The Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee Burr Grinders: Upgrade Your Coffee Experience in 2022

Are you tired of settling for mediocre coffee and longing for that perfect, aromatic cup to start your day? Well, look no further because we have the answer to your caffeine cravings: the best coffee burr grinders of 2022. These remarkable machines are not just your average grinders; they're the secret to unlocking the tantalizing flavors and fragrant aromas hidden within your coffee beans. From the technologically advanced Baratza Virtuoso to the sleek and stylish Fellow Ode and Opus Conical Burr Grinders, we've tested them all. So, sit back, grab a cup of joe, and join us on this caffeinated adventure as we unveil the best burr coffee grinders that will revolutionize your morning routine.

The Baratza Virtuoso: An Intelligent Upgrade

The Baratza Virtuoso, priced at $250, presents a significant step up from the entry-level Encore grinder. This high-end grinder offers additional features that make it a worthwhile investment. One standout feature is the adjustable digital timer, which allows precise timing to the tenth of a second. Additionally, it has the capability to grind directly into an espresso filter basket. With sharper and sleeker burrs compared to the Encore, the Virtuoso can grind coffee faster and with greater precision. While the Encore is well-suited for standard drip machines, the Virtuoso is the perfect choice for espresso machines or for those seeking to enhance their pour-over coffee experience.

Zwilling Enfinigy Burr Coffee Grinder

Wilfa Uniform Coffee Grinder

The Norwegian Wilfa Uniform coffee grinder, introduced to the United States by New Jersey-based coffee roaster and importer Lardera, offers the reliability and quality craftsmanship typically associated with Scandinavian home products. It performs exceptionally well across different brewing methods, even producing a fine grind suitable for Turkish coffee—an impressive capability that surpasses the needs of an average espresso machine. However, the grinder does have a couple of minor issues. The adjustment knob is quite large, encompassing the entire lid, making it slightly cumbersome to adjust the grind size. Additionally, there were some instances of grind splatter when removing the catch cup. Nevertheless, the Wilfa Uniform is a versatile and high-quality grinder.

Capresso Infinity Plus Black Conical Burr Grinder

Bodum Bistro

We were drawn to the sleek and compact design of the Bodum Bistro grinder, and its user-friendly interface seemed promising. However, upon testing, we found that its grind consistency was lacking, which resulted in lower scores during blind taste tests. Similarly, the Krups GVX2, while affordable and easy to use, produced a brew that was darker and more bitter compared to its competitors. On the contrary, the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder gained universal acclaim, receiving top ratings from both Wirecutter and CNET. However, it does have a manual on-off switch, necessitating constant supervision during the grinding process. The Encore's coarse French Press grind exhibited noticeable inconsistencies, with an excess of fine particles.

Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder

The Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder had certain shortcomings. Its coarse grind displayed inconsistency, while the medium/fine grind was too fine. Additionally, there was no consistent means of measuring the amount of coffee being ground.

Delonghi Dedica Coffee Grinder

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder

The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder received widespread acclaim, earning top marks from Wirecutter and CNET. However, during testing, we discovered a manual on-off switch that requires constant supervision. Furthermore, it operated at a slower pace compared to other machines, and its coarser grind for French Press coffee exhibited visible inconsistencies with an excess of fine particles.

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

DeLonghi Dedica Coffee Grinder

The DeLonghi Dedica Coffee Grinder performed admirably, providing consistent and high-quality grinds suitable for various brewing methods. Its digital interface allows for setting the number of cups, ensuring a consistent amount of ground coffee. However, issues arise when using the grinder's attachment for grinding into a portafilter, as it is only compatible with DeLonghi espresso machines. Additionally, it does not offer the flexibility to adjust the number of shots. Consequently, only one shot can be ground at a time.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

Featuring a durable stainless-steel housing, user-friendly dial-in controls, and a clear digital interface, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro offers a wide range of grind options and optional accessories. It particularly impresses us with its capability to grind directly into a portafilter for espresso. However, it falls slightly short in terms of the number of grind settings compared to our KitchenAid pick. While the setup process is straightforward and the instructional manual is easy to comprehend, adjusting to the grinder requires a more thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro remains an excellent choice with its array of features.

Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder

Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder

We had high hopes for the Baratza Sette 30, as it is produced by the same company as our top pick, the Virtuoso. Made from high-quality materials, this grinder also allows for grinding directly into a portafilter for espresso. Regrettably, it was challenging to find the ideal grind setting for espresso. While we were content with setting 14 and a grinding time of 5.38 seconds, it proved difficult to achieve a satisfactory French press grind even at the coarsest setting. Furthermore, when used with a 54-mm portafilter, the grinder generated quite a mess, and it was incompatible with a large dosing funnel. Only a 58-mm portafilter, typically found on more expensive espresso machines, reduced the amount of stray grinds. Taking these factors into account, we cannot wholeheartedly recommend the Baratza Sette 30 due to its numerous minor issues.

Wilfa Uniform Grinder

The Eureka Mignon Notte Espresso Grinder is primarily designed for espresso grinding. We assessed it solely in this context, although it is possible to catch beans for other brewing methods by placing a bowl beneath it, it seems wasteful to use it in such a manner. Weighing 25 pounds, this grinder boasts a sturdy construction. It offers stepless adjustment of its steel burrs, a feature rarely found in grinders within this price range. Stepless adjustment allows for infinite grind adjustments, enabling users to experiment until they achieve their desired grind consistency. To offer stepless adjustments at a lower price point, the Mignon Notte relies entirely on manual dosing. Users must hold a button to operate the grinder, releasing it to deactivate. Consequently, the additional step of using a scale for precise measuring becomes necessary. While this may be the ideal way to brew espresso, it does require additional effort. Thus, the Eureka Mignon Notte fails to secure a top spot in our recommendations, as we aimed to consider what would be most practical for the majority of coffee enthusiasts. However, for individuals who do not mind the manual dosing and weighing process, the Eureka Mignon Notte represents one of the best espresso grinders available at its price point.

Other Grinders We Tested

Baratza Virtuoso

Baratza has established itself as a respected brand in the world of coffee with its high-quality burr grinders, such as the Baratza Forte AP). However, their smaller and more affordable grinders can also deliver the same level of quality. The Virtuoso is a step up from their entry-level Encore model, and this upgrade makes a significant difference when using the machine. The Virtuoso offers precise time dosing down to a tenth of a second, which means you may need to spend some time finding the perfect settings. We conducted some tests and found that at setting 18, which Baratza recommends for automatic brewers, we obtained nine grams of coffee in just four seconds. This may vary depending on the type of beans used, but it provides a good starting point. Although not specifically designed for it, we found the Virtuoso to be versatile enough to use with an espresso machine (we recommend a setting between six and ten), and its grounds container features sharp edges that make it easy to transfer to a portafilter.

Zwilling Enfinigy Grinder

The Zwilling Enfinigy Grinder has a sturdy appearance that may suggest it is heavy-duty, but it actually performs just fine considering its reasonable price. It is a versatile grinder that can produce quality cups of coffee using various brewing methods. Surprisingly, it is also capable of grinding beans finely enough for a good espresso shot (we used a grind setting of 20 and a grind time of 3 seconds). Like the Oxo and Solis grinders, it features a manual dial for timed dosing and performs equally well across different brewing methods, although it is slightly more expensive. Aesthetically, it has an Art Deco look that may or may not appeal to your personal taste. If you pair it with the Enfinigy drip coffee maker, which meets the Specialty Coffee Association Gold Cup Standard, you can have a matching set of coffee equipment.

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

If you're just starting your coffee journey and aren't ready to spend over $100 on a highly precise grinder, the Oxo burr grinder () is the perfect option. It offers a simple and intuitive design, excellent consistency, and is the most affordable choice on the market while still delivering a quality grind for home use. Similar to Fellow grinders, the Oxo bean grinder utilizes a numbered dial that allows you to achieve an ultrafine or coarse grind, but it offers a range of only 15 settings. While Fellow's user-friendly grinders default to a 30-second grind, the Oxo grinder lets you adjust the grind time using a separate windup timer (maxing out at 30 seconds, so for larger batch brews, you'll have to repeat the process). While it can achieve a fine enough grind for espresso, it doesn't directly grind into a portafilter, which means the transfer process from the grinder to an espresso maker can be slightly messy. Nonetheless, it is a high-quality coffee grinder suited for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity and performance.

The Best Hand Grinder for Espresso: Flair Manual Espresso Grinder

If you're looking to get an arm workout in the morning while brewing your cup of joe, consider switching from an electric grinder to a manual coffee grinder. Chris's top choice for the best espresso hand grinder is the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder. This compact device features conical steel burrs and provides 72 fine-grind settings, allowing for plenty of customization to achieve your desired espresso grind. It has an easy-to-grip silicone body and a convenient thumb rest for seamless grinding, and it takes up minimal counter space. While designed specifically for espresso, it can also be used for 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 it's a great option for camping with your Aeropress or for occasional espresso drinkers.

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

If you're seeking a high-quality burr grinder that not only performs well but also looks stylish on your countertop, consider one of Fellow's modern burr grinders: the Ode or the Opus. The Ode Gen 2 ($345), which received the Best New Product award from the Specialty Coffee Association in 2021, is compact, user-friendly (simply set the dial to your desired grind size and press a button), and operates relatively quietly. Chris Morocco, our food director, personally uses this model at home and praises its ability to contain mess and flyaway chaff, especially when dealing with light roast coffees. The café-quality stainless steel flat burrs of the Ode Gen 2 ensure a superior brew at home. One drawback is that it doesn't grind finely enough for espresso, so it's best suited for pour-over, drip, and French press coffee.

Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder

If you're in search of an affordable electric coffee grinder with a wider range of settings, including an espresso grind, the Opus is a great choice. According to Chris, it's a grinder that seems to have come straight from heaven. Priced at $195, it is more expensive than the Baratza Encore, but it offers 10 grind settings, from fine espresso to coarse cold brew, and features a minimalist design. The Opus incorporates thoughtful features such as a magnetically aligned catch cup for easy placement during grinding and a smaller "dosing cup" for mess-free transfer of grounds for a single espresso shot to the portafilter. Unlike the Encore, which can store a large quantity of beans in the hopper, the Fellow models are designed for grinding individual doses. This is a great advantage if you live in a household where one person prefers a dark espresso roast while another prefers a lighter roast for pour-overs. Opting for one of these sleek machines ensures that you can grind fresh coffee to order and satisfy everyone's preferences.

The Best Burr Coffee Grinders of 2022

Below, you'll find my recommendations in various categories. It's important to note that these grinders shouldn't be compared directly to each other. Instead, they serve specific segments of the market.

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 and for good reason—it's a reliable grinder. While other models may boast advanced technology and fancy features, this grinder focuses on doing one or two things exceptionally well.

If you mainly brew black coffee using methods like French press, pour over, or Aeropress, this grinder will serve you well. While it's not designed specifically for espresso, with some adjustments, it can grind finely enough for experimentation with espresso.

For most coffee enthusiasts, this is an excellent entry-level grinder. The Wirecutter, in their comprehensive grinder test, shared this sentiment (source).

However, if you're really into specialty coffee and lighter roasts, the Encore may feel inconsistent. If you prefer fruity and floral flavors over body and strength, it may not be the ideal grinder for you. In that case, I recommend opting for a hand grinder in the same price range.

It's worth mentioning that Baratza is renowned for its exceptional customer service, particularly in the US.

Pros

• Consistently produces a great grind for pour over
• Well-known and trusted brand
• Simple and easy to use

→ See my Baratza Encore Review

→

The Best Grinders for the Aeropress

2: 1zpresso jx (Filter/Espresso)

Since its release in 2019, the 1Zpresso Jx has been one of my personal favorites. Despite being a manual grinder, it offers impressive speed and consistency. In fact, it outperforms electric grinders that are three to four times more expensive.

This grinder is portable, quiet, and sturdy. It's one of the fastest manual grinders on the market, capable of grinding almost a gram per second, which is exceptional.

If you're seeking the most consistent grind for your money, I highly recommend this grinder. However, if convenience is a priority for you, it may be worth considering electric options first.

You can read my full review of the Jx here.

Pros

• My personal favorite
• Quiet and easy to travel with
• Professional-grade grind quality

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

The 1Zpresso K-Max is the latest flagship model from the Taiwanese brand. Although it's slightly pricier than my other favorite, the Jx, it offers several convenient upgrades.

The most notable improvement is the external adjustment for grind size, making it effortless to switch between drip coffee, espresso, and French press.

Another notable feature is the magnetic catch cup, a small but practical addition that enhances the overall user experience.

And what about flavor? Does it surpass the Jx?

Yes, I believe it does. You may not notice the difference unless you're an experienced coffee taster, but it's particularly apparent with high extractions or when brewing espresso.

The K-Max is quite similar to the K Plus, a model I've previously reviewed, but with a few tweaks that make it more appealing overall.

For more details, you can read the full explanation here.

Pros

• In my opinion, the best hand grinder on the market in 2022
• Multipurpose: Excellent for both espresso and filter coffee
• Professional-grade grind quality

4: Timemore Chestnut c2 (Filter Coffee)

The Timemore C2 is another excellent hand grinder that offers impressive value. If you're truly looking to appreciate specialty coffee, I consider this device the most affordable acceptable coffee grinder.

The Timemore C2 shares many benefits with the 1Zpresso Jx, but it's slightly lighter and easier to hold, making it a great option for those with smaller hands.

One drawback is its limited capacity, allowing for around 25 grams of coffee, and it's not suitable for grinding espresso. However, if you're after a fast, efficient, and capable hand grinder to elevate your coffee experience, this model is your best choice. It far surpasses traditional hand grinders from Hario, Porlex, or JavaPresse.

You can read my full review of the C2 here.

(Sidenote: The C3 model was recently released, but I still believe the C2 is more suitable for most people.)

Pros

• Affordable
• Excellent 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 next step up from the Baratza Encore. Made in Italy by the legendary grinder craftsmen at Eureka, this flat burr grinder offers both positive and negative aspects.

On the positive side, it delivers unparalleled grind consistency. In fact, it's the most consistent grinder I've ever tested. For a more detailed explanation, check out my extensive test of mid-range grinders on YouTube.

However, I find some design decisions unfortunate. For example, you need to hold down the pulse button for the grinder to operate, rather than having a convenient on/off button.

The retention is also slightly higher than I'd prefer. It retains around 1.5 grams per dose, which is a bit too much if you're focused on single dosing.

However, with the installation of bellows and removal of the declumper, you can reduce the retention level.

In terms of materials, construction, and grind consistency, the Eureka Filtro is simply in a league of its own compared to the Baratza Encore. It's only slightly more expensive, but it delivers added value and grind consistency.

Pros

• The most affordable flat burr grinder
• Extremely consistent grind
• Italian quality

→ Read my Eureka Filtro Review

6: Fellow Ode (Filter Coffee)

Initially, the Fellow Ode grinder faced some issues during its first year or two on the market. However, Fellow has addressed most, if not all, of the criticisms, and the second-generation version of the grinder is now considered the king of brew grinders.

If you're seeking an electric grinder that excels in everything except espresso and Turkish coffee, the Fellow Ode should be at the top of your list. It features an eye-catching and unique design, along with a top-notch user experience.

The burrs can be switched to other types, such as those from SSP, enabling the grinder to handle espresso-range grind sizes.

It's important to note that this grinder is designed for single-dosing. You won't simply fill the hopper with beans; instead, you'll measure out your dose each time. However, this approach is favored by true coffee connoisseurs and shouldn't be considered a downside, but rather a consideration.

Pros

• Beautiful and innovative design
• Designed for single-dosing
• Delivers great flavors—especially for drip coffee—due to professional 64 mm flat burrs

→

Check out my Fellow Ode review

7: Eureka Mignon Specialita (Espresso)

Eureka, an Italian brand with a rich history dating back to 1920, produces some of the best grinders on the market today, particularly exceptional espresso grinders.

The Eureka Mignon Specialita, my personal favorite, lives up to its reputation. I've owned one for a few years now, and I absolutely love it. The grinder is extremely well constructed, yet compact enough to fit on a kitchen counter.

Moreover, it's one of the quietest grinders available, allowing you to brew a shot without disturbing the entire household.

The Specialita boasts a precise timing mechanism accurate to 1/10th of a second, enabling you to achieve ultra-precise dosing.

Additionally, it looks incredibly sleek and stylish.

→ Read my Eureka Mignon Specialita Review

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

The DF64 grinder has been the most hyped grinder of 2021 and 2022. Released by a relatively unknown Chinese company called FL Coffee, it manages to offer many features that coffee enthusiasts desire at an affordable price.

This multipurpose grinder is designed for single-dosing, resulting in minimal retention of ground coffee inside the burr chamber. It's equipped with bellows, allowing you to blow out any remaining grinds and switch between beans or brewing methods without any concerns.

The DF64 features 64 mm flat burrs, making it easy to install burrs from other manufacturers to experiment with different flavor profiles. Many users immediately upgrade to SSP burrs to achieve an exceptionally clean flavor only possible with certain professional-grade burrs.

While the grinder is particularly well-suited for espresso, it also performs admirably for pour-over with some modifications.

It's important to note that the DF64 requires minor adjustments and improvements to fully unlock its potential. The declumper, in particular, has had some issues in the past.

For more in-depth information, check out my review.

Pros

• Designed for single-dosing
• Excellent for both espresso and pour-over
• Robust design and powerful motor

9: Baratza Sette 30 (Espresso)

When the Baratza Sette was introduced a few years ago, it garnered significant attention due to its unique and revolutionary design. It offered almost no retention, exceptional speed, and superb consistency at a price suitable for home baristas.

However, the grinder faced various bugs and issues, particularly with the built-in scale version. Now, Baratza has resolved most of these problems, and combined with the company's excellent customer service track record, I no longer have concerns about investing in this grinder (this recommendation is primarily for the US market; if Baratza's customer support isn't available in your region, you should think twice).

If you're looking to make excellent espresso at home without breaking the bank, the Sette 30 is your best option. It offers 30 grind settings, which may require slightly more effort to dial in compared to the more expensive 270 version. However, its grind size range is tailored more towards espresso and Aeropress, providing a fine range.

Pros

• Virtually zero retention
• Produces fluffy grounds
• Competitively priced
• Precise digital timer

→

Learn more about the Baratza Sette

When it comes to finding the perfect cup of coffee, the right grinder makes all the difference. After extensive testing and research, we have narrowed down the field to the top burr coffee grinders of 2022. From the high-end technology of the Baratza Virtuoso to the affordable excellence of the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, there is a grinder for every budget and taste. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking to up your morning brew game, these top picks will deliver a consistent grind that will elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Say goodbye to mediocre coffee and hello to the best cup of joe you've ever tasted.