The 8 Best Coffee Grinders of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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.

Types of Coffee Grinders

Looking for a new coffee grinder can be tricky though. 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 using a single blade. The longer you keep your grinder running, the finer your grounds. Popular with beginners, blade grinders won’t achieve as much of a consistent texture as burr grinders can, but they are smaller, more inexpensive, and quicker to grind.

Generally, burr grinders are known to perform better than blade grinders when it comes to coffee, so the majority of our “best” picks are burr grinders. Because burr grinders function by using two revolving burrs with textured surfaces, this method is more conducive to dealing with the small, rounded shape of coffee beans.

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 can offer different settings for various sizes. Also, they’re much quieter than both blade and burr grinders.

To make purchasing the right coffee grinder simple, we brewed coffee for days, taking into account performance, design, value, and consistency. These are the best coffee grinders, according to our testing.

PHOTO: Amazon

Pros

Its minimal, sleek design produced consistent grind sizes during our tests, and we feel it would look great in anyone’s kitchen.

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.

Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.1 x 12.5 inches | Blade type: Conical burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 7.75 ounces | Number of grind settings: 12

PHOTO: Amazon

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 a 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.

Dimensions: 5.3 x 7.75 x 12.8 inches | Blade type: Conical burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 12 ounces | Number of grind settings: 15

Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

PHOTO: Amazon

While this coffee grinder sits on the higher end of those we tested price-wise, 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.

Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.69 x 12.6 inches | Blade type: Conical burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 8.11 ounces | Number of grind settings: 40

PHOTO: Amazon

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 tests 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.

Dimensions: 9.4 x 4.2 x 9.5 inches | Blade type: Flat burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 2.82 ounces | Number of grind settings: 11, with “31 steps in between”

PHOTO: Amazon

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 at just under $100, making it an excellent value for a hand grinder.

Dimensions: 7.76 x 4.49 x 2.83 inches | Blade type: Conical burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 0.5-0.7 ounces | Number of grind settings: Manual adjustment dial

PHOTO: Amazon

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.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 15.5 inches | Blade type: Conical burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 18 ounces | Number of grind settings: 60

PHOTO: Amazon

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).

Dimensions: 4.33 x 4.02 x 8.46 inches | Blade type: Blade | Coffee Bean Capacity: 3 ounces | Number of grind settings: 1

PHOTO: Fellow Products

With an impressive 41 precision settings, the newest grinder from the acclaimed coffee brand Fellow can grind espresso and coffee beans for virtually every style of coffee, like espresso, AeroPress, cold brew, pour-over, and electric, which only some can do. The Opus also offers a bevy of other useful features, including a timed autostop, single-dose loading so you grind only what you need while your beans stay fresh, and anti-static technology to eliminate rogue grinds from dirtying your countertop.

Do note, when testing at home, our editor found that it could have been more precise when grinding beans for espresso, so it might not be the best buy for someone who uses their coffee grinder solely for espresso-style drinks. That said, we think it’s a great buy for a home user who wants something easy, sleek, well-designed, and all-in-one to play around with different coffee-making methods. We also noted that its sound was softer than most grinders. Another plus? It’s also more affordable than Fellow’s other great grinder, the Ode.

Dimensions: 8.3 x 5 x 10.5 inches | Blade type: Conical burr | Coffee Bean Capacity: 3.88 ounces | Number of grind settings: 41

Our Favorite Coffee Grinder

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 cabinet storage, and easy to clean. Overall, it was our favorite of every coffee grinder we evaluated.

Factors to Consider

Blade Type

As we mentioned before, the type of blade is the most important decision you will make when purchasing a coffee grinder because it affects the quality and consistency of your grind, and subsequently, the overall body and flavor of your cup. With three main kinds to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best for your lifestyle and preferred brew.

Burr: We are partial to burr grinders because they tend to produce more uniform and precise grind settings and generate less heat in order to preserve the beans’ flavor and aroma. Burr grinders also come in conical or flat shapes.

Conical grinders have cone-shaped burrs that fit inside each other. They tend to produce less heat than flat ones, are more affordable, and are quieter. This is the type of blade you’ll find most often in coffee grinders intended for home use.
Flat burr grinders, on the other hand, have two flat discs with serrated edges that rotate against each other to crush and grind the coffee beans between the two surfaces. They are very precise, produce the most uniform and consistent grinds, and can oftentimes churn out a range of grind sizes.

It’s hard to go wrong with a conical burr grinder because they work great for a variety of brew methods. But if you are a big fan of espresso and usually prefer a concentrated shot of coffee in the morning, you might appreciate the more uniform grind of a flat burr grinder, which is great for espresso extraction.

Blade: That said, a blade grinder offers affordability, convenience, and speed. Because blade grinders employ just a single blade, similar to a blender, they are often less effective at breaking coffee beans into pieces small and uniform enough to brew good coffee. If you are not looking for the highest quality brew and would prefer a quick, convenient cup of coffee in the morning, a blade grinder may be the better option.

Manual: Finally, a manual or hand grinder will offer some of the most consistent grinds around, though they are a labor of love. Manual grinders typically employ a small conical burr-type blade to crush the beans, similar to those you’ll find in a larger electric model. Due to their compact size, however, manual grinders cannot handle as many beans as the electric ones.

Hopper Size

This is primarily something to weigh in your decision if you’re looking to make large quantities of coffee at once. 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 overall size and your coffee grinder’s storage capabilities. Whether your kitchen has room for a larger grinder (along with, say, the rest of your coffee station equipment), is something to consider, and a coffee maker with a built-in grinder might even suit your needs best.

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.

How We Tested Coffee Grinders

To find our winners, we tried 21 coffee grinders in total, running them through tests and observing their performances before our “best” of each category was chosen. Of all the models we put to the test, 11 were electric, while 10 were manual, and a majority featured a burr-style grinder. With the help of coffee expert Nathan Pocus of Domestique Coffee, we evaluated each grinder individually to determine the overall range, uniformity, quality, and taste of the grounds they produced.

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Grind Uniformity and Range: The first test was a grind screening to determine grind uniformity and range for grinders with optional settings. Prior to beginning this test, we used a Baratza Virtuoso+ grinder to grind 15 grams of whole coffee beans using settings 14, 20, and 26. These grinds served as our controls for calibrating the other models by sight, especially if they did not include setting descriptions or instructions. We then used each grinder to grind beans into fine, medium, and coarse grounds. We observed and recorded how uniform and consistent the grind was for each model. For blade-style grinders without specific settings, we recorded how long they took to produce each level of grind.

Quality and Taste: The next step was a blind taste test to determine which coffee grinders produced the most full-bodied and flavorful cups of coffee. After grinding the beans and using an OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker to extract our brew, we smelled the coffee and described the aroma. We then proceeded to tasting and asked ourselves the following questions: Does the coffee taste acidic? Does the coffee taste bitter? Does the brew taste slightly sweet or have semi-floral notes? In addition to describing any other flavor profiles brought out by the extraction, we also assessed the intensity of the coffee, noting whether it tasted too strong or too weak, or if the coffee was well-balanced.

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Ease of Use, Care, and Cleanup: Lastly, we cleaned each coffee grinder based on the manufacturer’s instructions, observing and recording how easy or difficult it was to clean and disassemble. We also recorded how loud each grinder was while in use; if it included any design features that protect the quality of the coffee beans when in storage (such as a tinted external bean hopper); if the coffee grinder included any anti-static design features that dispel the static charge generated by the grinding process; and how easy it was to adjust the settings/burrs (if applicable) in order to control how coarse or fine the ground coffee was.

The top coffee grinders we tested 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, we 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 ($150 at Amazon)

This grinder is very easy to clean and maintain, and we also loved the taste of the coffee it produced. We did find the initial setup to be a bit difficult, but we would still recommend this machine to any coffee lover if you’re not ready to splurge on the Baratza Virtuoso+.

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 ($89 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. Despite its attractive appearance, its design made this grinder difficult, loud, and somewhat messy to use. The Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Coffee Grinder 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 but ultimately decided its price point was too high to make it of great value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you 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,” says Rayburg. “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 blade grinders?

“Burr grinders are 100% better than a blade grinder,” says Rayburg. “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,” Rayburg says. “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.”

How often should a coffee grinder be cleaned?

If you have a cup of coffee every morning and are grinding beans daily, then a good rule of thumb is to clean your grinder at least once a week. However, if you grind coffee more infrequently, then giving your grinder a thorough cleaning about once every two weeks should be sufficient.

What other important coffee tips or tricks should you keep in mind?

Properly storing your coffee is one of the best things you can do to keep it fresh and produce the highest quality brew. “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,” says Rayburg. “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.

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