What would qualify as the best coffee grinder for French press? You need coffee on the medium-coarse side for this brewing method, and some easier way to get the job done. A coarse grind opens the door to several possibilities in a grinder.
There’s more room to experiment with grind size. Yet it would be preferable to have a grinder that’s more pliable and can be easily adjusted to different grind requirements.
Top 10 Coffee Grinders For Your Consideration
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill
- OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- Hario MSS-1B Ceramic Coffee Mill
- Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
- Capresso Burr Grinder
- JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
- Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder
- CHEFFANO Electric Burr Coffee Grinder
- VEVOK CHEF Manual Burr Coffee Grinder
Editor’s Choice: SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill
SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill gets to be our pick because it’s cost-efficient and does an excellent job at grinding coffee beans. I wouldn’t call it cheap, but it straddles the line between cost and function quite well.
The automatic machine comes with numerous size selections for choosing the grind. Shardor Burr Grinder also makes it possible to select the quantity of coffee to grind, thus affording greater convenience.
Reviewed: Top Coffee Grinders That Suit Your French Press
1. Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is very likely the best coffee grinder available. It’s well-known to do a fantastic job at coffee grinding, is reasonably priced, and offers a variety of features.
If you need a coffee grinder at home, I would recommend this one without a second of hesitation. The only reason Baratza Encore isn’t the editor’s choice here is because we’re looking specifically at French press coffee grinding. In that specific setting, another machine simply fits better!
Anyways, this grinder is an excellent entry-level coffee grinder to pick. Whether you want to go with fine grinds for espresso or coarse grinds for French press, you’ll have them ready quickly.
Baratza Encore offers 40 grind settings that make it possible to choose the grind that you prefer. That also means there’s plenty of room for experimentation in picking the grind size that works best. It uses hardened alloy steel burrs that deliver excellent grind quality and last for a long time.
The machine is user-friendly. Selecting the grind size is intuitive and convenient. All you need to do after that is to set it to grind.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Reliable and good quality construction
- Excellent entry-level coffee grinder
- Uses hardened alloy steel burrs
- Convenient to use
2. SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill
SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill is our editor’s choice for this category. The machine earns this position through its useful list of features, convenient pricing, and the capability to do a good job of coffee grinding.
The grinder has removable metallic burrs that make it easy to clean and manage. There are 16 grind size options, as well as some additional features. A simple switch lets you set the quantity of coffee you want ground. Choices range from 2-12 cups, and the grinder will measure and grind the right amount.
Shardor’s Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill is a flat plate grinder. While the grinder is great at getting the right grind for French press coffee, it has some problems with oily beans. Those using oily beans will need more frequent cleaning for their machine.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Great value for money
- Has 16 grind size options
- Can grind beans for 2-12 cups depending on consumer choice
- Easy to use
3. OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder has 15 settings for the grind size, but they’re accompanied by micro settings, so the effective grind size options are higher in number. It uses steel burrs, which are likely to last longer and have better quality.
The hopper on the grinder has a UV-blocking tint so the beans in there can stay fresh for longer. Grinding is fairly quick once you press the button. The hopper can store a total of 0.75 pounds of beans, which is enough to last for several cups.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder has a small grounds container when compared to the hopper. However, it is good enough to handle about 12 cups, which should go swimmingly well with most drip
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Very well priced
- Has 15 grind options with micro settings
- Stainless steel burrs
4. Hario MSS-1B Ceramic Coffee Mill
Manual grinders are extremely useful for French press, and the Hario MSS-1B is a pretty good specimen. When using a French press, you’ll likely brew just a cup or two. Manual grinders can prove more cost-efficient in this scenario and have a quality that matches the best of electric grinders.
This grinder has easy adjustability to manage the grind size. Markings on its cylinders let you know the amount of coffee grounds available. It marks the grounds in terms of cups and has a 2-cup capacity overall. Hario MSS-1B Ceramic Coffee Mill uses ceramic burrs and lasts a long time.
The small size of the grinder makes it easily portable and you can carry it with you wherever you go. Manual grinders are a nice match with French press travel mugs.
Most manual grinders (including this one) can handle the fine grind for a good espresso. However, it takes too much effort and time to get it done right. The coarse grind suitable for French press is relatively quick and doesn’t take much of an effort.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Manual coffee grinder
- Excellent quality and build
- Ceramic burrs
- Easy to use
- Adjustable grind size
- Grinds enough beans for two cups of coffee
5. Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder claims that it uses commercial-grade stainless steel burrs. The burrs indeed are pretty good and I’m sure they’re long-lasting as well, though I’m not entirely sold on the idea of them being commercial grade – vague as the term can be.
The machine has about 16 grind settings available, going from ultra-fine to coarse. There are no options for fine tuning, so the machine is pretty much ready to go at a moment’s notice.
At less than 450 rpm, Capresso claims that the grinding speed of this machine is the lowest in its class. For the lovers of instant gratification like us, that may not sound like a great feature. But, it is quite impressive. The slower grinding speed means greater grinding precision and lower heat generation for the burrs.
A timer dial/knob is placed on the machine and runs from 5-60 seconds. You can simply set the desired time and walk away. The machine will grind enough beans during its set time and then stop.
Once you get a good idea of the Capresso 560.01 Grinder’s functioning, you can pretty much set it to grind the beans while you get other things done.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Good value for money
- 16 grind-size options
- Timer available for grinding
- Easy to use
- Conical grinder with steel burrs
6. Capresso Burr Grinder
Running on a solid steel disk burr, this grinder offers 16 coffee grind settings. Additionally, there’s a cup selector going for 2-12 cups. Just select the number of cups you want to brew and the machine will automatically grind the right amount of beans.
Capresso Burr Grinder is easy to operate and maintain. The burrs are easy to clean, so the effort spent is minimal. Its hopper has enough space for 8 oz coffee beans, while the container can hold 4 oz of ground coffee.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Easy to use
- Offers 16 coffee grind settings
- Cup selector for 2-12 cups
- Steel disk burr
7. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
A remarkably well-known and reliable coffee grinder, JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is a great pick as a French press grinder. The manual grinder has 18 “click settings” or grind settings that can be used to select coffee grind coarseness/fineness.
It goes all the way from Turkish extra fine setting to coarse grinds that are best for French press or cold brew. As a manual grinder, it can take quite some time and effort to get fine grounds out of this mill. However, coarse grinds for French press are remarkably easy and require just a small effort.
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder uses ceramic burrs and is fairly dependable in its use. The portable grinder has room for enough beans/grounds to brew two cups of coffee.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Manual grinder
- Offers 18 grind settings
- Uses ceramic burrs
- Very easy to use
- Can hold coffee grounds enough for 2 cups
8. Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder
Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder is a simple and extremely capable machine. Much like other grinders from Baratza, you can rely on this one to provide consistently well-ground coffee. It has unconventional looks compared to its competition, though the design isn’t exactly unique.
The grinder is also more expensive than its peers, going to the higher end of the entry-level pricing. No storage is available for the coffee grounds. The grounds have to be collected manually, though putting them directly in a portafilter, filter basket, or another tool shouldn’t be a problem.
According to Baratza, this means there is minimal coffee retention in the grind chamber. The coffee grounds don’t have to travel a pathway and simply fall. Baratza Sette 30 has 31 coffee grinding options, a backlit LED display with a digital control panel and is remarkably easy to clean.
It’s possible to set the grind timer to be precise and within 0.01 seconds. Grinding can also be fairly fast, going at 5 grams per second. It’s pretty cool, but I still think the Sette is too expensive for what it offers. I’d pick the Encore over this grinder.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Backlit LED control panel
- 31 grind options
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Can be quick to grind
- More expensive compared to its peers
9. CHEFFANO Electric Burr Coffee Grinder
CHEFFANO Electric Burr Coffee Grinder is an acceptable budget option. It comes with excellent pricing and has a good range of features. There are a total of 17 grind settings on this coffee maker, going from fine to coarse. A coffee ground quantity system is also available and you can choose to grind coffee beans to brew 2-12 cups.
The burr coffee grinder has a single button operation and gets the coffee grinds ready pretty quickly. There is a downside here as well. It does its job pretty well when grinding beans for French press, but struggles with fine ground coffee.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Offers 17 grind settings
- Can measure and grind coffee for 2-12 cups
- Easy operation
- Falters a bit when working on fine coffee grinds
10. VEVOK CHEF Manual Burr Coffee Grinder
A wonderfully simple and straightforward coffee grinder, VEVOK CHEF Manual Burr Coffee Grinder is a pretty good pick. The grinder uses stainless steel burrs that ensure its longevity and coffee grind quality.
One likeble aspect of this burr grinder is that the burr grind setting is visible from the outside. There is no need to work on the click settings below the burrs. Rather, you can adjust and select the preferred grind size from the side of the grinder. It’s just more convenient and intuitive.
The portable and lightweight coffee grinder has just six grind size adjustment options. They’re lower than most other grinders but are efficient and useful enough for this setup. The hopper here holds a small amount of beans and can get enough coffee grounds for two cups.
Coffee Grinder Highlights
- Manual coffee grinder
- Six grind size options with relatively easier selection
- Steel burrs
- Good construction and build quality
Buying Tips For A French Press Coffee Grinder
Do I Need A Coarse Coffee Grinder?
Not specifically. Most grinders offer coarse grinds, which are the best suited for French press coffee. Of course, you can (and should) experiment with different available options to pick the grind size that works best for you. Some people prefer a grind that goes towards medium. It brews stronger coffee as compared to coarse grounds.
Whatever grind size you choose, remember to keep the French press filters in mind. The coffee grounds should not be able to pass this filter. If you grind the coffee too fine, it will be able to cross the filter and jump right into your cup!
Is Pre-Ground Coffee Okay?
You don’t necessarily have to get a coarse coffee grinder and beans to get the job done. Many people prefer to buy their pre-ground coffee right off the store shelf and enjoy a sumptuous brew. That’s pretty good and there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, those who truly value flavor, recommend grinding the coffee right before it is brewed. Grinding coffee beans right before you brew results in more flavorful and delicious coffee. If you choose this path, it is recommended that fresh-ground coffee be used within 20 minutes.
Manual Or Electric Grinder?
Choosing a coffee grinder is about suiting your needs. Electric grinders do most of the work for you – all you have to do is hit a button and get that grinder roaring.
Manual grinders, as the name implies, need to be worked by hand. This can take considerable effort and time if you want finely ground coffee. For French press coarse coffee, it takes a very short time. You could easily have the coffee grinds ready in a few seconds.
Manual grinders also tend to be portable and are easier to carry around. They’re useful for home use, as well as carrying along to that camping trip you’ve been planning.
How To Brew Great French Press Coffee
The key to brewing a good cuppa is getting the best coffee for French press. The beans will decide how well your coffee is going to taste. While coffee beans can last a long time, it’s always a good idea to use freshly roasted beans. Most beans include the date they were roasted on, and ideally, you should use them within six weeks of roasting.
Grind the beans to a coarse or medium-coarse setting. While coarse has been the favorite for a long time, picking a medium grind is useful too. Just remember that the grind size shouldn’t be so small that the grinds pass through the French press filter.
Use soft water to brew your coffee, Low mineral content in the water will be very helpful to brewing great coffee. Finally, don’t add boiling water to coffee grounds!
The ideal brewing temperature is 195-205 F, which is slightly lower than the boiling point of water. If you’re not sure, boil water and let it sit for 30 seconds before you pour it onto the coffee.
FAQs For The Coffee Grinder To Buy For French Press
What is the correct grind for French press?
Conventionally, the best grind for French press is a coarse, even grind. This grind size ensures a good coffee and a clean cuppa. You can go slightly more towards the medium-grind side, but that will increase the amount of sediment/coffee grinds in your brew. I’ll suggest getting a grind somewhere between medium and coarse to get a strong and enjoyable cup of coffee.
Are burr grinders better than blade grinders for coffee?
Burr grinders are the superior option when grinding coffee. This is especially true when you want to use a French press. Burr grinders deliver evenly ground coffee so it becomes easier to manage grind levels like fine, medium, and coarse. Blade grinders don’t have precise control over the grind size.
Rather than get evenly ground beans, you get a mix of various grind levels. You could run a blade grinder for hours to get finely ground coffee. Yet, there is a non-zero chance of running into a boulder (large piece of coffee bean). Besides, due to the unequal grinding, the grinds will likely have a mix of different grind sizes. This will result in the coffee being muddier and substantial sediment in the cup.
Can I grind my coffee beans the night before?
It is not ideal to grind your coffee beans for a long time in advance. It is recommended that freshly ground beans be used within 20 minutes of grinding them. So grinding your coffee the night before will lead to loss of taste and flavor in your brew.
If you intend to use freshly ground coffee, use it right before you brew your cuppa. Otherwise, you might as well save yourself some effort and get pre-ground coffee.
Buying The Grinder That Goes Along Your French Press
Seeing how the French press prefers a coarse grind, your choice of available grinders becomes wider. Several grinders – manual and electric – can get the right grind size for that perfect brew. When buying the best grinder for French press, you can afford to look not just at the best grinder available, but one that fits the niche perfectly.
Our top choice for this category is the SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Mill. If you want something more powerful, get the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder. Those looking for an easily portable manual grinder should take a look at the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder.