For some people, a cup of tea in the morning just doesn’t deliver the same wake-up that you get from coffee. If you’re a morning java enthusiast, then I suggest that you take that fresh brewed coffee seriously by grinding your own coffee beans at home with a good coffee grinder or mill.
Sure, plenty of shops sell pre-ground coffee, but it tastes so much better when it is freshly ground. Plus, if you’re using a French press or pretty much anything other than a drip coffee maker, then the already ground coffee is going to have too fine of a grind for your needs.
Fortunately, there are a lot of good coffee grinders on the market that let you do your own coffee bean grinding at home. With so many choices available, it can be challenging to find one that gives a good, consistent grind without going over budget.
To help you shop, we’ve selected our favourite top-rated coffee grinders below. You’ll find something for every budget as we realise that some shoppers need to stick to a budget. Keep reading for our coffee grinder and mill reviews.
Types of Coffee Grinders
For those of you shopping for your first coffee grinder, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the different types that are available for purchase.
Those types are electric burr grinders, electric blade grinders, and manual grinders.
Electric Burr Grinders
For most people, this is the best type because it is the most efficient and consistent option available for your coffee beans. Within this category, you’ll find the disc and conical variations, which offer the most precise grinding on the market. If you want the best type of coffee grinder that money can buy, this is what you should look for when shopping.
Electric Blade Grinders
This is the cheapest electric option on the market, and though one of these will get the job done, it won’t be consistent or efficient. This type is also quite loud when in use. However, if you need a cheap electric coffee grinder for the money, then this is what you should look for when shopping. Often, this type doubles as a spice grinder.
Manual Grinders
Often referred to as hand-crank coffee mills, this type requires hand cranking to grind those beans. This is basically a burr grinder that is not electric, so you end up with a good grind but it just takes a bit of work to get the end result.
Best Burr Coffee Grinders – Reviews
I spent some time comparing the different electric burr grinder models on the market before selecting the best ones to consider seriously. After putting these grinders to the test against each other, I am ready to share my conclusions in the reviews below.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder Review
If you’re looking for the absolute best coffee grinder for your home, then look no further the Baratza Encore has a simple yet elegant design that looks great in any kitchen.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
Main Features
- Conical burrs
- 227g bean hopper capacity
- 40 grind settings
- Very quiet when in use
With 40 different grind settings available, the 450 RPM gears in the motor make this one of the quietest burr coffee grinders on the market these days. In addition to low noise, it also has less static buildup and doesn’t generate as much heat as some other models. You’ll also notice that as it pulls the beans down into the grinder, it is a very smooth process.
The Baratza Encore coffee grinder works brilliantly for espresso, drip coffee, French press and everything in between. It is definitely our top-rated coffee grinder selection.
Sage by Heston Blumenthal the Smart Grinder Pro Review
If you are a serious coffee drinker, then you need a serious electric grinder like the Smart Grinder Pro from Sage by Heston Blumenthal. This top of the line conical burr grinder lets you make a precise amount of ground coffee, which means you get the best tasting fresh brewed coffee with every single cup.
Sage by Heston Blumenthal the Smart Grinder Pro
Main Features
- Made from a stainless steel body
- High precision burr calibration
- 60 grind settings
- 450g bean hopper capacity
- LCD digital display
- No-mess filter cradle
- Very quiet when in use
Unlike the Baratza Encore above, you select the exact amount of coffee that you’ll need by choosing the number of shots for your espresso habit or the number of cups for your French press and filtered coffee needs. Plus, this is another very quiet coffee grinder, which is perfect if you don’t want to wake the wee ones whilst preparing your coffee.
This luxury coffee grinder has some nice high end features, like the LCD digital display that displays your grind level, your grind time, your precise selection (number of cups or shots), and a visual representation of where your grind level falls between “coarser” and “finer.” In total, there are a whopping 60 different grind settings that you can choose from when you’re ready to make some coffee.
And the hands-free dosing feature means that you have less clean-up to do when you’re done. Just insert your handle or filter and have the coffee grinds land right where they need to be for a fresh cup of java.
The high precision burr calibration that you get from the Smart Grinder Pro means that you experience the ultimate in consistent grinding. So, if you want the optimal coffee grind, this Smart Grinder Pro model is definitely the one for you.
Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder Review
For a more economical electric grinding option, consider the Bodum Bistro model. One of the best things about this one is that it is made by a company with a strong brand reputation in this industry. And they also happen to make high quality products.
Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder
Main Features
- Available in four different colours
- 220g bean hopper capacity
- 14 grind settings
- Borosilicate glass catcher for reduced static
This is a conical burr grinder, which means that you get a very consistent grind from your beans. And though the gear are a wee bit louder than the two models reviewed above, this is still a rather quiet option compared to a lot of electric models on the market.
Another benefit to the budget coffee grinder is that it is available in four different colours, so it will match almost any decor. You can order it in black, red, lime green, or white.
Perhaps the best feature of this Bodum Bistro is that the grounds disperse into a borosilicate glass catcher, which is much better at preventing static compared to a plastic catcher.
This model has a total of 14 different grind settings, from coarse to fine. To change the grind setting, you must manually turn the hopper and line the red bit on the bottom to one of the tick marks on the top of grinder’s base. Obviously, it’s not the most intuitive or precise way of doing things, but that is the difference between a cheaper model like this one and one of the most costly options reviewed above.
All things considered, the Bodum Bistro electric burr grinder offers a good value for the money and it is a great choice for the budget conscious.
Krups GVX242 Expert Pro Combi Grinder Review
Another good option for a cheap burr grinder that will look great in the kitchen is the Krups GVX242 Expert Pro Combi Grinder model. This one is also made by a brand who have built a strong reputation in the industry when it comes to quality small appliances.
Krups GVX242 Expert Pro Combi Grinder
Main Features
- Professional grade burr milling system
- 220g bean hopper capacity
- Improved & updated from the GVX231 model
- 17 different grind settings
The Krups GVX242 Expert Pro Combi Grinder has an elegant black and silver design, which makes it look like more of a high end model. And it’s professional grade burr milling system gives you a good, consistent grind each time that you use it.
In case you’re wondering how it compares in the Krups GVX242 vs Krups GVX231 showdown, the answer is brilliantly. The Krups GVX242 is actually an upgraded version of the 231 model, and it gets rid of all those gear sticking and sensor problems that plagued the 231. In fact, the Krups GVX242 works much better than its predecessor.
Overall, it holds a good amount of beans and has a lot in common with the Bodrum Bistro burr grinder, however I think that this Krups model looks a wee bit more classy than the Bodum model. This one has a more sleek design, which is perfect for people who have a more elegant kitchen.
Best Small, Cheap Coffee Grinders – Reviews
Krups Twin Blade Coffee Mill Review
If you don’t have much space in your kitchen, or just prefer a smaller coffee grinder, then this Krups Twin Blade Coffee Mill is an excellent choice for you. With this model, you get the same quality brand trust as you do with the GVX242 – only at a fraction of the cost.
Main Features
- 75g bean capacity
- Single-speed grinding
- Stainless steel blades
- Can also be used with dry spices
This little coffee mill is a blade grinder, which means that you don’t get as consistent of a grind as you do with one of the burr models. However, this thing is much cheaper and takes up a lot less space in the kitchen. Plus, you can multi-purpose it as you can use it to grind spices or nuts.
As expected, the disadvantage of the Krups Twin Blade Coffee Mill is that it doesn’t give you that consistent grind that you deserve. In fact, each time that you use it, there will be some fine powder and some large, coarse bits in your ground coffee. It is also quite loud when in use.
Unfortunately, there are no grind settings on the Krups Twin Blade Coffee Mill. In fact, there is only one pulse button that you press to engage the stainless steel blades. Let off the button and the blade motor stops. It’s really a process of trial and error in your attempt to get the grind level that you desire.
The advantages of the Krups Twin Blade Coffee Mill is that it has a low price and that it is small in size. Sure, it doesn’t perform as well as the larger burr models, but in truth you really can’t expect that at such a cheap cost and small size. The Krups Twin Blade Coffee Mill is ideal for someone who has a small flat and doesn’t mind the consistency issue because the cost savings are more important.
Hario Skerton Glass Hand Coffee Grinder Mill (with Ceramic Burrs) Review
If you want the absolute quietest coffee grinder on the market, then look no further that this little hand crank coffee mill from Hario. The Hario Medium Glass Hand Coffee Grinder features ceramic burrs for consistent grinding every time.
Hario Skerton Glass Hand Coffee Grinder Mill (with Ceramic Burrs)
Main Features
- Heat-proof glass
- Stainless steel components
- Anti-slip base
- Silicone lid to prevent spills
- Ergonomic design
This Skerton ceramic burr coffee mill is made by Hario, which is a well-know Japanese glassware company. They have a long built reputation for quality glass products, and this manual coffee mill is no exception to that.
This little manual coffee grinder is very durable and its ergonomic design fits your hand comfortably as you hand crank it to get those beans ground up for your morning coffee.
Made of heatproof glass, it is dishwasher safe and very easy to operate. Plus, it can grind a decent amount of coffee, though not as much as a large electric mill.
If you are single and on a budget, then I think you will agree that this is a good coffee mill for one person (or two people).
Its small size means that it won’t take up much space even in the smallest of flats. And if you have to leave it sitting out instead of tucked away in a cupboard, it has a classic but elegant design that will look nice out in the open.
The top chamber has a silicone lid, which prevent the spilling of the beans. And the base has an anti-slip coating so that it stays securely in place while you’re doing the hand grinding.
Andrew James Coffee, Nut and Spice Grinder Review
Like the Krups twin blade mill reviewed above, this Andrew James mill is also a multi-use grinder. In addition to your coffee bean, it can also handle spices and nuts.
Andrew James Coffee, Nut and Spice Grinder
Main Features
- Stainless steel blades
- 70g ground coffee capacity
- Can also be used with nuts and dry spices
Although the price is also comparable to the Krups twin blade mill, the design is slightly different. Honestly, I prefer the design of the Andrew James model, but which is best for your kitchen is really a matter of personal preference.
It has stainless steel blades and works like the Krups twin blade model. In all honesty, I believe that the Krups grinds just a little bit better.
The company does offer it in either red or black, so you can select which colour looks best in your home. The sleek and stylish design of this Andrew James Coffee Grinder is one of the best things about it. It is also small in size, which means that it works well for small kitchens.
The only complaints I have about this model is that it is a little bit loud and the grind consistency is not very consistent at all. Other than that though, this is a solid buy for the price. For what it is, the Andrew James Coffee Grinder is a quality option.
Other Considerations
Before selecting one of these grinders for your coffee drinking needs, there are a few additional things that you should consider.
Maintenance – for the small blade grinders, your cleanup and maintenance is simple – just wipe down. that’s it. However, for the electric burr grinders, you will want to invest in a grinder brush to keep it clean. Fortunately, those are very cheap. And if your beans are oily, then you may need to do some additional cleaning according to your owners manual.
Multi-purpose models – though the multi-use grinders can be attractive due to their low cost and versatility, using them for anything other than coffee beans is not advised. Why? Because the spices and nuts can not only dull the blades, but they can also leave residue behind that will change the flavour of your coffee when it is brewed.
Grind consistency – for a drip coffee maker, the consistency of your grind won’t matter all that much, but for most other coffee it will. If you are using a grinder with poor consistency, then you could end up with fine grounds mixed with your coarse grounds. It might not sound like a big deal, but if you use a French press, then those fine grounds will become sediment in your coffee cup as they won’t actually stay in the press. And for espresso, if your beans are ground so that they are too coarse, then you could end up with a mess on the counter and terrible espresso in your cup.
Conclusion – What Is The Best Coffee Grinder For Home Use?
After taking a long time to compare all the different models and determine which one to buy all of the models reviewed above get top ratings and are good choices for anyone.
Hands down, our favourite model of those reviewed above is the Smart Grinder Pro from Sage by Heston Blumenthal.
It offers more features and grind settings than the competition, delivers consistent grinds every single time, and it’s elegant design gives your kitchen a high-end luxury feel to it.
Based on quality, performance, noise level, and value, it is our selection for #1 top rated coffee grinder on the market.
If you love a good coffee, then I don’t think that you will be disappointed with this model!