The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Coffee Grinder for Drip: Unveiling the Top Burr Grinders of 2022 and Must-Have Upgrades

Are you tired of starting your mornings with a lackluster cup of coffee? Ready to elevate your coffee game to new heights? Look no further, because we're about to unveil the ultimate guide to finding the best coffee grinder for drip, guaranteed to transform your morning routine into a coffee lover's dream. Say goodbye to pre-ground coffee that falls short of perfection, and say hello to a world of freshly ground beans, rich aromas, and flavor explosions that will awaken your taste buds like never before. Get ready to immerse yourself in the realm of the best burr coffee grinders of 2022, as we uncover the hidden gems that will take your coffee experience to the next level.

Choosing the Best Home Coffee Grinder

There is a wide variety of grinders available, so it's important to find one that suits your preferred brewing style.

In general, grinders can be categorized into four main types, although there are exceptions to these categories:

Ideal for beginners In my experience, the Baratza Encore is the perfect balance of quality, value, and convenience.

It's a reliable workhorse that has consistently delivered excellent results over time. Additionally, Baratza is renowned for its exceptional customer service in the coffee industry.

In reality, most people reading this are primarily looking for a grinder to use at home for brewing drip coffee or French press.

• Electric Conical Burr Grinders: For those new to grinding beans at home, choosing a model from this category is recommended. Look for one with steel conical burrs that offers good quality without breaking the bank.
• Electric Flat Burr Grinders: Although more expensive, many hardcore coffee enthusiasts eventually opt for flat burr grinders due to their more consistent particle distribution. Flat burrs tend to enhance flavor clarity for both drip coffee and espresso.
• Espresso Grinders: These specialized grinders are generally more expensive and primarily designed for making espresso. They can grind coffee to an extremely fine consistency and are specifically engineered for this brewing method. While they can technically adjust for other brewing types, they are best suited for espresso. You can find models with either flat or conical burrs. Read my dedicated guide on espresso grinders here.
• Manual Grinders: This category often offers excellent value for money. Hand grinders typically feature conical burrs (with a few exceptions having ceramic burrs). The top manual coffee grinders usually have high-quality steel components. They are versatile and suitable for both pour-over and espresso brewing methods.
• Single-dose Grinders: This type of grinder has gained popularity recently. Single-dose grinders don't have a large bean hopper; instead, they have a small grind chamber designed for a single serving. It requires measuring the desired dose before each grind. This design minimizes retention for the purest and freshest flavors. (Note: When referring to single-dosers, we usually mean electric grinders, but essentially, all hand grinders can also be considered single-dose grinders!)
• Commercial Grinders: Coffee shops often use large grinders with flat or conical burrs. These grinders are designed for high volume and efficient workflow. In some cases, prosumer grinders can rival professional equipment in terms of consistency.

Consider a Manual Burr Grinder

Alternatively, if you don't mind putting in the effort, a manual burr grinder can also yield excellent results. If you're a coffee enthusiast seeking the best bang-for-the-buck solution, I recommend the 1Zpresso Jx.

(Yes, flavor-wise, it's a significant upgrade compared to the Baratza Encore.)

If your coffee needs are more complex than typical home brewing, you may need to consider an espresso grinder. If you own or plan to get an espresso machine, it's essential to invest in a grinder specifically designed for espresso. Normal burr grinders usually can't grind fine enough for espresso.

Excellent Value for the Money The Jx-model from Taiwanese brand 1Zpresso has revolutionized the manual grinder market. It performs exceptionally well for both pour-over and espresso brewing. It offers impressive speed and reliability.

Definitely one of my favorites!

The Top Burr Coffee Grinders for 2022

Below, you will find my recommendations for a variety of categories. These grinders are not meant to be compared side by side, but rather as models that cater to specific market segments.

I'm confident that one of these grinders will meet your specific needs. Good luck!

1: Baratza Encore (Filter Coffee)

The Baratza Encore is a modern classic for a reason: it's a reliable and sturdy grinder. While other models may boast more advanced technology and fancy features, at the end of the day, a grinder should excel at one or two things. That's exactly what the Encore does.

If you primarily make black coffee like French press, pour over, and Aeropress, then the Encore is a great choice. While not specifically designed for espresso, with some adjustments, it can grind finely enough for experimentation.

For most coffee enthusiasts, the Encore is an excellent entry-level grinder, as noted by The Wirecutter in a recent grinder test.

However, if you're into specialty coffee and lighter roasts for fruity and floral notes, the Encore may feel inconsistent. In that case, I would recommend choosing a hand grinder in the same price range. Additionally, Baratza is known for its exceptional customer service, particularly in the United States.

Pros:

- Consistent grind for pour over brewing

- Well-known and trusted brand

- User-friendly with no unnecessary frills

See my Baratza Encore Review or check out the Best Grinders for the Aeropress.

2: 1zpresso jx (Filter/Espresso)

Since its release in 2019, the 1zpresso jx has become one of my personal favorites. Despite being a manual grinder, it's impressively fast and consistent, surpassing electric grinders that are far more expensive.

This grinder is portable, quiet, and sturdy. In fact, it's one of the fastest manual grinders currently available, grinding through a gram per second. If you're looking for reliable consistency without breaking the bank, I highly recommend the 1zpresso jx.

Read my full review of the jx here.

Pros:

- My personal favorite choice

- Quiet and portable

- Provides professional grind quality

3: 1zpresso K-Max (Filter/Espresso)

As the newest flagship model from the Taiwanese brand, the 1zpresso K-Max offers some convenient upgrades over its predecessor, the jx. While slightly more expensive, these enhancements make it a worthwhile investment.

The most notable improvement is the external grind size adjustment, allowing for easy switching between drip coffee, espresso, and French press. Additionally, the magnetic catch cup adds to the overall user experience, making it more seamless and convenient.

In terms of flavor, I believe the K-Max surpasses the jx, particularly for high extractions and espresso brewing. While similar to the K Plus model, the K-Max features subtle tweaks that enhance its overall appeal.

Read the full explanation here.

Pros:

- In my opinion, the best hand grinder of 2022

- Suitable for both espresso and filter coffee

- Provides professional grind quality

4: Timemore Chestnut c2 (Filter Coffee)

The Timemore Chestnut c2 is another fantastic hand grinder. It's affordable and offers exceptional performance, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to explore specialty coffee.

With many similar benefits to the 1zpresso jx, the Timemore c2 stands out for its lightweight design and ease of use for those with small hands. While it has a slightly limited capacity of around 25 grams and cannot grind for espresso, it excels in terms of speed, efficiency, and overall capability.

Compared to traditional hand grinders from Hario, Porlex, or JavaPresse, the Timemore c2 is leaps and bounds ahead.

Read my full review of the c2 here.

Pros:

- Affordable

- Great for travel

- Fast for a manual coffee grinder

- A great starting point for your coffee journey

Check out more Cheap Coffee Grinders.

5: Eureka Filtro (Filter Coffee)

The Eureka Filtro is the natural upgrade from the Baratza Encore. Crafted in Italy by the esteemed Eureka brand, it's a flat burr grinder with unmatched grind consistency.

While there are some design decisions that can be seen as unfortunate, such as the requirement to hold the pulse button to operate and the higher-than-desired retention of ground coffee, the Filtro's superior materials, construction, and grind consistency elevate it to a different league compared to the Encore.

It's only slightly more expensive but offers exceptional value for the price, especially for those seeking professional grind consistency.

Pros:

- The most affordable flat burr grinder

- Extremely consistent

- Italian craftsmanship

Read my full Eureka Filtro Review here.

6: Fellow Ode (Filter Coffee)

While the Fellow Ode grinder faced some initial challenges upon its release, the Gen 2 version has successfully addressed and resolved those issues. It has now established itself as the leading brew grinder.

For those seeking an electric grinder that excels in every area except for espresso and Turkish coffee, the Fellow Ode is an excellent choice. Boasting an eye-catching and unique design, it offers a top-notch user experience.

The Ode's burrs can be switched to other types, such as those from SSP, allowing for grinding in the espresso range. It's essential to note that this grinder is designed for single-dosing, meaning you measure out your dose each time for optimal results.

Pros:

- Beautiful and innovative design

- Designed for single-dosing

- Provides great flavors for drip coffee thanks to its professional 64 mm flat burrs

Check out my Fellow Ode review here.

7: Eureka Mignon Specialita (Espresso)

With a rich history dating back to 1920, Eureka remains a prominent Italian grinder brand. Their Eureka Mignon Specialita is the epitome of espresso grinders and has been my personal favorite for years.

It's impressively constructed, yet compact enough to sit on your kitchen counter without taking up much space. The Specialita is also one of the quietest grinders available in the market, ensuring a quiet brewing experience.

Featuring a precise timing mechanism accurate to 1/10th of a second, you can consistently achieve a highly precise dose. Added to its functional excellence, the Eureka Mignon Specialita also boasts a stylish and attractive design.

See my Eureka Mignon Specialita Review here.

8: Df64 / G-iota (Espresso/Filter)

The DF64 grinder from FL Coffee, a Chinese company, has garnered significant attention and hype in 2021 and 2022. This affordable grinder manages to incorporate many features that coffee enthusiasts seek.

Designed for single-dosing, the DF64 boasts a low retention of ground coffee in its burr chamber. It even includes bellows to blow out any remaining grinds, making it easy to switch between different beans or brewing methods.

Equipped with 64 mm flat burrs, the DF64 is compatible with burrs from other manufacturers, allowing for customization of flavor profiles. While primarily excelling at espresso, it can also produce a decent pour-over brew, especially with some modifications.

While there is much more to be said about this device, you can find an in-depth review here.

Pros:

- Designed for single-dosing

- Suitable for both espresso and pour-over

- Sturdy design and powerful motor

9: Baratza Sette 30 (Espresso)

Upon its release, the Baratza Sette turned heads with its innovative and revolutionary design. With nearly zero retention, exceptional speed, and excellent consistency at a reasonable price point, it raised the bar for home baristas.

While earlier versions faced some bugs and issues, Baratza has made significant improvements and addressed most of these concerns, especially with the version featuring a built-in scale. With Baratza's reputable customer service, it's now a reliable investment for coffee enthusiasts in the US market.

For those seeking great home espresso without breaking the bank, the Sette 30 is the way to go. It has 30 grind settings, making dialing in a bit more challenging compared to the more expensive 270 version. However, it excels in the espresso and Aeropress grind range.

Pros:

- Zero retention grinder

- Yields fluffy grounds

- Attractive price point

- Features a super precise digital timer

For an in-depth look at the Baratza Sette, check out the review here.

Grinders that were not included in the list 😔

The world of grinders is highly competitive, and there have been significant advancements in recent years. As a result, some grinders that were praised in 2020 may already be outdated less than a year later.

In the interest of transparency, I have included a list of grinders that were considered for this article but ultimately did not make it onto the final list. If you have any questions about these burr grinders, take a look below. I have listed them from cheapest to most expensive:

- Cuisinart DBM-8: This grinder was one of my first purchases when I started exploring coffee. It is often recommended for beginners due to its affordable price. While it may appear cute, its inconsistency prevents it from extracting intense flavors. I would recommend investing a bit more to get a better grinder.

- Bodum Bistro: I recently tested this grinder and was not particularly impressed. The distribution of coffee particles, especially for coarse grinds, is below average. Although its unique design and glass catch cup are noteworthy, it doesn't stand out in terms of performance.

- 1Zpresso Q2: This attractive and compact burr grinder is great for travel and suitable for people with small hands who prefer manual models. However, it did not make the list of the best conical burr grinders in 2021 because the Timemore C2 offers similar performance at a more affordable price and with a better appearance.

- Xeoleo Ghost Burr Grinder: This grinder has unique ghost teeth burrs that prevent it from grinding fine. Additionally, the taste of pour-over coffee brewed with this grinder is not as great as expected, despite the uniform appearance of the coffee particles. While it has potential, I quickly gave up on it. Please note that purchasing this grinder from a Chinese marketplace carries risks related to warranty and import fees.

- Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Breville's top model has some cool features, but it has an unforgivable flaw: the impeller tends to wear out after a year or two, leading to clogging of the grind chamber. Unfortunately, Breville does not offer a replacement, so frustrated consumers had to create their own design through crowdfunding. Moreover, considering its price, it only performs mediocrely for both pour-over and espresso brewing methods.

- Baratza Virtuoso Plus: This grinder is excellent and has been highly recommended by the Wirecutter. However, it comes at a higher price due to the timer feature, which may not be appreciated by many users. If you're looking for similar results at a more affordable price, you can purchase the M2 burr separately and install it in the Baratza Encore.

- Wilfa Uniform: The Wilfa Uniform is a great grinder in many aspects, and I have enjoyed many delicious cups of coffee with it. However, it is only available in Europe and not compatible with 110V, making it useless in many parts of the world. While some people, including myself, have upgraded it with SSP burrs, I believe the DF64 is a better grinder for modifications due to its more powerful motor.

- Comandante C40: This grinder offers excellent grind consistency and has a nice design, but its slightly higher price prevents it from being included among my top picks. Cheaper models can achieve similar results. For more details, you can check out my review of the Comandante C40.

The Smart Upgrade: The Baratza Virtuoso

Priced at $250, the Baratza Virtuoso is a step up from the entry-level Encore grinder. This high-end grinder offers additional features that make it worth the investment. It includes a digital timer that can be adjusted to a tenth of a second and the ability to grind directly into an espresso filter basket. With sharper and sleeker burrs compared to the Encore, it can grind coffee faster and with more precision. While the Encore is suitable for standard drip machines, if you have an espresso machine or want to elevate your pour-over game, the Virtuoso is a worthy choice.

Zwilling Enfinigy Burr Coffee Grinder

Wilfa Uniform Coffee Grinder

The Norwegian Wilfa Uniform, brought to the United States for the first time by New Jersey coffee roaster and importer Lardera, offers consistent grinding and quality build, characteristics expected from a Scandinavian home product. It performs well for various brewing methods and can even grind finely enough for Turkish coffee, finer than what is needed for espresso. However, the adjustment knob is quite large, covering the entire lid, and requires some effort to operate. There were also some issues with flyaway coffee grounds, resulting in a bit of mess on the counter when removing the catch cup. Nevertheless, this grinder is of high quality and provides versatility.

Capresso Infinity Plus Black Conical Burr Grinder

Bodum Bistro

We appreciated the compact design and user-friendly interface of the Bodum Bistro grinder. However, its grind consistency was lacking, and it received low marks in blind tastings compared to other grinders such as the Krups GVX2. The Krups GVX2, although compact, affordable, and easy to use, performed the worst in our blind taste test, producing a darker and more bitter brew than its competitors. Another manual option, the Mueller grinder, felt less sturdy than the Kona and was more cumbersome to fill, adjust, and operate.

Delonghi Dedica Coffee Grinder

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder

The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder is widely loved and highly rated by both the Wirecutter and CNET, so we had high expectations for it. It features a manual on-off switch, requiring constant supervision during the grinding process. Compared to other machines, it was slower, and its coarse grind for French Press brewing showed visible inconsistency with too many fine particles.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro offers a sturdy stainless-steel housing, adjustable controls, a readable digital interface, and numerous grind options and add-ons. It has received widespread praise. Similar to the KitchenAid grinder, it allows you to grind directly into a portafilter for espresso brewing. However, it does not offer as many grind settings as the KitchenAid grinder. While the setup is simple and the instruction manual is easy to follow, becoming familiar with the grinder may require more than a quick glance.

Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder

Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder

The budget version of the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder offers excellent value. In previous reviews, it was our top recommendation for an affordable grinder due to the quality and consistency of its grind, comparable to the much more expensive Oxo model with an integrated scale. Like the Baratza and KitchenAid grinders, this one utilizes time dosing. However, the timer is not digital, requiring some estimation when setting it. Nevertheless, if you're looking to save money, a manual dial is a minor compromise. We conducted some experimentation to establish a baseline for dialing in your grind, and on the "medium" setting, we obtained nine grams of coffee in five seconds. While we prefer the Solis Scala over this Oxo grinder, it is still a great choice for those with a budget of $100 or less.

Eureka Mignon Notte Espresso Grinder

$329 at Seattle Coffee GearBaratza Sette 30

We really wanted to like the Baratza Sette 30. It's made by the same company as our current top pick, the Virtuoso. The build quality is clearly top-notch and it has the ability to grind directly into an espresso portafilter. However, it falls short in a few areas. We struggled to find the right grind setting for espresso and ultimately settled on a shot using setting 14 and a 5.38-second extraction time. This setting falls in the middle of the grinder's range, which may explain why we couldn't achieve satisfactory results with other brewing methods like French press or pour-over. Additionally, the grinder is quite messy when used with a portafilter, especially when grinding fine coffee. Grinds spill everywhere when using a 54-mm portafilter and it's not compatible with a large dosing funnel that could help contain the mess. While a 58-mm portafilter is somewhat less messy, there were just too many little problems for us to recommend it.

Wilfa Uniform Grinder

The Eureka Mignon Notte is primarily designed for espresso grinding, although you could use it with a bowl to catch grounds for other brewing methods. It weighs 25 pounds and is built with quality materials. It features stepless adjustment of its steel burrs, which is rare in this price range. This allows for precise grind adjustments, ensuring you get the perfect grind size for your preference. However, to offer stepless adjustments at a lower price, the dosing on the Mignon Notte is completely manual. This means you need to use a scale every time you brew, which adds an extra step. While this grinder is not our top pick due to the manual dosing and weighing, it can still be one of the best options for espresso grinding if you don't mind those extra steps.

The Fashionable Yet Functional Picks: Fellow Ode and Opus Conical Burr Grinders

If you're in search of a high-quality burr grinder that also adds a stylish touch to your countertop, consider one of Fellow's modern burr grinders: the Ode or the Opus. The Ode Gen 2 ($345), which received a Best New Product award from the Specialty Coffee Association in 2021, is compact, user-friendly (simply adjust the dial to your desired grind size and press a button), and relatively quiet. Our food director, Chris Morocco, uses this model at home and praises its ability to contain mess and flyaway chaff. The café-quality stainless steel flat burrs ensure a top-notch brew. The only drawback of the Ode Gen 2 is that it doesn't grind finely enough for espresso; it's best suited for pour-over, drip, and French press coffee brewing methods.

The Best Hand Grinder for Espresso: Flair Manual Espresso Grinder

If you enjoy a bit of an arm workout while brewing your morning cup of coffee, consider switching from an electric grinder to a manual coffee grinder. Chris recommends the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder for the best espresso experience. This compact device features conical steel burrs and offers 72 fine-grind settings, giving you plenty of options to customize your espresso grind. With its easy-to-grip silicone body and convenient thumb rest, grinding is a seamless process. Plus, it doesn't take up much counter space. While designed specifically for espresso, this hand grinder can also be used for other brewing techniques that require a finer grind, such as the Aeropress, Turkish coffee, or moka pot brewing. It's a great option for camping or for occasional espresso drinkers.

Why Should you get a serious coffee grinder?

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding burrs, but they are actually simple tools that serve the purpose of grinding items like coffee beans, grains, and nuts into uniform sizes. When it comes to coffee, having a narrow particle size distribution is crucial for achieving an even extraction. The ideal grind size distribution will vary depending on the brewing method, but it's important to avoid particles at the extremes of the spectrum, known as "fines" and "boulders." Fines contribute to bitterness, while boulders bring sourness to the final cup.

Conical burrs vs flat burrs

Flat burrs and conical burrs side by side. The names make more sense when you see them together. Burrs can come in different shapes and materials, and it's hard to say that one size, shape, or material is superior to another. It largely depends on the specific use case and the manufacturer. Flat burrs are more commonly found in professional espresso grinders and are better suited for high volume grinding. They also tend to produce fewer boulders compared to conical burrs. On the other hand, conical burrs are often used in entry-level electric and manual grinders due to their smaller size. They can create a grind with better mouthfeel for espresso but are slower due to their smaller diameter.

Ceramic vs steel burrs

Ceramic burrs are typically cheaper than steel burrs and are commonly used in manual grinders in the sub $100 category. However, they are generally less sharp and require more physical effort during grinding. Ceramic burrs are rarely used in electric grinders due to their fragility, as they can shatter if they come into contact with small stones or foreign objects mixed in with the coffee beans. Steel burrs, on the other hand, are more durable and efficient. While ceramic burrs are rust-resistant and stainless, steel burrs are often preferred for their overall performance and ease of use.

How to Clean a Burr Grinder?

If you're wondering about the cleaning process for a burr grinder, I have an article here that discusses how often you should clean your grinder and what important factors to consider.

FAQ

What is the Best Coffee Grinder to Buy?

The best coffee grinder to buy is the one that suits your specific needs. For those looking to brew espresso, a grinder capable of producing a very fine grind is recommended. Every person's preferences and requirements for a grinder can vary, so refer to my post for more guidance.

Are Burr Grinders Really Better?

Yes, burr grinders are generally superior to blade grinders. They offer more consistent results and are essential for achieving optimal coffee extraction.

Are Manual Coffee Grinders Better than Electric?

No, not necessarily. Manual grinders can provide excellent performance and value for money, but electric grinders also have their advantages. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and requirements. You can explore this topic further in my post.

Is a Coffee Grinder Worth It?

Absolutely! Investing in a good coffee grinder is essential for brewing high-quality coffee at home. Check out my post to discover why.

References:

Complete the setup:

Enhance your coffee bar with a new espresso machine, drip coffee maker, or any of our recommended coffee machines.

In the world of drip coffee, the perfect grind can make all the difference in the final cup. After careful research and testing, we have narrowed down the top contenders for the best coffee grinder for drip. From the powerful and reliable Baratza Virtuoso to the sleek and stylish Fellow Ode and Opus Conical Burr Grinders, there is a grinder for every coffee lover's needs and preferences. So why should you invest in a serious coffee grinder? Well, simply put, it unlocks the full potential of your coffee beans, ensuring a flavorful and aromatic cup every time. Complete your coffee setup today and elevate your morning routine to new caffeinated heights. Cheers to the perfect grind!