The 13 Best Coffee Grinders for Home Baristas

Trust me on this… a good grinder is to coffee what a good set of speakers is to music.

It’s absolutely crucial.

I have tested more than 50 different grinders over the last five years.

In this article, I try to summarize the best models on the market and explain who they are for and what they excel at.

Because there isn’t just one universal grinder “that’s best for everything”. Grinders are specialized tools, so in this article I have tried to highlight the top choices across different categories. Let’s get into it.

The Top burr coffee grinders of 2026

Below you will find my recommendations in a wide range of categories. These grinders shouldn’t be compared side by side. Instead, they should be seen as models that cater to specific segments of the market. 

I’m sure one of them will fit your particular needs – good luck. 

DF54 (ESPRESSO/FILTER)

The DF54 is a game-changer in the mid-range grinder market, offering near-professional level performance at a price point that’s accessible to serious home enthusiasts. It’s part of the new wave of Chinese-made DF-grinders that have disrupted the traditional coffee equipment landscape.

Unlike many grinders in its price range that excel at either espresso or filter coffee, the DF54 is a true all-rounder. It holds its own against more expensive espresso grinders while surprisingly outperforming even filter-focused flat burr grinders. For instance, I think it’s better than the Wilfa Uniform, which was seen as an outstanding pour over option just a few years back.

The DF54’s build quality punches above its weight class, featuring an aluminum body and powder-coated finish that rivals more expensive models. This solid construction contributes to its relatively quiet operation, a notable improvement over plastic-bodied competitors, such as the Baratza Encore ESP.

With its 54mm flat burrs and innovative design, the DF54 produces impressive results across the brewing spectrum. For pour-over, it delivers the clarity and complexity typically associated with higher-end grinders. In espresso, it handles everything from light to dark roasts with ease, offering the kind of consistency and range usually found in more expensive machines.

The grinder’s low retention and anti-static features make it ideal for the modern home barista who likes to experiment with different beans and brewing methods. I have seen some users complain about clogging and problems with static cling, but in my testing period (around 6 months) I haven’t noticed any big issues here.

While it may lack the long-standing reputation and extensive support network of more established brands, the DF54 represents the cutting edge of accessible, high-performance home grinding.

There is now even a set of filter burrs available that you can upgrade to which makes it extremely capable for pour over. You can read more about that in my individual review.

Pros:

• Professional-level performance for both espresso and filter
• Excellent build quality for its price range
• Ideal for single-dosing and experimentation
• Great value in the sub-$300 category
• Super affordable filter burrs available as add-on

Cons:

• Newer brand with less established support infrastructure
• Limited burr options in the 54 mm size. DF64 would be better for experimentation/upgrading.

The DF54 is a testament to how far home coffee equipment has come, offering capabilities that were once the domain of commercial grinders. For the price it’s no-brainer.

miicoffee Amazon

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Shardor 64 (Tinkerer’s Pick / Burr-Swap Platform)

The Shardor 64 is the cheapest way into the 64mm flat burr format, full stop.

It costs less than half of the (already very affordable…) DF64, and it’s part of the same wave of Chinese OEM grinders that keep pushing prices down. You’ll even see the identical machine sold under other names online.

Let me be upfront: out of the box, this is not a great grinder. The stock burrs produce a slightly gritty, muddy cup for both espresso and filter, and I don’t think it beats the DF54 or even the Baratza Encore ESP as-is. The body is plastic, the sound is loud and hollow, and the catch cup platform rattles.

So why is it on this list? Because of what’s underneath: an all-metal grinding chamber, a standard 64mm burr mount, and a motor that spins at around 500 RPM.

That low speed is often really epic for upgrade burrs from brands such as SSP and Lebrew.

When I installed SSP Cast 64 mm burrs, the espresso was noticeably tastier than what the same style of burrs delivers in a 1400 RPM DF64. I was super impressed — it was the kind of performance you’d expect from a +1000$ espresso grinder.

The total retention/dead space is very low at just 0.5 grams when I emptied the grinding chamber completely.

Alignment on my unit was good enough that I never reached for shims, and the timed dosing via the screen is handy for espresso routines.

The math is the catch. Good burrs cost as much as (or more than) the grinder, so a “budget” setup quickly lands at a much higher price. That’s still cheaper than the equivalent DF64 build, but it’s not really “budget” per se anymore.

Pros:

• Cheapest 64mm flat burr platform on the market
• Low ~500 RPM speed that brings out the best in many (*although not all) premium burrs
• Very low retention (0.5 g measured) and easy burr swaps
• Timed dosing with two programmable presets

Cons:

• Underwhelming stock burrs for both espresso and filter
• Loud, hollow-sounding plastic body and rattly catch cup platform
• Real value requires burr upgrades.

If you want a grinder that’s great out of the box, buy the DF54 instead. But if you’re a tinkerer with a spare 64mm burr set (or upgrade dreams), this is the best value platform in home grinding right now.

→ See my Shardor 64 review

Amazon

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BARATZA ENCORE & ENCORE ESP (FILTER/ESPRESSO)

Baratza’s Encore model has long been the go-to entry-level electric grinder for semi-serious coffee geeks. The new “ESP” version expands its capabilities to include espresso. But it’s asctually also a step forward for filter coffee.

For about $50 more, you get some cool upgrades:

• Dual-range adjustment system (20 clicks for espresso, 20 for filter)
• A higher end M2 conical burr set for improved consistency and flavor clarity
• Capable of grinding for both filter and entry-level espresso

For serious coffee geeks, the original Encore was starting to look really outdated in 2026, but with the ESP-update it’s gotten a new lease on life.

I’m a bit conflicted on the Baratza Encore ESP. On one hand it does both espresso and filter coffee quite well for a grinder at this price point. In terms of price-to-taste ratio it’s a very compelling offer.

On top of that you get Baratza’s really awesome customer service that will help you with troubleshooting and spare parts in case of issues down the line.

However, I don’t love the plastic build quality, and especially not the plastic grinds chamber and impeller.

Personally, I’d go DF54 or manual grinder over this, but I can understand why many people would pick the Encore ESP, especially if you’re located in North America where Baratza support is famously good.

Pros:

• Handles both filter and entry-level espresso at a very fair price
• M2 burr upgrade brings real flavor clarity gains over the old Encore
• Baratza’s famous customer support and spare-parts availability in the US

Cons:

• I don’t like the plastic grinds chamber and impeller. Personally, I don’t want my coffee to taste like microplastics
• The support advantage mostly applies in North America

Amazon Seattle Coffee Gear

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TIMEMORE SCULPTOR 064S (ESPRESSO/FILTER)

When I first unboxed the Timemore Sculptor 064s, I was pleasantly surprised: This grinder looks and feels more refined than most other grinders on the market. It’s very small. But at the same time feels sturdy and powerful with its robust frame.

The 064s represents a significant leap in the mid-range grinder market. It’s part of a new wave of Chinese-made grinders disrupting the industry, and Timemore isn’t shy about it – they proudly stamp “Made in China” under the catch cup.

The 064s is mostly focused on espresso. It produces shots with enhanced sweetness and a well-rounded profile. But it also makes relatively enjoyable filter coffee, though hardcore light roast fans will still prefer a high-end hand grinder for pour-over.

The magnetic catch cup, rotational fines knocker, and adjustable RPM (800-1200) all contribute to a smooth workflow. It’s also one of the quietest grinders I’ve used, thanks to its brushless motor.

Build quality is excellent, with a sleek design that looks more sophisticated than competitors like the DF64 or Fellow Ode. The 64mm flat burrs, deliver consistent grinds across brewing methods, but it is possible to upgrade the grinder with third party burrs (from SSP for example).

There are minor quirks, however. Some beans don’t slide into the burrs as smoothly as they should, due to the shallow angle of the single dose hopper, reminiscent of issues with the Fellow Ode. But overall, the user experience is phenomenal. It’s just a nimble and capable product.

Pros:

• Versatile performance for espresso and filter
• Adjustable RPM and rotational fines knocker
• Excellent build quality and whisper-quiet operation
• Best-in-class UX and design

Cons:

• Shallow single-dose hopper. Some beans need a nudge to feed into the burrs
• New V2/Gen 2 upgrade is scheduled for release in 2026/2027
• Top performance requires a third-party burr upgrade (extra cost)

amazon Timemore Official

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Mavo Phantox Pro (filter/espresso)

If you don’t mind grinding by hand, this is where the value equation shifts dramatically. Manual grinders punch well above their price class, and the Phantox Pro is one of the clearest examples of that. To get this level of performance from an electric grinder, you’d be spending considerably more money.

I’ll illustrate that a story: Earlier this year, I walked into a café I know well, one that has some serious gear: EK43, Ditting, and a rotating selection of the best hand grinders on the market.

I ordered a natural processed coffee. The cup was outstanding. One of the best café pour-overs I’d had in a long time. I assumed it had come off one of the high-end flat burr grinders.

Before leaving, I asked the barista which grinder he’d used. He smiled and held up a Phantox Pro.

That’s the kind of result that’s hard to argue with.

The in-house 45mm conical burrs produce a flavor profile that stands out from the usual suspects like the K-Ultra or Comandante. More mid-note sweetness, a subtle florality, and a bit less of that sharp acidity. It’s a good fit for light roasts in particular, but it handles filter coffee across the board with ease.

Build quality is impressive for the price. CNC-machined aluminum with a finish that competes with grinders costing considerably more. After regular use and multiple trips throughout 2025 and 2026, mine still looks new. The grind settings are flexible enough to cover everything from French press down to finer filter and light roast espresso, all within a smooth, intuitive adjustment system.

One caveat worth flagging: if you’re primarily pulling traditional espresso with medium to dark roasts, this isn’t the right tool. Shots taste a bit thin. But for everything else, it’s one of my favorites at this price.

Pros:

• Strong performance for light roast pour-over and modern espresso
• Unique burr geometry with a sweet, floral flavor signature
• Build quality that holds up to daily use and travel
• Flexible grind range covering everything from french Press to espresso

Cons:

• Not for traditional espresso with medium/dark roasts
• It’s still hand grinding: light roasts and bigger doses are a workout
• Burr calibration is best left untouched

→ See my full Phantox Pro review

amazon

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1zpresso K-Ultra (Filter/Espresso)

The 1Zpresso K-Ultra is the newest flagship model from the Taiwanese brand. You get a very convenient external adjustment of the grind size. This makes it very easy to switch between drip coffee, espresso & French press.

The second obvious advantage is that it has a magnetic catch cup. It seems like a small thing, but it makes the whole user experience a bit more frictionless every time you use the grinder.

The K-Ultra works very well for everything from pour over to espresso, and has established itself as one of the top manual grinders on market for several years now. I still think it’s outstanding, but in 2026 it’s getting serious competition from cheaper grinders such as the Mavo Phantox reviewed above.

However, if money is no object I believe that it still takes the crown by offering just a bit more in terms of UX and flavor. However, the difference is relatively small and hard to detect without side-by-side comparisons.

Read everything about the grinder here, including a big comparison of all the 1zpresso grinders (their lineup can be a bit confusing, so this is a good place to get the overview).

Pros

• IMO, the top performing all-around hand grinder on the market
• Multipurpose: Excellent for both espresso & filter coffee
• Professional grind quality

Cons:

• Cheaper rivals like the Phantox Pro have closed the gap. The flavor difference is tiny if not doing side-by-side comparison
• Handle and faux-leather wrappings are frequenly complained about online

Amazon 1zpresso

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Timemore Chestnut c2 (filter coffee)

The Timemore C2 is another great hand grinder.

I consider this device to be the cheapest acceptable coffee grinder if you really want to appreciate specialty coffee.

The Timemore C2 has a good size, and good built quality when considering the price. It can last you for years without breaking or getting dull burrs.

The downside with the C2 is that the capacity is slightly limited at around 25 grams of coffee and that it’s not capable of grinding for espresso.

However, if you’re just looking for a fast, efficient and capable hand grinder to get you started with proper coffee, then go for this model. It’s miles ahead of the traditional hand grinders from Hario, Porlex or JavaPresse.

Read my full review of the C2 here. 

(Sidenote: Recently the C3 model was released, but I still think the C2 makes more sense for most people, since it’s more affordable and grinds faster.)

Pros

• Affordable
• Great for travel
• Fast for a manual coffee grinder
• A good place to start your coffee journey

Cons:

• ~25 g capacity limits bigger brews
• Can’t grind fine enough for espresso (or at least takes for ages to grind)
• Clarity can’t match pricier hand grinders, so it’s more for medium/dark roasts.

Amazon Prima Coffee Aliexpress

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Femobook A4Z

The Femobook A4Z is a slightly odd grinder, but it has a lot going for it. Initially I viewed it as a travel grinder, but it actually works great as a daily driver.

The battery-powered design might seem like an odd choice, but it brings some advantages – no cord clutter, flexible placement, and significantly quieter operation than typical plug-in grinders. You might expect battery life to be an issue, but it’s not – one charge lasts months of regular use.

Equipped with almost identical burrs to the 1Zpresso ZP6, it’s got to be the best electric conical filter grinder I’ve tried. The clarity in filter coffee is exceptional – and in my opinion slightly better than the ZP6.

However, these burrs are mainly suited for light roasts with inherent sweetness and fruity notes. If you’re into chocolatey, nutty coffees that are closer to medium, then look elsewhere. This is for coffee snobs who buy from the likes of Sey and Coffee Collective. If you don’t know those roasters, you’re not the target audience.

Design-wise, it’s clean and simple – matte black finish, understated branding, and a magnetic catch cup. Operation is just an on/off button and you got USB-C charging.

The adjustment mechanism’s 8.8 µm increments are arguably a overkill for a filter-focused grinder, making it tricky to track your settings. But you’ll probably just leave it in a pretty narrow range given it’s filter-focused nature.

The conical burr design means you avoid the alignment hassles of flat burr grinders like the Timemore 064S – it’s genuinely plug-and-play.

Two features would make it even better: variable RPM (currently it runs at hand-grinding speed) and swappable burr sets. But even without these, it’s a cool option for the minimalist coffee enthusiast who wants great light roast coffee without the fuss.

In my opinion, the least fussy and most livable of all the high clarity burr grinders. Check out my full review here.

Pros:

• Best-in-class clarity for light roasts
• Battery-powered: no cords
• Super quiet
• Plug-and-play conical design. You don’t have to worry about alignment hassle

Cons:

• Really only for light roasts. Chocolatey/nutty coffees should look elsewhere
• Slow: Runs at hand-grinding speed
• Not good for doses larger than 25-30 grams

OFfficial shop

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Fellow Ode Gen 2 (Filter Coffee)

The Fellow Ode grinder had a few beginner problems during its first year or two on the market.

However, Fellow has managed to fix most (if not all) of the points of criticism, and the Gen 2 version of the grinder appears to be the new king of brew grinders.

If you’re looking for an electric grinder that can do everything except espresso and Turkish really well, then this one should be at the top of your list.

The design is eye-catching and unique and the user experience is top-notch.

It’s also possible to switch the burrs to other types, for instance, the models from SSP, which will enable the grinder to go down to the espresso range.

I should mention that this grinder is designed for single-dosing. So this is not the grinder where you just fill the hopper with a whole bag of beans. No, instead, you have to measure out your dose every time. However, this is what all real coffee geeks do anyway, so it shouldn’t be seen as a downside. Just something to keep in mind.

Pros:

• Beautiful, innovative design
• Made for single-dosing
• Great flavors for drip coffee due to pro-level 64 mm flat burrs

Cons:

• No espresso without swapping to third-party burrs
• Single-dose only. No hopper storage
• Premium price for a filter-only grinder

Amazon Coffee Bros

→ Check out my Fellow Ode review

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Eureka Mignon Specialita (espresso)

Eureka is an Italian grinder brand that goes all the way back to 1920. Today the company is still handmaking all their grinders in Florence, Italy.  

With that kind of history, it’s no surprise that Eureka makes some of the most outstanding grinders on the market today; especially when it comes to serious espresso grinders. 

The Eureka Mignon Specialita is the bee’s knee when it comes to espresso grinders. I have had mine for a few years now, and I absolutely adore it. 

It’s extremely well constructed, yet still small enough that you can have it on your kitchen counter. 

It’s also one of the quietest grinders out there. You can brew a shot without waking up the whole house. 

The Specialita also has a precise timing mechanism to 1/10th of a second. This means that you can get an ultra-precise dose each time. 

Oh, and then it doesn’t hurt that it looks damn cool. 

Pros:

• Beautifully constructed. Handmade in Florence since forever
• One of the quietest espresso grinders on the market
• Timed dosing precise to 1/10th of a second

Cons:

• Espresso only: Don’t buy it for filter
• Traditional hopper design retains more grounds than modern single-dosers
• The stepless adjustment via the small wheel makes it a bit old-fashioned in terms of dialing in

Amazon Seattle Coffee gear

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Df64 Gen 2 / G-iota (espresso/filter)

The DF64 grinder is one of the most hyped grinders over the last 5 years.

In 2023 it got a big upgrade, and was marketed as DF64 “Gen 2”.

It’s definitely worth it to get the new model, which comes with some essential upgrades.

It’s a multi-purpose grinder designed for single-dosing. This means that it has a very low amount of ground coffee retained inside the burr chamber. There’s also a set of bellows on the grinder, so you can blow out the remaining grinds. This enables you to switch between beans or brewing styles without worries.

The DF64 has 64 mm flat burrs (hence the name). For that reason, it’s also very easy to install new ones from other manufacturers, if you want to try a different flavor profile. Many users upgrade to SSP burrs right away to achieve that super clean flavor you can only get from a certain kind of professional burr sets.

However, the grinder also tastes quite good with the new and upgraded stock burrs. The flavor profile is especially good for espresso, but it will also do a pretty good pour over.

Previously, the DF64 had some significant issues, but with the new upgrades this grinder finally lives up to its potential. Especially, the declumper has had some issues in the past, but this is all fixed with a new design plus a plasma generator that reduces static electricity to a minimum.

Overall, this grinder checks all the boxes when it comes to filter and espresso. In my humble opinion, this is the ideal choice for the serious hobbyist, who plans to upgrade with SSP burrs. This grinder can even function as a secondary grinder in a small coffee shop.

There’s a lot to be said about this device, so check out my review if you want to know more.

Pros:

• Designed for single-dosing
• Good for both espresso and pour over
• Sturdy design & powerful motor

Cons:

• Stock burrs are good, but the real potential is unlocked by upgrading to SSP burrs (big extra cost)
• No hopper — you measure out every dose aka “single dosing”
• Newer OEM brand with less established support than the legacy names

amazon Miicoffee

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DF64V: Espresso/filter single doser

The DF64V is the pricier and more refined sibling of the DF64 Gen 2.

While sharing the same name and the 64 mm flat burr platform, there are a number of tweaks and updates to the DF64V.

The major difference between these grinders is the variable speed that can be controlled from 600-1800 RPM.

In daily use, there are some notable upgrades such as an exceptionally quiet brushless motor and a magnetic chute which simplifies cleaning.

The redesigned burr chamber further reduces retention, making it an excellent grinder for single dosing. It is crafted with high-quality materials.

Taste-wise, the DF64V delivers a nuanced flavor profile for both filter coffee and espresso. Of course, you can upgrade the DF64V to SSP burrs, which will elevate the grinder’s performance to an even more elite level.

Overall, it’s a sleek and good-looking grinder; however, the wood color could better match the body. It’s a minor point.

The DF64V might be the most expensive grinder in this round-up, but its performance is unparalleled at this price point. Essentially, it performs like a Lagom P64 at a fraction of the price.

This is undoubtedly one of the favorite grinders in my collection. If you want a nimble and quiet single-dose grinder suitable for both espresso and filter duties, you can’t go wrong here.

For a deeper exploration of its features, check out the full review.

Pros:

• Variable RPM (600–1800) lets you tune the flavor profile
• Exceptionally quiet brushless motor
• Very low retention; magnetic chute makes cleaning painless

Cons:

• Expensive for an “OEM” product
• Wood accents don’t quite match the body color

amazon Miicoffee

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Baratza sette 30 (espresso)

When the Baratza Sette was released a few years back, it was met with extremely high expectations due to its unique and completely revolutionary design.

Suddenly, there was a grinder with almost zero retention, extreme speed, and excellent consistency at a price level suitable for home baristas. 

Unfortunately, the grinder turned out to have a lot of bugs and issues – especially the version with the built-in scale was prone to problems. 

Now, Baratza has finally managed to get most of these issues under control. Combined with the company’s excellent track record for customer service when something happens, I would no longer be worried about investing in this grinder (this is written with the US market in mind – in countries where there is no Baratza customer support, you should probably consider it twice). 

If you want to make great espresso at home without breaking the bank, this is hard to compete with. It only has 30 grind settings, which means that it can be a bit more difficult to dial in compared to the more expensive 270 version. However, the grind size is focused towards espresso and Aeropress, so you have a very fine range.

Pros

• Zero retention grinder
• Fluffy grounds
• Very attractive price
• Super precise digital timer

Cons:

• Noisy and plasticky compared to rivals
• Only 30 grind settings makes precise dial-in harder than the 270
• Outside Baratza-support countries (mainly the US), think twice

→ In-depth look at the Baratza Sette

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How to choose a home coffee grinder

Grinders come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your brewing style. 

Broadly speaking, grinders can be broken down into 4 main categories – however, there are exceptions to these rules:

In reality, most people reading this are primarily looking for a grinder they can use at home to brew stuff like drip coffee or French press.

• Electric Conical Burr Grinders: Most people just getting into the whole ‘grind-your-beans-at-home’-thing, should pick a model from this category. It should have conical burrs made of steel and it shouldn’t necessarily cost a fortune.
  
• Electric Flat Burr grinders: This type of grinder is too expensive for most regular people, but many hardcore coffee geeks eventually invest in a flat burr grinder due to its more uniform particle distribution. Both when it comes to drip coffee and espresso, flat burrs tend to provide more flavor clarity.
  
• Espresso Grinders: These grinders are usually a lot more expensive, and only suitable for one thing: espresso. They can grind extremely fine, and are designed specifically for espresso. Even, if they technically can grind the correct coarseness for other brewing types, they are better suited for their original purpose. You can find them with either flat or conical burrs. Read my guide specifically to espresso grinders here.
  
• Manual Grinders: You can often find great value in this category! Due to their elongated design, hand grinders usually have conical burrs, (although I can think of two or three exceptions to this rule).

  Cheaper versions usually have dull, ceramic burrs, but the best manual coffee grinders tend to have high-quality steel parts. Hand grinders are versatile and can often be suitable for both pour over and espresso.

• Single-dose grinders: This type of grinder has become really popular in the last couple of years. A single-doser doesn’t have a big hopper, where you can store your beans. Instead, they have a small grind chamber that is designed for a single dose. So you have to measure out your desired dose before grinding each time. This is usually combined with very low retention. This approach is ideal if you want the purest and freshest flavors possible.
  (Pro tip: When we talk about single-dosers, we typically refer to electric grinders, but essentially, all hand grinders are single-dose grinders!)
  
• Commercial grinders: In the coffee shop you’ll mainly see huge grinders with flat or conical burrs. They are designed for volume and workflow. Often, they are also more consistent than the grinders home-users have access to, however, this isn’t always the case. Today, some prosumer grinders can actually rival professional equipment.

Consider a manual grinder

Alternatively, if you don’t mind the work, you’ll also get excellent results with a manual grinder. If you’re serious about coffee and want the ultimate bang-for-the-buck solution then get the Mavo Phantox Pro.

(Yes, flavor-wise, it’s a big step up compared to the Baratza Encore.)

If you have more complicated coffee needs than typical home brewing, you might have to consider an espresso grinder. If you have an espresso machine – or you’re thinking about getting one – you should plan ahead and get a device meant for this kind of brewing style since normal grinders typically can’t grind fine enough for espresso.

The world of grinders is super competitive. Especially, in recent years there has been a lot of development in this space.

For that reason some grinders that were considered awesome in 2020 could already be dated less than a year later.

For full transparency, I’m including the list of grinders that were considered for this article, but in the end didn’t make the cut.

If you have some questions about some of these burr grinders then make sure to take a look below.

I have listed the models from cheaper to more expensive:

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Why Should you get a serious coffee grinder?

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to the burrs themselves. 

However, they are simple and straightforward tools that should be understood in relation to their job: Grinding stuff to a rather uniform size (be it coffee beans, grains, nuts or other food items. )

When it comes to coffee it’s extremely important that the particle size distribution is rather narrow. This helps to get an even extraction of the beans. 

Typically, the grind size distribution will be anywhere from 0.1 to 1600 μm (particle diameter) — the trick is to have the majority of the particulates at a range fitting your chosen brew method. 

Particles at the two opposite extremes of the spectrum are typically called ‘fines‘ and ‘boulders’.  To a true coffee geek these are like green kryptonite — you want to avoid them at all cost!

Fines contribute with bitterness, and boulders bring sourness to the final cup. 

Conical burrs vs flat burrs

As other tools, burrs can have different shapes and be made from different materials. However, it’s hard to generalize and say that one size, shape or material is superior to the other. It all depends on the use case and the individual manufacturer. 

As a general rule of thumb we do see more flat burrs in professional equipment but that doesn’t mean that they are more desirable tastewise. 

They are just better suited for high volume. Also, they typically produce fewer boulders (big chunks) compared to the conical ones. But both types of burrs have their own pros & cons:

• Conical burrs: Common in entry-level electric grinder as well as hand grinders due to their smaller size. 
   When it comes to espresso they tend to create a grind with better mouthfeel. Because they are smaller in diameter, they are typically slower.
• Flat burrs: Often used in the big, professional espresso grinders. They are fast and efficient but retain more grounds and can be harder to dial in. 

Read more about flat and conical burrs here.

Ceramic vs steel burrs

Ceramic burrs are usually cheaper than steel. They are often utilized in manual grinders in the sub $100 category.

In general they tend to be more dull than their steel counterparts. When used in manual grinders, it means that you have to do a lot of extra work using your biceps.

Ceramic burrs are rarely used in electric grinders; the main reason is probably that they are more fragile than steel and could shatter when getting in contact with a small stone that had gotten mixed up with the beans. 

That being said, some manufacturers do use ceramic in their espresso grinders – most famous is probably the Baratza Vario.

One good things about ceramic, however, is that the material is rust resistant and stainless, unlike most steel used in budget grinders.

But overall, I think it’s fair to say that in this day and age the time for cheap ceramic burrs is over. Go for steel instead, and your life will be lot easier.

How to Clean a Burr Grinder?

I’m glad you asked about that question. I have an article here where I talk about how often you should clean a grinder and what you should be aware of.

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