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11 Best Coffee Grinders for Home Espresso Machines in 2024

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This is our review of the best coffee bean grinders for espresso machines for beginners. Keep reading and find your ideal grinder.

I’ve experimented with some coffee grinders, and none were good enough for grinding beans for espresso. That led me to make this guide comparing various grinders.

We chose the Eureka Mignon Specialista as our number one choice since it provides a price point acceptable for hobbyists. Yet offers various features like not being as loud.

eureka mignon specialista

Eureka Mignon Specialista: Best Overall

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Hardened steel, flat
  • Burr Size: 55 mm
  • Grinder Dimensions: 13 × 7 × 4 in (D, W, H)
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Hopper Capacity: 12 oz
  • # of Grind Levels: Unknown
  • Grind Speed: 1,350 RPM

It’s out of many folks’ budgets, though. You’ll find other machines we’ve sourced that produce similar results while costing much less.

Read on and find your ideal espresso grinder.

Top 11 Espresso Coffee Grinders for Home Use

  1. Eureka Mignon Specialista: Best Overall
  2. Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Budget Grinder 
  3. Baratza Sette: Best Entry Level Grinder 
  4. MiiCoffee DF64: Best Burr Grinder 
  5. Victoria Arduino Mythos 2: Best Commercial Grinder 
  6. 1Zpresso JX-Pro S: Best Hand Grinder 
  7. Baratza Virtuoso+: Best Grinder With Timer
  8. Rancilio Rocky Doserless: Best Grinder For Espresso & Pour Over
  9. Krupts GVX212: Best Grinder Under $100
  10. Fellow Ode: Best Grinder Australia
  11. Eureka Mignon Crono: Best Grinder UK

11 Espresso Coffee Grinders: Expert Recommendations

The following section will cover specs about each grinder, who it’s best for, why I chose it, and whether it fits well within its price point.

Before moving on, here’s a legend that may clear up confusion

  • Dimensions:
    • D: depth
    • W: width
    • H: height

Confused about what I wrote? I covered everything you’d need to know when shopping for a great espresso machine under the buyer’s guide.

Looking for a commercial model? Check out all the commercial espresso grinders we offer.

Who’s the best? Let’s see.

1. Eureka Mignon Specialista: Best Overall

eureka mignon specialista
Price$$
TypeHardened steel, flat
Burr Size55 mm
Grinder Dimensions13 × 7 × 4 in (D, W, H)
Warranty2 years
Hopper Capacity12 oz
# of Grind LevelsUnknown
Grind Speed1,350 RPM

Pros

  • Touchscreen UI
  • 20 dB: not loud

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No ground beans bin

Eureka’s Mignon Manuale is a fantastic choice for anyone who doesn’t mind spending money on a silent grinder that’ll provide consistent grinds due to its flat, hardened steel burrs.

Steel burrs are an incredible material that’ll last much longer than ceramic or plastic burrs. Since they take much longer to lose sharpness. However, they’ll heat up a lot, which could result in flavor loss in coffee beans.

And there’s no catch bin. So long as you have a portafilter, that con is irrelevant.

The touchscreen interface is a welcomed addition for anyone who wants to see what their grind levels are. Instead of guessing when reading knobs, most machines attach. However, Eureka doesn’t specify how many grind settings this machine has.

Otherwise, the Specialista’s super fast grind speeds will result in quickly ground, but a tiny bit bitter, beans. As faster grind speeds will result in beans losing a bit more flavor.

Too much money? Here’s an alternative.


2. Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Budget Option

breville smart grinder pro
Price$
TypeSteel conical
Burr Size40 mm
Grinder Dimensions8.5 × 6 × 15.5 in (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
Hopper Capacity18 oz
# of Grind Levels60
Grind Speed450 RPM

Pros

  • Huge hopper
  • LCD
  • Total control over grinds 

Cons

  • Inconsistent grinds
  • Under powered motor

The Smart Grinder Pro comes from a highly-reputable espresso product manufacturer and works best for anyone who wants a low-cost grinder packed with features.

But first, the burr type. It’s steel—what a surprise. But not hardened; meaning, it may lose its sharpness sooner than espresso grinders with hardened steel. The latter may stay sharp for many years, while the former, a year or 2.

Once it loses its sharpness, you’ll find more inconsistent bean grinds.

It has 60 grind levels, all easily readable with their LCD. Look at the display, and you’ll see terms like “Plunger” or “Percolator.” That means this grinder will provide more coarse grinds for other brewing methods.

Then it’ll provide enough grinds for “X” espresso shots.

Another perk comes from the included accessories. 2 include 50–54 mm and 58 mm portafilter cradles. Insert your portafilter into these holsters; then the machine spits the ground beans. No need to transfer from a catch bin.

Since it’s a more affordable machine, the motor isn’t as strong as the previous model, so it won’t grind as quickly. But it won’t heat your beans as much, possibly retaining more flavor.

And because of its price point, and the fact it doesn’t focus on espresso grinds, you may have inconsistent grinds, which could affect the coffee’s extraction. Beginners may not notice so much of a taste difference, though.

It is worth the money, though. So long as you’re not aiming to make perfect espresso.

Maybe this isn’t beginner-friendly enough.


3. Baratza Sette: Best Entry Level

baratza sette
Price$$
TypeConical
Burr Size58
Grinder Dimensions9 × 5 × 15 in (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
Hopper Capacity10 oz
# of Grind Levels30
Grind Speed5 grams per sec.

Pros

  • Replaceable burrs
  • Consistent grinds most of the time

Cons

  • Louder than many other grinders
  • Plastic portafilter fork

Baratza’s Sette is a fantastic choice for folks who want to grind beans for espresso, AeroPress, and other brewing methods.

It uses a typical steel conical burr; nothing special here.

The motor isn’t as powerful as models priced $500 and up, but it should prove “good enough” for beginners. The LCD screen makes it even more beginner-friendly, since it’ll give you control over how long you want your beans to grind.

For instance, if you want it to grind in 1.01 seconds, it’ll do so.

The cheap portafilter fork may not be the best, since it won’t last long compared to steel ones. Then you’ll need a separate container to collect grounds for other brewing methods (e.g., French press).

The motor’s a bit loud, but it’s an affordable machine. If someone in your home complains about the machine being too loud, just tell them to put more money toward a quiet one. Don’t actually do that.

The machine’s a great value and includes many features at its price point. Plus, Baratza generally makes high-quality products. Though, they’re not the best for espresso. Again, it doesn’t matter too much if you’re a beginner.

Another burr grinder to consider.


4. MiiCoffee DF64: Best Burr Coffee Grinder for Espresso

miicoffee df64
Price$$$
TypeSteel flat
Burr Size64 mm
Grinder Dimensions10 × 5.2 × 12 in (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
Hopper Capacity50–70 g
# of Grind Levels90
Grind Speed1–2.1 g/s

Pros

  • Granule control over grinds
  • Single dosing

Cons

  • Looks bad
  • Retains a lot of coffee grinds

The DF64 works excellent for homes that need a high-quality machine for grinding espresso beans, and other brewing methods. And has zero retention. Meaning, you won’t waste any beans.

It has a regular steel burr. It won’t last as long as hardened steel. But it’ll stay sharper than ceramic and plastic burrs.

“Single dosing” means you’ll only grind what’s required. I always recommend grinding only what you’ll use immediately to prevent your beans from losing aroma or flavor.

I lied a bit a couple of paragraphs back. Many have complained that it doesn’t completely empty out the grinder, which means you’ll need to perform some cleanup. Maybe the lousy experience only happened to them.

I don’t think the machine looks good, which is subjective.

You, and other folks in your home, will appreciate this machine’s lower noise when grinding. Since it won’t wake them up while you’re grinding beans at 5:00 AM.

Does it grind beans for other brewing methods? Yes. It supports coarse grinds for drip coffee. And medium-fine(ish) grinds for Moka pots.

A bit pricier compared to previous options; however, it has a great reputation among espresso enthusiasts. Though, due to a lack of information, I can’t recommend it over the Mignon Specialista.

Not enough power? Read on.


5. Victoria Arduino Mythos 2: Best Commercial Coffee Grinder for Espresso

victoria arduino mythos 2
Price$$$
TypeTitanium conical
Burr Size85 mm
Grinder Dimensions7 × 20 × 16 in (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
Hopper Capacity4.4 lbs
# of Grind LevelsUnknown
Grind SpeedVariable

Pros

  • Uses titanium burrs
  • Micrometric grind adjustments
  • Temperature control

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Uses conical burrs

So long as you don’t mind spending a small fortune, and want a commercial-grade coffee grinder, the Mythos 2 is the best choice.

Titanium burrs last the longest due to their increased durability and heat resistance. The latter’s an excellent addition to this machine since they won’t heat, which means your beans will retain their flavor.

I couldn’t find numbers for how long they’ll last. I can say this is one of few grinders that include titanium burrs.

However:

Conical burrs often result in less consistent grinds than flat ones, since they won’t use as much power.

The micrometric adjustments allow you to micromanage your grind consistency, which will help further improve your drink’s taste due to improved extraction.

Despite the extreme price, it’s a worthwhile machine if you’re making frequent drinks back-to-back. Whether for an office or café. If you have weekly get-togethers with at least more than 5 folks, this grinder will speed up bean-grinding.

While maintaining the beans’ flavor.

Here’s a good grinder for traveling.


6. 1Zpresso JX-Pro S: Best Hand Coffee Grinder for Espresso

1zpresso jx pro s manual
Price$
TypeConical
Burr Size48 mm
Grinder Dimensions8.54 × 6.42 × 2.83 in (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
# of Grind Levels200

Pros

  • Portable
  • Easy to disassemble

Cons

  • Hard to clean
  • Not the best consistency
  • Not ideal for coarser settings

Get the 1Zpresso JX-Pro S if you want a hand grinder for traveling. Or you need a compact grinder for tight kitchens and don’t care as much about espresso bean tastes.

Since it’s a manual grinder, you must do all the grinding yourself. No fancy LCD or electric machine to deal with your grinding.

1Zpresso is a reputable coffee grinder brand, known for high-quality products that last longer than most hand grinders. They also have a decent warranty period.

Since it’s portable, it’s easy to take apart for cleaning. Though, that’s where the difficulty comes in. With all the mechanical parts, you’ll need to brush bean residue off each component. Otherwise, you risk cross-contaminating different or older beans with your fresh ones.

And since it’s not an electric machine that uses flat burrs, you won’t have the most consistency. Resulting in uneven flavor extraction. And it’s not the best for producing grinds for, let’s say, cold brew.

These grinders focus on finer grinds for espresso, Moka pots, and Turkish coffee makers.

Maybe you’re like me and don’t want to use my phone to time grinds.


7. Baratza Virtuoso+: Best Coffee Grinder for Espresso With Timer

baratza virtuoso
Price$$
TypeHardened steel Conical
Burr Size40 mm
Grinder Dimensions6.69 × 6.69 × 12.6 in (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
Hopper Capacity230 g
# of Grind Levels40
Grind Speed500 RPM

Pros

  • 40-second digital timer
  • Easy to replace parts
  • Includes backlight & digital timer

Cons

  • Loud compared to other grinders
  • Not the best for espresso
  • Grinds stick to container

The Virtuoso+ is a great choice for homes that want an affordable grinder that’ll produce decent-quality grinds for espresso. While offering more coarse options for additional brewing methods.

It uses hardened steel conical burrs, outlasting regular stainless steel models. Meaning the burrs will remain sharp for longer and require fewer replacements.

And if you ever want to replace or upgrade the burr, do it through Baratza’s website, which should make it last much longer than its warranty period. Though, you’ll have an additional premium with new parts.

I use the Baratza Encore, this machine’s younger, less experienced counterpart. And both devices share a common issue—ground beans sticking to the back of the catch bin. Then, when you remove the bin, the grounds stick to it.

This happens because your machine produces static. It’s nothing you could fix with lower-end machines like this.

Speaking of:

Because of its lower price point, it’s louder than other machines and not the best for espresso. Since it doesn’t produce as fine of grounds as a specialized espresso grinder. But it’s still a stellar value for anyone who also wants to grind beans for drip coffee or whatever.

The digital timer is also a welcomed addition. It’ll help you know when to stop your grinder.

Here’s a good one for pour-over and espresso.


8. Rancilio Rocky Doserless: Best Coffee Grinder for Espresso & Pour Over

rancilio rocky doserless
Price$$$
TypeTempered steel flat
Burr Size50 mm
Grinder Dimensions4.7 × 9.8 × 13 in (D, W, H)
WarrantyNo
Hopper Capacity0.7 LBS
# of Grind Levels20
Grind Speed1,350 RPM

Pros

  • Thermal protection device
  • Never over grinds
  • UV container

Cons

  • Looks unsightly
  • Grinds tend to clump
  • Hard to clean spout

The Rocky serves as an excellent pick for anyone who doesn’t mind spending a bit of extra money for a quiet device that’ll quickly do its job while delivering consistent grinds.

The tempered steel burrs ensure you won’t need replacement ones for a long time. As they last longer than regular steel burrs.

Combine those burrs with the “productive motor,” which slowly grinds beans to prevent heat buildup, which would otherwise damage your beans and remove some of their flavor. And don’t worry about it overheating, because it has thermal protection.

That means a switch inside the machine will power off if, for instance, a stone gets caught in the burrs. Such debris could cause your machine to work overtime and damage its components due to the increased power and heat.

The ultraviolet (UV) burr holder prevents sunlight from accelerating the decay of your coffee beans. That translates to having beans with less flavor.

Despite the additional perks, the machine comes with its downside. For instance, it doesn’t look the best for most kitchen styles, though it’s practical. The spout’s much harder to clean since it’s small.

And the smaller spout could lead to grinds forming clumps, which could lead to bean cross-contamination.

Maybe you’re a beginner on a budget. You’ll like the next option.


9. Krupts GVX212: Best Coffee Grinder for Espresso Under $100

krupts
Price$
TypeSteel conical
Burr Size31 mm
Grinder Dimensions11.1 × 8 × 6.4 in (D, W, H)
Warranty2 years
Hopper Capacity8 oz
# of Grind Levels17
Grind Speed450 RPM

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Automatic shutoff

Cons

  • Looks & feels cheap
  • Grounds constantly stick to container
  • Not great for cold brew & French press

Krupts offers the most affordable option on our list and is an excellent choice for entry-level home baristas who want to grind espresso beans.

It uses regular steel conical burrs, which should last for at least a year.

Many coffee grinders (under $300) don’t offer automatic shutoff features, which is helpful for folks in a rush and who don’t want to stand by their machine for a minute or 2.

Since the machine’s under $100; Krupts cut plenty of costs to make it so. For instance, the plastic body makes it look and feel cheap. Meaning, it won’t last as long as machines made of thicker plastic or steel.

The GVX212 focuses on espresso grinds (fine); making it not the best choice for coarse grinds required for French press, drip coffee, and Vietnamese coffee.

Perhaps you’re in Australia and need a recommendation.


10. Fellow Ode: Best Coffee Grinder for Espresso Australia

Fellow Ode Coffee Grinder
Price$$
TypeSteel flat
Burr Size64 mm
Grinder Dimensions11 × 24 × 23 cm (D, W, H)
Warranty1 year
Hopper Capacity100 g
# of Grind Levels31
Grind Speed1,400 RPM

Pros

  • Auto stop
  • Not noisy
  • Single-dose loading

Cons

  • Not much bean capacity
  • Messy

The Fellow Ode works best for anyone who wants a decent-looking, low-noise machine that’ll produce consistent grinds at a great price.

I imagine part of the savings came from the regular steel burrs. They’re flat, but not durable as hardened steel or titanium. They’ll still last a while.

I love the Ode since it’s not loud compared to most grinders on this list. Making it a machine you could use to grind beans early in the morning. Pair that with the auto-stop feature, and you’ll have something perfect for when you’re in a rush to get ready for work.

Think about it. You probably want to place the beans in the grinder and let it grind while you prepare for work, right? It’s better than waiting for the machine to finish grinding.

A couple of other features make it exceptional for its price. The PID motor ensures the same speed every time you grind. You’ll have a consistent taste and flavor. Speaking of; the single-dose loading means you only grind what you need.

And the smaller hopper ensures there isn’t enough room for oxygen, which could accelerate your beans’ flavor loss.

Are you in the UK and need a grinder?


11. Eureka Mignon Crono: Best Coffee Grinder for Espresso UK

eureka mignon crono
Price£££
TypeHardened steel flat
Burr Size50 mm
Grinder Dimensions38 × 29 × 20 cm (D, W, H)
Warranty2 years
Hopper Capacity283 g
# of Grind LevelsInfinite
Grind Speed2.1 g/s

Pros

  • Anti-clump & electrostaticity
  • Grind timer
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Cleaning is tricky
  • Hopper isn’t the best

This Mignon grinder’s fantastic for folks in the United Kingdom because of its warranty, affordability, and excellent features for great-tasting espresso.

The hardened steel flat burrs are part of what gives it great value. These will last longer than machines that have stainless steel unhardened burrs.

Let’s cover quality of life features:

  • Timer: Save & set times to grind beans for consistent taste.
  • Position lower burrs: Perform machine maintenance without losing your saved grind setting.
  • Reduces static: Prevents ground beans from accumulating on your machine.

All these features make the machine easier to use and clean. For the most part. Because many complain that grounds will accumulate in the hopper’s base. And it’s much harder to dig brushes inside a machine than a catch bin.

Otherwise:

The flat hardened steel burrs, quick grind times, grind timers, and other comfort features make it well worth the money. Since it’s from a reputable brand and gives you more than what machines in a similar price point will offer.


How to Choose the Home Espresso Grinder

Learn how to pick the best espresso grinder:

ChecklistWhy it’s Important
Burr Type & SizeDetermines grind consistency.
Grind LevelsFine-tune your grind.
Grind SpeedSpeeds will affect your beans’ taste.
MaterialsWill impact how long your machine lasts.
Bean Hopper SizeHelps you grind more beans without refilling.
Manual vs. ElectricDeciding may make your life more difficult.
PriceYour budget vs. the machine quality.
FeaturesQuality of life improvements.
Noise LevelsHelps prevent angering sleeping roommates.

I’ll cover what each factor is, whether it’s critical to consider, how much your grinder will cost with said addition, and other relevant information.

For a full buying guide, read this article.

Let’s go.

1. Burr Types & Sizes

You’ll have 2 options regarding grinders. Burrs and blades [1]. Blades suck for grinding espresso beans because they’ll lead to uneven particle sizes. And that’ll lead to uneven extraction, then an icky taste.

Blades cost less ($20–$70), but the savings isn’t worth it. You’ll find plenty of “affordable” burr grinders. However, when discussing burrs, you must choose between flat and conical. The former’s more expensive, but leads to better-tasting espresso.

Let’s first explore the differences between burr and blade grinders.

Burr vs. Blade Grinders

1. Burr Grinders

Burr coffee bean grinders utilize two abrasive surfaces, called burrs, to crush coffee beans uniformly. They’re ideal for those seeking consistent and precise grind sizes. You’ll need precise grind sizes to ensure even extraction when making espresso.

Prices will vary depending on whether you pick a flat or conical burr. I’ll emphasize further in a couple of sections.

Let’s see the goods and bads:

Pros:

  • Consistent grind: Produces uniform particle size, essential for balanced extraction & flavor.
  • Less heat: Generates minimal heat during grinding, preserving coffee’s flavor profile.
  • Durable: Typically built with high-quality materials, ensuring longevity.

Cons:

  • Higher cost: Generally more expensive due to their design & materials.
  • Noise: Can be louder, as grinding with burrs produces more sound.
  • More cleaning: Require regular cleaning & maintenance to prevent clogs & maintain performance.

On to blade grinders.

2. Blade Grinders

Blade coffee bean grinders use a spinning blade to chop coffee beans. Making them suitable for those with a limited budget or who prioritize simplicity.

Is it worth it?

Pros:

  • Lower cost: More affordable than burr grinders, making them more accessible.
  • Multipurpose: Can be used for grinding other items, such as spices, when not in use for coffee.

Cons:

  • Inconsistent grind: Produces uneven particle size, affecting extraction & taste.
  • Less durable: Often built with lower-quality materials, leading to a shorter lifespan.

I’ve seldom found blade grinders for espresso beans. You’d honestly have to look hard for these.

For more info, read our article on Burr vs. Blade Grinders.

Now that you’ve chosen burr or blade, find out what burr you’ll need.

Flat vs. Conical Burrs

If you chose a burr grinder, you  now have to choose between flat and conical burrs. The following sections will explain what each is, along with its pros and cons.

In short, get flat burrs if you have the budget. They produce more evenly-ground beans, but cost a lot. You want more consistent bean grinds for a more flavorful espresso.

1. Flat Burrs

Flat burr coffee grinders use two parallel, flat burrs to grind coffee beans. They’re often preferred by those seeking consistent particle size and a balanced flavor profile. However, these only work for a higher budget ($240+).

Here’s why they’re the best for grinding espresso:

Pros:

  • Uniform grind: Produces consistent particle size, ensuring even extraction & well-balanced flavors.
  • Clarity of taste: Delivers a clean & clear flavor profile, highlighting individual tasting notes.
  • Less retention: Retain fewer grounds between uses, reducing waste & cross-contamination.

Cons:

  • More heat generation: Higher friction during grinding can produce heat, potentially impacting flavor.
  • Maintenance: Flat burrs may require more frequent cleaning & calibration for optimal performance.
  • Energy consumption: Often uses more energy, increasing operating costs.

Most of the best espresso bean grinders use flat burrs. However, they tend to cost more than—

2. Conical Burrs

Conical burr coffee grinders utilize a cone-shaped burr that fits inside another burr, creating a unique grind profile. If you don’t have the funds for a flat grinder, your only other option is a conical one.

Conical burr grinders (manual and electric) cost $35–$200. You won’t find any decent burr grinders for espresso under $150, though.

You chose an expensive hobby to get into.

Anyway. Onto the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Less heat: Generates less heat during grinding, preserving delicate flavor compounds.
  • Greater complexity: Produces a mix of particle sizes, enhancing flavor depth & complexity.
  • Energy efficiency: Often consumes less energy, reducing operating costs.

Cons:

  • Grind consistency: Can create a wider range of particle sizes, potentially affecting extraction.
  • Retention: Conical burrs may retain more grounds between uses, leading to waste & cross-contamination.

You’ll have more of a mixed taste with your drink, and you may not get as fine of grounds compared to using flat burrs. But it’s a great way to get into espresso making while not spending a small fortune.

Tinkering with your grind consistency is one of the other most important factors.

For more info, read our article on flat vs conical burrs.

2. Grind Levels

A larger number of grind settings allows you to grind finer espresso grounds. Machines with more settings will usually cost over $200, though.

If you want to brew more than espresso, you’ll need a grinder that works for coarser grounds. For instance, if you drink cold brew frequently, you’ll need settings for coarse grinds.

Once you have a grind level set, how fast will it grind?

3. Grinder Speeds

When shopping, you’ll often see revolutions per minute (RPM) or grams per minute (g/m). Both determine how fast a machine will grind your beans. Lower RPM machines result in less heat buildup and static [2].

The former can use less electricity, prolong your machine’s lifespan, and reduce the chance your beans will get bitter. The latter prevents bean grinds from sticking to your machine.

Machines that operate at more grams per minute produce more heat and noise, but result in more consistent grind sizes; great for flavor extraction. A factor that’s critical when making espresso. Since you’ll want the best-tasting drink.

You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons in this area to decide what’s better for your use.

Not as important, but the next section could determine your machine’s lifespan.

More about all of this here.

4. Materials

Burrs and blades can be made from [3]:

  • Plastic: Avoid at all costs; least durable.
  • Ceramic: Resistant to heating; but doesn’t stay sharp long.
  • Steel: Retains sharpness, but susceptible to high temperatures.

Steel burrs are the most common material for espresso bean grinders since they stay sharper longer, but retain a lot of heat. The heat buildup can lead to a loss of your coffee beans’ flavor and aroma.

You’ll find these in most machines, but they’re ideal for coffee shops.

Ceramic and plastic burrs don’t have such a weakness, but they’re fragile. If something hard were to mix with your coffee beans, they could break easily. Making them unideal for most uses.

However, most super-automatic espresso machines include ceramic burrs. Consider those if you don’t want steel oneness.

The following will explain how many beans you can grind at once.

5. Bean Hopper Size

Espresso bean grinders use hoppers (buckets) to feed coffee beans into the whirling burrs or blades. Choose a hopper size that’ll accommodate how many cups of coffee you want to make back-to-back.

Bigger hoppers work for get-togethers, cafés, and offices. Otherwise, I recommend not worrying too much about it. Because you should be only grinding what you’ll immediately brew—for optimal flavor.

There’s also single-dosing. Let’s explore the differences.

Hopper vs. Single Dosing

The following sections will help you determine whether it’s worth getting a machine with single-dosing or a hopper. I’ll explain what each is, along with their pros and cons.

1. Hopper Coffee Grinders 

Hopper coffee bean grinders store a larger quantity of beans in a container and grind on-demand, making them suitable for those who value convenience and higher-volume brewing.

Pros of Hopper coffee grinders:

  • Time-saving: Preloads a larger quantity of beans, reducing refilling frequency.
  • Consistency: Delivers a uniform grind over multiple shots, ensuring similar extraction.
  • Convenience: Allows for quicker brewing, as beans are readily available for grinding.
  • Workflow efficiency: Simplifies the process for multiple servings, suitable for commercial use.

Cons of Hopper coffee grinders:

  • Stale beans: Beans stored in the hopper may lose freshness over time, affecting flavor.
  • Less control: Difficult to switch between different beans without emptying the hopper.
  • Cleaning challenges: Hoppers can make cleaning more complex, as beans must be removed.
  • Size: Hopper-equipped grinders tend to be larger, requiring more counter space.

Hoppers don’t work as well as the next option for grinding espresso beans. The lack of control and the stale beans will negatively affect your espresso’s taste. However, if you’re serving multiple people, it’s a must-have.

2. Single-dose Coffee Grinder

Single dosing coffee bean grinders allow users to grind only the exact amount of beans needed per shot, catering to those who prefer precision and bean variety.

Pros of single dosing grinders:

  • Freshness: Grinding just the right amount per shot ensures optimal bean freshness.
  • Bean variety: Enables switching between different beans without cross-contamination.
  • Waste reduction: Minimizes wasted coffee grounds by grinding only what’s needed.
  • Compact design: Often smaller than hopper grinders, saving countertop space.

Cons of single dosing grinders:

  • Time-consuming: Requires weighing & loading beans for each shot.
  • Inconsistency risk: Small variations in dosing can lead to different extraction results.
  • Less convenient: Lacks the ease of grinding beans stored in a hopper for quick brewing.
  • Workflow disruption: Not as efficient for commercial settings or high-volume brewing.

Single-dose grinders will result in a much better tasting espresso. You’re not cross-contaminating your beans, which means mixing different beans. And you won’t risk having stale day-old beans stuck in your grinder.

Now you’ll need to know whether electric or manual grinders are what you want.

6. Manual vs. Electric Grinders

Compare manual and electric grinders. In short, get an electric grinder if you value evenly-ground grinds. Opt for manual grinders if you’re camping or traveling.

For a full article on the subject, read our article on manual vs. electric grinders.

1. Manual Coffee Grinders

Manual coffee bean grinders require hand operation to grind beans. They often lead to inconsistent grind consistencies and can tire you out after operating it.

Only get it if you’re making espresso with an AeroPress or Moka pot while traveling or camping.

Pros of manual coffee grinders:

  • Portability: Compact & lightweight, making them perfect for travel or small spaces.
  • Control: Allows precise adjustments to grind size, catering to personal preferences.

Cons of manual coffee grinders:

  • Time-consuming: Requires manual effort, which can be slow & tiring.
  • Inconsistency: Grinding results may vary, affecting espresso quality.

You’ll see many burr hand coffee bean grinders for $35–$150. Anything under $100 is likely junk and will probably break after a week of use.

2. Electric Coffee Grinders

Electric coffee bean grinders use motorized mechanisms to grind beans and are ideal for those who want a more convenient and time-saving option. The high RPMs from the motors could evaporate some of your espresso beans’ flavors, but you’ll likely notice little difference.

If that’s not enough, search for a motor with variable speeds. They’ll gradually build up to prevent overheating your machine and burrs.

Pros of electric coffee grinders:

  • Speed: Grind beans quickly & efficiently, saving time.
  • Consistency: Delivers uniform grind size, resulting in better espresso quality.

Cons of electric coffee grinders:

  • Noise: Tends to be louder than manual grinders, potentially disruptive.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than manual grinders.

Most of the time, these cost over $100 for an electric conical burr grinder.

Speaking of price.

7. Budget

Most folks say to spend more on a grinder for an espresso maker than the machine itself. That’s true because the more consistent beans you have, the more flavor you can extract from the beans. Resulting in a better-tasting flavor.

For any decent espresso grinders, prepare to pay more than $200. This price point will give you flat burrs, an electric grinder, and a durable grinder. You’ll also more than likely find quiet grinders.

You could find high-quality espresso grinders cheaper when refurbished, but then you won’t fall under the manufacturer’s warranty bubble. Leaving you exposed to potentially wasting money on a faulty refurb.

In need of luxury features?

8. Quality-of-life Features

I’m using this section to dump other criteria I didn’t cover, like:

  • Cleanup: Opt for machines that generate less static; product descriptions will definitely mention this feature.
  • Timers: Set how long you want your beans to grind.
  • Auto stop: Machine will turn off upon finishing grinding.
  • Digital interfaces: Easily see all your settings.

These features won’t make a difference in your espresso’s taste, and they’ll make the grinder cost more, but they may save a bit of time. Hence, “quality of life.”

Since we’re getting picky with coffee grinders, you’ll need to know how loud it is.

9. Noise Levels

Whether this criteria matters depends on how sensitive folks in your home are to sounds. If you’re up at 5:00 AM and grinding beans for your espresso before work, you likely don’t want to wake your family.

Aim for a quieter machine with fewer decibels (dB). Decibels measure noise levels.

For more details, read this article.

FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions that focus on espresso grinders.

What Type of Grinder Is Best for Espresso?

A high-quality burr grinder is best for espresso. It provides consistent and precise grind size control; crucial for optimal extraction.

Is Finer Grind Better for Espresso?

A finer grind is better for espresso, as it increases the surface area of the coffee, allowing for optimal extraction and a balanced, flavorful shot.

What Espresso Grinder Does Starbucks Use?

The EK43 is one of Starbucks’ preferred grinders. Other grinders they’ll use may come from companies like Fiornzato and Mazzer.

Our Verdict

Here are the top 3 choices:

  1. Eureka Mignon Manuale: Produces consistent grinds & isn’t loud.
  2. Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Includes a digital timer & can grind for different brew types (e.g., drip coffee).
  3. Baratza Sette: Affordable & produces consistent grinds.

I chose the Eureka Mignon Specialista because it’s a somewhat affordable machine not too complex for beginners, yet will provide high-quality, consistent grinds for intermediate home baristas.

Get it now.

eureka mignon specialista

Eureka Mignon Specialista: Best Overall

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Hardened steel, flat
  • Burr Size: 55 mm
  • Grinder Dimensions: 13 × 7 × 4 in (D, W, H)
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Hopper Capacity: 12 oz
  • # of Grind Levels: Unknown
  • Grind Speed: 1,350 RPM
Photo of author

Author

Tim Lee is, as you might have guessed the founder of TimsCoffee.com. He is a former barista and a professional web publisher. He has now combined his knowledge and expertise in both subjects to create TimsCoffee.com.
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