Top 9 Rated Burr Coffee Grinders For Dedicated Home Baristas

A burr coffee grinder becomes an essential tool to achieve the perfect extraction. Within this evaluation, I will lead you toward the finest coffee bean grinders available.

Our Top Picks

Ratings on Amazon at the time of publication

Product	Brand	Ratings	Details
J Manual Coffee Grinder Silver Capacity	1Zpresso	~1,100	See
Mignon Filtro Coffee Grinder	Eureka	~530	See
K-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder Iron Gray	1Zpresso	~205	See
Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder	Baratza	~14,500	See
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder	Fellow	~1000	See
Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder Capacity 25g	TIMEMORE	~1,600	See
DF64P Premium Single Dose Espresso Grinder	MiiCoffee	33	See
Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder	Eureka	530	See
Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder	Baratza	848	See

For a genuinely delightful coffee brewing experience at home, a proper burr grinder is indispensable, ensuring consistency in particle size.

Contrary to elitist beliefs, the superior grinder need not be the most outrageous on the market. Nevertheless, a few fundamental prerequisites should be met.

Given the plethora of grinder options in today’s market, selecting the most suitable one tailored to your precise requirements is paramount.

Selecting The Ideal Coffee Grinder For Your Home Brewing

The options are diverse when choosing a coffee grinder for your home setup. Opting for a hero that aligns with your preferred brewing method is crucial.

In a broad classification, grinders can be categorized into four primary types, though exceptions do exist. For the majority of readers seeking a sub for home use, particularly for brewing techniques like drip coffee or French press, the following insights are relevant:

1. Electric Conical Burr Coffee Grinders:

Those new to home grinding should consider models from this category. Look for conical burrs crafted from steel; the price need not be excessively high.

2. Electric Flat Burr Coffee Grinders:

Although pricier, dedicated coffee enthusiasts often gravitate towards flat burr grinders due to their even particle distribution. These grinders excel in enhancing flavor clarity, both in drip coffee and espresso preparations.

3. Espresso Grinders:

Explicitly geared for crafting espresso, these grinders are more expensive and finely tuned. While capable of adjusting coarseness, their true prowess lies in espresso brewing. Variants with flat or conical burrs are available.

4. Manual Grinders:

A cost-effective option, manual grinders typically feature conical burrs, though exceptions exist. Superior manual models incorporate high-quality steel components and offer versatility for pour-over and espresso brewing.

5. Single-Dose Grinders:

Gaining popularity recently, single-dose grinders possess smaller grind chambers designed for individual portions. This approach maintains freshness and flavor purity, requiring you to measure each dose before grinding. While the term is often linked to electric grinders, manual options also fall under this category.

6. Commercial Grinders:

Common in coffee shops, these large grinders with flat or conical burrs cater to high-volume demands and workflow efficiency. Prosumer grinders now rival professional equipment in consistency and performance.

Selecting a coffee grinder tailored to your brewing needs ensures the utmost enjoyment of your coffee experience.

Explore The Option Of A Manual Burr Coffee Grinder

On the other hand, if you’re open to putting in some effort, a manual burr grinder can yield outstanding outcomes. If your dedication to coffee is unwavering and you seek an exceptional value-for-performance solution, consider acquiring the 1Zpresso Jx.

(Indeed, in terms of flavor enhancement, it offers a notable improvement over the Baratza Encore.)

Considering an espresso grinder for those with more intricate coffee preferences beyond standard home brewing becomes pertinent. Should you possess an espresso machine or are contemplating obtaining one, prudent planning involves acquiring a hero tailored to this brewing style. Regular burr grinders usually fail to achieve the required fineness for espresso preparation.

Top Burr Coffee Grinders For 2023

Listed below are my top picks spanning various categories. It’s essential not to juxtapose these grinders directly but instead view them as models meticulously tailored to distinct market niches.

Among these selections, one likely aligns perfectly with your unique requirements—best of luck in finding your ideal match.

#1: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

The Encore is a contemporary classic with justified acclaim: a dependable grinder.

While other models might flaunt advanced technology and elaborate features, a grinder’s core function should be executed flawlessly. This is precisely Encore’s forte.

If your coffee routine primarily revolves around black brews like French Press, pour-over, and Aeropress, the Encore is a commendable companion.

Although not exclusively an espresso grinder, some fine-tuning enables it to achieve sufficiently fine grinds. This versatility allows for the occasional exploration of espresso-style coffee.

For most coffee enthusiasts, the Encore is an apt entry-level grinder. This sentiment is reinforced by The Wirecutter’s comprehensive grinder assessment (source).

However, the Encore may reveal some inconsistency when delving into specialty coffee and lighter roasts. This grinder might not align perfectly if you prefer vibrant fruity, and floral notes over body and intensity.

I’d opt for a hand grinder within the same price range for scenarios requiring such nuances.

Notably, Baratza boasts a reputation for exceptional customer service, particularly in the United States.

Key Points:

• Reliable grind consistency, especially for pour-over brewing
• Respected and trusted brand
• User-friendly design without unnecessary complexities

#2: 1Zpresso J Manual Coffee Grinder with Conical Burr

Since its debut in 2019, the 1Zpresso Jx has held a special place in my preferences.

Remarkably swift and unwavering for a manual grinder, it outperforms its electric counterparts with three to four times higher prices.

Portability, quiet operation, and robust build further characterize this grinder.

Among manual options, the Jx ranks among the speediest. Equipped with substantial, finely-honed burrs and smooth bearings, it achieves an impressive grinding rate of nearly a gram per second.

This model is my top recommendation for optimal value in consistent grind quality. Nevertheless, if convenience holds more significant sway, exploring electric alternatives might be your initial consideration.

For a comprehensive evaluation of the Jx, refer to my detailed review.

Key Points:

• My personal top choice
• Compact and quiet
• Achieves professional-grade grind consistency

#3: Eureka Mignon Filtro Coffee Grinder

Stepping up from the Baratza Encore, we encounter the Eureka Filtro – a flat burr grinder crafted in Italy by the esteemed artisans at Eureka.

The Filtro embodies a mix of favorable and unfavorable attributes. Its standout feature lies in its exceptional grind uniformity – a trait that has earned it the title of the most consistently performing grinder I’ve evaluated. For a more comprehensive insight, refer to my detailed analysis of mid-range heroes on my YouTube channel.

Nonetheless, confident design choices raise concerns. For example, operating the grinder necessitates holding down the pulse button rather than offering the convenience of a dedicated on/off switch.

Furthermore, retention levels are somewhat higher than desired. Each dose results in an exchange of approximately 1.5 grams, which might be excessive for those pursuing meticulous single dosing.

However, rectifying these issues is relatively straightforward – fitting bellows and removing the declumper can reduce retention to a more acceptable level.

Undoubtedly, the Eureka Filtro resides in a league compared to the Baratza Encore, excelling in material quality, construction, and grind consistency.

Despite a marginally higher price tag than the Encore, the Filtro delivers exceptional added value and grind uniformity.

Key Points:

• Most affordable flat burr grinder option
• Exceptionally consistent grind output
• Reflects Italian craftsmanship of high quality

#4. 1Zpresso K-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder with Conical Burr

While slightly pricier than my other favored choice, the Jx, the K-Max boasts several advantageous enhancements worth the investment.

Foremost among these is the highly convenient external grind size adjustment feature. This empowers effortless transitions between drip coffee, espresso, and French press settings.

Another standout attribute is the inclusion of a magnetic catch cup. This seemingly minor detail significantly streamlines the overall user experience with each grinder used.

Now, what about flavor? Does it surpass that of the Jx?

In my view, yes, it does.

The distinction might not be immediately discernible unless you possess a refined palate, but I find it particularly pronounced during high extractions or espresso brewing.

The K-Max closely resembles the K Plus, a model I’ve reviewed previously. However, it incorporates a handful of subtle tweaks that collectively elevate its overall appeal.

For a comprehensive analysis, delve into the complete explanation provided here.

Key Points:

• In my opinion, the premier hand grinder available in this year
• Versatility: Excelling in both espresso and filter coffee applications
• Delivers professional-grade grind consistency

#5: Fellow Ode Brew Grinder – Burr Coffee Grinder Electric

The Fellow Ode grinder encountered some hurdles on the market during its initial year or two.

Yet, Fellow has admirably addressed most, if not all, of the points of criticism, and the Gen 2 iteration of this grinder seems to have risen as the reigning champion among brew grinders.

When pursuing an electric grinder proficient in all aspects save for espresso and Turkish preparations, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 deserves a prime position on your shortlist.

Its design is visually appealing and refreshingly distinctive, enhancing the user experience.

Furthermore, the burrs can be swapped out for alternative options, such as the models from SSP, thereby extending the grinder’s capabilities into espresso grinding.

It’s worth noting that the Fellow Ode is designed for single-dosing, meaning it isn’t tailored for loading an entire bag of beans into a hopper. Instead, each dose needs to be measured out individually. This approach, however, mirrors the practice of devoted coffee enthusiasts, making it more of a feature than a drawback.

Key Points:

• Aesthetically pleasing and innovative design
• Engineered for single-dosing
• Delivers impressive flavor profiles for drip coffee, attributed to its professional-grade 64 mm flat burrs

#6: TIMEMORE C2 Manual Coffee Grinder with Conical Burr

The Timemore Chestnut C2 stands as another commendable manual grinder.

This device offers an economical entry point for those wishing to savor specialty coffee.

Much like the 1Zpresso Jx, the Timemore C2 presents numerous advantages. Notably, it boasts a lighter build, making it suitable for individuals with smaller hands.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that C2 does have certain limitations. Its capacity is slightly constrained, accommodating roughly 25 grams of coffee, and it cannot grind for espresso.

Nonetheless, if you aim to secure a swift, efficient, and capable manual grinder to embark on your journey into authentic coffee, the C2 is wise. It surpasses the more traditional hand grinders like those from Hario, Porlex, or JavaPresse by a substantial margin.

For a comprehensive evaluation, consult my detailed C2 review.

(Sidenote: While the C3 model has been introduced recently, I maintain that, for most individuals, the C2 remains the more sensible choice.)

Key Points:

• Budget-friendly
• Suitable for travel
• Impressive manual grinding speed
• An excellent starting point for your coffee exploration

#7: MiiCoffee DF64P Premium Single Dose Espresso Grinder

Emerging as perhaps the most buzzed-about grinder of 2021 and 2022, the DF64 grinder introduces us to the realm of FL Coffee, a relatively unfamiliar Chinese company. Despite its obscurity, this grinder adeptly amalgamates numerous attributes held dear by coffee enthusiasts, all within an economical package.

Positioned as a versatile, single-dosing grinder, the DF64 minimizes ground coffee retention within its burr chamber. A thoughtful inclusion of bellows facilitates the expulsion of any remaining grinds, enabling seamless transitions between different beans or brewing methods.

Sporting 64 mm flat burrs, from which it derives its name, the DF64 offers easy interchangeability with burrs from other manufacturers, facilitating experimentation with diverse flavor profiles. The SSP burrs are a popular upgrade for fans seeking the pristine clarity that specialized professional burr sets provide.

However, the grinder’s performance with the Italmill burrs also yields pleasing results. While particularly adept at producing espresso-friendly flavor profiles, it also caters to pour-over preparations, especially when accompanied by minor modifications.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the DF64 benefits from specific enhancements to fully unleash its potential, particularly regarding its declumper mechanism, which has encountered past issues.

Given the multifaceted nature of this apparatus, a more comprehensive understanding can be gleaned from my in-depth review.

Key Points:

• Tailored for single-dosing
• Adaptable for both espresso and pour-over applications
• Durable construction and robust motor performance

#8: Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder

Harking back to its origins in 1920, Eureka, the venerable Italian grinder brand, continues its tradition of handcrafting all its grinders in the historic city of Florence, Italy.

Given its extensive legacy, it’s hardly a revelation that Eureka stands at the forefront of grinder craftsmanship today, particularly in earnest espresso grinding.

The Eureka Mignon Specialita, in particular, stands as a pinnacle in the realm of espresso grinders. I’ve been a proud owner for a few years and admire it.

Its construction boasts exceptional quality while retaining a compact form factor suitable for a kitchen countertop.

Among its virtues, the Specialita stands out as one of the most hushed grinders available, enabling you to extract a shot without rousing the entire household.

Another highlight is the Specialita’s precision timing mechanism, which offers accuracy down to 1/10th of a second. This ensures consistently precise dosing with each use.

And let’s not forget the undeniable cool factor that the Specialita exudes in terms of aesthetics.

Key Points:

• The rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship
• Compact and sturdy construction
• Hushed operation
• Ultra-precise dosing with 1/10th second timing
• Impressively stylish design

#9: Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder

Upon its introduction several years ago, the Baratza Sette stirred remarkable anticipation due to its innovative and novel design.

Suddenly, a grinder emerged, offering virtually negligible retention, remarkable velocity, and admirable uniformity, all at a price point well-suited for home baristas.

Regrettably, the grinder encountered numerous bugs and complications, particularly the variant featuring an integrated scale, which exhibited susceptibility to issues.

However, Baratza has since made considerable strides in addressing these concerns. Coupled with the company’s well-regarded history of responsive customer service, my apprehensions about investing in this grinder have significantly diminished. (This perspective is primarily relevant to the US market; in regions without Baratza customer support, a more cautious approach might be prudent.)

For those aspiring to craft exceptional espresso at home without straining their budget, the Baratza Sette 30 emerges as a prime candidate. 30 grind settings may entail slightly more calibration effort than the pricier 270 version. Nevertheless, the Sette 30 is meticulously tailored for espresso and Aeropress brewing, encompassing a finely tuned grind spectrum.

Key Points:

• Negligible retention
• Yields fluffy grounds
• The highly appealing price point
• Exceedingly accurate digital timer

Grinders Not Included In The Compilation

The landscape of grinders is extraordinarily competitive, particularly in recent times, with significant advancements shaping this domain.

To maintain complete transparency, I am providing a roster of grinders under consideration for inclusion in this article that didn’t meet the final selection.

If you have inquiries about these burr grinders, please peruse the list below.

Why Invest In A High-quality Coffee Grinder?

Numerous myths and misunderstandings surround the concept of burrs in the grinder.

In reality, burrs serve as uncomplicated and direct tools, primarily tasked with achieving a uniform size for various substances, whether coffee beans, grains, nuts, or other food items.

In the realm of coffee, maintaining a notably narrow particle size distribution holds paramount significance. This precision facilitates an even extraction of flavors from the beans during brewing.

Typically, the distribution of grind sizes spans from 0.1 to 1600 μm (particle diameter). The key lies in ensuring that the bulk of particles aligns with the requirements of your chosen brewing method.

Among this spectrum, particles at opposite ends are called ‘fines’ and ‘boulders.’ To devoted coffee lovers, these entities resemble undesirable adversaries that should be vigilantly evaded.

Fines contribute bitterness, while boulders introduce sour notes to the ultimate cup.

Conical Burrs Vs Flat Burrs

Like any other tool, burrs can exhibit varying shapes and be crafted from diverse materials. However, making a blanket statement that one size, shape, or material surpasses the other is complex. The preference leans heavily on the specific use case and the particular manufacturer’s approach.

As a general guideline, flat burrs tend to be more prevalent in professional-grade equipment, though this prevalence doesn’t inherently denote superior taste quality.

Instead, flat burrs are notably well-suited for high-volume operations. They also typically yield fewer boulders and larger chunks in the grind. On the other hand, conical burrs are also utilized, each bearing its own merits and drawbacks:

Conical burrs: Frequently found in entry-level electric and manual grinders due to their compact dimensions. In the context of espresso, they tend to produce a grind with a more pleasing mouthfeel. Given their smaller diameter, they operate at a slower pace.

Flat burrs: Often integrated into larger, professional-grade espresso grinders. They boast swiftness and efficiency but tend to retain more grounds, potentially posing challenges when it comes to calibration.

For further exploration of the distinctions between flat and conical burrs, refer to additional insights.

Ceramic Vs Steel Burrs

Ceramic burrs commonly come at a lower cost compared to their steel counterparts. They find frequent application in manual grinders within the sub $100 price range.

In general, ceramic burrs are more prone to dullness than their steel counterparts. This characteristic particularly impacts manual grinders, necessitating additional effort exerted through your arm muscles.

Electric grinders rarely incorporate ceramic burrs, primarily due to their susceptibility to fragility when encountering small stones inadvertently mixed with the beans. The risk of shattering is a deterrent.

However, there are exceptions, such as using ceramic burrs in espresso grinders, notably exemplified by the Baratza Vario.

An advantage of ceramic burrs is their resistance to rust and staining, in contrast to budget-grade steel.

Nevertheless, in 2021, the era of inexpensive ceramic burrs appears to wane. Opting for steel counterparts can significantly streamline your experience and make grinding easier.

FAQ – Burr Coffee Grinders

1. Q: What are the key features of these top-rated burr coffee grinders?
A: These top-rated burr coffee grinders offer precise grind settings, durable construction, and consistent grind sizes.

2. Q: How were these grinders selected as the best for dedicated home baristas?
A: We carefully evaluated grind quality, versatility, user feedback, and brand reputation during our selection process.

3. Q: Can you compare the grind consistency and quality among these grinders?
A: Each of these grinders excels in producing uniform grind sizes, contributing to enhanced coffee extraction and flavor.

4. Q: Are there any specific recommendations for beginners among these burr coffee grinders?
A: Beginners may find user-friendly controls and clear instructions in certain grinders more suitable.

5. Q: How do these grinders cater to the needs of dedicated home baristas in terms of customization and control?
A: These grinders offer extensive customization options, allowing dedicated home baristas to adjust grind size for various brewing methods.

6. Q: What price range do these top-rated burr coffee grinders fall within?
A: These top-rated burr coffee grinders span a range of prices, ensuring options for different budgets while maintaining quality.

7. Q: Do these grinders offer adjustable grind settings to accommodate various brewing methods?
A: These grinders come with adjustable grind settings, facilitating easy transition between different brewing techniques.

8. Q: Can you elaborate on the durability and build quality of these burr coffee grinders?
A: Crafted with quality materials and precision engineering, these burr coffee grinders are built to last and perform consistently.

9. Q: Are there any unique features or innovations that set these grinders apart from others on the market?
A: Unique innovations include advanced timing mechanisms, reduced retention, and compatibility with alternative burr sets for customized results.

10. Q: How do these grinders address potential challenges for home baristas, such as retention or maintenance?
A: These grinders address challenges through thoughtful designs, featuring easy cleaning mechanisms and reduced ground retention, ensuring optimal performance for home baristas.