The Best Coffee Grinders for Home Use: Our Reviews and Recommendations
Written: Sips&Stir Staff | March 26, 2023
You’re not just a coffee lover, you’re a coffee connoisseur yet I say a caffeine addict. And when it comes to crafting the perfect cup of coffee, the grinder you use can make all the difference in making the best cup of joe for you. Exploring the differences between conical, flat and blade grinders can be confusing for the first timers . From there, we’ll give you our top recommendations for the best coffee grinders for home use, including the quietest conical-burr grinder, the best overall grinder, and the most affordable pick that still delivers an excellent grind. Whether you’re a pour-over lover, a drip coffee aficionado, or a fan of any other brewing method, we’re confident that our picks will help you make the perfect cup of coffee every time.
What Is a Conical, Flat, or Blade Grinder? Why We Prefer the Burr
Coffee grinders are essential for brewing the best cup of coffee. There are three types of grinders – conical, flat, and blade grinders. While a blade grinder uses a spinning blade to chop the beans, a burr grinder uses two abrasive surfaces to grind them. Burr grinders, particularly the electric ones, are the most preferred choice for home use because they produce a consistent grind and finer grind size. Moreover, electric burr grinders feature a hopper to store the beans and customizable settings that enable you to choose your preferred grind size. If you’re looking for the best cup of coffee, investing in a burr grinder would never let you down.
The Best (and Quietest): Conical-Burr Grinder Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder
When it comes to grinding beans for that perfect cup of Joe at home, the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder stands out as one of the best and quietest grinders in the market. However, there are other options that are worth considering. The Comandante MK4 developed by Bernd Braune and the Porlex, which is manufactured in Japan, are two other excellent options for conical-burr grinders.
If you are looking for a manual conical-burr grinder, the Skerton Pro produces a consistent and fine grind in just a couple of minutes. If you are on a budget, the OXO electric conical-burr grinder is a great option with a two-year warranty. A coffee grinder that is built to last will be an investment that you won’t regret. Whichever grinder you choose, ensure that it suits your own unique requirements and satisfies your roasting preferences.
The Best Grinder, Period Eureka Mignon Notte Read more
The Eureka Mignon Notte is one of the best coffee grinders on the market, with its vintage design and top-of-the-line performance. As a stepless grinder, it offers infinite adjustability and control over grind consistency, ensuring that the coffee is always brewed to perfection. Although it is mainly suitable for espresso, with its ability to finely grind the coffee beans, it may lose a little consistency when used for coarser grinds. This grinder is also extremely compact and quiet, making it suitable for any home kitchen. Eureka specializes in high-end grinders for both home and retail use, making the Eureka Mignon Notte a great investment for any coffee lover.
A More Affordable Pick: Oxo Conical Burr Grinder Read more
If you’re searching for a coffee grinder that fits your budget, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is your best bet. It is an affordable option for an electric burr grinder and is known for its well-rounded features. The grinder is equipped with 15 grind settings suitable for every type of coffee brewing, from espresso to French press grind. Additionally, the slim and narrow design of the grinder doesn’t take up much counter space and is 16 inches tall. The grinder is not entirely silent, but its noise level is tolerable. With its remarkable performance and reasonable price range, the OXO Brew grinder is an excellent choice for home use.
The Best Grinder: Period Eureka Mignon Notte Read more
When it comes to an efficient and reliable grinder for home use, the Eureka Mignon Notte is a must-have. This grinder has been designed for producing perfectly ground coffee beans for an exceptional coffee experience. The Eureka Mignon Notte features a unique stepless grinder design that offers endless adjustment settings for your grind size. It is well-known for its quiet grinding capability, making it one of the quietest coffee grinders on the market. Moreover, it comes as one of the most compact grinders that still offers a powerful grinding capacity, making it perfect for home use. Eureka is a reputable Italian brand that has long been known for delivering quality products for high-end coffee grinding enthusiasts.
The Best (and Quietest) Conical-Burr Grinder
When it comes to finding the best coffee grinders for home use, conical-burr grinders are a reliable option as they produce consistent grinds. Comandante’s latest release, the MK4, boasts improved internal components and an unbreakable polymer-glass bean jar. The OXO On Conical Burr Grinder offers a budget-friendly option with a two-year warranty. The Skerton Pro is a fast and efficient grinder, but it’s not ideal for French press brewing as it’s not consistent at coarse grinds. Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a preferred choice amongst professionals, producing highly consistent grinds and backed by excellent customer service. Quiet functioning is a major aspect to consider when choosing the best coffee grinder for home use. These conical burr grinders offer a quiet operation and are sure to make your mornings more peaceful.
What Is a Conical, Flat, or Blade Grinder?
Choosing the right coffee grinder for your home can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market with different features. Grinders can be broadly categorized into three types: Conical, Flat or Blade Grinders.
Blade grinders are the basic type of grinder and are suitable for drip machines, French Press, or pour-over coffee. They work by using a spinning blade to chop coffee beans to a desired fineness. Flat-burr grinders, typically used in professional espresso grinders, are fast and efficient but can retain more grounds and can be harder to dial in.
A coffee grinder can also grind spices and nuts, but it is important to thoroughly clean it before and after to avoid flavor contamination. Electrical burr grinders come with a range of numerical size settings, which allow them to grind beans for a Moka pot, espresso machine, or cold brew. Ultimately, the type of grinder you choose depends on your brewing method and personal preference.
Best for Pour-Over & Drip Coffee
If you are brewing pour-over and drip coffee, selecting the right coffee grinder is essential for a perfect cup of coffee. The experts recommend Eureka Mignon as the top choice, thanks to its consistent grind and sturdy design. The Baratza Virtuoso Plus is a versatile option that features multiple features, including 40 grind settings, making it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts. For the traveler, a manual grinder like the Café JEI Manual Coffee Grinder is portable and easy to use. The Skerton Pro is a fast grinder that produces a consistent, fine grind, which is perfect for moka pot brewing. Choose the coffee grinder that best suits your needs and budget to enjoy a fresh, customized coffee experience at home.
In conclusion, finding the right coffee grinder is an essential step in making a perfect cup of coffee. But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming decision. From the Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder to the Eureka Mignon Notte, there are plenty of options on the market today that cater to every budget and preference. Flat, conical, or blade grinders? We recommend the burr, and here’s why. Whether it’s pour-over or drip coffee you’re making, our comprehensive top picks and recommendations on the best coffee grinders are sure to help you make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Ready to upgrade your home coffee setup? Check out our full reviews and recommendations now.