Burr grinders are a natural part of brewing great-tasting coffee. It’s not just the coffee grounds we want, we want coffee that’s ground the right way. Consistent, evenly sized coffee grounds make a big difference.
Freshly ground coffee always tastes better. And for best performance, the way to do it is using the best burr coffee grinder. The larger goal is to preserve the flavor and aroma of your coffee beans. You’ll also want a grind that’s suitable for your preferred brewing method. That’s the job for burr grinders.
10 Best Burr Coffee Grinders For You
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill 2.0
- OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder
- Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder
- 1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder
- Breville BCG800BSXL Smart Grinder
- KRUPS GX550850 Precision Grinder Flat Burr Grinder
- JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
- Sboly Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Editor’s Choice: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Few appliances are as well regarded as the Baratza Encore. As our burr coffee grinder reviews see it, this is a dependable coffee maker with an acceptable price tag. It offers a range of grind size options and is easy to operate. In the world of entry-level coffee grinders, Baratza is king.
Burr Coffee Grinder Reviews — Top Options For 2020
1. Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Very likely the most dependable and consistent entry-level coffee grinder, Baratza Encore is our editor’s pick for the best burr coffee grinders. In use, this is a rather simple and straightforward machine. There are no buttons or options to fidget with, which removes a lot of complications.
The grind-size selection is visible in large numbers and is easy to set to your preferences. It offers 40 grind size selections that cover everything from fine grounds for espresso to coarse grounds for French press. The machine’s 40mm hardened steel conical burrs make a consistent and high-quality grind possible.
Once you’ve filled up the hopper, you can set the machine on using the switch on the side for a continuous grind. For occasions where you want a small quantity of grinds, simply push and hold the button at the front. The burrs will run while you hold the button and stop soon as you let go.
Baratza Encore is a great machine for practically all coffee grind-size preferences. However, if you brew preference is steadfast towards an espresso, another grinder would be preferable. Sure, it can handle espresso grinds, but it occasionally does have trouble with them.
Those with a pronounced preference for espresso should consider the Rancilio SD in this list. For an offering from the same company, consider Baratza Sette 30 for your espresso needs.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easy to use and operate
- Reliable and convenient to use
- Small footprint on the counter
Cons
- Can require some effort for cleaning
2. SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill 2.0
SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill 2.0 is our top pick for the best coffee grinder for French press. It could very well be considered the best budget burr grinder. It manages to strike a fine balance between value for money and quality. And at that small price, it also manages to bring in some great features.
The burr grinder has 16 grind settings, going from fine to coarse. Setting the grind size is as easy as moving a dial. So is grinding! Once you’ve set the grind size, you can start grinding by choosing the number of cups you want to brew. The coffee machine will automatically measure the amount of grinds needed for your preferred setting and deliver them.
Shardor electric burr grinder has available options for choosing from 2-12 cups. This flat plate grinder can sometimes struggle with oily beans and fine espresso grind. These problems are to be expected with budget burr grinders. Thankfully, they aren’t very common with this coffee grinder.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to use
- Has 16 grind-size options
Cons
- Can sometimes struggle with oily beans
3. OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Here’s another entry-level burr mill grinder with great features. OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder takes a slight departure from its peers and goes for a heavier build. It also gets a premium look thanks to its stainless steel housing.
The machine offers 15 grind-size settings, covering the fine, medium, and coarse grind. You can start the process simply at the touch of a button. The large hopper holds 0.75 pounds of beans and has a UV tint so the coffee beans aren’t adversely affected by light.
Grinding duties are handled by 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs that offer consistency and good quality. The machine weighs 4.5 pounds and is relatively quiet in operation. Well, grinders can’t exactly be quiet, let’s just say this one’s “less noisy”. Cleanup and maintenance are easy as well, which adds greatly to the value of this coffee maker.
Pros
- Good design and looks
- Easy to use and maintain
- Has 15 grind size options
Cons
- Consistent consumer complaints of beans not finding their way to the grinder
4. Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder
Lovers of espresso, rejoice at the presence of the Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder. And yes, if your favored beverage is espresso, you’ll have to give up on the low-cost, entry-level options. Many of those machines can safely grind for espresso, but the dependability remains questionable.
Rancilio SD is made for grinding coffee beans to the fine size that espresso needs. It’s also remarkably resilient and consistent with its quality. Rancilio SD costs significantly more than its competition and is the most expensive machine on our list. However, if you’re not held hostage to a budget, skip the entry-level machines and get a more dependable grinder.
The machine offers 30 grind sizes that can be handled using a lever and spinning the hopper. Speaking of which, the hopper holds 0.65 lbs of beans and is tinted to prevent light from harming the beans.
Given its grind speed of 7.7 lbs per hour, it is possible to use this as a commercial coffee grinder. Although it’s practically useful only for establishments with low footfall.
Rancilio Rocky SD uses 50mm commercial grinding burrs for excellent quality. The grinds are delivered directly into a portafilter. Although it is possible to remove the fork and use a different container for the grinds.
Pros
- Consistent, high-quality grind
- Works with 30 grind sizes
- Fairly good speed
- Excellent with finer grinds like espresso
Cons
- Chute for grinds can get clogged when using oily beans
5. Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder
Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder is an inexpensive grinder with a good set of features and options. The grind options are set from 1 to 10, with one being fine grind and ten being coarse. It’s easy to change the grind simply by turning the grinding wheel.
The machine uses stainless steel burrs and is fairly consistent in quality. They claim to go from Turkish grind to coarse grind with ease. In actual use, the grinder struggles a bit with Turkish or even espresso grind. However, its relative ease of use stands true. There are no complicated settings or functions and the grinder can be set to work with ease.
It’s also easy to clean and maintain. There is no chute to follow the burrs, so the grounds fall directly into the container. Well, it’s usually a good idea to give the grinder a tap before you remove the container. That way, any loose grinds will fall off into the container and you won’t have to deal with any mess.
The grinder also has a release button for its detachable driving system, thus allowing easier cleaning. Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder also includes a portafilter bracket for when you want grinds to directly fall into the portafilter.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good value for money
- Convenient to clean and maintain
Cons
- Questionable durability
See buying options and discounts
6. 1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder
1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder is one of the more expensive manual grinders. In fact, it’s more expensive than several electric burr grinders on this list. It looks good and comes in a nice package – I guess that ought to bump the price a bit. Jokes aside, I think the higher price is due to the use of high-quality burrs.
This manual grinder makes use of 48mm stainless steel burrs. They’re well-built enough to provide a consistent and good quality of grind size. Interestingly, grinding is nearly effortless and you won’t be straining yourself even on the finest grind settings.
1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder claims to be fully capable of handling fine grind size. It has a range of over 40 clicks going from very fine (Turkish) to coarse. I’d say it does a decent job at that, although the (supposedly) very fine grind for Turkish is somewhat coarser than it needs to be. The grinder can handle 30-35 grams of coffee beans.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Relatively effortless for a manual grinder
- 40 grind settings
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
7. Breville BCG800BSXL Smart Grinder
Breville Smart Grinder comes packed with features that make it very useful. It allows the user wider control over the grinding process. Apart from grind size, you can decide on the number of cups or shots to grind, or a specific grind amount. The information shows up on a backlit LCD so you know exactly what’s going on with the machine.
Of course, with the availability of so many options, the complexity factor rises too. You can’t simply hit a button and have the machine handle grinding duties. On the plus side, the precise control over grinding and dosing can be handled very well by experienced users.
Dosing IQ technology in the machine calibrates itself with each adjustment of grind settings in the machine. That way, the user always gets the correct amount of grinds. It’s also possible to manually adjust preset amounts to customized settings.
Breville BCG800BSXL Smart Grinder uses conical steel burrs to deliver precise grinding. Coffee grounds can be received directly into a portafilter or any other container.
Pros
- Feature-rich grinder with plenty of customization options
- Doser IQ technology for the correct amount of coffee
- 25 grind settings
Cons
- Can have trouble with oily coffee beans
8. KRUPS GX550850 Precision Grinder Flat Burr Grinder
Budget pricing and easy operation make this grinder a big deal. Krups has a decently built grinder with a good feature-set to consider. There are 12 grinding options, going from fine to fair. Don’t expect this machine to consistently grind for good espresso, and you won’t have any complaints.
KRUPS GX550850 Precision Grinder Flat Burr Grinder is easy to operate and use. Use the options at the front of the machine to choose the number of cups you want to grind. Then hit the grind button and the machine will get to work.
You can choose 2-12 cups for the grinding amount. There is no high-tech dosing system involved, but the machine seems to hit the numbers fairly accurately. The flat burr grinder is on the noisier side of things, and perhaps is surprisingly loud for its small size.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy to use
- Well-placed grinding options and controls
Cons
- Very loud
- Questionable durability
9. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is an excellent and well-priced pick for manual coffee grinders. It’s a good combination of form and function and does its job incredibly well. This small burr grinder has plenty of options to get the grind size of your preference.
The grinder includes 18 click settings for various grind sizes. Theoretically, it can cover the very fine Turkish grind to very coarse French press grinds. Practically, it doesn’t go that fine, but can be usable enough if you really need a fine grind. There is a fair bit of effort involved – this is a manual grinder after all.
There is an obvious element of manual effort, but it doesn’t go overboard. The mechanism is good enough for users to grind coffee without making it into a workout!
It makes use of ceramic combo burrs that have a good lifespan and provide a consistent grind. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is very popular and has a steady stream of positive customer reviews.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Offers 18 grind settings
- Can hold coffee beans enough for 2 cups
Cons
- Burrs include a plastic piece that is prone to breaking
10. Sboly Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Sboly Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a compact machine with quality grinding skills. The budget grinder has a simple design to keep things easy and convenient. It is fairly similar in grind quality to the better-known Bodum Bistro electric burr coffee grinder.
The machine has conical steel burrs that work through 19 precise grind settings. It covers the full spectrum from extra fine to coarse, though like most grinders in its range, Sboly grinder struggles with fine grind.
Choosing the grind size is as easy as moving a lever. It also offers dosing control going from 2-12 cups. Move the dial to your preferred amount and press the grind button to have the exact amount of grinds available in the chamber.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- 19 grind settings and 2-12 cup dosing options
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Questionable longevity
Buying Guide To The Ideal Coffee Grinder
Should I Get A Blade Grinder Or Burr Grinder?
Burr. The answer to grinding coffee is always burr. Good tasting coffee requires a consistent grind. Besides, different coffee options require different grind settings. For example, espresso requires a fine grind but French press needs a coarse grind. This is also the reason why we want a consistent grind size.
A French press where the coarse grinds are mixed with fine grinds will have more sludge (coffee grinds) in the cup. That can spoil the taste. Similarly, espresso with coarse grinds won’t get full extraction and will feel weak.
Blade grinders cannot maintain consistency. You’ll very likely get a mix of very fine grinds and coarse grinds. That doesn’t bode well for brew quality.
Another problem is that blade grinders get hot and can negatively affect the coffee grounds. The heating problem happens with burr grinders as well but is much less pronounced.
Manual VS Electric Burr Grinders
As their name implies, manual grinders require manual effort to grind the beans. They’re great if you intend only to brew one or two cups of coffee. They’re suitable for those who brew their own coffee occasionally.
For those of us who like a few cups of coffee every day, the manual grinder can become a chore very quickly. The small size and portability of these grinders make them very popular. Taking your coffee grinder along on an outdoor vacation can come in quite handy.
Electric burr grinders offer convenience and power. Getting the grinds at the push of a button is extremely convenient. Plus, electric grinders tend to be more consistent in their grinds as compared to manual grinders.
Electric grinders also offer plenty of other features, like dosing, timed grinding, auto grinding, etc. So, take your pick!
Conical Burr And Flat Burr Grinders
Burr grinders come in two popular variations: conical and flat burr. Conical burrs are most popular for home burr grinders. They are usually low on noise but can risk heat buildup in the burrs.
Flat burrs are more popular with commercial coffee grinders. They offer a relatively more consistent grind size and are better suited at dealing with heat generation. Flat burrs often are more expensive.
Noise And Motor RPM For Your Grinder
Grinders can’t help being noisy! Once the motor roars into action and the burrs begin to cut coffee grounds, noise is unavoidable. Then again, not all grinders are equally noisy. Some grinders get around this problem by choosing a lower RPM.
This allows them to cut the coffee beans in relative silence. As a bonus, the slow-moving burrs are less likely to get heated up. So that solves two problems in one go!
There will still be noise, it’s just a relative scale where electric burr grinders are involved.
If you truly want a grinder that’s silent as a whisper, go for manual grinders.
Your Preferred Brew And Grinder Capabilities
No coffee grinder is the master of all (grind sizes), especially in the entry-level segment. For most of these grinders, hitting the fine grind for espresso is difficult. Taking the superfine Turkish grind is out of the question. Conversely, though rarely, some grinders may have trouble with coarse grinds, like those used for French press and cold brew.
Espresso lovers need to be extra careful with this scenario. If you prefer brewing espresso over filter/drip/French press coffee, the grinder deserves special attention. At this point, it is better to look for espresso-specific grinders.
In our list, Rancilio Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder is the natural pick for getting quality espresso grinds. Also, consider giving up the cheap/entry-level grinders and going for better quality machines.
How Many Grind Settings Do You Need?
Grinders offer various numbers of grind size settings. Some go to as far high as forty, while the modest ones stay with single-digit numbers. But, from a user’s point of few, how many settings do you realistically need?
People who have a choice for a specific brew and size don’t usually depend on the available options. You could hit your desired grind size and keep the machine running at the size forever. On the other hand, those who like to experiment with their coffee might find opportunity in the large number of settings.
Tweak them, play around, and experiment to find the brew quality and grind size that works best. At this point, having 40 ground settings makes perfect sense. Play around with extraction, filters, etc to see how your coffee turns out!
Additional Features And Budget
Your budget and the machine’s pricing can be the all-deciding feature on the coffee grinder you buy. In a twisted sort of way, the coffee grinder that fits your budget is the best grinder available!
As we know, many grinders offer additional features as well. These include timed grinding, customizable dosers, and other programming options.
The choice of burrs and cooling affect the cost as well. You could very easily go from less than a hundred dollars to a few thousand. It isn’t necessary to chase features, you can keep your focus on quality and suitability for your requirements.
Burr Coffee Grinder FAQs
Are coffee grinders worth it?
Absolutely. Freshly ground coffee is more flavorful and full of aroma as compared to stale or pre-ground coffee. Consistent grinds suitable to your preferred brewing method deeply affect the flavor and taste of your coffee. Perfect extraction is the path to better-tasting coffee.
Besides, with a grinder, you can move from one brewing method to another at will. For example, moving from French press to espresso simply by adding beans and changing grind settings. On the other hand, multiple packs of pre-ground coffee will be needed, as suitable for each brewing method.
How often should you clean a burr grinder?
General maintenance and dusting should be done daily. Simply dust-off excess grounds from the burrs and other points on the coffee grinder. Deep cleaning is necessary every 3-6 months. The exact method will depend on the specific instructions from the manufacturer. The larger goal here is to remove any oil buildup or grounds stuck in the machine.
Clean the burrs and chute with soapy water to remove any dirt or oil. You may need to use q tips at some points. Depending on your grinder, some components can go into the dishwasher while others need to be soaked in warm soapy water.
What size should I grind my coffee?
The coffee grind size depends on the coffee you want to brew. Turkish coffee requires a very fine grind (finer than espresso). Drip coffee, pour over, and filter can work with medium-fine to medium-coarse grinds. French press prefers coarse coffee, while cold brew likes to go extra coarse.
A Burr Grinder For Delicious Coffee At Home
Many of us make coffee at home with the best coffee makers and high-quality beans. Yet, it is often possible that the resulting brew lacks in taste. More often than not, it’s due to an ignored component of the process – the grinder.
Using the best burr coffee grinder can have a remarkable effect on the quality of your coffee. Consistent grinds at the right size have a deep relation to the flavor and aroma of your brew.
Our selection here lists some of the most-liked burr grinders meant for home use. We aim to help you choose the grinder that’s right for you, or at least narrow down your search.
Baratza Encore is our top choice for this category. Those who prefer espresso and are willing to spend some more should look at the Rancilio Rocky coffee grinder.