Best Coffee Grinders Of 2022
We can all appreciate a good cup of coffee, whether we define that as a pre-ground cup of Folgers in the morning or a quick-and-easy K-cup pick-me-up. But let's get real. Don't fool yourself into thinking that any method tastes better than one that uses a freshly ground cup of coffee. Whatever method you prefer, from espresso, to cold brew, to French press, grinding your coffee at home is one of the best and smartest ways to improve your morning coffee.
Grinding coffee at home doesn't automatically make the result taste like the most premier barista blend. For instance, grounds that are too coarse for your brewing method will lead to muted flavors in the coffee, while those that are too fine will make coffee taste bitter (and almost too much like coffee, depending on who you ask). All told, coffee grounds are far from one-size-fits-all. An extra coarse grind size is best for cold brew, a medium grind is best for normal drip or pour-over coffee, and a fine grind is suited for Turkish coffee and espresso (via Homegrounds).
This means that picking a coffee grinder should be tailored to the individual coffee drinker's needs and wants, not the other way around. Juggling between the unknowns of blade or burr, manual or electric, and conical or flat can leave you reaching for the Keurig, but never fear. With these options and our handy roundup of best coffee grinders, delicious coffee is guaranteed.
How we selected coffee grinders
Choosing the right coffee grinder can be confusing when considering the vast number of options. To that end, we wanted to include manual and electric coffee grinder options, as well as ones tailored to more general and specific needs.
One of the most crucial things to consider when selecting a coffee grinder is the actual grinding component. Blade grinders, which resemble a plane propeller, tend to create an uneven grind size that are usually seen in some manual or inexpensive electric grinders. Burr grinders tend to crush the coffee grounds instead of chopping them, creating a more even grind size (via The Kitchn). Within that category, things can get even more complicated, given that there are flat burrs and conical burrs. According to Homegrounds, conical burrs are quieter and more versatile for home brewing, while flat burrs offer more control for specialized grind size. That can be key for types of coffee like espresso.
Other important factors considered were noise level, the number of grind settings available, and usability. Additionally, we included a number of models suited for a variety of price ranges and experience levels, even some for aficionados and professional baristas. When researching, we referenced product specifications and details, press reviews, and customer reviews.
Best overall coffee grinder
A great coffee grinder doesn't have to come with a plethora of fancy bells and whistles, or a hefty price tag. The OXO coffee grinder is just that: a no-frills, easy-to-use, reliable coffee grinder that is accessible to anyone who wants to up their coffee game.
The stainless-steel conical burr blades in this model emit less noise than a flat burr and will grind a more consistent and flavorful coffee. The grinder's hopper –– the coffee bean storage on top of the grinder –– holds 12 ounces, which is four ounces more than many other competitors. With 15 adjustable grind settings, you can go from grounds for a fine espresso to the coarse French press variety with a simple turn of the dial.
We aren't the only ones that endorse the OXO coffee grinder, given that it's one of the most best-selling coffee grinders on Amazon, with over 10,000 five-star reviews. It has an average 9.2 rating on Best Views Reviews ranking coffee grinders, praising it for its usability and value. According to Roasty Coffee, its finest and most coarse grind settings aren't up to snuff with other specialty coffee grinders, while its lack of scale requires one extra piece of kitchen equipment. However, for a jack-of-all coffee grinder for under 100 dollars, it's hard to beat.
Purchase the OXO conical burr coffee grinder for $99.99.
Best budget coffee grinder
Sometimes, it's hard to justify breaking the bank for a good cup of coffee. The Mr. Coffee electric coffee grinder is bargain royalty, costing just as much as a couple bags of coffee beans. It can grind up to 12 cups of coffee, or nine tablespoons of beans, and has a removable grinding chamber that allows for easy, dishwasher-safe cleaning. Its compact size makes for easy kitchen cabinet storage and less countertop clutter. As opposed to a burr grinder, the Mr. Coffee grinder has a flat blade grinder that can have a more inconsistent grind, but still works better than chopping beans with a knife. There are three coffee grind settings –– fine, medium, and coarse –– and different button settings for the amount of cups of coffee desired, but don't expect fancy espresso or pour-over specific settings.
On Amazon, The Mr. Coffee coffee grinder has over 12,000 reviews and around 9,000 five-star reviews. People don't see it as a one-trick-pony, with some reviews explaining how great it is for making French press coffee, in addition to its usability and easy-to-clean factor compared to other coffee grinders. Meanwhile, another review loved how the tapered lid made transferring coffee ground mess-free and easy.
You can purchase the Mr. Coffee coffee grinder on Amazon for $22.99.
Best high-end coffee grinder
The Baratza Vario coffee grinder is not for the wishy-washy, beginner coffee drinker –– it's for the coffee aficionado who wants to play barista from the comfort of their home. It has all the bells and whistles, including 230 grind settings for a customizable coffee grind, from espresso to cold brew. It also sports professional-grade ceramic flat burrs that are said to stay sharp for longer, have a more consistent grind size, and cause less damage to the coffee itself compared to stainless-steel burrs.
According to Homegrounds, the Baratza Vario coffee grinder's high-powered motor and durability make it worth the sticker shock. Its 230 grind setting is about as complicated as a TI-89 calculator, with that first has you selecting one of 10 main settings, then from another selection of 10 settings, and then 20 even more specific settings. It's a good thing there are three program buttons to save your customizations. Yes, there are less expensive coffee grinders that provide a solid outcome, but this grinder's unique customization abilities and durability gives it the edge for serious type-A coffee drinkers.
You can buy the Baratza Vario coffee grinder on Amazon starting at $529.95.
Best manual coffee grinder
Grinding coffee by hand has more benefits than just a good forearm workout — it requires no electricity, can be used anywhere, is compact, doesn't overheat the coffee beans, and reminds many of abygone era. However, just because you grind coffee by hand doesn't mean that you must sacrifice personalized grind size.
The TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 provides the consistency of an electric coffee grinder with the portability and usability of a hand grinder. The stainless-steel burr blade and 36-step dial allows for an easy and adjustable way to change grind sizes. Its aluminum body and small handle allows for smooth turning and grip-ability.
Its capacity only holds enough for one cup of coffee, according to Brew Coffee at Home, and grounds won't get fine enough to make espresso. Plus, the grind markings on the bottom of the grinder can be difficult to interpret for your desired grind size. However, with some experimentation and trial-by-error, the grinding quality rivals most electric grinders, and its price makes grinding on-the-go better than daily trips to Starbucks.
Buy the TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 manual coffee grinder on Amazon for $62.
Best coffee grinder for espresso
The Eureka Mignon Specialita espresso grinder ensures amazing and energizing espresso, one tiny cup at a time. Watching it grind espresso is almost artistic –– at least it looks artistic in this promotional video. The build is sleek and elegant, with squared edges and satisfying lines. You simply pour your beans into the hopper, adjust the grind size, place the espresso portafilter under the hatch, and watch the beautifully fine espresso grounds shoot out like a powerful, caffeinated waterfall.
Its flat burrs allow for even, super fine, and quiet grinding, but also are able to change easily and precisely. Its touch-screen LED surface allows you to adjust the espresso grounds without a scale by using its unique time-based dosing, which can grind individual espressos or a whole bag of beans. For espresso lovers, the investment will mean you are no longer reaching for the Mr.Coffee grinder anymore.
Purchase the Eureka Mignon Specialita espresso grinder on Amazon for $699.
Best entry-level coffee grinder
Baratza offers superior products, with the New York Times Style Magazine arguing that Baratza is to coffee as Wüsthof is to kitchen knives. The Baratza Encore is no exception. Labeled as the ultimate entry-level grinder, its straightforward adjustment dial, 40 grind settings, and burr grinder allows for ideal and consistent coffee grounds.
The Baratza Encore coffee grinder has been raved about by customers –– with over 7,000 five-star reviews –– and publications like the New York Times. Wirecutter loved the Baratza Encore for its affordability when stacked against other grinders with almost four-digit price tags, and how it revolutionized at-home coffee, even if it was brewed in a Mr. Coffee pot. It grinds quickly, is easy to maintain, and has a downright pleasant sound, making it the ideal model for those expanding their coffee palette (you can keep the Mr. Coffee for now).
Buy the Baratza Encore coffee grinder for $169.95 on Amazon.
Best aesthetically pleasing coffee grinder
With vibrant colors and a retro aesthetic, Smeg products have long been considered iconic and trendy kitchenware in the same manner in which people are swept away by logo-mania in the fashion world. Most of the time, these gadgets are grouped into the style-over-function category, with high price tags that add to the exclusive allure. However, even if their luxury fridges aren't worth the money, their smaller appliances might be worth it. Consider Smeg's vintage coffee grinder, which is a low-risk conversation piece that is both stylish and functional.
This coffee grinders comes in stylish colors like mint, cream, black, red and pastel blue. Additionally, its 30 grind settings work for all styles of coffee –– you can even grind espresso right into the portafilter. The burr grinders are removable and easy to clean, while also producing consistent coffee ground. Tech Advisor noted its easy-to-use capabilities and grind quality, which make it worth the price. Yes, there are cheaper grinders that work just as well, but do they look as photogenic as this one?
Purchase the Smeg retro coffee grinder for $329.95 on Amazon.
Best compact coffee grinder
It makes sense to see two manual coffee grinders on our "best coffee grinders" list, since they make great options for traveling, camping, and low-storage spaces. The JAVA manual coffee grinder from VSSL is a coffee grinder that can turn coffee beans into a single-serve cup of coffee in 60 seconds. Its conical burr grinder delivers flavorful and balanced coffee grounds for espresso, French press, and everything in between.
There are 50 different settings to achieve the desired grind size –– just pop the top, add the beans, select the grind size, grind, and enjoy! Their signature Clip and Flip top acts as both the crank for the grinder, as well as a carrying handle. It's practically perfect for clipping to a backpack or lugging up a mountain. That said, Coffee Affection notes that cleaning this hand grinder can be a tedious process, and its price can be intimidating. But, with an advertised lifetime warranty and 6,000 grind cycle-lifespan, it's an investment piece that can work especially well in your traveling arsenal.
You can buy the VSSL JAVA manual coffee grinder for $160.
Best smart coffee grinder
Technology is making all of our home and kitchen appliances smarter than we are, but if that means a better cup of coffee, then surely it's worth technology's takeover. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is the tech-savvy kitchen gadget for coffee beginners and aficionados alike. Unlike the Baratza Vario coffee grinder, its LCD display allows the user to easily navigate through 60 unique settings ranging from grind amount, cups or shots for espresso, and start time. There are also pre-programmed settings and a precision digital timer, similar to the Eureka Mignon Specialita espresso grinder, for easy grinding.
The Smart Grinder Pro coffee grinder allows you to grind directly into the provided bin, as well as a portafilter, paper filter, or other container. Plus, its impressive 18-ounce hopper capacity is hard to come across in other 8-ounce coffee grinder hoppers. Coffee Review reported that the grinding noise registered at a low 80 decibels, and while it took some time and patience to maneuver its vast size, the user-friendliness and durability provides cafe-quality grounds for a reasonable price.
Purchase the Breville Smart Grinder Pro coffee grinder for $199.99.
Best quiet coffee grinder
There's nothing worse than being awoken by the loud whirring and burring of a coffee grinder in the morning. The Krups Silent Vortex 3-in-1 grinder is optimal for spices, herbs, and, unsurprisingly, coffee. It's marketed as their most silent model, using patented Vortex spin technology to grind 12 cups of coffee in as little as 10 seconds. That also comes out to a still pretty speedy 15 seconds for drip coffee and 20 seconds for pour over methods. Its one-touch technology is incredibly user-friendly, as well as easy to control and manipulate different grind sizes. Its grinding bowl and storage lid is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to click out of place and clean.
It does have some pitfalls –– it doesn't grind as finely as other machines do for espresso, it has no grind size programs, and there is no easy way to dump the grinds out to avoid spillage. Overall, it's a beginner-level coffee grinder that is great for those who like grinding coffee at 6 a.m. in a house full of sleeping humans and pets.
Buy the KRUPS Silent Vortex coffee grinder for $37.31 on Amazon
Best professional coffee grinder
An industrial coffee grinder may not be as out-of-reach for you as you may expect. In fact, with some extra money, you may find that it's perfect for local businesses and those who grind mass quantities of Costco-sized coffee bags. From Hamburg, Germany, Mahlkönig prides themselves on their combination of craftsmanship and technology by creating machines that are no less than coffee royalty. Their EK43 model is no exception, dubbed by Mahlkönig as the "queen of coffee grinders."
The Mahlkönig EK43 is best suited for high volume coffee shops because of its speed and consistency. Roasters will also be interested due to its interchangeable hoppers and ability to prevent overheating, while restaurants might check it out for its ability to grind spices and other foods. It can grind coffee in under 20 seconds, or approximately three pounds a minute, from grounds fit for Turkish coffee to cold brew. Perfect Daily Grind praised this machine for its evenness, thanks to its 98 millimeter flat burrs, and intense flavor extraction, even though there is no dosing capability.
You can purchase the Mahlkönig EK43 Coffee Grinder for $3,150 on Majesty Coffee.
Best modern coffee grinder
Fellow offers sleek and modern-looking coffee and tea appliances for the modern caffeine indulger, especially a snazzy entry that landed in our ranking of the best of 2022 French presses. Their Ode Brew Grinder is no different, with clean lines and a modern look that is countertop eye candy. It's also pretty functional, with two flat burrs and 31 settings to perfect your Aeropress, pour-over, drip coffee, and more. However, it can't quite handle the grind necessary for espresso.
The Ode Brew Grinder also eliminated the need for that large hopper at the top to garner more aesthetic appeal. It furthermore added a noise reduction feature for early morning brewing, as well a grind knocker to reduce grind retention in the heart of the grinder. In a Strategist article, baristas raved about its high quality, comparing it to commercial grinders that rival the over-800-dollar Baratza Forte coffee grinder. Along with being quieter than its competitors, the eye-pleasing dial on this machine helps to control the grind size easily.
Buy the Ode coffee grinder from Fellow for $299.