. It would be nice if this grinder offered a wider range of grind styles, its one con is that it isn’t very versatile.

Best Budget-Friendly Coffee Grinder: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

If you are on a budget and looking for a good quality burr grinder, the OXO Brew conical burr grinder is a great pick. This is also a great grinder if you don’t have a ton of space. The small footprint and quiet operation are two of the highlights of this grinder.

When it comes to grinding beans, the OXO does a good job. It doesn’t have the variety of grind size options that some other grinders offer. However, the 15 settings give you a grind for everything from pour-over to espresso. The OXO Brew conical burr grinder is easy to use and affordable. The downfall with affordability is that the burr quality is not quite as good, and this grinder does not have the longevity that others have.

Best Manual Coffee Grinder: Hario Skerton Pro

If you are looking for a manual coffee grinder, the Hario Skerton Pro is a great choice. This compact, manual burr grinder is an ideal option if you are looking for a travel grinder. The small footprint of this grinder fits easily in your suitcase or backpack.

Many people looking to purchase a manual grinder are surprised to learn that the Hario is adjustable, allowing you to brew French press, pour-over or even espresso in your AeroPress. You should keep in mind that the Hario is not designed to make grounds for more than a cup or two of coffee. It is an ideal option if you are brewing just for yourself or if you want a quiet grinder for your office.

A few cons that we should mention, first this manual grinder is a bit more expensive than other manual options. We also found that ceramic burrs did not perform as well as steel burrs. But if you are only using this grinder occasionally it is not a big deal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Grinders

Does the Brand of Coffee Grinders Matter?

You will find that there are some distinctive differences in quality among the popular grinder brands. Most individuals who are really looking for a good quality grinder with lots of features will find their best options are brands like Breville, Fellow Ode, and Baratza.

If you are just looking for a good quality grinder to get started with, you can find good mid-range brands like OXO that have plenty of features and perform well.

Are Coffee Grinders Difficult to Use?

Even if you are a highly experienced home barista, you shouldn’t need to have a degree in engineering and rocket science to operate your coffee grinder. The very essence of coffee grinders is simple. There is nothing overly complicated about the basic operation of a coffee grinder. So when you throw in complicated controls, parts that don’t fit well, or a machine that requires hours of effort to clean, the process of brewing becomes not very enjoyable.

Electronic controls and fancy options are neat, but remember that you can find amazing quality grinders that have simple controls and are easy to maintain.

Does Price Matter for Coffee Grinders?

As with any product, the theory of getting what you pay for applies to coffee grinders. Generally speaking, you should expect a better quality grinder at a higher price point. However, this is not always the case. Some higher-end models are just not good products.

The point where price matters is with your personal budget. It is always a good idea to know your budget and stick to this budget. Even if you only have $50 to spend on an entry-level coffee grinder, you can find good quality products that work well and will get you started. You can always invest in a more expensive, higher-quality grinder when you have the budget and a solid understanding of what features will be best for your needs.

Find the Right Coffee Grinder for You

Making a great cup of coffee really starts with your beans. High-quality beans demand the best possible brewing process. Start your process by grinding your own beans at home. A great coffee grinder is the best way to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee that is full of flavor and aroma. This simple tool can make a world of difference in your morning coffee experience.

I hope that my dive into coffee grinders has helped guide you to the best coffee grinder for your kitchen. Whether you are looking for the perfect espresso grounds or are ready to bloom flavorful coarse grounds in your pour-over, there is a grinder out there for you.

If you are looking for more information, chat with me or another Coffee Expert at Curated for free, personalized advice on finding the best coffee grinder for you. We’re here to help you find the best choice for your needs!