Espresso is unlike any other type of coffee.
And besides the machine, the grinder is the most critical part of the espresso equation.
There are many myths and misunderstandings regarding espresso grinders, so in this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know and give you my top recommendations.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
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1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee... | ||
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Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr... | ||
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Eureka Mignon Specialita... |
⚠️ Why should you listen to me?
As a professional coffee taster (Q Grader), I have tested a bunch of burr grinders. Currently, I have more than a dozen various grinders at home, but I have tried many more models in my time as a coffee geek.
I believe a grinder is vital, so pay close attention here!
Authentic espresso vs. “mock” espresso
Before we get into the meat of the article, let’s clear up some confusion:
Mock espresso looks like the real thing but relies on a pressurized basket. This basket fundamentally changes the extraction process and enables you to use a coarser grind size. So if you have an espresso machine with this type of basket or portafilter, you can use a regular coffee grinder. (Generally, entry-level machines under 150$ use this technology).
The same goes for the Moka pot (Italian stovetop espresso maker). Again, some people think that this is espresso. It’s not. You don’t need a dedicated espresso grinder for this type of coffee.
Authentic espresso is made with a non-pressurized basket and is extracted between 6-10 bars. This is why pulling a shot requires an extremely fine grind size; the grind size has to provide all the resistance to the water pressure.
To recap: You only need a legit espresso grinder if you’re making legit espresso!
| Coffee Grinder | Grind Settings | Burr Size | Grind Speed | Grind Retention | Hopper Capacity | Portafilter Holder | Digital Display | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baratza Sette 30 | 30 | 40 mm | 3.5-5.5g/sec | 0.2g | 350g | Yes | Yes | 3.2kg |
| DF64 | ∞ | 64 mm | 1-2g/sec | 0.1g | 70g (with bellows) | Yes | No | 8.3kg |
| Eureka Mignon Specialita | ∞ | 55 mm | 1.2-1.8g/sec | 1-2g | 300g | Yes | Yes | 5.6kg |
| 1Zpresso Jx | 90 | 48 mm | 0.5-1g/sec | 0.1g | 30-35g | No | No | 683g |
| 1Zpresso K-Max | 90 | 48 mm | 0.5-1g/sec | 0.1g | 35g | No | No | 700g |
Best cheap grinder for espresso
My top recommendation for the best cheap espresso grinder is this one: The 1zpresso Jx, which is a hand grinder.
Many of my followers have picked up a Jx over the last couple of years, and I have almost exclusively heard great things from them.
I was blown away after testing the Jx a few years back, and actually 1Zpresso has improved the grinder with small incremental updates.
It’s just excellent value for money and does a good job grinding for both drip coffee and espresso. In addition, it’s easy to clean and silent in operation.
Hand grinders naturally score high on many of the evaluation criteria for espresso grinders: They have low retention, consistent doses, and provide fluffy grinds. They are also very quiet compared to most electric models.
⚠️ A word of caution: Some people find hand grinding physically exhausting. While manual brewing methods are more comfortable to grind, espresso can be a struggle. It just requires much more torque.
If the mere idea of a couple of push-ups or doing ten reps with a dumbbell sounds frightening, then you probably won’t enjoy hand grinding.
If you’re not in great shape, you should probably consider an electric grinder.
The ideal entry-level espresso grinder
If you are not keen on hand-grinding, I have another affordable option for you.
It is the Baratza Sette 30, which is the most basic version of the Baratza Sette series.
You should check out my review of this grinder for more in-depth information, but to give you a brief recap, I think this is a fantastic deal for the money.
Again, it scores high on many parameters: It grinds extremely fast and consistently, has supremely fluffy grounds, and has an enjoyable user experience.
The main problem is that it’s extremely noisy. If you’re looking for a quiet coffee grinder, then check out this list.
The perfect espresso grinder for most people
My top choice for the best overall espresso grinder goes to the Eureka Mignon Specialita. It’s a light commercial-level grinder with a tiny footprint.
Again, I’d encourage you to check out my full review for an in-depth explanation of all its features.
The shots made with this grinder tend to be sweet and balanced with just the right amount of texture.
In addition, since it uses flat burrs (as opposed to conicals like the Jx and Baratza Sette), the flavor profile is just a bit more smooth and more long-lasting. This is what I prefer when it comes to espresso.
Basic requirements of an Espresso Grinder
Espresso grinders tend to be expensive!
They are a lot more expensive than regular coffee grinders (which can already be quite pricy).
So unless you’re ready to spend at least a few hundred dollars, you’ll be very limited in your options.
In my opinion, hand grinders are the only option in this price range.
You’ll see some manufacturers claiming that their grinder can “grind for espresso,” but they are frustrating or useless in practice. A grinder like the Baratza Encore sometimes gets recommended, but IMO it’s just a way too disappointing experience to try to use something like that for authentic espresso.
So what does it take to grind for espresso?
- First, the grinder must be able to grind very, very fine.
- Second, it should be possible to make micrometric adjustments to the grind size. These changes should be small enough that you can change the timing of the shot in a meaningful and repeatable way. If the tiniest change in setting changes your shot time by more than 6-10 seconds, it’s a serious flaw.
These are just the basic requirements, though.
The following requirements on my list are not strictly necessary. However, I consider them quite essential for a good espresso grinding experience:
- Consistent doses: If you put 18 grams of beans in, you should get 18 grams out (+/- 0,3 grams)
- Low retention: The grinder shouldn’t hold onto considerable amounts of old coffee. You want as little old coffee as possible to be retained in the grinding chamber or/chute.
- Micrometric adjustments: You’ll see grinders with both stepped and stepless adjustments. Both types can have their place. You can control the shot time down to a few seconds by adjusting the grind size to finer or coarser.
- Fluffy grounds: Some grinders can grind very fine but tend to produce clumpy grounds. This is not ideal and can cause uneven extraction. IMO fluffy grounds should be a factor in your buying decision.
- Consistent grinds: The grinds should also be rather uniform. However, some microdust, aka fines, can add mouthfeel to the shot.
- Smooth workflow: Since espresso grounds are tiny particles, they can easily create a mess. The best espresso grinders make it smooth and clean to transfer the grounds into the portafilter.
- Intelligent Dosing: Dosing refers to measuring “the dose”. Some grinders have a timer that works down to a tenth of a second, giving you almost an identical amount of coffee every time. Other grinders use built-in scales to achieve this.
- Single Dosing: Some grinders are optimized for “single dosing.” This means you measure the beans before putting them into the grinding chamber. These grinders don’t have a hopper.
- Solid construction/engineering: Grinding for espresso is much more demanding than grinding for regular coffee types. For that reason, the equipment should be sturdy and well-built.
The list of the best espresso grinders of 2023
1: 1Zpresso Jx
The 1Zpresso Jx has been one of my favorites since it was released in 2019, and even though a lot has happened since then, it’s still a great option.
For a manual grinder, it’s super fast and consistent. With its smooth ball bearings and 48 mm, steel conical burrs, it chews through beans quickly.
It has a solid design which is excellent in hand and easy to take apart for deep cleaning.
It also works for other brewing methods such as pour over or AeroPress.
This grinder easily competes with and beats much more expensive grinders such as Baratza Virtuoso and Breville Smart Grinder Pro.
Sometimes, you’ll hear that the basic Jx is not suitable for espresso and that you should upgrade to the Jx Pro, which offers more granularity. However, this is not correct anymore. Since the adjustment dial was revised on the Jx with the new update over a year ago, it has had sufficient settings to dial in a shot.
➡️ Read the full 1Zpresso Jx review here
See more reviews2: 1Zpresso K-Max
I choose the 1Zpresso K-Max as my upgrade pick for hand grinders. If you’re considering the Jx but want to splurge, this is the right choice.
The 1Zpresso K-Max is the newest top model from the Taiwanese brand. It comes with some significant innovations, for example, a magnetic catch cup and an external adjustment ring. Both these features make your daily life much easier. In addition, this grinder also boasts 48 mm conical steel burrs like the Jx. However, these burrs are slightly different in design and tend to create more clarity.
When talking espresso, some people would probably point you to the Jx Pro or J-Max, also from 1Zpresso. While these grinders are dependable, the shots are slightly sweeter and cleaner from the K-Max.
At the same time, K-Max is also the best grinder for filter coffee from 1Zpresso. So even though this grinder is more of an allrounder, I think it still needs to be a part of the conversation when talking about the best coffee grinders for espresso.
If you’re a coffee purist and drink a lot of shots without any milk or dairy interfering with the flavor notes, then the K-Max is ideal for you.
➡️ Read the full 1Zpresso K-Max review here
See more reviews3: Baratza Sette 30
This is one of your best options if you want to brew great espresso at home without spending a fortune. This model has 40mm conical burrs from venerated burr manufacturer Etzinger, which produces a rich flavor profile with medium clarity and a medium-high body.
The Sette (as the name indicates) only has 30 grind settings, so it may be harder to dial in than the more expensive 270 version, but if you’re willing to be flexible and adjust by using dose and/or tamp pressure, then it’s doable.
The Baratza Sette 30 offers all the great things that the more expensive version does, and the price point is just right.
If you consider the jump up to the Sette 270 and 270wi, you suddenly have a lot of capable competitors. I’d be more inclined to choose the DF64 or a grinder in the Eureka Mignon series in that range.
So, in my opinion, the Sette 30 is the most interesting. Check out my full review to see what makes it so great.
➡️ Read the full Baratza Sette 30 review here
See more reviews4: Eureka Mignon Specialita
Eureka is one of Italy’s best-known coffee brands that has been making espresso grinders since 1920. Today the company still makes its products by hand in Florence, Italy.
They’ve been making grinders for years, so it’s no wonder they make some of the best products, especially regarding serious espresso grinders.
The Eureka Mignon Series, from which the “Specialita” is one of the flagship products, is one of the company’s biggest hits to date.
All Mignon grinders are exceptionally well constructed while still compact and pleasing to the eye.
There are several enticing models in this range, including the even cheaper Silenzio and the “Zero,” which have been optimized for single dosing.
But at the moment, I still think the Mignon Specialita is the best all-around option for most espresso drinkers out there. The time-based dosing is just excellent and super convenient.
I’ve been using this little gem for about three years now, and I’m not going to lie – it gets used more than any other espresso grinder I own. This is my go-to spro grinder, and it will be yours too!
➡️ Read the full Eureka Mignon Specialita review here
See more reviews5: Df64 / G-iota
The DF64 (which also goes by a range of other names, among them Turin and G-IOTA) took the coffee world by storm when it was released in early 2021.
It’s produced by a Chinese company called FL Coffee, which is relatively new on the coffee scene.
The success of the DF64 is based on the fact that it capitalizes on several coffee trends (single dosing, low retention) and comes at a relatively affordable price.
It’s a multi-purpose coffee maker with an emphasis on espresso drinks. It’s explicitly created for single-dosing.
It retains only a negligible quantity of grounds inside its grinding chamber, and you can blow out that amount with the pre-installed bellows. This feature lets you switch between different coffee beans and brew methods without worrying about stale coffee.
It has 64mm flat burrs. Because of that, it’s also straightforward to install burrs from different manufacturers if you’d like to try out a new taste profile. Many people immediately upgrade to SSP burrs because they want to experience the super clean flavor of using a particular type of professional burr set.
This grinder can be frustrating and complicated to use, so if you’re new to the espresso world, maybe it’s too much of a mouthful. But if you’re a hardcore geek, you’ll love all the options and flexibility the 64 mm platform will give you.
For people who want to geek out and embrace the single-dosing philosophy, this is probably a better choice than the Mignon Specialita.
➡️ Read the full DF64 review here
See more reviewsFlat and conical burr differences
You’ll see both flat and conical burrs when we’re talking espresso.
One shouldn’t discriminate and generalize too much here. For example, it’s possible to make great-tasting espresso with both types of burr.
Generally, you’ll mainly encounter burrs made of steel when we’re talking espresso. Ceramic burr grinders are not anything serious coffee geeks pay much attention to.
⚠️ Sidenote: Blade grinders are, of course, NOT recommended for any serious coffee preparation!
Generally speaking, 99% of manual grinders have conical burrs, so if you choose to go down that route, this is your only option.
If we’re really splitting hairs, I think flat burrs offer more clarity and a cleaner aftertaste than conicals. But this is just the general trend. There are muddy flat burrs and clean conical burrs out there, so there are no rules without exceptions.
Another benefit of flat burr grinders is that you have many options when you get up to specific common burr sizes. For example, in the 64 mm range, you’ll have a lot of aftermarket options from other brands, which can add new life to your grinder. If you’re tired of the flavor profile of your grinder, you can invest in a new set of burr, and suddenly it’s like having a new world of flavor opens up to you.
Hopper-based dosing vs Single dosing
These two philosophies also deserve their own section.
Hopper-based dosing is the traditional way to grind for espresso. You have a hopper full of espresso beans attached to the grinder. This is practical because you can just press the button and then coffee falls into your portafilter. If you run a busy café this workflow makes a lot of sense.
However, as home baristas have become more sophisticated, they have started questioning whether this concept. Most grinders have some coffee grounds retained in the grind chamber and chute, which is not purged until you grind for a new shot. This means that there’s some exchange of older grounds with every shot. In a coffee shop where you pull new shots all the time, these coffee grounds won’t go stale. But if you’re making coffee at home, then this is a bigger concern.
For that reason, the single-dose philosophy has started to become more popular. A well-engineered single-dose coffee grinder is optimized for very low or zero retention. So if you measure out 18 grams of coffee for your shot that’s also what you get out.
Single dose pros & Cons
Another big advantage for single-dosers is that it encourages experimentation. If you don’t have a hopper full of coffee to dictate what you have to brew next, then it’s a lot easier to switch between many different bean types from shot to shot.
Some hopper-based grinders work very well for this workflow without any modification. The Baratza Sette comes to mind here. But there are several new models specifically designed for this approach; the Niche Zero and DF64 are probably some of the most famous ones.
And don’t forget that all manual grinders are by default single-dose grinders!
Even though single-dosing undeniably is a trend on the rise, there are still good arguments for getting a grinder with a hopper and an efficient dosing mechanism. If you don’t want to switch between various blends and use scales to measure your dose every time, then the old approach is still more convenient.
If you want to make lattes and traditional espresso shots that taste consistent from brew to brew, then a more traditional grinder is preferable.
FAQ
There’s no exact answer to this question. The best thing you can do is to find one that fits your budget and tastes. But you should expect to pay at least $80 for a hand grinder that is the minimum requirement. I’d say that $250 is the bare minimum if we’re talking an electric espresso grinder.
The short answer is yes. A burr grinder is better than blade grinder for both espresso and drip. Blade grinders are just not consistent enough. I’d use them for nuts and chocolate, but never for coffee!
Yes! The main difference is that espresso grinders can grind much finer and have motor power and designs that let them do that. But there’s also a long range of other features that are important for espresso grinders. Read the rest of this article to find out what!
It depends on your preferences and needs. Flat burr grinders are generally considered to be superior to conical burr grinders. This is due to the fact that the most premium flat burr models are able to create a more consistent grind. But conical burrs can be more forgiving and are often better value.
