What to Buy Coffee, Tea & Espresso The 7 Best Coffee Grinders for Fresh Coffee At Home These tested favorites will make you want to avoid returning to pre-ground beans ever again. By Christa Glennie Updated on March 9, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Factors to Consider The Tests Other Coffee Grinders We Tested FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food and Wine / Russell Kilgore For many people, the day doesn’t begin without their first cup of coffee. Or maybe the second. Or third. For anyone serious enough about coffee to buy whole beans, it’s no secret that the grind significantly impacts how the brew tastes. When it comes to coffee, the grind is one of the only variables that can be easily adjusted to obtain a perfect cup. Changing grinder settings is more straightforward and impactful than using bottled water or obsessing over coffee filters. This is where the ideal coffee grinder comes in. But looking for a new coffee grinder can be tricky. These appliances come in a massive range of prices, sizes, and settings, and it’s hard to understand every option on every grinder comprehensively enough to find the one you need. Not only should a coffee grinder suit your particular situation — taking into consideration storage space and frequency of use — it needs to be good. Some grinders clock as an investment, so value, design, and consistency are things to keep in mind. Additionally, a good coffee grinder can serve additional purposes in your kitchen. Grinding spices effectively is another perk of a good grinder and another reason to look for an appliance that’s easy to clean and disassemble. To make purchasing the right coffee grinder simple, our team of testers brewed coffee for days, and we talked to a coffee roaster and cafe owner for additional insight. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bodum Bistro Premium Burr Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Digital: Baratza Virtuoso+ Coffee Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Fellow Brew Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Quiet: KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Manual: 1Zpresso Manual Coffee Grinder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Smart: Breville Grinder Pro at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Bodum Bistro Premium Burr Grinder 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros: Its minimal, sleek design produced consistent grind sizes during our tests, and our testers thought it would look great in anyone’s kitchen. Cons: We have no complaints; we feel this coffee grinder would suit any user.We’re pleased to report that you would be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder. This model performed almost flawlessly in every one of our tests. It has a minimal, contemporary design that looks great in any cupboard or countertop. The hopper is transparent (as is the glass catcher for grounds), giving it a neat appearance. Its charm won’t wear off anytime soon, as it’s an incredibly capable grinder and easy to clean. We were impressed with the consistency of the grounds it produced and the price. You can’t go wrong with our best overall pick, especially since it’s perfect for experienced coffee makers and beginners. Price at the time of publish: $143 Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.1 x 12.5 inchesBlade type: BurrCoffee Bean Capacity: 7.75 ouncesNumber of grind settings: 12 Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Best Value OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Belk.com Pros: Extremely intuitive, this grinder couldn’t be simpler to use.Cons: Our testers had to experiment with settings to achieve the perfect grind. The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is sleek, ultra-customizable, and, most importantly, affordable. We love the $100 price point because it feels like it should be much more expensive. This model produced consistent results in our coffee tests and delivered on all 15 settings it boasts. It is ideal for anyone looking to brew various coffees (or coffee in various ways). It’s also not too large or loud, which are common problems we encountered with many of the grinders we tested. Whether brewing coffee in a moka pot or thermal carafe, we trust the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder to turn out beans at the right grind. And it won’t break the bank. Price at the time of publish: $100 Dimensions: 5.3 x 7.75 x 12.8 inchesBlade type: BurrCoffee Bean Capacity: 12 ouncesNumber of grind settings: 15 Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Best Digital Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Crate & Barrel Pros: This coffee grinder is user-friendly and easily adjustable to the perfect setting.Cons: Because of its higher price point, we recommend it for experienced coffee drinkers over beginners.While this coffee grinder sits on the higher end of those we tested, our experts agreed that it was the best of our digital models. The Baratza Virtuoso + Conical Burr Coffee Grinder features a prominent digital timer adjustable to a tenth of a second. It also has a backlit grounds bin, making it an ideal grinder for anyone looking to pull the perfect shot of espresso. These user-friendly features are made for the extreme attention to detail required when grinding coffee for espresso. Because of this, it might be our favorite digital model, but its specific use and high price point may be best for more serious coffee connoisseurs. Price at the time of publish: $250 Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.69 x 12.6 inchesBlade type: BurrCoffee Bean Capacity: 8.11 ouncesNumber of grind settings: 40 Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Best Splurge Fellow Ode Electric Brew Grinder 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Crate & Barrel Pros: The Fellow Ode Burr Grinder has a clean, modern design and a wide range of settings. Cons: It tends to grind finer than desired, and the price puts it firmly as a splurge.What can we say? The Fellow Ode Burr Grinder is a beautiful machine. The simple, all-black metal exterior and modest size make it a perfect choice for any kitchen counter. Its myriad settings make it a worthy gift for your most coffee-serious friend. Its design does more than look pretty, too, as we found it was easy to clean after use. Our testers found that this grinder tends to turn out slightly finer grounds than what it was set to, so some time spent tweaking the settings may be necessary. We suggest splurging on this grinder because of its easy use and attractive design. Price at the time of publish: $255 Dimensions: 9.4 x 4.2 x 9.5 inches Blade type: BurrCoffee Bean Capacity: 2.82 ouncesNumber of grind settings: 11, with “31 steps in between” Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Best Quiet KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros: Clean lines and super simple; this grinder has only one button and does the job.Cons: While the lack of settings isn’t a big issue due to its low price and functionality, it does reduce its number of uses. The Krups Silent Vortex Electric Grinder was the only blade-style model to make our top picks. The grounds it produces are surprisingly consistent, and it wasn’t necessary to shake the machine to ensure all beans were ground like most blade-style grinders. It also does exactly as promised; it’s quiet, but better yet, it makes a delicious cup of coffee. Our test kitchen also found it easy to clean, making it a high performer. The affordable price is certainly a plus — we recommend this grinder to anyone at any level of coffee snobbery (or lack thereof). Price at the time of publish: $44 Dimensions: 4.33 x 4.02 x 8.46 inchesBlade type: BladeCoffee Bean Capacity: 3 ouncesNumber of grind settings: 1 Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Best Manual 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Pros: We loved how easy it was to disassemble, clean, and assemble again.Cons: Other uses, like grinding spices, might dull the blade quickly. We would recommend this grinder for coffee beans only.Manual coffee grinders have perks. They take up little space, make enough coffee grounds for a cup or two of coffee at most, and often allow additional control when adjusting the grind size. However, many are uncomfortable to use or don’t seem durable enough to last for very long. The 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder addresses all of these concerns with ease. It’s easy to use thanks to its textured grip exterior and long handle for comfortable turning. It’s also simple to disassemble for cleaning and comes in just under $100, making it an excellent value for a hand grinder. Price at the time of publish: $99 Dimensions: 7.76 x 4.49 x 2.83 inchesBlade type: BurrCoffee Bean Capacity: 0.5-0.7 ouncesNumber of grind settings: Manual adjustment dial Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Best Smart Breville The Smart Grinder Pro 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Best Buy Pros: Perfect for dedicated coffee brewers seeking precision.Cons: Likely too much of a commitment for anyone less enthusiastic about coffee.Some “smart” appliances can be challenging to set up or learn how to use. Often, this can feel frustrating as it seems contradictory to their purpose. On the contrary, we found Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder interface extremely intuitive, and the instructions simple to follow. Its precise settings make it easy to get the perfect cup of coffee for any grind type or brewing method. In our tests, this model’s performance was consistent; it made good coffee and was easy to clean. This grinder might be perfect for you if you want an intuitive, customizable system. Price at the time of publish: $200 Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 15.5 inchesBlade type: BurrCoffee Bean Capacity: 18 ouncesNumber of grind settings: 60 Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Our Favorite While we were impressed by the performances of several of the grinders we tested, nothing came close to the Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder. This model produced consistent coffee grounds every time, making it reliable and functional. It is small, perfect for a countertop or storage, and easy to clean. Overall, it was our favorite of every coffee grinder we evaluated. Factors to Consider Blade type When choosing a coffee grinder, you'll need to decide whether you want a blade, burr, or manual model. Blade grinders are a bit like food processors, slicing beans into teeny-tiny bits. The longer you keep your grinder running, the finer your grounds. Popular with beginners, blade grinders won't achieve as consistent texture as burr blades, but they are smaller and inexpensive. Generally, burr grinders are known to perform better than blade grinders when it comes to coffee. The majority of our test kitchen’s “best” picks are burr grinders. Because burr grinders function by having two revolving blades with textured surfaces, this method is more conducive to dealing with the small, rounded shape of coffee beans. In comparison, blade grinders have a single blade that moves like a blender’s. This is often less effective at breaking coffee beans into pieces small and uniform enough to brew good coffee.Manual (or hand) grinders are the smallest option and tend to be much more affordable than their electric counterparts. Users grind beans through two burrs by cranking a handle, which, admittedly, takes time and effort. However, manual grinders produce even grounds, and they can even offer different settings for various sizes. Also, they're much quieter than both blade and burr grinders. Hopper Size This is primarily something to weigh in your decision if you’re looking to make multiple cups of coffee at one time frequently. Many coffee grinders only fit enough coffee beans to produce grounds for one or two cups simultaneously, and it can be a pain to repeat the process over and over again while making breakfast or entertaining company. This may also impact the grinder's size and your coffee grinder's storage capabilities. Whether your kitchen has room for a larger grinder is something to consider, and a coffee maker with a built-in grinder might even suit your needs. Settings The number and range of settings on a coffee grinder can be significant depending on how you plan to make your coffee. Different applications exist for different coffee grind settings, like the extra-fine powder of good espresso or the coarser texture needed for brewing in a french press. With a broader array of settings comes a greater variety of options for your coffee-making, but if you plan on primarily utilizing one or two (like if you know you’re a pour-over fan for life), the number of settings matters a little less. In that case, the accuracy and consistency of the grind you’re specifically looking for are much more important. The Tests Our testers worked with 21 coffee grinders, running them through tests and observing their performances before our “best” of each category was chosen. Of the 21 grinders our testers worked with, 11 were electric while ten were manual, and a major featured a burr-style grinder. To evaluate the models' versatility and performance, each appliance underwent a series of grind screening tests to determine overall uniformity and range. Our experts additionally conducted a blind taste test. The top coffee grinders were easy to use, featured practical and thoughtful designs, and consistently produced a uniform grind, resulting in a flavorful cup of coffee. While somewhat more tedious, our testers found that the highest-performing manual grinders were on par with some of the highest-performing electric grinders. Other Coffee Grinders We Tested Strong Contenders Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder ($160 at Amazon) This grinder is very easy to clean and maintain. We also loved the taste of the coffee. We just wish it were a little bit more affordable. KRUPS Precision Coffee Grinder ($66 at Amazon) The performance of this coffee grinder was impeccable, but it’s slightly larger than some other models, which might make it difficult to store. Timemore C2 Max Manual Grinder ($109 at Amazon) While the Timemore C2 Max Manual Grinder performed well, some other models did better, and its price tag kept it from being a better deal. VEVOK CHEF Manual Coffee Grinder ($59 at Amazon) This grinder felt high-quality and had a wide range of settings. It was simple to clean externally, but internal cleaning required more effort due to its design. What Didn't Make the List A few other grinders stood out to us, but ultimately fell short compared to our outlined favorites. Among them was the KitchenAid Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder Combo Pack ($60 at Amazon). Despite its attractive appearance, its design made this grinder difficult, loud, and somewhat messy to use. The Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Coffee Grinder ($34 at Amazon) had all the markings of a good appliance, but the coffee it ground turned out far too watery for our taste. We did love the performance of the Comandante C40 Nitro Blade Grinder ($326 at Amazon), but decided its price point was too high to be of great value. Frequently Asked Questions Why grind your coffee at home? “Coffee is freshest in its whole bean state,” explains James Rayburg, coffee roaster and owner of Public Espresso in Buffalo, New York. “Keeping beans whole and in an airtight container keeps them fresher longer. Grinding just what you need every day enhances your at-home coffee experience.” What are the different types of grinders? “Burr and blade grinders are the two most readily available [electric grinders] to consumers. Burr grinders come in two varieties, conical and flat. Most commercial grinders are flat burr, and many made for home use are conical. The larger the burr’s surface area, the faster and more consistent the grind. The surface area also determines how much heat is transferred to the beans during grinding. Less heat is preferred as it does not scorch the beans and transform their flavor.” Manual grinders are also an option for someone who prefers a smaller, less-expensive option. However, keep in mind they require much more extra time and effort. Are burr grinders better than blades? “Burr grinders are 100% better than a blade grinder. It is impossible to get a uniform particle size with a blade grinder. Consistent particle size is ideal, as it results in even flavor extraction.” How do you clean a coffee grinder? “We use a product called Grindz, available at most grocery stores. It removes the coffee oils that collect on your burrs and makes them sticky (which slows the grinding process). Like cooking oil, coffee oils can turn rancid, so keeping that buildup out of your burrs prolongs the grinder’s life and makes better coffee.” Any other important tips or tricks to keep in mind? “Keep your coffee in an airtight container; if you’re buying a bag of coffee at a grocery store, squeeze the air out before putting it back in the cupboard. If you are leaving on a trip or don’t drink that much coffee, you can freeze the whole beans. Once the beans are frozen, keep them that way and only grind what you need, returning the bag to the freezer to prevent freeze/thaw degradation.” Our Expertise This article was written by Christa Glennie using insights gathered from our expert lab testing. Glennie has been a freelance writer and food editor for nearly 20 years. She is also the author of two cookbooks and specializes in food and drink trends, agriculture, the regional foodways of Western New York, and the restaurant business. For this piece, she interviewed James Rayburg, coffee roaster and owner of a small-batch coffee roaster, espresso shop, and pour-over bar located in Buffalo, New York. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit