The Ultimate Guide to Pour Over Coffee Grinders: Find Your Perfect Match for the Best Brewing Experience

Looking to elevate your coffee experience to new heights? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the ultimate secret to achieving the perfect pour over brew: the best pour over grinder. Whether you're a coffee aficionado seeking the smartest upgrade or a budget-conscious barista in search of a wallet-friendly option that still gets the job done, we've got you covered. From fashionable yet functional picks to the all-around best pour over grinder, we've sifted through the options to bring you the crème de la crème in the world of bean grinding. Get ready to take your pour over game to the next level with the finest grinders on the market.

Pour Over Coffee Grinder Buying Guide

I'm going to provide you with all the information you need to know about buying a coffee grinder specifically for pour over coffee. With this knowledge, you'll be well-informed to make the right decision.

If you want to learn more about buying a coffee grinder by the end of this guide, you can check out this article.

Checklist	Why it's Important
Manual vs. Electric	One is more convenient, while the other is more portable
Materials	Which is more durable and performs better?
Burr Type & Size	Different burrs are better for different coffee grinds
Grind Levels	Each grind fineness will be better for different coffees
Price	Are you willing to spend more for guaranteed quality?
Bean Hopper Size	Larger hoppers mean more coffee, but they can be bulky
Grinder Brand	Better brands mean better quality, warranty, and support

#1 Manual vs Electric Grinders

Most electric coffee grinders will produce a better cup of pour over coffee because they provide a more even grind. They are also easier to use.

However, electric grinders are more expensive than manual grinders. On the other hand, manual grinders don't require power, so you can easily take them with you when traveling.

Benefits of Electric Coffee Grinders:

• More convenient: Powered burrs or blades reduce the effort required.
• Better control: You can customize your grind for a great pour over with a good electric grinder.

Benefits of Manual Coffee Grinders:

• Portable: Manual grinders are ideal for camping trips.
• Cost-effective: You can save a lot of money.

To learn more, read our article on manual or electric coffee grinders.

#2 Stainless Steel vs Ceramic Burrs

Stainless steel burrs are the most popular type because they are less likely to break and are more affordable.

Conical burrs can crack, but if they don't, they can actually last longer overall. They can last over a decade, even with everyday use. Some people prefer ceramic burrs, claiming that steel retains more heat and ruins the taste of coffee. However, the difference in taste is negligible.

It's worth noting that the quality of stainless steel varies. Cheap stainless steel won't grind coffee as well and will wear out more easily.

Both stainless steel and ceramic burrs can produce a great cup of pour over coffee. The choice is up to you.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Burrs:

• Less likely to break
• More affordable

Benefits of Ceramic Burrs:

• Longer lifespan
• Very sharp

• To learn more, read our article on steel burr vs ceramic burr.

#3 Flat Burrs vs Conical Burrs vs Blades

There are three main types of coffee grinders: flat burrs, conical burrs, and blades.

Flat burrs are the most expensive and provide the most even and fine grind, which is perfect for pour over coffee. Conical burrs are more affordable and offer more versatility, making them suitable for pour over coffee as well. Conical burrs are actually the most popular type of coffee grinder burrs.

Blade grinders should be avoided for pour over coffee as they produce very uneven grinds. They are cheaper, but they would ruin the pour over coffee experience.

Benefits of Flat Burrs:

• Super even grind
• Can grind very fine

Benefits of Conical Burrs:

• Slightly cheaper
• More versatile

Benefits of Blades:

• Fine for French press, etc.
• Very cheap

To learn more, read our article on blade vs burr coffee grinder.

#4 Grind Finesse

You'll need an even, medium grind for pour over coffee. The best options for this are either a flat burr or a conical burr grinder.

Do not buy a blade coffee grinder if you want to make pour over coffee! None of them can produce an even enough grind, resulting in a bad taste in your coffee.

Coffee grinder	Grind finesse	Best for
Flat burr	Up to extra fine	Espresso, Turkish, pour over, Aeropress
Conical burr	Fine but versatile	Pour over, Drip coffee, some espresso, French press, cold brew, moka pot, drip coffee
Blade	Coarse, uneven	French press, filter coffee (not pour over)

#5 Your Budget

It's essential to consider how much you want to spend on your next coffee grinder. If you don't spend enough for your skill level, you might end up frustrated with the product. On the other hand, spending too much could be excessive if you're a beginner in the pour over world.

It's also important to note that grinding coffee for pour over is easier than grinding for espresso. Therefore, you might not need to spend as much if you only plan on making pour over coffee.

In general, I recommend the following price range based on your level of experience:

Experience Level	Average Price Recommended (Electric)	Average Price Recommended (Manual)
Beginner	$100	$50
Experienced home user	$200
Pro barista	$1000

#6 Hopper Capacity

A large bean hopper allows you to grind more coffee at a time. This is beneficial if you make coffee for a lot of people or prefer grinding a batch for the day ahead.

I've found that one cup of coffee requires about 7-10g of coffee, so you can calculate if the bean hopper capacity of the grinder you're considering is sufficient for your needs.

There's also the option of a single-dose coffee grinder, which grinds enough coffee for one batch of drinks at a time. This helps maintain freshness, making it a popular choice in cafes. However, it's less convenient compared to grinding a batch of beans at once.

#7 Grinder Brand

I've always believed that it's worth choosing a reputable coffee grinder brand most of the time.

This is not just to impress your friends. A good coffee grinder brand is usually an indicator of quality.

When you buy from a good brand, you're more likely to get a good product. It's as simple as that.

Additionally, it's easier to reach out to customer support or make warranty claims if you have any questions or issues.

Here are some of the top brands to consider in the world of electric and manual grinders:

• Krups
• SMEG
• KitchenAid
• Breville
• Barista & Co.
• Monolith
• Option-O
• Fellow
• Cuisinart
• Rancilio

#8 Grind Speed

Pour over coffee works best with a grind speed between 200 and 1000 RPM. This range ensures the ground coffee particles are fairly even in size without grinding too quickly and becoming too fine.

Different types of coffee require different grind speeds.

The table below is not an exact science but based on my own experience grinding coffee. However, it's still possible to make good coffee with your preferred type outside of these tempo ranges.

If possible, it's beneficial to choose a grinder with a speed as close to the numbers in the table as possible. However, keep in mind that some grinders have a fixed RPM, while others have adjustable grind speeds.

RPM Range	Suitable Coffee Types
Up to 200 RPM	French press, filter coffee, cold brew
200 - 1000 RPM	Pour over, moka pot, drip coffee, cold brew
1000 - 3000 RPM	Aeropress, espresso, pour over
3000 RPM	Espresso

One additional note: a slower grind produces more heat. Some people claim that subjecting coffee to heat while grinding can negatively affect the taste.

To learn more, read our article on grinder speeds.

#9 Grinder Features

If you're buying an electric coffee grinder, it's best to look for these features:

• Timer: Allows you to view the grind duration.
• Auto stop: Stops the grind at a certain time or fineness level.
• Digital interfaces: Enables control over settings and provides additional information.

Ideally, you would want all three of these features. However, even having a combination of them will make your life easier and can improve the overall quality of your coffee grind.

#10 Noise Levels

If you're an early riser living with housemates, it might be worth considering a quieter coffee grinder to avoid waking everyone up during your morning brew.

Build quality affects the noise level. A grinder with better build quality tends to be quieter because the materials are less flimsy and everything is securely put together, minimizing vibrations.

For the quietest grind, manual grinders are the best option.

To learn more, read our article on coffee grinder noise levels.

The Smart Upgrade: The Baratza Virtuoso

Priced at $250, the Baratza Virtuoso is a step up from the entry-level Encore. This high-end grinder offers additional features that make it worth the investment, such as a digital timer adjustable to a tenth of a second and the ability to grind directly into an espresso filter basket. With sharper, sleeker burrs than the Encore, it grinds coffee faster and more precisely. The Encore is suitable for standard drip machines, but if you have an espresso machine or want to enhance your pour-over game, the Virtuoso is a worthy choice.

The Best Hand Grinder for Espresso: Flair Manual Espresso Grinder

If you're looking for an arm workout while brewing your cup of joe, switch from an electric grinder to the Flair manual coffee grinder. This grinder is Chris's top pick for making espresso. It features conical steel burrs and 72 fine grind settings, allowing you to customize your espresso grind. It has an easy-to-grip silicone body and a convenient thumb rest for seamless grinding. Plus, it doesn't take up much counter space. While it's designed specifically for espresso, it also works for other brewing techniques that require a finer grind, such as the Aeropress, Turkish coffee, or coffee made in a moka pot. It may not be suitable for opening a café, but if you're going camping with your Aeropress or enjoy occasional espresso, this grinder is perfect for you.

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

If you're just starting your coffee journey and not ready to invest over $100 in a precise grinder, the Oxo burr grinder () is the perfect choice. It has a simple, intuitive design and provides excellent consistency, making it the most affordable option that still delivers a quality grind for home use. Similar to Fellow grinders, the Oxo bean grinder has a numbered dial for grind adjustment, offering an ultrafine or coarse grind with 15 settings. Unlike Fellow grinders, the Oxo grinder has a separate wind-up timer for adjusting the grind time (up to 30 seconds) for larger batch brews. While it can achieve a fine grind for espresso, it doesn't grind directly into a portafilter, which can be a bit messy during the transfer process. Nevertheless, it's a reliable coffee grinder for dedicated but unfussy coffee drinkers.

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

For those looking for a stylish burr grinder that also functions flawlessly, Fellow offers two modern options: the Ode and the Opus. The Ode Gen 2 ($345), which won the 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. Chris Morocco, our food director, personally uses this model at home and praises its ability to contain mess and flyaway chaff. With café-quality stainless steel flat burrs, it guarantees a top-notch brew. However, the Ode Gen 2 grinder is not suitable for grinding fine enough for espresso. It excels in pour-over, drip, and French press coffee.

For the full list of top picks, keep reading, as one of them may be better suited to your needs.

Let's get started.

11 Best Pour Over Coffee Grinders

Let's dive deeper into each of these top picks.

#1 Best Overall - Fellow Ode Gen 2

Price	$$
Grind Quality	Excellent for various coarseness levels
Capacity	100 g
Burr Information	64 mm flat, stainless steel
Best for	All home users
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, filter coffee, Aeropress, French press, moka pot, cold brew
Warranty	2 years

Pros

• Extremely quiet
• Great versatility for most grind settings

Cons

• Quite heavy
• A bit pricey

I have chosen the Fellow Ode Gen 2 as my top pick for pour over coffee grinders. It consistently produces an even grind at a medium coarseness, which is ideal for pour over brewing.

This grinder is reasonably priced considering its quality. While there are more affordable options available, the Ode Gen 2 delivers the best value for your money.

For the price, you'll receive a set of 64 mm flat burrs that ensure a consistently even grind. The adjustable settings make it easy to switch between grind levels for different brewing methods such as espresso or cold brew.

Another standout feature of the Ode Gen 2 is its quiet operation, thanks to its solid construction. The only drawback is that it is on the heavier side, but this is a minor inconvenience.

The fact that this coffee grinder is personally endorsed by James Hoffman speaks volumes about its quality. It is highly regarded among professionals and will make brewing pour over coffee a breeze.

In short, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is user-friendly and delivers an excellent cup of pour over coffee with just the touch of a button.

I highly recommend it to the majority of home pour over coffee enthusiasts. While it may not be the absolute best option for professionals, it comes very close.

#2 Best Premium Model - Monolith Titan

Price	$$$
Grind Quality	Exceptional at all levels
Capacity	40 g
Burr Information	75 mm flat, Titanium-Nitride coated stainless steel
Best for	Professionals
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, filter coffee, Aeropress, French press, moka pot, cold brew, Turkish
Warranty	5 years

Pros

• Extraordinary all-around grinder
• Superb build quality

Cons

• Smaller coffee capacity
• Relatively expensive

Professional baristas and experienced home users with a generous budget will appreciate the Monolith Titan. This coffee grinder is top-notch and delivers a flawless pour over coffee experience, as well as other brewing methods.

One of the reasons the Titan comes with a higher price tag is its impressive 75 mm flat burrs coated in titanium-nitride. These burrs not only produce an exceptional grind but also offer exceptional durability compared to more affordable options. 

The build quality of the Titan is outstanding, as it feels robust and operates quietly even at high speeds.

With a 5-year warranty, it's evident that Monolith stands by the longevity of their grinder.

While the coffee capacity is on the smaller side, it is well-suited for cafe or kitchen environments. However, keep in mind that the bean hopper has limited capacity, allowing for grinding only 3 to 4 cups of coffee at a time.

While it may be considered overkill for pour over coffee, the Titan is perfect for enthusiasts who value perfection and are willing to invest in a premium grinder.

#3 Best Under $100/Best Budget Option - Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic

Price	$
Grind Quality	Decent for medium and coarse grinds
Capacity	225 g
Burr Information	N/A conical, stainless steel
Best for	Beginners
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, filter coffee, French press, moka pot, cold brew, drip coffee
Warranty	18 months

Pros

• Works well with medium and coarse grinds
• Large bean hopper

Cons

• Produces loud vibrations
• Not suitable for espresso

Pour over coffee requires a medium, uniform grind. The Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic offers just that, making it an excellent choice for beginner coffee enthusiasts on a budget.

This grinder is reasonably priced and will provide a satisfactory cup of pour over coffee at home.

Equipped with stainless steel conical burrs, it delivers a consistent medium grind, although it may not be suitable for achieving finer grind levels like espresso. 

The generous 225 g bean hopper allows you to grind enough coffee for approximately 20 cups of pour over coffee at one time.

One drawback is that the Supreme Grind Automatic can be quite loud due to its construction, which may not offer the same durability as higher-end models. 

If you're not concerned about making professional-level espresso or the noise level, and you're looking for an affordable grinder for your pour over brewing needs, the Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic is a solid choice.

#4 Best Under $50/Strictest Budget Option - Hamilton Beach Coffee Grinder

Price	$
Grind Quality	Inconsistent grind, suitable for coarser drinks
Capacity	125 g
Burr Information	N/A conical, stainless steel
Best for	Beginners
Best for Coffee Type	Filter coffee, French press, cold brew
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• Extremely low price
• Produces satisfactory medium and coarse grinds

Cons

• Inconsistent grind quality
• Noisy vibrations

Personally, I don't recommend spending less than $50 on a coffee grinder if you're aiming to make pour over coffee. However, if budget is a major constraint, the Hamilton Beach Coffee Grinder is the best option in that price range, hands down.

Ideally, this grinder is best suited for coarser grinds due to its inconsistent grind quality. However, if you grind the coffee for a longer period, you can achieve a suitable coarse level for pour over brewing. Keep in mind that the taste may not be as refined as with higher-quality grinders.

The affordability of this grinder is particularly impressive, as it allows you to grind coffee beans for pour over coffee at an incredibly low price point.

One downside to consider is that it can be quite noisy and feels less durable compared to more premium models. 

However, the Hamilton Beach Coffee Grinder is a quick and cheap fix for beginners in search of a budget-friendly option for pour over brewing.

#5 Best for Cafes and Offices - Weber EG-1

Price	$$$
Grind Quality	Virtually perfect at all grind levels
Capacity	N/A
Burr Information	80 mm flat, high-quality stainless steel
Best for	Professionals
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, filter coffee, Aeropress, French press, moka pot, cold brew, Turkish
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• Large burrs for exceptional performance
• High-quality steel construction

Cons

• Expensive
• May be excessive for pour over brewing

When it comes to cafes and offices, the Weber EG-1 is a standout option. While it may come with a higher price tag, it is among the best coffee grinders available.

The EG-1 boasts 80 mm flat burrs made with high-quality stainless steel. These large burrs ensure an incredibly consistent grind at all levels of coarseness, making it ideal for pour over coffee, as well as other brewing methods.

While the grinder is on the pricier side, the exceptional build quality is unquestionable, delivering a reliable and quiet grinding experience.

This grinder is designed for single-dose grinding, meaning you can only grind enough coffee for one brew at a time. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it guarantees maximum freshness and has become a popular method of coffee grinding in recent years.

The only downside to this fantastic piece of equipment is its price. If you're looking to make any type of coffee, including pour over, with exceptional precision, the Weber EG-1 is a top choice.

#6 Best for Home Brewing - SMEG CGF01

Price	$$
Grind Quality	Consistently even
Capacity	350 g
Burr Information	N/A conical, stainless steel
Best for	Home users (beginners and experienced)
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, drip coffee, Aeropress, moka pot
Warranty	2 years

Pros

• Beautiful retro design
• Extremely easy to use

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Not suitable for coarse grinds

The SMEG CGF01 has received high praise from reputable sources such as the BBC, and it's easy to see why. This coffee grinder is an excellent choice for home brewing.

Manufactured by Italian brand SMEG, this grinder offers easy operation, with simple bean loading and user-friendly buttons. It is equipped with conical stainless steel burrs that consistently produce an even grind, perfect for pour over brewing or even espresso, if desired.

The generous 350 g bean hopper provides plenty of capacity, allowing you to grind enough coffee for over 30 cups of coffee.

Due to its consistent grind, the SMEG CGF01 may not be the best grinder for cold brew or French press brewing, as these methods require a more coarse grind. 

What sets this grinder apart is its stunning retro design, which adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

The only aspect that I'm not particularly fond of is the price, as I believe it could be slightly more affordable. Nevertheless, it's still a worthwhile investment.

In the UK and Europe, you'll enjoy an additional year of warranty, providing a total of two years of coverage.

In summary, the SMEG CGF01 is an ideal option for pour over coffee enthusiasts looking for an aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly grinder.

#7 Best for UK & Europe - Gastroback 42642 Design Advanced Plus

Price	$$
Grind Quality	Consistent, even for fine grinds
Capacity	400 g
Burr Information	51 mm conical, stainless steel
Best for	Amateurs and mid-tier home users
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, drip coffee, Aeropress, French press, moka pot
Warranty	2 years

Pros

• Ample bean capacity
• Ideal for medium and coarse grinds

Cons

• Limited customization options
• Can be challenging to clean

In the UK and Europe, one of the most popular coffee grinders for pour over brewing is the Gastroback 42642 Design Advanced Plus.

Reasonably priced and offering several key advantages, this grinder is an excellent option for coffee enthusiasts.

Equipped with 51 mm conical stainless steel burrs, it delivers consistent grind quality, even at finer levels. This makes it suitable for a variety of brewing methods, including pour over, espresso, drip coffee, Aeropress, and moka pot.

The 2-year warranty is a welcome feature compared to the standard 1-year coverage offered by most grinders. The 400 g bean hopper provides ample capacity for grinding, allowing you to brew up to 40 cups of coffee at once.

One drawback is that the grinder does not offer many customization options, which may limit its suitability for achieving specific grind levels. However, overall, it is an excellent option for pour over coffee enthusiasts at home.

#8 Best for Australia - Option-O Lagom P64

Price	$$$
Grind Quality	Variable and consistent
Capacity	Single dosing
Burr Information	64 mm flat, stainless steel
Best for (level of expertise)	Professionals or experienced home users
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, filter coffee, Aeropress, French press, moka pot, cold brew, Turkish
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• Consistently even grind
• Single dosing for maximum freshness

Cons

• High price point
• Not suitable for batch grinding

Option-O, an Australian coffee brand, is renowned for producing top-quality coffee grinders. The Option-O Lagom P64 is among their best offerings.

This grinder delivers exceptional performance with its 64 mm flat burrs, resulting in a remarkably consistent grind. This makes it an ideal choice for pour over coffee, as well as other brewing methods such as espresso and Turkish coffee.

If you prefer coarser grinds for methods like French press, the Lagom P64 accommodates that as well by offering adjustable settings.

The Lagom P64 is a single-dose grinder, meaning it can only grind enough coffee for one batch at a time. While this may be inconvenient for some, it ensures maximum freshness. However, some people may prefer the convenience of batch grinding.

Considering its higher price point, it's a shame that the warranty is only for one year. However, it's unlikely you'll encounter any issues due to the grinder's exceptional reliability.

The Option-O Lagom P64 is an outstanding tool for professionals and experienced home users seeking perfection in their pour over coffee. While it may come with a higher price tag, its performance justifies the investment.

#9 Best Manual Grinder - 1Zpresso JX-Pro-S Manual Coffee Grinder

Price	$$
Grind Quality	Adaptable, very high
Capacity	30 g
Burr Information	48 mm conical, stainless steel
Best for	Anyone
Best for Coffee Type	Pour over, espresso, filter coffee, Aeropress, French press, moka pot, cold brew
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• The best manual grinder in terms of value for money
• Large burrs for exceptional performance

The 1Zpresso JX-Pro-S Manual Coffee Grinder is the top choice for those who prefer manual grinding.

This grinder offers exceptional value for its price, making it the best manual option available. Equipped with 48 mm conical stainless steel burrs, it consistently delivers a high-quality grind suitable for pour over coffee, espresso, and other brewing methods.

Although it has a smaller capacity, allowing for grinding only 30 g of coffee at a time, the JX-Pro-S compensates with its adaptable grind settings and excellent performance.

If you're looking for the best manual grinder for pour over coffee, this is the one you want. Its large burrs ensure outstanding, consistent results.

Overall, the 1Zpresso JX-Pro-S Manual Coffee Grinder is highly recommended for anyone seeking a precise and versatile grinding experience.

Pour Over Coffee Grinder Frequently Asked Questions

Before you finish, take a moment to consider these additional pieces of important information.

When is it necessary to clean my coffee grinder?

It is recommended to clean your coffee grinder every two weeks if you use it on a daily basis.

I've provided a guide on how to do this in this article. Additionally, be sure to wipe it down after each use to remove any accumulated coffee residue.

When should I replace my coffee grinder?

A well-made coffee grinder should last anywhere from five to eight years with regular use. However, a more expensive model might even last longer, depending on factors such as the materials used and how it is cared for.

In conclusion, finding the best pour over grinder for your brewing needs doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether you prioritize convenience, quality, or style, there is a grinder out there that will fit your preferences perfectly. From the smart upgrade of the Baratza Virtuoso to the budget-friendly Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, and the fashionable yet functional picks like the Fellow Ode and Opus Conical Burr Grinders, there are plenty of options to choose from. So take your love for pour over coffee to the next level and elevate your brewing experience with one of these top-notch grinders. Happy grinding!