The Definitive Guide to Finding the Perfect Grinder for Drip Coffee

Are you a coffee connoisseur on a mission to find the best grinder for drip coffee? Look no further! In this article, we've scoured the market and handpicked a selection of the finest coffee grinders that bring out the full flavor and aroma in every precious bean. From the sleek and modern to the traditional and manual, we've got the top contenders that will take your coffee game to the next level. Get ready to grind with precision and sip on perfection as we dive into the world of the best grinder for drip coffee.

Eureka Mignon Notte Espresso Grinder

$329 at Seattle Coffee GearBaratza Sette 30

We had high hopes for the Eureka Mignon Notte Espresso Grinder. Manufactured by the same company as our current top pick, the Virtuoso, this grinder is made with high-quality materials and has the capability to grind directly into a portafilter for espresso. However, it fell short in several areas. Adjusting it for espresso proved to be a challenge, and we were only satisfied with the results using a specific setting on the grinder. Additionally, it was not effective for other brewing methods such as French press and pour-over. We also found it to be messy when grinding into a portafilter, especially for those using a 54-mm portafilter. Even with a 58-mm portafilter, which is typically found on more expensive espresso machines, there were still issues with grinds spilling out. In the end, there were too many drawbacks to recommend this grinder.

Capresso Infinity Plus Black Conical Burr Grinder

Bodum Bistro

We were impressed with the compact design and user-friendly interface of the Capresso Infinity Plus Black Conical Burr Grinder. However, we were disappointed by the inconsistency of the grind and its performance in our blind taste test. Similarly, the Bodum Bistro, while compact, affordable, and easy to use, scored the lowest in our blind taste test, resulting in a darker and more bitter brew compared to other grinders. Additionally, the Bodum Bistro lacked consistency in its grind. Our experience with both grinders left us wanting a better option.

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder

The Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill delivered satisfactory results. Although it doesn't quite match the quality of our top performers like the Fellow and Baratza grinders, it is a more affordable option at just sixty dollars. It offers a decent range of grind settings, but measuring the amount of coffee can be challenging. The grinder has settings for different cup quantities, but the weight measurements can vary significantly between grind settings. This grinder may be suitable for those who use a drip coffee maker and measure coffee by volume, but it may not be the best choice for other brewing methods.

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is highly regarded by everyone, receiving top marks from the Wirecutter and CNET. However, during our testing, it didn't quite live up to our expectations. It features a manual on-off switch, requiring constant supervision during the grinding process. Compared to other grinders, it was slower, and the coarser French press grind had noticeable inconsistencies with too many fine particles. While it is a well-loved grinder, our experience left us underwhelmed.

Delonghi Dedica Coffee Grinder

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder

The Delonghi Dedica Coffee Grinder performed adequately, delivering consistent grinds across various brewing methods. We were impressed that it could grind fine enough for Turkish coffee, even finer than what is required for espresso. However, we encountered a couple of issues with this grinder. The adjustment knob is quite large, making it difficult to manipulate unless you have exceptionally large hands. Additionally, there were some instances of ground coffee splattering on the counter when removing the catch cup. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Delonghi Dedica is still a high-quality and versatile grinder.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder offers a sturdy and sleek stainless-steel housing, easy-to-use dial-in controls, and a clear digital interface. With a wide range of grind options and additional features, there's a lot to like about the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. Similar to our KitchenAid pick, this grinder allows for grinding directly into a portafilter for espresso; however, it has fewer grind settings. Although the setup was straightforward and the instructional manual was clear, becoming familiar with the grinder required more than a quick glance. Overall, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a good option, but it does have a slight learning curve.

Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder

Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder

For those on a budget, the Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder is an excellent choice. In previous versions of our review, it was our top pick for an affordable grinder due to its consistent and high-quality grind, comparable to more expensive options like the Oxo with an integrated scale. While it shares the same time-dosing feature as the winning Baratza and KitchenAid grinders, it has a manual dial instead of a digital timer, requiring some visual estimation when setting. However, if you're looking to save money, a manual dial is a minor compromise. We conducted some preliminary adjustments, and for a medium grind setting, we obtained nine grams of coffee in five seconds. Although the Solis Scala is our preferred option, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder is a good choice for those with a budget of $100 or less.

Zwilling Enfinigy Burr Coffee Grinder

Wilfa Uniform Coffee Grinder

The Zwilling Enfinigy Burr Coffee Grinder, brought to the United States by New Jersey coffee roaster and importer Lardera, offers the consistency and quality build typically associated with Scandinavian home products. It performed well across all brewing methods and even achieved a fine grind suitable for Turkish coffee. However, there were a couple of drawbacks to consider. The adjustment knob is quite large and requires holding down the grinder while adjusting, which can be difficult for those with smaller hands. Additionally, there were instances of ground coffee splattering on the counter when removing the catch cup. Despite these minor issues, the Zwilling Enfinigy Burr Coffee Grinder is a high-quality and versatile option.

Wilfa Uniform Grinder

The Wilfa Uniform Grinder is an espresso grinder from Eureka Mignon Notte. This grinder is specifically designed for brewing espresso and has a weight of 25 pounds, making it a sturdy and reliable piece of equipment. One standout feature of the Wilfa Uniform Grinder is its stepless adjustment, which allows for infinite grind adjustments using its steel burrs. This feature is typically found in high-end grinders and gives you the ability to fine-tune your grind to your liking. However, the dosing on the Mignon Notte is entirely manual, meaning you must manually turn it on and off with a button. This requires the use of a scale every time you brew, which may be an inconvenience for some. While the Wilfa Uniform Grinder is not the top pick due to these extra steps, it remains one of the best espresso grinders for the money.

The Best Hand Grinder for Espresso: Flair Manual Espresso Grinder

If you're looking to add an arm workout to your morning coffee routine, the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder is an excellent choice. This manual coffee grinder, recommended by Chris, features conical steel burrs and offers 72 fine-grind settings, allowing you to customize your espresso grind. It has a silicone body that is easy to grip and a convenient thumb rest for effortless grinding. Additionally, its compact size means it won't take up much counter space. Although designed specifically for espresso, the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder can also be used for other brewing techniques that require a finer grind, such as the Aeropress, Turkish coffee, or coffee made in a moka pot. While it may not be suitable for opening a café, it is perfect for camping trips or occasional espresso drinkers.

Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder

For those seeking a more affordable electric coffee grinder with a wider range of settings, the Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder is an excellent choice. This grinder, known as the Opus, offers 10 grind settings, including an espresso grind. It is slightly more expensive than the Baratza Encore but offers a minimalistic design and thoughtful features. The Opus features a magnetically aligned catch cup that easily slides into place for grinding, as well as a smaller "dosing cup" for mess-free transfer of a single espresso shot's worth of grounds to the portafilter. Unlike the Encore, which stores a larger quantity of beans, the Fellow models are designed for grinding individual doses, making it convenient for households with different coffee preferences. With these sleek machines, you can grind fresh coffee to order and satisfy everyone's taste.

The Budget Choice That Still Gets the Job Done: Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

If you're just starting your coffee journey and don't want to spend over $100 on a precise grinder, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a great option. Priced at , this grinder offers a simple and intuitive design with excellent consistency, making it the most affordable option that still delivers a quality grind for home use. Similar to the Fellow grinders, the Oxo grinder operates on a numbered dial, allowing you to choose from 15 settings for an ultrafine or coarse grind. Unlike the Fellow grinders, the Oxo grinder does not have a set grind time, but it includes a separate wind-up timer that can be adjusted for up to 30 seconds. However, it does not grind directly into a portafilter, which may result in a slightly messy transfer process. Overall, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a reliable choice for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize simplicity and consistency.

When it comes to making the perfect cup of drip coffee, choosing the right grinder is crucial. From the high-end Eureka Mignon Notte Espresso Grinder to the budget-friendly Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, there are plenty of options to suit every coffee lover's needs. Whether you prefer an automatic grinder or a manual one like the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder, you can rest assured that these top picks will deliver the perfect grind every time. So why settle for mediocre coffee when you can have the best? Upgrade your brewing game with one of these top-rated drip coffee grinders and experience the difference in every sip.