Buying guide for best burr grinders
One of the best ways to brew coffee with intense flavor is to grind your own beans instead of using pre-ground coffee. Grinding whole coffee beans brings out the freshest flavors for all types of brews. However, not all coffee grinders are equal. If you want precise flavor and an ideal grind size, you need a burr grinder.
Some coffee bean grinders work with sharp blades that produce heat, resulting in a loss of flavor. Furthermore, they don’t allow you to alter the size of the grind. Burr grinders produce better results because they work differently. A burr grinder consists of abrasive surfaces called burrs that grind beans as they rotate. Because the distance between the burrs can be adjusted, you can easily alter the size of the grinds from fine to coarse. The closer the burrs, the finer the grind.
Whether you prefer a coarse grind for a French press or a fine grind for an espresso maker, a burr grinder can produce uniform results for optimal flavor. Burr grinders are available in flat and conical models. Flat grinders do a great job producing uniform results. Conical models are easier to clean.
While manual models are more affordable, the best burr grinders for avid coffee drinkers tend to be electric models with powerful motors that grind beans in seconds, such as our top pick, Capresso’s Infinity Conical Burr Grinder. We also evaluated three popular burr grinders in our Testing Lab — Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder and the Fellow Ode 2 Burr Grinder — to see how they stacked up.
Best burr grinders and accessories
If you’re looking for a top-selling model, you can’t go wrong with this model. The Infinity is a popular choice due to its simplicity and functionality. Its controls are straightforward, so there’s minimal effort involved. We found that it does a better job producing coarse grinds than fine grinds, but adjusting the controls helps solve this minor concern.
Another selling point offered by the Infinity is its generous 8.8-ounce bean cup, which translates to 4 ounces of ground coffee. It’s also surprisingly quiet despite its powerful 100-watt motor.
Don’t let the low price stop you from considering this Cuisinart burr grinder: In our Testing Lab, we found that its features and capabilities make it a solid deal. It offers 18 grind settings for precise results and has a powerful motor that produces uniform grinds.
We’re impressed with the grind chamber that stores enough grinds to brew 32 delicious cups of joe. Like pricier models, it has a large 8-ounce capacity for making an ample portion of ground coffee just the way you like it.
If you’re looking for a burr grinder to prepare a wide range of coffee brews, you’ll appreciate that this model offers 60 grind settings. The burrs don’t produce excessive heat that can damage the flavor of the beans during the grinding process.
It’s a powerful 165-watt machine with a generous 18-ounce bean capacity. The appliance is stylish, featuring a sleek control panel with a digital display.
Whether you’re new to grinding your own coffee beans or prefer small appliances with simple controls, the Encore burr grinder won’t disappoint. With 40 grind settings, you’ll be able to grind beans to perfection for any coffee beverage you desire.
Its easy-to-operate on/off functions are positioned on the front for quick access, and it offers a hopper capacity of 8 ounces. The sleek design won’t take up a lot of space in a cabinet or on your countertop.
The Oxo burr grinder earned praise in our Testing Lab for its simple design with controls that are easy to navigate. It has 15 grind settings to customize different brews and can hold up to 12 ounces of beans. It’s engineered with a motor that’s powerful yet won’t overheat the beans during the grinding process.
The hopper’s trap door means there’s less to clean up after grinding beans. The stainless steel finish stands out and looks great when paired with other stainless steel appliances.
In our Testing Lab, the Fellow Ode 2 brew grinder made an impression with its stylish, high-end appearance and large dial. It sports a streamlined design that doesn’t take up an extreme amount of space.
Although it offers a total of 31 precision settings, we found that the results are still fairly coarse. As such, it’s not the best pick for making espresso. The bean hopper, which can hold about 3.5 ounces, is also on the small side. However, this handsome machine is easy to set up and use, and it stands out in terms of aesthetics. We’re also happy to report that it’s less noisy than many others in its class while still doing a great job grinding beans in seconds.
If you’re new to grinding your own coffee beans, you may not need a burr grinder with numerous bells and whistles. The Bistro by Bodum is a good choice for beginners, as it’s easy to use yet efficient at grinding beans to perfection, and its hopper can hold nearly 8 ounces of beans.
Its 12 grind settings are just enough for users who prefer a few classic coffee concoctions, such as espressos and French press brews. Handling the appliance during use is simple thanks to the silicone band that provides a stable grip.
Electric burr grinders are definitely more powerful than manual models, but that doesn’t mean that a manual grinder isn’t worth considering for some consumers. This model by JavaPresse has a straightforward design with 18 grind settings that produce the desired texture, from fine to coarse.
The compact design is suitable for travel and outdoor use. Budget-conscious coffee connoisseurs appreciate the low price, which is a major selling point of manual burr grinders.
The KitchenAid burr grinder distances itself from many other models with an impressive 70 grind options that produce consistent grinds for any type of coffee drink. From fine to coarse grinds, you’re unlikely to ever be disappointed with the results.
Proprietary Smart Dosing Technology ensures that you get just the right amount of grinds with each use (its hopper capacity is 10 ounces). The built-in portafilters make it a great choice for espresso lovers who want to grind beans and prepare delicious brews in minutes.
Made by a trusted brand that many coffee drinkers recognize, this burr grinder by Mr. Coffee is an affordable appliance with 18 grind options and an 18-cup capacity. The machine makes it easy to choose the amount of grinds you need so you always have fresh, flavorful coffee beverages. The simple design has dial controls that take the guesswork out of making grinds just the way you like them.
If you only need a burr grinder for occasional use, you may want to consider a simple manual model like this one. It has a built-in grinding knob that adjusts the grind from fine to coarse with ease, so you always get tasty coffee from freshly ground beans. With a 25-gram capacity, it’s also small enough to take on the go — an excellent choice for the coffee enthusiast who wants to grind coffee while traveling, camping and more.
How we tested
After researching a variety of burr grinders, we brought the Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder and the Fellow Ode 2 Burr Grinder into our Testing Lab to see how they work and evaluated them in the following areas.
Appearance
Packaging: We examined the packaging and looked at how well it complements the machine.
Burr grinder design: We studied its overall design to determine whether it was user friendy and if it would make an attractive addition to any kitchen.
Ease of use
Set up: We evaluated whether it was easy to adjust the grind settings and whether the process to get the machine up and running was straightforward.
Filling the hopper: We evaluated whether it was easy to open and fill the hopper with beans, and we noted its capacity and how it compared to similar models.
Operating the controls: We tested the controls to assess their ease of use and functionality.
Quality
Power: We assessed its grinding power and how well it did on different settings, noting the speed.
Grind options: We tried out the different grind settings and evaluated whether it would work well for both coffee and espresso drinkers.
Noise: We evaluated its noise level compared to other grinders and whether it could be both quiet and fast at the same time.
How a burr grinder works
A burr grinder features two abrasive surfaces (burrs) that rotate. With each rotation, a few beans are caught between the burrs and ground down. To change the size of the grind, you simply adjust the distance between the burrs. The greater the distance between the burrs, the coarser the grind will be. Moving the burrs closer together creates a finer grind.
What to know before buying a burr grinder
Flat vs. conical burr grinders
There are two basic types of burr grinders: flat and conical. The two types produce similar results, but a few small differences may make one type a better option for your kitchen than the other.
Flat burr grinders typically feature two abrasive burrs that sit horizontally inside the grinder. One of the burrs faces upward; the other faces downward. The beans are caught between the two burrs and ground down when the burrs turn. Flat burr grinders tend to produce a grind that’s uniform in size. However, these grinds easily become trapped inside the grinder, making it difficult to clean.
Conical burr grinders feature two abrasive cone-shaped burrs, one inside the other. The beans fall into the cones in a vertical path and are ground between them as the burrs rotate. Conical grinders create two grind sizes, large and small, no matter which setting you choose. The difference in size may be difficult to see at a glance, but under a microscope, it becomes more apparent. A conical burr grinder is easier to clean than a flat burr grinder.
Stainless steel vs. ceramic burr grinders
In addition to burr type, you’ll want to pay attention to the material with which the burrs are made. Generally speaking, burrs are made of stainless steel or ceramic. Stainless steel burr grinders usually cost less, but they don’t tend to last as long. Ceramic burr grinders are extremely durable, but you’ll pay more for them. They’re the top choice for espresso aficionados because they produce a finer grind.
Manual vs. electric burr grinders
Which will you choose, a manual burr grinder or an electric burr grinder? Manual burr grinders require you to turn a crank to grind your beans. Electric grinders require a simple press of a button. It’s true that manual burr grinders demand more time and physical effort than electric burr grinders. But they also generate less heat, which means the flavor and aroma of your coffee are nicely preserved.
Stepped vs. stepless burr grinders
When it comes to grind settings, burr grinders are either stepped or stepless. Stepped burr grinders have a set number of grind settings to choose from before you begin grinding. Stepless grinders don’t have pre-determined settings. Instead, you choose from a range of settings, which means you can alter the grind by as little or as much as you like. This allows you to fully customize the grind of your coffee, giving you precise control.
Burr grinder motor speed
An electric burr grinder with a high-speed motor might sound like a great deal – especially if the cost is fairly low. But in truth, you’re more likely to find higher speeds on cheaper burr grinders. Why? Because a high-speed motor produces more heat, which can actually burn the coffee beans as they’re processed.
The best burr grinders generate as little heat as possible. For this reason, an electric burr grinder with a low-speed motor is actually the better choice. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more for a low-speed burr grinder.
Given this, what can you do if you want great-tasting coffee on a budget? Choose a high-speed burr grinder that offers gear reduction. This type of grinder has a motor that’s connected to gears. The gears slow down the burrs and reduce the amount of heat generated.
Tips for using a burr grinder
- Store whole coffee beans in an airtight container. This method of storage helps keep them as fresh as possible for when it’s time to grind them.
- Grind your coffee beans right before you brew them for the best-tasting coffee. Don’t let ground coffee sit around losing flavor.
- Take the burr grinder apart to clean it. You’ll want to read the manufacturer’s instructions first. A stiff brush and soft cloth are usually recommended.
- Don’t clean the burrs with water. This could damage your appliance.
FAQ
Q. How much does a burr grinder cost?
A. Price varies depending on the power and capacity the machine provides. Burr grinders range in price from as low as $15 to as much as $200 or more.
Manual burr grinders cost between $15 and $70, with larger models falling on the higher end of that price scale. While small automatic models cost between $35 and $70, you’ll pay $200 or a bit more for a larger one in this class. Premium automatic burr grinders with ample features and speedy motors are the most expensive options.
Q. How long does a burr grinder last?
A. The lifespan of a burr grinder depends on its quality and burr material. In general, ceramic burrs tend to last longer than stainless steel burrs. Specifically, ceramic burr grinders usually last through 1,000 to 1,500 pounds of coffee. Stainless steel burr grinders typically make it through 500 to 1,000 pounds of coffee.
Q. What is a direct drive burr grinder?
A. A direct drive burr grinder features a low-speed motor that connects to the burrs, which allows them to spin at the same speed. The lower speed generates less heat, thereby preserving the quality of the beans. Direct-drive burr grinders also tend to be very quiet.
Q. What type of burr grinder is best for making espresso?
A. To achieve the fine grind necessary for espresso, it’s best to go with a conical burr grinder. Look for one with ceramic burrs. The ceramic promotes a finer grind than stainless steel.
Q. How much noise does a burr grinder make?
A. Like any coffee grinder, a burr grinder can make a lot of noise. If you’re sensitive to noise or don’t want to disturb other members of your household in the morning, a conical burr grinder with a low-speed motor would probably be the quietest option. Conversely, a flat burr grinder with a high-speed motor would probably make the most noise.
Q. How do you clean a burr grinder?
A. For quick cleaning of your burr grinder, use grinder cleaning tablets.
1. Pour the recommended number of tablets into the grinder, and run them through the machine.
2. Next, run some coffee grounds through the grinder.
3. Throw away the grounds and tablet residue.
4. Wipe down the ground coffee receptacle to ensure the appliance is clean.
