Best Espresso Grinders for Pour-Over & Espresso Reviews
1. Breville The Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder
One of the best-selling machines out there, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder is perfect for preparing espresso cups.
Pros
- Impressive 60-grind settings with 10 micro-adjustments.
- Electric timer for added convenience during grinding.
- Comes with a grinds container, 2 cradles, and a burr cleaning brush.
- Adjustable grind time with LED screen showing countdown timer.
Cons
- Not ideal for the French press.
- Considered somewhat pricey.
It doesn’t come cheap either, but you get a fully automated machine with a whopping 60 grind settings for your money. This means you can tweak things for any kind of drink you want fuss-free. There’s even a super-accurate timer to ensure exceptional consistency.
Integral to this machine is an electric timer that displays a countdown on a crystal clear LED combined with intuitive buttons to simplify things further. And whereas the machine is designed for making espresso, the coffee is not good if you use a French press, therefore, keep that in mind to avoid a major mistake.
There’s a large coffee hopper that will allow you to grind up to a whole pound of beans in one go, which is great for when you have guests. Worth mentioning is that this machine comes with 40mm stainless steel conical burrs that provide top-notch grind consistency that fares incredibly well for espresso.
Much of the espresso grinder is made of plastic, making it lighter, but less durable than stainless steel. However, the main body is made of stainless steel, giving the overall machine some heft.
Bottom line
This Breville BCG820BSS is geared toward those purely interested in espresso. The smart machine looks great and will last through the test of time.
2. Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a truly modern espresso grinder that’s compact, ultra-fast and produces fluffy grounds.
Pros
- Incredible speeds for fast grind results.
- Looks amazing and has a small footprint.
- Zero grounds retention so every coffee is fresh.
- Easy grind adjustment via a digital control panel.
Cons
- A very loud grinder.
- Issues with motor breakdown after several months.
The Sette is designed such that it has two alternating burrs, with an upper motorized burr and a lower static burr.
This unique burr design makes this machine extremely faster than many other grinders while also delivering fleecy grinds that fall directly into your portafilter. Another benefit is that you won’t get any stale grounds from prior cycles.
Whether you want espresso or very fine Turkish coffee, the 40mm conical burrs allow for precise grinding as per your order.
However, this model tends to deliver finer grinds, so it won’t perform well when it comes to things like pour-over or French press.
Rated 3.5g to 5.5g/sec grind speed, this machine is super-fast, though that makes it loud and could easily wake up light sleepers.
In terms of build quality, this model is as reliable as any other entry-level espresso grinder.
It’s worth noting that it’s neither constructed from plastic nor a more top-quality material. That means it won’t last a lifetime, but it will definitely serve for some time.
Bottom line
If you need a pretty fast espresso grinder, you won’t go wrong with this Baratza Sette 270.
3. Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Originally introduced in 2005 as the Virtuoso, the brand recently made some updates and presented the Baratza Virtuoso+, which is one hell of a machine that thousands of customers love.
Pros
- Respectable 40-grind settings.
- Great professional design owing to its metal components and weight.
- Easy to use and with adjustable speed.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Quite noisy when grinding.
- A bit expensive for what it offers.
The key upgrade in the new version is the 40-second timer switch for the machine’s digital display, which allows users to set a repeatable dose.
In addition, this grinder has 40 grind settings, with the highest setting being the coarsest and the lowest end is the complete opposite.
The consistency of the grind depends on the setting you select, with coarse grinds being ideal for French press or cold brews, and near-the-middle grinds suitable for drip methods.
When it comes to ease of use, this machine’s a breeze. Whether you want to run it on its 450rpm with 40 grind settings or adjust the speed and grind time, it’s totally up to you.
Sometimes you can even use its pulse grinder to grind beans directly into a pressurized portafilter.
In terms of build quality, this model is sleek and stylish, with a metal top and base giving it the feel of a durable unit.
It's 40mm steel burrs feature a DC motor that guarantees consistent and long-lasting performance.
Furthermore, the machine is covered by a 1-year warranty so in case anything goes wrong it can easily be replaced within the period.
Cleaning this machine is easy as many times you’ll only have to remove the burrs, hopper, and grounds collector and brush them thoroughly with water.
Bottom line
A Virtuoso+ Conical grinder is a straightforward machine that excels in brewing things like a French press, Aeropress, and pour-over at home. It may not have the fanciest features, but it certainly gets the basics right.
4. Eureka Mignon Espresso Grinder
Sometimes big things come in little packages, and the Eureka Mignon Espresso Grinder is no exception to the rule.
Pros
- Quiet grinding at just 20 dB.
- Programmable touch screen for adjusting grind times.
- 55mm flat steel burrs ensure greater productivity.
- Built-in timer for precision grinding.
Cons
- Quite pricier than many other models.
- Not suitable for the French press.
The first thing you’ll notice about this machine is its simple design. The unit is sleek with a small footprint that won’t eat up all the space on your kitchen counter.
On the inside, there are 55mm flat steel burrs, which are easily controlled by an intuitive step-less adjustment knob located just on the front of the machine. It really offers you the ability to tweak your grind for great espresso.
And not just espresso, the grinder is great to use as even Turkish as it can go extremely fine. That’s a huge plus for espresso enthusiasts.
However, the machine doesn’t really go much coarser than a standard pour over the grinder. This means if you like to make both espresso and French press, this machine might not work for you.
Another amazing feature of this espresso grinder is the integrated timer. When grinding coffee beans, you can choose to use the timer or the portafilter trigger.
Bottom line
If you want the ability to tweak the flavors of your espresso, this Eureka Mignon would be your best companion. It can also work in an office where folks brew coffee at low volumes, however, at high quality.
5. Rancilio HSD-ROC-SS Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder with Doser Chamber
For coffee enthusiasts seeking enhanced control over grinding, seek no further than this Rancilio HSD-ROC-SS Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder with Doser Chamber.
Pros
- High-quality grinding burrs that’ll never overheat.
- Superb hopper with UV protection and clear window for easy bean monitoring.
- Offers an incredible 55-grind setting for great flexibility.
- Quiet and safe operation.
- Good bean capacity.
Cons
- May be too much for domestic use.
- Quite large for a small kitchen.
The machine features 50mm burr grinding plates made of high-quality tempered steel, and they provide 55 different types of grounds at the push of a button.
Of course, the grinding process is without the burrs imparting extra heat.
The fantastic home hopper in this machine is tinted for maximum UV protection of your beans, yet is still easy to see through for keeping an eye on your bean level.
The hopper carries more than 0.5 lbs of beans and comes off easily for cleaning.
Since this Rancilio is designed for commercial use, its motors and grinders are fairly quiet so as not to interrupt conversations.
The model was also designed with safety in mind, with the balance of the grinding components made to prevent rocking as well as torque.
And in case the grinding system jams or overheats, a thermal protection unit will shut it down to prevent damage to the grinding mechanisms.
Bottom line
This Rancilio HSD-ROC-SS is perfect for a wide range of brews be it drip coffee, coffee press, pour-over, or espresso, making it the best espresso grinder for commercial settings where you need a lot of versatility.
6. Mazzer Mini Espresso Grinder
The Mazzer Mini Espresso Grinder is largely seen as a commercial-grade, top-quality machine suited for small cafeterias and home users who want a pro edge.
Pros
- Great grind consistency, particularly for espressos.
- Next-level micro-adjustment thanks to the step-less adjustment mechanism.
- Large hopper with trap door for easy access.
- Contemporary and sleek design.
Cons
- An expensive unit.
- Difficult to empty and clean the doser.
This latest offering is outfitted with a stainless steel grind tray and a power cable that comes out of the bottom. The bean hopper in this machine holds a staggering 1.3 lbs of beans and has a trap door that allows for easy changing of coffee beans without emptying.
In addition, there are 58mm flat burr grinders that are highly productive and easy to remove for cleaning. These large burrs dissipate more heat from the beans to keep the bean’s natural flavors intact.
Thanks to step-less adjustment, you can easily tweak and pull the adjustment pin to push the beans from the hopper into the grinder, and adjustments can even be made while the grinder is at work.
A crucial feature in this grinder is doser control which is manually controlled to get the precise amount of coffee into your portafilter.
Bottom line
As the name probably suggests, this espresso grinder is ideal for small coffee shops as well as espresso lovers who are seeking the best quality grinds. The price, though, is very high, and home users may be pulled somewhere else.
7. OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder with Integrated Scale
The OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is one espresso grinder that can greatly impact your lifestyle.
Pros
- Premium and stylish design that won’t look out of place.
- Securely locking bean hopper with an empty sensor.
- Integrated weighing scale for accurate measurements.
- Produces consistent coffee grounds.
- Has a simple interface for straightforward operation.
Cons
- The Coarsest Grind isn’t that consistent.
- No scale option is available for this machine, unlike some other models.
This machine will grind your beans to the best possible flavor and you will also save bucks by not purchasing expensive, under-flavored coffee tins from your local store.
With a solid bean chopper, the machine grinds various coffee beans down to the desired consistencies, be it dark or light roasts.
Coarse grounds will be chunky enough while the finest grounds will be powdery to your liking. Moreover, the integrated scale will ensure that you grind just enough beans for the day and waste none.
Another amazing characteristic of this espresso grinder is the empty bean hopper sensor. It not only indicates when the hopper has run dry but also acts as a security detail the grinding process will never start unless the hopper is fully locked. A nice-looking kitchen appliance, the OXO will add some style to any home thanks to its beautiful theme.
Bottom line
The OXO boasts a premium design with some top-of-the-range features that it’s really hard to love it. The integrated scale is a bonus as it ensures that you make the perfect brew every single time. Overall, a reliable espresso grinder that doesn’t break the bank.
8. KRUPS Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker
This KRUPS Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker gives you the ability to grind and brew coffee at the same time and has an impressive capacity of 10 cups.
Pros
- 2-in-1 machine with grind and brew options.
- With an auto-start function to prepare your coffee exactly when you need it.
- Automatic brewing process, so you don’t have to be present for the job to be done.
- Comes with a conical burr grinder with 5 grind settings.
- Highly intuitive controls on its crystal-clear LCD display.
- Brews up to 10 cups in one go.
Cons
- Quite loud when grinding.
- Needs cleaning before every use.
Moreover, there’s a cup selector to give you maximum control over the quantity of your coffee. The built-in burr grinder has 5 distinct settings so you can choose your coffee type from coarse to fine at the push of a button.
This way, you get to enjoy a freshly ground beverage that is richly flavorful and aromatic. Another thing you can adjust is the strength of your coffee including mild, medium, and strong, meaning that your drink is made your delight.
This user-friendly machine also features a clear LCD screen and an integrated gold-tone filter to help trap impurities without any hassle.
Let’s not forget the auto-start functionality, which can help you pre-set the time when you need the machine to grind and brew.
When it comes to pouring your coffee, the machine doesn’t cause any mess in the form of a spill thanks to its curved spout design.
Bottom line
If love to have a combo machine, then this KRUPS is for you. It offers plenty of choices in terms of quantity, quality, and brewing time, and it’s one of the best grind and brew models you can get at its price.
9. Ascaso Mini Coffee Grinder
This Ascaso Mini Coffee Grinder is truly compact as it says, making it suitable for home use.
Pros
- Clear plastic hopper for easy monitoring.
- Stepless grind adjustment to ensure precise selection of settings.
- Easy to clean thanks to removable hopper and grinder top.
- Compact and sleek design.
Cons
- None reported yet.
It sports a very robust construction even for its size and so it should last for years. A unique addition to this model is the filter holder guide which helps guide the portafilter into its place.
There’s a knob on the side of this coffee grinder to adjust the grind setting to whatever point on a continuous scale from the finest to the coarsest level.
Thanks to the staples adjustment, it’s easy to make very small adjustments to be made easily. Consequently, this grinder achieves the perfect grind setting for making espresso.
The body of this grinder is constructed from aluminum and polished with a shiny finish to prevent rust.
The hopper in this machine is made from transparent plastic and has a capacity of 250g.
It also lifts off easily for washing. Likewise, the top of the machine can easily be removed to provide access to the burrs for cleaning.
Bottom line
Some of us don’t need a big espresso grinder, but just a sizable one-person or a couple. If that’s your case, go with this model.
Buying Guide
The secret to a delightful, barista-quality cup of coffee is freshly ground coffee beans. With your own grinder, you can have total control of the freshness factor and benefit from a much broader scope of grinds than purchasing pre-ground coffee.
Speaking of espresso grinders, they can grind ultra-fine, and are often designed with dosing into a portafilter. Although they can grind beans to the proper coarseness for other types of brews, they should only be utilized for their original purpose.
Factors to consider when choosing your best espresso grinder
Burr vs Blade grinder
Burr grinders are the most effective and efficient type and provide extremely consistent results. They also don’t overheat, so the quality of the end product isn’t compromised.
On the downside, burr grinders are quite expensive and bulky, meaning you’ll have to make sure there’s enough on your counter to accommodate the machine. There are two types:
- Conical burrs are superiorly consistent and precise in their grind because they can be adjusted by minimal degrees. These burrs also retain less ground in the burr set and they can always rely on gravity to remove them.
- Flat burrs provide a uniform particle size thus allowing the coffee particles to extract at a consistent rate. This kind of absorption makes for a more balanced, conventional type of espresso.
Selecting between the two comes down to personal preference.
Blade grinders are cheap, entry-level options with simple construction featuring a blade that rotates inside a chamber to grind beans.
This rotation smashes beans around but it only results in grinds of different sizes, meaning consistency is compromised with a blade grinder. You’re also likely to lose some flavors and aromas since the blade produces a fair amount of heat.
Steel vs Ceramic burrs
Steel has high thermal conductivity and this means the burrs will heat up fast and cool down quickly too. Ceramic burrs are the complete opposite due to their low thermal conductivity; they will take longer to heat up as well as cool down.
They are more brittle than steel, and while there’s little chance of a foreign object getting into the hopper, this factor makes many shop owners choose steel.
Number of grind settings
Although we humans normally believe that more is better, it shouldn’t be the case when selecting an espresso grinder.
You don’t really have 100 settings though if you only use standard brews like pour-over and French press; 30 grind settings should be enough.
If you like to experiment here and there, go for anything between 20 and 40 grind settings, while 40+ levels are ideal for a true coffee aficionado.
Dosing chambers vs doserless machines
A doser is where the coffee is deposited after being ground. They keep the end product from falling on the counter. However, the use of a doser may prompt you to grind too much coffee at once with the idea of using some for future use.
Baristas may grind extra beans than necessary for just one order and then another and another, building up ground coffee in the door. This means by the time the coffee is used, it might no longer taste fresh.
A doserless machine solves this problem as the grounds are simply disbursed directly into a waiting portafilter. This means every espresso cup is made with freshly ground beans, unlike coffee that has been sitting in a doser for some time.
FAQs
What is the best espresso ground size?
If you want to enjoy the perfect espresso, aim for the fine side of the grind. However, it doesn’t have to be super-fine as for what you’ll use for Turkish coffee.
How do I clean my espresso grinder?
The best way to clean your machine is by running cleaning pellets through it twice a month. However, there’s an excellent method, though labor-intensive and time-consuming, which you can practice from the below video.
Which is better the burr and the blade?
As far as raw performance and results go, burr grinders are by far better than blade grinders. Burr grinders also provide so much flexibility in choosing your grind size, as well as great consistency.
Perhaps the real pros of blade grinders are their affordability and compact design. However, in terms of performance, you will get weaker results with a lot less consistency.
Final Conclusion
While this is by no means the most comprehensive guide to espresso grinders, we believe it has covered the key things you need to know when searching for the best espresso grinder.
In addition, we hope the espresso grinder reviews in this post have made your search easy and hopefully, there are a few models that caught your eye.
People have different needs and financial capabilities, and our select products were handpicked with that idea in mind.
We also believe that there’s no such thing as the absolute best espresso grinder, but rather every model appeals to a certain person depending on their needs.
Our best pick is the Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder. A fully automated grinder with an impressive 60 grind levels, this thing will do the job no matter the kind of brew you desire.
We love some of its advanced features such as an electric timer, hot buttons for rapid grinding, and the inclusion of a burr-cleaning brush.
As of the time of writing, this product had over 1,800 reviews with a very good overall rating, further justifying its quality and reliability. That said, we’ll be happy to know your choice.
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