We Researched the Best Coffee Grinders—Here Are Our Favorites

other options we tried

bodum bistro burr coffee grinder – This coffee grinder continues to be a worthwhile option for many customers, especially those looking for a budget pick-up, but there are a few drawbacks that keep us from recommending it highly heart. that is, our product tester found uneven coarse grinds and excess coffee bean husks sticking to the sides of the hopper when grinding.

the fir tree eats / donna currie

what to look for in a coffee grinder

hopper size

A large hopper is convenient since you don’t need to refill it every day, but if you like to brew different types of coffee on different days, a small bean hopper works just as well; In addition, it reduces the overall size of the grinder

Reading: Best coffee grinder amazon

grind size options

how many types of coffee do you drink? if you always make the same variety, you may never need to change the grind size. however, if you make espresso some days and French press coffee others, it’s nice to be able to select exactly the right size every time.

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cleanup

Most grinders don’t need much cleaning, especially if you use them daily. even if you switch between dark and light roast, a few stray beans won’t ruin the brew. but if you occasionally like flavored coffees, you’ll want a grinder that’s easy to clean, so your morning coffee doesn’t retain a hint of hazelnut for longer than you’d like.

frequently asked questions

what is the difference between a blade grinder and a burr grinder?

All coffee grinders fall into one of two categories: blade or burr. Blade grinders rely on a rotating metal blade to grind the coffee beans, similar to a blender. they are less consistent than burr grinders and are much cheaper as a result. The blades also generate a lot of heat when in use, which can alter the flavor of the coffee beans.

wheel grinders are a higher quality option. in turn, they are significantly more expensive. There are two types of burr grinders, wheel and conical, which essentially crush coffee beans to the desired grind size rather than mince them. conical burs are considered superior because they are slightly smoother, slower, and quieter than circular burs. There are great options for blade and burr grinders, but try to go for the latter if your budget allows.

how do I clean a coffee grinder?

between the remains of oil and the straw of the coffee beans, the grinders can quickly become dirty. It is important to regularly clean your grinder so that it can continue to function properly and produce a delicious cup of coffee. We recommend cleaning at least once a week unless manufacturer’s guidelines state otherwise.

The cleaning process is different for blade grinders and burr grinders. if you have a blade mill, add a quarter cup of uncooked rice (yes, rice!) to the hopper, run the milling cycle until the rice is a fine powder, empty out the contents and clean inside and outside with a damp microfiber. cloth. The reasons for this are that the rice absorbs the oils left behind by the coffee beans and that it is gentle on the blades.

Cleaning a burr grinder is a bit more intensive, but luckily you can go a month or two without doing a full cleaning. start by removing and rinsing the hopper. then remove the burrs and scrub with a toothbrush or bottle brush to remove any old coffee grounds. You need to scrub inside the machine, as it is likely that there are also traces of dirt; a small vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air will also suffice. avoid cleaning burrs with soap or water unless otherwise specified. If this process seems too rigorous, several brands make cleaning products (such as coffee bean-sized granules that can be ground) to speed up the process.

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what size grind should i use?

Coffee bean grind sizes range from fine (almost a powder) to coarse (coarse like sea salt). the best size to use depends on the type of coffee maker you own. If you plan to make espresso, Turkish coffee, or coffee from a moka pot, fine ground coffee is recommended. those who brew coffee by drip or brew with a pour-over or aeropress should use a medium grind. Chemex owners will want to lean toward a medium to coarse grind. Finally, French presses, percolators, and cold brew brewers work best with coarsely ground coffee beans. Although these are the recommended grind sizes, it’s worth experimenting on your own to find the perfect cup.

why trust spruce eats?

erin meister has spent years working and reporting on the coffee industry. since she moved to new york city in 2003, she has worked at joe coffee company and counter culture coffee. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, The Boston Globe Serious Eats, Rachel Ray Every Day, and more. Ella Erin She is also the author of “New York City Coffee: A Caffeinated History.”

This article was updated by derek rose, spruce eats coffee and tea expert. he researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring spoons to commercial espresso machines, and interviews experts in the field to get his opinion. she has used and recommends two coffee grinders featured on this list: the smeg coffee grinder and the hario skerton plus.

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allie caran, product manager at baristavalet, was interviewed for this article. she previously worked as director of education at partners coffee. Allie has been in the coffee industry for over 15 years.