Best Burr Coffee Grinders
Coffee Grinder Baratza Encore ESP Black
The Baratza Encore ESP Black is a top-tier coffee grinder that has garnered accolades from the Specialty Coffee Association. It features a dual-range adjustment system with micro-steps from #1-20 for high-resolution espresso grinding and macro-steps from #21-40 suitable for filter brewing methods. This makes it versatile for both espresso and filter coffee enthusiasts.
One of the standout features is its user-friendly design. Fresh coffee is just a single-handed hopper twist and a push of the front-mounted pulse button or a turn of the ON/OFF switch away. Additionally, the quick-release burr system has been redesigned for easier cleaning and maintenance without the need for extra tools.
Engineered with 40mm hardened alloy steel burrs manufactured in Liechtenstein, Europe, and powered by a robust DC motor, the Encore ESP promises consistent grind quality and durability. It also comes with Baratza's world-class support and warranty, ensuring peace of mind for users.
Compared to other grinders, the Encore ESP stands out for its dual-range adjustment system and ease of maintenance. However, it is priced higher than some other models, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros
Dual-range adjustment system Easy maintenance
Cons
Higher price point
Tip #1
Consider the grind settings to match your preferred brewing method.
Coffee Grinder Baratza Encore Black
The Baratza Encore Black is a highly regarded entry-level grinder, making it an excellent choice for home coffee enthusiasts. It is equipped with 40 grind settings, allowing users to explore a wide range of brew methods, including espresso, Aeropress, Hario V60, Chemex, French Press, and automatic brewers. This versatility is made possible by its 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs, which ensure a consistent and precise grind.
One of the standout features of the Baratza Encore Black is its user-friendly interface. The front-mounted pulse button and simple ON/OFF switch make it easy to grind fresh coffee with minimal effort. Additionally, the grinder's compact design means it won't take up much space on your countertop, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.
The Baratza Encore Black is also backed by Baratza's world-class support and comes with a 1-year warranty, offering peace of mind to users. The 2020 update has retained the same trusted functionality while introducing a sleek new exterior, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
When compared to other grinders in its price range, the Baratza Encore Black stands out for its combination of quality, performance, and ease of use. However, it may not be the best choice for those who require a grinder with a higher capacity or more advanced features.
Pros
Wide range of grind settings User-friendly interface Compact design
Cons
Limited capacity for larger batches
Tip #2
Look for a grinder with a durable build and high-quality burrs.
Coffee Grinder Bodum Bistro Black
The Bodum Bistro Burr Grinder consistently crushes beans between stainless steel conical burrs, a process that preserves the bean’s intrinsic flavor and aroma better than a blade grinder. This grinder is equipped with a push button, pre-set timer that allows users to grind the exact amount of coffee needed, keeping beans fresh and preventing waste.
With 12 adjustable grind settings, users can easily switch from Espresso to French Press, making it versatile for various brewing methods. Additionally, it features a friction clutch, which protects the grinding gear from small stones that may be present in the beans.
The dishwasher-safe borosilicate glass catcher with grip reduces static cling of coffee grounds, and the grinder can hold up to 7.75 ounces of coffee beans, making it suitable for daily use.
Compared to other grinders, the Bodum Bistro stands out for its static reduction and ease of cleaning. However, it may not offer as many grind settings as some higher-end models.
Pros
Static reduction with dishwasher-safe borosilicate glass catcher Ease of cleaning with removable parts
Cons
Limited to 12 grind settings Lacks advanced features found in higher-end models
Tip #3
Check the capacity of the bean hopper to suit your coffee consumption needs.
Coffee Grinder OXO Brew Silver
The OXO Brew Silver coffee grinder stands out with its stainless steel conical burrs that create uniform grounds for optimal flavor. With 15 grind size settings, including additional microsettings, it caters to a wide range of brewing methods from fine espresso to coarse French press and cold brew. The one-touch start feature remembers your last setting, making it incredibly convenient to use—just push to grind.
Its large-capacity hopper can hold up to 3/4 lb (12 oz) of coffee beans, and the UV-blocking tint shields your beans from harmful UV rays, preserving their freshness. The mess-free hopper includes a “trap door” to keep beans contained when you remove it, reducing any spillage.
Moreover, the stainless steel static-fighting container significantly reduces static, ensuring that your coffee grounds don’t stick to the container walls. The powerful DC motor preserves the flavor and won’t overheat the beans, maintaining their quality.
Compared to other coffee grinders, the OXO Brew Silver offers a more user-friendly experience with its one-touch start and memory function. However, it lacks some of the advanced grind settings available in higher-end models like the Baratza Encore ESP.
Pros
User-friendly one-touch start feature Large-capacity hopper with UV-blocking tint Stainless steel static-fighting container
Cons
Limited advanced grind settings compared to higher-end models like the Baratza Encore ESP
Tip #4
Evaluate the ease of cleaning and maintenance of the grinder.
Coffee Grinder OXO Brew Matte Black
The OXO Brew Matte Black coffee grinder stands out with its stainless steel conical burrs that create uniform grounds for optimal flavor. With 15 grind size settings, including additional microsettings, it caters to various brewing methods from fine espresso to coarse French press and cold brew. One-touch start remembers your last setting, making it convenient to grind your coffee with just a push of a button.
The large-capacity hopper can hold up to 3/4 lb of coffee beans, ensuring you have enough for multiple servings. Additionally, the UV-blocking tint shields coffee beans from harmful UV rays, preserving their freshness. The grinder also comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind with your purchase.
Compared to other products, the OXO Brew Matte Black offers a balance of functionality and convenience. While it shares some features with its silver counterpart, the matte black finish adds a sleek and modern touch to your kitchen.
Pros
Stainless steel conical burrs for uniform grounds UV-blocking tint to preserve bean freshness 2-year warranty
Cons
Limited to 15 grind settings compared to some models with more options
Tip #5
Consider the price and warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Coffee Grinder Krups Precise Stainless Steel
The Krups Precise Stainless Steel coffee grinder offers a premium and precise grinding experience with its metallic flat burrs, ensuring a uniform grind that preserves the rich flavor of your coffee beans. With 12 grind settings, you can easily adjust the fineness to suit your preferred brewing method, whether it be drip filter, French press, cold brew, pour over, or espresso.
One of the standout features is its mess-free grinding. The on/off button with auto-stop and a removable top burr with an integrated cleaning brush make maintenance effortless. The grinder also allows you to select the quantity of coffee you need, from 2 to 12 cups, with an auto-stop feature that caters to both solo coffee drinkers and larger gatherings.
The Krups grinder boasts a generous capacity, with an 8-ounce coffee bean hopper and a removable grounds container that can produce enough coffee for 30-32 cups. This makes it ideal for home use, particularly for those who enjoy brewing in larger quantities.
Compared to other grinders, the Krups Precise Stainless Steel is notably user-friendly and offers a high level of customization. However, it may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive models, such as a wider range of grind settings or additional accessories.
When compared to the Baratza Encore ESP, which features a dual-range adjustment system and a quick-release burr for easier cleaning, the Krups grinder is more straightforward but less versatile. It also doesn't match the large capacity and static-fighting container of the OXO Brew Silver.
Pros
Mess-free grinding with auto-stop feature Generous capacity suitable for large quantities
Cons
Limited to 12 grind settings Lacks advanced features found in higher-end models
Coffee Grinder Cuisinart DBM-8P1
The Cuisinart DBM-8P1 coffee grinder offers a uniform grind with its 18-position grind selector, allowing you to adjust from ultra-fine to extra-coarse to suit your preferred coffee grounds. This feature ensures that your coffee beans are ground exactly the way you prefer, preserving the bean’s intrinsic flavor and aroma.
One of the standout features of this grinder is its removable 8 oz. bean hopper and built-in grind chamber, which holds enough ground coffee for 32 cups. This makes it convenient for users who need to brew coffee for the entire household without having to grind beans multiple times. Additionally, the one-touch power bar, separate from the unit, and the electric timer that automatically shuts off the unit when your grind cycle is complete, add to its ease of use.
The design of the Cuisinart DBM-8P1 is both practical and convenient. The heavy-duty motor doesn’t take away space for additional design features, allowing for cord storage and an additional scoop/cleaning brush to help declutter and maximize counter space.
Compared to other coffee grinders, the Cuisinart DBM-8P1 stands out for its large capacity and customizable grind settings. However, it may not offer as many grind size options or the same level of precision as some higher-end models.
Pros
Large capacity for coffee grounds Customizable grind settings
Cons
Limited grind size options Not as precise as higher-end models
Coffee Grinder SHARDOR 2.0 Black
The Coffee Grinder SHARDOR 2.0 Black offers a range of features that make it a competitive choice for home use. With its 16 grinding settings, users can easily adjust the grind size from fine for pour-over to coarse for French press. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your grind to your preferred brewing method.
One of the standout features is the 'Grind on Demand' functionality, which allows you to select the exact quantity you need, from 2 to 14 cups. This is particularly useful for those who want to grind just enough coffee for a single cup or for a larger gathering. The grinder also includes a removable upper burr, hopper, and chamber, making it easy to clean and maintain. A brush is included to help with the cleaning process.
In terms of capacity, the SHARDOR 2.0 can hold up to 8 ounces of coffee beans, which is sufficient for most home brewing needs. While it may not have as many grind settings as the VEVOR Black, which boasts 38 presets, the SHARDOR 2.0 offers a good balance between functionality and ease of use.
Compared to other grinders like the Coffee Grinder Bodum Bistro Black, which has only 12 grind settings, the SHARDOR 2.0 offers more flexibility. However, it falls short in terms of capacity and grind precision when compared to higher-end models like the Baratza Encore ESP Black.
Pros
16 grinding settings for flexibility Grind on Demand functionality Easy to clean with removable parts
Cons
Limited capacity compared to some other models Fewer grind settings than high-end models
Coffee Grinder Ayybee Black
The Coffee Grinder Ayybee Black offers a sleek and compact design, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen or office. With 18 precise grind size settings, this burr grinder allows you to enjoy coffee with various textures and styles according to your preferences. Whether you prefer a coarse grind for French press or a fine grind for espresso, this grinder has you covered.
The electric coffee grinder has a large capacity and can produce coffee grounds for 2-12 cups, catering to different brewing needs. The stainless steel burr grinder produces finely and evenly ground coffee, preserving the aroma and allowing you to savor its deliciousness. Additionally, the upper chamber, container, and internal burrs can be easily detached for cleaning, and a cleaning brush is included to help maintain the grinder's performance.
Compared to other grinders, the Ayybee Black stands out for its combination of affordability and functionality. While it may not have the extensive grind settings of the Baratza Encore ESP, it offers a solid performance at a fraction of the price.
Pros
Affordable price Easy to clean
Cons
Limited grind settings compared to higher-end models
Coffee Grinder VEVOR Black
The Coffee Grinder VEVOR Black stands out with its 38 grind presets, allowing users to precisely adjust the coarseness and fineness of coffee powder to meet various brewing needs. Whether you prefer espresso or hand-brewed coffee, this grinder has you covered.
Equipped with stainless steel conical burrs, it ensures high hardness and even grinding, helping to retain the original flavor and rich oil of coffee beans. The grinder operates at a low temperature with a 350 RPM slow grinding process, which is essential for preserving the coffee's aroma.
With a 20-cup capacity, the large bean hopper can hold up to 150g (5.3oz) of coffee beans, making it ideal for households that brew multiple cups throughout the day. The automatic temperature measurement and overheat protection system extend the lifespan of the motor and prevent potential hazards, such as leakage and fire.
Cleaning is made easy with the detachable conical burrs and the included cleaning brush, allowing users to quickly and efficiently sweep away coffee bean residue.
Compared to other grinders, the VEVOR Black offers a greater number of grind presets and a larger capacity, making it a versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts. However, it may not have the same brand recognition or support as some of the more established brands like Baratza or Bodum.
Pros
38 grind presets for precise adjustments Large 20-cup capacity Automatic temperature measurement and overheat protection
Cons
Less brand recognition compared to established brands
What is the best type of Burr Coffee Grinder to buy?
When choosing the best type of burr coffee grinder, consider the following factors:
- Grind Consistency: Ensure the grinder produces a consistent grind size, which is crucial for a balanced extraction.
- Grind Settings: Look for a grinder with multiple grind settings to accommodate different brewing methods, from espresso to French press.
- Burr Material: Choose between ceramic and steel burrs. Ceramic burrs are more durable and heat-resistant, while steel burrs are sharper and more precise.
- Grind Speed: Opt for a grinder with a slower grinding speed to reduce heat buildup and preserve the coffee's flavor and aroma.
- Build Quality: Select a grinder with a sturdy build to ensure longevity and reliability. Stainless steel and high-quality plastic are good options.
- Ease of Cleaning: A grinder that is easy to disassemble and clean will save you time and ensure better hygiene.
- Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the grinder, especially if you plan to use it in the early morning or late at night.
- Price: Determine your budget and find a grinder that offers the best features within your price range. High-end grinders provide better performance but come at a higher cost.
How to find the right Burr Coffee Grinder?
When selecting the perfect burr coffee grinder, consider the following specific factors:
- Grind Size Settings: Look for grinders with multiple grind size settings to accommodate different brewing methods.
- Burr Material: Choose between stainless steel and ceramic burrs. Stainless steel is durable and efficient, while ceramic is quieter and produces less heat.
- Grind Consistency: Ensure the grinder produces a uniform grind size for optimal flavor extraction.
- Capacity: Consider the hopper size and whether it meets your daily coffee consumption needs.
- Ease of Cleaning: Opt for grinders that are easy to disassemble and clean, as this will maintain the grinder’s longevity and performance.
- Noise Level: If noise is a concern, look for grinders specifically designed to operate quietly.
- Build Quality: Check for solid construction and high-quality materials to ensure the grinder’s durability.
- Price: Determine your budget and find a grinder that offers the best features within your price range.
By considering these factors, you can find a burr coffee grinder that perfectly suits your needs and enhances your coffee brewing experience.