7 Best Espresso Grinders (2024): Professional Buying Advice
Do you want to take your espresso game to the next level?
Look no further than this list of our top 7 espresso grinders of 2023.
In this article, we give you a rundown of our favorite electric and manual coffee grinders, talk about what’s best for who, and walk you through all of the features that you should be looking at when deciding to purchase a grinder.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a budding barista, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the best espresso grinder for you!
How Do Burr Grinders Work?
The most important decision you can make in regard to your coffee grinder is to choose a burr grinder. You’ve probably heard this term a lot, but what exactly is a burr… and how do these grinders work?
Burr grinders work by using two abrasive surfaces, known as burrs, to crush and grind coffee beans. The beans are gradually ground into smaller particles as they pass through the gap between the burrs, which rotate at a specific distance from each other. The size of the grind is determined by this distance, which can be adjusted according to the desired coarseness or fineness.
Burr grinders ensure a much more consistent grind size than blade grinders. Burrs are typically made of durable materials like steel or ceramic to withstand the grinding process and maintain their sharpness over time.
What is the Ideal Grind for Espresso?
The ideal grind size for espresso is fine and uniform. Think of powdered sugar or slightly finer. This fineness allows for optimal extraction during the short brewing time of espresso machines.
The fine grind size ensures that water passes through the coffee grounds at a controlled rate, extracting all the right characteristics while producing a rich and balanced espresso shot. Of course, the exact grind size you should use will vary slightly depending on your specific espresso machine and desired taste profile. It also depends on the type of coffee beans you’re using.
Always experiment and adjust accordingly!
What is the Best Espresso Grinder?
Check out our overviews below and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:
no. 1
Eureka Mignon Specialita
Best Overall
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- Handbuilt in Italy
- Hardened steel step-less burrs
- Intuitive touchscreen with three grind time modes
- Quiet with a portafilter holder
- Read More ⇒
no. 2
1Zpresso JX Pro S
Best Manual Espresso Grinder
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- Stainless steel conical burr with 200+ adjustments
- Super smooth rotation
- Foldable handle
- Requires regular cleaning for best performance
- Read More ⇒
no. 3
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best Budget
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- Great value for the money
- Electric grinder with conical burrs
- Grind sizes for espresso and other methods
- Small, simple, plastic design
- Read More ⇒
no. 4
Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best Mid-Range
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- 270 grind size adjustments
- Small yet powerful electric burr espresso grinder
- Programmable buttons for dosing/grind time
- Minimal retention
- Read More ⇒
no. 5
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder
Best Entry-Level
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- Large hopper capacity
- Holds many different-sized portafilters
- Adjustable dosing time and grind size from espresso to drip coffee to French Press
- Cheaper-looking design
- Read More ⇒
no. 7
MiiCoffee DF64P Premium Single Dose Espresso Grinder
Best for Advanced Users
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- Zero retention and zero clumping
- Made specifically for espresso
- No grind size range for other brewing methods
- Minimalist, clean matte black design
- Read More ⇒
no. 7
La Marzocco Lux D By Mazzer
Best Splurge
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- Highest build construction and quality on this list
- 61mm flat stainless steel burr grinders
- Grind 18 grams of coffee in 10 seconds
- Minimalist design with a cult following
- Read More ⇒
Now stick around so you can learn more about each of our recommended espresso grinders. Plus, don't miss our guide on what you should look for when you're shopping for one!
1. Eureka Mignon Specialita
Best Overall
If your money is burning a hole in your pocket, this is arguably the best espresso grinder that you could purchase. Each unit is hand-built in Florence, Italy, and comes in a sleek design of steel and chrome.
With 55mm hardened steel burrs and a sound-insulated case, the Eureka Mignon Specialita offers the best consistency and performance without your roommates even knowing it's grinding your coffee.
While $700 is not chump change by any means, this electric grinder packages all of the essential features that any serious hobbyist or professional needs. Touchscreen controls offer three grind time modes for single shots, double shots, and a continuous setting. It has a portafilter holder and a wide chut design to eliminate clumping.
We personally love the fact that the step-less adjustment for the grind size is below the motor mount, preserving your grind settings between uses and disassemblies.
Key Specs
- Type: Flat hardened steel burr
- Number of Grind Settings: Infinite (step-less)
- Burr Size: 55mm
- Grind Retention: 0.5 - 1 g
- Hopper Capacity: 340 g (12 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: Yes
- Weight: 6.4 kg (14 lbs)
- Power: 310 W
The Verdict
Pros
- Sleek construction of steel and chrome
- Quieter and quicker than most electric grinders
- Attach your portafilter
- Three grind timed modes
Cons
- Expensive
- More features than the average user needs
2. 1Zpresso JX Pro S
Best Manual Espresso Grinder
This aluminum manual espresso grinder from 1Zpresso comes in a beautiful design with great consistency for the price tag. This grinder was built to be as ergonomic as possible. It comes with a folding handle and a rubber grip for your other hand, something I miss in a lot of other manual grinders.
There is very little resistance when using this espresso grinder. The handle moves around smoothly, even when grinding fine. The benefit of this grinder is that you can choose one of 200+ sizes to grind at, perfect for making drip coffee or a French Press for those times when you want something other than espresso.
While this manual coffee grinder is small and portable, it weighs a fair amount at 2 lbs. It’s relatively easy to clean, but there are several small parts that all need to come apart during deep cleanings. The provided brush is surprisingly high quality and does a great job at getting out any coffee grounds stuck to the inside of the container.
1Zpresso is my grinder of choice for making coffee at home. I actually own two of their manual grinders!
Key Specs
- Type: Stainless steel conical burr
- Number of Grind Settings: 200+ clicks
- Burr Size: 48mm
- Grind Retention: None (if using provided brush)
- Hopper Capacity: 30 - 35 g (1.1 to 1.2 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: No
- Weight: 0.91 kg (2 lbs)
- Power: N/A (manual grinder)
Trying to figure out the difference between the 1Zpresso JX-Pro and the 1Zpresso JX-Pro S?
No worries we got you! The Pro-S is the newer model. It's smaller in size (while keeping the same 48-mm burrs), has an improved handle, and a more precise click adjustment.
The Verdict
Pros
- Ergonomic rubber grip and folding handle
- Conical, stainless steel burr
- Over 200 clicks for grind size
- Super portable
Cons
- Heavy for a manual grinder
- Requires regular cleaning
3. Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best Budget
There is a reason that you see this espresso grinder in so many coffee shops around the world. Simply put, this is the electric grinder you want if you are on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality. For the price, The Baratza Encore grinds fairly consistently and is able to grind for as fine as espresso to as coarse as French Press.
If you want an affordable espresso grinder, the Encore is a great choice. If you don’t mind the plastic outer design, the hardened alloy steel conical burrs do a more-than-satisfactory job for most coffee enthusiasts. This grinder has a simple interface with just one button to turn the grinder on and off.
One drawback of this budget espresso grinder is that some of the coffee grounds tend to get stuck on the plastic container. You will need to smack the side of the container pretty hard to make sure all the grounds come out. That being said, this is the grinder I recommend to family and friends wanting to start grinding their own coffee but hate the idea of grinding by hand.
Key Specs
- Type: Hardened alloy steel conical burrs
- Number of Grind Settings: 40
- Burr Size: 40mm
- Grind Retention: Medium
- Hopper Capacity: 142 g (5 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: No
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Power: 120 W
The Verdict
Pros
- Affordable for hobbyists getting started
- Simple design, no frills
- Grind sizes for all types of brewing methods
Cons
- Plastic design can feel cheap
- Coffee grounds may get stuck to the container (a few smacks should solve it)
4. Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best Mid-Level
If you want to upgrade from the Baratza Encore, the Sette 270 is a great option with more features. This electric espresso grinder comes with a bigger hopper so you can make more coffee.
If you prefer to grind directly into a portafilter, you now have that option. If not, you can continue using the grounds bin to capture your grounds.
Three programmable buttons let you set the grind time within 0.01 seconds so you can perfect your single and double shots. With no chute and a redesigned gearbox, coffee falls directly from the burrs, minimizing retention.
For an electric burr grinder with this amount of features, the Baratza Sette 270 shockingly takes up little countertop space. If you like the design of this unit and enjoy other brewing methods in addition to espresso, this grinder is a great choice for the price point.
Key Specs
- Type: Conical steel burr
- Number of Grind Settings: 270
- Burr Size: 40mm
- Grind Retention: Minimal
- Hopper Capacity: 397 g (14 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: Yes
- Weight: 3.2 kg (7 lbs)
- Power: 200 W
The Verdict
Pros
- Narrow design
- 3 programmable dosing buttons
- Option to grind directly into a portafilter or grounds bin
- 270 grind settings
- Minimal retention
Cons
- The digital control panel looks low-tech
- Flimsy, plastic hopper and catch bin
5. Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder
Best Entry Level
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is the electric espresso grinder we recommend for beginners looking to utilize more features and have the ability to grind for other brewing methods. With 60 different grind settings, this grinder makes sure that your French Press will also taste good for the days you aren’t feeling espresso.
If you want a large hopper capacity, this Breville can hold up to 18 oz of espresso beans. Most portafilters will fit in the holder, but you can also use the provided grinds container. The LCD display lets you adjust the grind time, number of shots (or cups), and grind size. Breville’s “Precision Digital Time” (Dosing iQ) lets you adjust the grind time in 0.2-second increments.
At $200, this electric grinder provides a rich set of features for beginners looking to hit the ground running with their espresso at home. The only drawback to this Breville is its design, which feels “plastic-y” and cheap in some of its construction. Other than that, it’s a solid choice!
Do you like Breville Products? Then make sure to check out our Breville Espresso Machine Recommendations!
Key Specs
- Type: Stainless steel conical burrs
- Number of Grind Settings: 60
- Burr Size: 40mm
- Grind Retention: Low
- Hopper Capacity: 510 g (18 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: Yes
- Weight: 2.9 kg (6.5 lbs)
- Power: 165 W
The Verdict
Pros
- Large hopper capacity
- Portafilter cradles for 50-54mm and 58mm
- LCD display that shows grind setting, grind time, and number of shots/cups
Cons
- Cheaper-looking design
- Slightly larger than the models listed above
6. MiiCoffee DF64P Premium Single Dose Espresso Grinder
Best for Advanced Users
The MiiCoffee DF64P is an electric burr espresso grinder designed specifically for espresso users. It has a small footprint and looks like an art piece more than a coffee grinder. Its stainless steel flat burrs offer premium consistency, and the stepless adjustment delivers the most customizability for your grind size.
This grinder is known for zero retention and zero clumping. This model was redesigned with a blow-out funnel to produce true zero retention without the help of a bellow. The anti-popcorn hopper is the perfect tool to weigh out up to 50 g of beans since this grinder doesn’t utilize a true hopper.
While there is a portafilter holder, MiiCoffee recommends you use the provided dosing cup if your portafilter isn’t 58mm. That way you don’t lose any grounds in the process. The DF64P is a crowd favorite among advanced espresso enthusiasts.
Give it a shot by having an espresso shot and let us know what you think!
Key Specs
- Type: Flat stainless steel burrs
- Number of Grind Settings: Infinite (stepless)
- Burr Size: 64mm
- Grind Retention: Zero (less than 0.1 g)
- Hopper Capacity: 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: Yes
- Weight: 6.4 kg (14 lbs)
- Power: 250 W
The Verdict
Pros
- Nice aesthetics
- Zero retention, zero clumping
- Anti-popcorn hopper and dosing cup included
- Works with 58mm portafilters
Cons
- Grind size range is only for espresso
- Expensive
7. La Marzocco Lux D By Mazzer
Best Splurge
Picture this. Money is no object. You want the highest-quality grinder with brand-name build quality. You aren’t alone if you believe that La Marzocco produces a damn fine espresso machine. It’s pretty much the gold standard of the industry. So, what’s stopping you from trying their $995 espresso-focused grinder?
La Marzocco teamed up with Mazzer to create one of the most durable and consistent espresso grinders to date. This grinder comes in at a whopping 23 lbs and offers a no-frills functionality tailored to the home barista who values quality over everything else. Just push the only button on the machine to grind your beans, and then let it go to stop.
While this machine is definitely beautiful in its clean white and stainless steel combo, the real standout is in its grind speed. The Lux D can grind 18 grams in just 10 seconds using its 61mm steel burrs. Dial in your particle size with precision thanks to the grinder’s stepless grind adjustment.
If you drink multiple shots of espresso each day and aren’t sure what to do with your money, feel free to send me a donation via the PayPal link below.
Jokes aside, give this grinder a shot (pun intended) if your budget can handle this commercial grinder.
Key Specs
- Type: Flat steel burrs
- Number of Grind Settings: Infinite (stepless)
- Burr Size: 61mm
- Grind Retention: Minimal
- Hopper Capacity: 567 g (20 oz)
- Portafilter Holder: Yes
- Weight: 10.4 kg (23 lbs)
- Power: Electric (120 volts)
The Verdict
Pros
- High quality and packed with features for advanced users
- On-demand dosing with stepless grind adjustment
- Grinds 18 grams of coffee in 10 seconds
Cons
- Almost $1000
- Large and heavy
What to Look for in an Espresso Grinder?
If you’re convinced to buy a grinder for espresso, here are the factors that you should consider before whipping out your credit card.
Electric vs Manual Grinders
Electric grinders are convenient and offer consistent grinding results with adjustable settings.
Manual grinders require more effort but are much more portable and quiet, making them more suited for certain situations such as travel or quiet environments. Grinding coffee is a loud process so manual grinders are perfect when you need espresso at 5 AM and don't want to piss people off.
From my experience roasting coffee in a specialty coffee shop, I’ve found high-quality manual coffee grinders to be more durable and consistent than electric grinders.
I strictly use a manual grinder at home when speed isn’t a necessity (like it is in a commercial setting).
Flat vs Conical Burr Grinders
Coffee grinders with conical burrs are generally favored for espresso due to generating less heat during grinding. Flat burr grinders tend to provide more consistent particle sizes, as you don’t have to worry so much about all parts being perfectly aligned. “In conical burrs, it’s necessary to achieve perfect parallelism and perfect concentricity, while with flat burrs, only parallelism is important.” (1)
It’s easier to get initially set up with flat burr grinders, and conical burrs can produce small inconsistencies in grind size once they get out of alignment. Both work fine for most home and commercial uses… just make sure to read your grinder’s manual and perform routine cleaning and maintenance.
Avoid blade grinders at all costs as they lack the precision required for espresso. You will end up with all sorts of particle sizes in your portafilter if you use a blade grinder.
Number of Grind Settings
Consider the range of grind settings offered by the grinder. Having a wide range allows you to experiment with different brewing methods, while a more limited range may be sufficient if you primarily focus on espresso.
Grinders made specifically for espresso tend to have fewer overall settings, but the range for espresso is usually better and more precise than a multipurpose grinder.
Stepped or Stepless Adjustments?
Grinders with stepped adjustments offer predefined grind settings, making it easier to switch between different settings. Stepless coffee grinders provide infinite adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the grind size more precisely.
The choice depends on your preference for convenience versus precision.
Single Dosing or Hopper?
Single-dosing grinders are designed to grind coffee on demand, preserving freshness and reducing waste. Other grinders with hoppers allow you to store a larger quantity of beans for convenience. Consider your workflow and preference for freshness when deciding between the two.
Low Retention and Consistent Doses
Look for grinders that have low retention, meaning they minimize the amount of coffee left inside the grinder between uses. This helps maintain consistency in dosing and prevents flavors from mixing. Consistent doses ensure reproducible results. When making espresso, consistency and repetition (of a great shot) are everything.
The Price
The best coffee grinders are not necessarily the most expensive ones!
Consider your budget and the value offered by the grinder. While more expensive grinders often offer better build quality and performance, there are also budget-friendly options that can deliver satisfactory results. It's important to strike a balance between your budget and desired features. You can always upgrade down the road!
The Size
Worried about countertop space in your kitchen? Some grinders can leave a large footprint, while others hardly take up any space at all.
Related Reads:
- Best Manual Coffee Grinder Reviews and Recommendations
- Best Coffee Maker with Grinder [Grind and Brew]
- Essential Espresso Machine Accessories You Must Have
- BODUM Bistro Burr Grinder Review - Is it Worth It?
- How to Choose the Best Espresso Tamper
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, a flat or conical burr grinder?
A conical burr coffee grinder is generally considered more practical than a flat burr grinder due to it tolerating heat better during frequent use. Flat burrs tend to produce more consistent grind sizes, resulting in better extraction and flavor. The choice comes down to preference and budget.
What is the difference between an espresso grinder and a coffee grinder?
The main difference between an espresso grinder and a coffee grinder lies in the grind size range. Espresso grinders are designed to produce a very fine and consistent grind, suitable for espresso machines. Coffee grinders, on the other hand, offer a broader range of grind sizes, accommodating various brewing methods. They don’t usually offer as fine of a grind size as a dedicated espresso grinder.
What is the best grind size for espresso?
The best grind size for espresso is fine and uniform, resembling powdered sugar or slightly finer. This fineness allows for optimal extraction during the short brewing time of espresso machines. A consistent grind size ensures balanced flavor extraction, proper espresso flow, and the formation of a desirable crema.
What happens if the espresso grind is too coarse?
If the espresso grind is too coarse, the extraction will be incomplete, resulting in under-extracted coffee. The espresso shot will taste weak, sour, and lacking in body. The water passes through the ground coffee too quickly, failing to extract the desired flavors and aromas effectively.
What happens if the espresso grind is too fine?
When the espresso grind is too fine, over-extraction occurs. The water struggles to pass through the ground coffee, resulting in a slow extraction. This can lead to a bitter and overbearing taste, excessive crema, and potential clogging of the espresso machine. It is crucial to find the right balance to achieve a balanced and flavorful espresso shot.
Bottom Line
Alright, that’s a wrap on the best espresso grinders of 2023!
Investing in a high-quality espresso grinder is crucial for achieving the perfect shot. Whether you prioritize precision, consistency, or convenience, there’s a coffee grinder on this list to help you elevate your espresso brewing game.
Just don’t forget - never buy a blade grinder! 😉
Happy brewing!
