Top 10 Best Burr Coffee Grinder Reviewed

Quick summary

Baratza Virtuoso Durable metal and plastic and a powerful 70-watt DC Motor making this burr grinder #1 choice 5 best overall Check Price

Capresso 560.01 Infinity Coffee Grinder An eye-catching design that fits all kitchens with conical steel burrs that allow coffee beans to grind consistently. 4.5 Check Price

Mazzer Mini This Italian famous brands device is made of top-quality materials and looks really stylish 4.5 Check Price

The road to a perfect cup of joe starts with quality beans and ends with a dizzying aroma of your espresso, lungo, or latte. But there is another step on the way you cannot avoid, and that is a coffee mill grinder. It has the power to transform good beans into a perfect drink or ruin the best beans money can buy. Choose the wrong grinder, and you won't get to enjoy the nuances of coffee flavor.

Besides, among the sea of grinders, some will not fit your coffee requirements at all. For instance, espresso lovers rely on the finest milling, while french press owners can deal with coarser grounds. The price might also become an issue once you take a look at commercial-grade mills with hundreds of settings.

Let us be your guides on this foray into the mysterious world of coffee grinders. By the end of this post, you will know for sure which mill is a must-have for your kitchen.

What Is a Burr Grinder?

If you have never used a machine for crushing coffee beans, you probably have no idea what types of coffee grinders exist. The model lineup is vast, but all machines can be divided into two categories: devices with blades and with burrs.

Burr grinders are machines with two burrs that crush beans to a fairly equal size. Сoffee fans know that uniformity is essential to making an excellent, flavorful drink. As a rule, the distance between two burrs can be adjusted, so you can get a grind of preferred fineness. A device with burrs can produce the extra-fine grind for espresso or Turkish coffee, medium-fine grind for pour-over and siphon brewers, medium for a Dip or Moka pot, and coarse for Cold brew and French press. You can choose a device with ceramic or steel burrs. Both will stay intact longer than grinders with blades.

Coffee mills with blades are basically blenders that slice beans into grounds. They are also known as propeller machines. According to experts, spinning blades produce too much heat, which affects the flavor of coffee and worsens the taste. There are no options to select the grind size on such machines, so you never know what the resulting coarseness is going to be.

To get the best coffee experience, stay away from these machines, although they may work for those who are on a budget and are looking for an inexpensive device.

Burr grinders are a much better choice because they are:

• adjustable and let you mill beans to different sizes perfect for your favorite coffee drinks;
• durable because they stay sharp for many years;
• ideal for producing the uniform grind so vital for brewing a beverage with a balanced flavor.

Choosing the best home coffee grinder with burrs will allow you to experiment with brewing styles to improve your favorite drink and make it even more balanced and delicious. These types of coffee grinder are chosen by professional baristas at Coffeelikeapro, and should be in your kitchen too. Try them once, and you will never be able to go back to your life without a grinder.

Our TOP-5 Pick for Electric Burr Grinders

Our Top Pick

Baratza Virtuoso

• Features 40 grind settings
• Offers intuitive control
• Produces consistent grind

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Best on Budget

Capresso Infinity

• Affordable price
• 16 grind settings
• Impressive grinding range

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Best for Espresso

Mazzer Mini

• Well-known brand
• Hopper capacity at 1.0 lbs
• 64 mm grinding burrs

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Best for Pour Over

Baratza Encore

• Easy and convenient to use
• Hopper holds 8 ounces of beans
• Fast grinding

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Best for All Brew Styles

Baratza Vario

• 230 grind settings
• Professional flat burrs and a powerful DC motor
• Solid construction

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Сheap vs Expensive Grinders

When you first think of buying a grinder, the price range may be a shock. Should you splurge on the top-of-the-line model or pick the cheapest one on your first try? Let's unpack the differences between the budget-friendly and the not so budget-friendly devices to find the one that will serve your needs and won't wreck your budget.

Don't want to spend a lot on the grinder? You'd better choose a manual one. They are cheap, simple to use, and no problem to clean. Just keep in mind that if you are a fan of espresso, you'll have to work hard to get an ideal fineness of ground coffee beans. On the upside, you might get away with skipping your visit to the gym after such a workout. The average price of the manual coffee mill is around $50. For the same price, you'll be able to purchase a simple blade grinder too. Although such low-price devices with blades won't grind beans well.

Grinders for $50 - $100 are one step above. For such a price, you can buy a top-quality manual device for milling coffee or an electric one with burrs. Grinders in this price range will do their job well and are suitable for most coffee enthusiasts who are not too picky.

Want to get a professional coffee grinder with more settings? Then select a device that costs from $100 to $350. You'll purchase a great burr grinder that guarantees the right coarseness and grind consistency. 90% of coffee fans find their ideal machine for grinding beans in this price range.

Some grinders cost over $300. These are usually used for business purposes and are bought by coffee shop owners, professional baristas, or nerds who like to experiment with settings and brewing styles.

If you are not going to open a cafe and have no plans to become a professional barista, you don't need the most expensive grinder with hundreds of settings and a huge hopper. A device with 15 to 40 settings will be enough if you want to try various brewing styles at home.

When it comes to materials, grinders made of plastic are cheaper than those made of metal. If you need an affordable device, a plastic body is a concession you might have to make. Still, metal covers are usually more durable and might be a worthy investment.

In the end, you can save on many things, including hopper capacity, body material, the number of settings, and brand name, but never try to save on quality burrs and a reliable motor.

Manual vs Electric Coffee Grinders

There is no need to start a war, even a flame one, because there can be no winner. Instead, let's go over the strengths and weaknesses of manual and electric grinders. With your needs and preferences in mind, you will make an educated decision on which type is best for your kitchen.

Manual Burr Grinders

Some people prefer paper books to e-readers, film to digital photos, and paper planners to apps. Is it any wonder hand coffee milling machines are still popular with them? If you are a tactile person looking for a well-rounded coffee experience or believe good coffee is impossible without some elbow grease, a manual grinder will be at home in your kitchen. Other arguments in favor of manual grinders include:

Low price

Electric coffee machines are much more expensive. If the money is tight, you're better off with a high-quality hand grinder than a low-quality electric one that might fail in a month or two. Pay attention to build quality, brand reputation, and reviews to choose a manual device that will serve you for years to come.

No noise

Don't want to wake up your baby or roommates in the morning? A manual burr mill is the one for you. It is almost silent, so no one will complain about the noise your morning cuppa requires.

Small size

Travelers prefer manual mills because of their modest size and weight. You can enjoy a rich flavor of perfectly ground coffee no matter where you are and save a hundred bucks if there is the best coffee grinder for pour over in your luggage.

No batteries

Hand grinders require no electricity, batteries, or cords to operate. It is a big plus for those trying to save on electric bills or struggling with regular power outages.

Ultimately, manual grinders are okay for just one or two cups of strong coffee. If you need to brew more than that every day or week, a manual grinder might not be the best option for you.

Electric Coffee Grinders

The range of automatic burr machines is impressive, and it's easy to get lost when selecting the right device. One thing to keep in mind is that a cheap electric grinder isn't the right option if you want to mill coffee for years. If you can't afford to purchase a top-quality electric device, you'd be better off with a manual one.

Advantages of electric machines for grinding include:

Speed

It's an invaluable advantage when you are in a hurry to get to work in the morning and have no patience for hand grinding. Press the button, and your beans will be ready for brewing in a couple of minutes. Better yet, you can switch settings in between cycles to accommodate any taste if you are feeling generous and sharing coffee with your friends or family.

Variety of settings

Have plans to start a career as a barista or want to impress your friends with your mad brewing skills? With numerous settings, you will become a real pro in making every type of coffee, from pour-over to espresso. Some electric devices have over 100 settings and let you experiment with the grind size.

Convenience

Automatic machines are convenient to use and require no effort on your part to grind beans. Everything you have to do is put beans into the hopper, choose a setting, and press the button. Voila, your coffee is ready for brewing!

Keep in mind, electric machines generate a lot of noise. If it is not a problem for you, go for it. They are ideal in case you are looking for a high-performance, durable, and fast device.

With all the benefits and disadvantages of manual and electric devices in mind, it is up to you to decide which one to select. As a rule, true coffee lovers have both machines to use in different circumstances. We'll tell you more about automatic grinders, but if you are going to buy the manual coffee mill, read the following article.

Conical vs Flat Burr Grinders

By now, you know our stance on burr grinders. One is a must for every true coffee lover. But what type of burr do you choose: conical or flat? Both may produce consistent ground coffee, but the differences in their design and build are extensive. Before you take a plunge and invest, let's consider the key factors that might influence your decision.

Adjustment

Conical burrs do not require as many adjustments as machines with flat burrs. If you are looking for a device for home use, the former are a logical option. As a rule, no one uses all available settings when brewing morning coffee, even if every member of your household has different preferences.

Cleaning

Machines with flat burrs can be a pain to clean because more coffee particles stick inside. However, manufacturers are always working on solving this issue, and some models do not suffer this problem at all.

Motor

Another difference between the two kinds of burr grinders is the motor. The conical ones have slower motors, but it is not a drawback. The slower grinding speed means less noise and less heating. And that translates into a rich, delicious flavor of your morning cuppa without added bitterness or sourness from overheating the beans.

Professional machines usually rely on flat burrs that allow better extraction. That's the way to go if you need the best coffee grinder for espresso. Still, the price may be over the top if you are not going to open a small coffee shop. Consider your budget, coffee preferences, and all the pros and cons of both types of burrs when choosing your ideal grinder.

Complexity (number of settings)

If you are looking for the best coffee grinder for french press, you definitely don't need 400 settings. Why overpay if you are a beginner? If you enjoy pour-over or french press style coffee, 15-25 settings will be more than enough for you. If you like to experiment and try something new every day, choose a device with 30-40 settings. A machine with over 100 settings will be perfect for a real coffee aficionado who can't live without espresso and wants to broaden their horizons by attempting various brewing styles.

Burr Coffee Grinder Reviews

How do you find the best value burr grinder among the sea of popular models and options? We'll help you find the right grinder to fit your coffee preferences! Just take a look at the reviews we've prepared for you. Review the specs, pros, cons, and details to select a device that will meet your needs and let you enjoy the most delicious freshly brewed coffee every day.

Baratza Virtuoso Review

Things we liked:

• Hardened steel burrs
• Stylish design
• Easy to clean

Things we didn’t like:

• Hopper made of thin plastic

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Specifications:

• 40 individual grind settings
• Hopper holds 8 ounces of beans
• Motor: 550 rpm
• Grinding speed:1.5 - 2.4 g/sec
• 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs
• Digital timer and a backlit bin

Are you in search of the best conical burr grinder? If you are not ready to spend a lot of money and are looking for a durable and reliable machine for grinding your favorite coffee beans, pay attention to Virtuoso.According to a Baratza grinder review, this model has been a leader in the market for a long time, and now, you get to enjoy even more advantages of the latest model named Baratza Virtuoso Plus. It is winning the hearts of coffee fans all over the world. Its stylish design and powerful motor will impress even the most demanding gourmet. If you ask professional baristas which grinder they use at home, nine out of ten will answer they rely on Baratza Virtuoso.

You'll get consistent grind without any trouble thanks to 40 mm burrs and a powerful DC motor. Grinding will also become easier thanks to the 40-second digital timer. Considering its reputation and durability, there's no doubt Virtuoso will stay in your kitchen for years to come.

Capresso Infinity Review

Things we liked:

• Ideal grind for Turkish coffee
• Quick and easy to clean
• Safety lock
• User-friendly design

Things we didn’t like:

• Plastic bean holder
• Leftover ground coffee in the grinder

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Specifications:

• 16 grind settings
• Bean capacity: 8.8 oz
• Range of grinding: Turkish fine to coarse
• Motor: 450 rpm
• Built-in timer
• Hardened steel burrs

Capresso 565.05 Infinity is the best budget coffee grinder with four main settings from extra-fine to coarse. Each one includes four sub-settings that allow you to get the superfine grind ideal for a cuppa of Turkish coffee. This machine has 40 mm burrs made of steel that were handcrafted in Switzerland to guarantee the perfect milling performance. It's user-friendly too! The upper burr is easily removed for fast cleaning, so you won't have trouble making your grinder shine after each session.

Looking for a Capresso Infinity Plus review? This machine comes in different modifications to suit every taste. They are Capresso Infinity 560 with plastic housing, available in black and silver colors, and Infinity Plus 575 with a bigger hopper but the same plastic body. Unlike these, Capresso Infinity 565 boasts a zinc die-cast housing, so it is a bit more expensive.

Mazzer Mini Review

Things we liked:

• Easy to use and clean
• Ideal home espresso grinder
• Beautifully designed
• Well-known brand

Things we didn’t like:

• Expensive

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Specifications:

• Flat 64mm grinding burrs
• Hopper capacity: 1.3 lbs
• Grinding speed: 1600 rpm

All you need to learn from our Mazzer Mini review can be summed up in one sentence. It is the perfect espresso grinder. It is not just for household use, so don't be surprised when you see this grinding machine in your local coffee shop. Some say it is the best flat burr grinder. Its 64mm flat burrs need no sharpening and will last longer than any other type of burrs.

This Italian device is made of top-quality materials and looks really stylish. Even if your kitchen is the size of a post stamp, Mazzer Mini will be at home there, as it's a compact device.

There are two versions of this model: with the grinder type A and B. While their performance is equally flawless, usability is a bit different. The model with type A grinder comes with two buttons for dispensing the dose on the top of the doser. The model with grinder type B has a single button below the doser. Tap it once or twice with a portafilter for a single- or double-shot dose.

The only downside of this device is the price tag. Need a cheaper grinder with flat burrs? Pay attention to Baratza Vario.

Baratza Encore Review

Things we liked:

• To do basic cleaning is a piece of cake
• Perfect value for money
• User-friendly

Things we didn’t like:

• Manual settings only
• Doesn't grind fine for Turkish coffee

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Specifications:

• 40 grind settings
• Motor: 550 rpm
• 40 mm top-quality conical burrs
• Pulse button on the front

Looking for the best entry-level burr grinder? Baratza Encore might just be it for you. It's great value for money, and the price will pleasantly surprise you. Yes, it lacks some bells and whistles in comparison with Baratza Virtuoso, but thanks to a simple design, this device costs less. It is a great choice for novice home baristas who want to experiment with various brew methods because a machine has forty individual grind settings.

Is it easy to clean? The answer is "Yes". The user manual will tell you how to easily remove the burr for cleaning and remove leftover grinds with the supplied brush.

This model is user-friendly, convenient, and affordable. Besides, it comes in two colors: white and black.

Baratza Vario Review

Things we liked:

• Metal portaholder
• Macro and micro-adjustment
• Some tools included

Things we didn’t like:

• Above-average price
• Too many options

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Specifications:

• 54 mm ceramic flat burrs
• Motor: 1350 rpm
• 230 grind settings
• Weight: 15 pounds

This might just be the grinder many professional baristas have in their kitchens. This Baratza Vario review could include only one number, and that's 230. As in this grinder has 230 settings for a variety of brewing methods. It has never been easier to get a perfect consistency, as the powerful 1350 rpm motor and 54 mm ceramic flat burrs take care of the job for you. Digital timer is also a nice addition to the feature set.

On the downside, this coffee grinder is quite expensive. Of course, it costs less than the Mazzer Mini, but still, the price is above average. If money is not an issue, enjoy this top-quality device that will help you become a real barista and brew delicious coffee for your family and friends.

Rancilio Rocky Review

Things we liked:

• Factory tested
• Suitable for en masse grinding
• Removable portafilter holder

Things we didn’t like:

• Above-average price
• Hard to get the fine grind for brewing Turkish coffee

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Specifications:

• 55 grind settings
• Motor: 1725 rpm
• 50 mm commercial-grade burrs
• Removable portafilter holder

Rancilio Rocky comes in two modifications: Rocky SS and Rocky SD. The main difference between these two models is that when coffee is ground in Rocky SS, the grounds go into the chamber, and then you can transfer them into a portafilter basket by pulling a lever. In the doserless model, you can insert the portafilter, and the grounds will then go directly into the basket at the press of a button. With either modification, you'll have to move the whole hopper and adjust the burrs to get the desired coffee fineness.

If you notice coffee inside your machine after the purchase, don't be surprised. All Rocky grinders are factory tested, and some coffee may remain in the chamber and hopper.

With this model, you'll get a real workhorse that can be used at home or in the office. The grinding machine produces consistent grinds for numerous styles of brewing and multiple cups of coffee. Rocky has you covered whether you want to make coffee for your friends, family, or colleagues.

Oxo Brew Conical Review

Things we liked:

• Well-known brand
• No coffee waste thanks to the integrated scale

Things we didn’t like:

• Not easy to clean
• Poor chute-to-canister connection design

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Specifications:

• 40 mm stainless steel conical burr
• Hopper capacity: 16 oz
• Integrated scale
• Detection of overheating
• 38 settings

Oxo means high quality. When using Oxo Brew Conical, you get to choose between grinding by cups, grams, or manual settings. The device has a built-in scale and an automatic shutoff that makes it easy to get a precise amount of coffee. Thanks to 38 grinding settings, you will easily get the fine grind for your favorite espresso and coarse for a cold brew. The low-speed high-torque motor does not overheat the coffee beans to save the deep flavor and aroma. The long life of the motor is ensured by the built-in detection of overheating.

The price tag might be a bit overwhelming at first glance, but this machine will remain your loyal helper for a long time. Think of this purchase as an investment.

Bodum Bistro Review

Things we liked:

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to use and to clean
• Built-in timer

Things we didn’t like:

• Loud when working
• Unsuitable for Espresso or Turkish coffee

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Specifications:

• 12 grind settings
• 35 mm steel conical burrs
• 720 rpm motor

Tired of purchasing pre-ground coffee, but don't want to pay big bucks for an expensive machine with numerous useless options? Check out Bodum Bistro. You'll definitely appreciate its affordable price. This compact burr grinder holds over 6 oz of coffee beans. The grinder has 12 settings, suitable for every brewing method from French press to espresso. Follow instructions on the lid when setting the time for your favorite type of coffee. The dosing chamber is made of antistatic glass, ensuring that coffee does not stick.

If you are looking for a simple grinder to do a good job, then don't hesitate to buy this device. It works for the french press brewing style and some other common ones, but it won't get five stars from espresso lovers. If you are among true espresso zealots, Mazzer Mini or Capresso Infinity might be better suited to your taste.

Baratza Sette 270 Review

Things we liked:

• Affordable price
• Fast grinding
• Perfect for espresso fans
• Attractive design

Things we didn’t like:

• Noisy
• Unreliable portafilter holder

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Specifications:

• 270 grind settings
• Digital control panel
• Powerful high-torque motor
• 40 mm steel burrs by Etzinger
• Grounds bin capacity is 5.5 oz

This coffee grinder will be an ideal choice for true coffee enthusiasts. The machine can deliver ground coffee directly into the portafilter, into the grounds bin, or into the most popular brewing devices. The grind size is adjusted with exceptional precision by selecting among thirty macro adjustment steps and nine micro ones (270 grinding settings in total). The control panel is easy to use with a backlit display to choose your grind time. Cleaning and changing coffee is also hassle-free.

Making ideal espresso is easier than ever with Sette 270, but if you want to experiment with other brewing styles, you'd be better off with Baratza Virtuoso or Baratza Vario.

Сuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Review

Things we liked:

• Stylish design
• Affordable price
• Consistent grinding

Things we didn’t like:

• Very loud
• Finely ground coffee may stick to the dispensing chute
• Not suitable for espresso

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Specifications:

• 8 oz hopper
• Grind selector with 18 positions
• Grind chamber capacity is enough for 30+ cups of coffee
• Electric timer
• Super powerful motor

If you are not happy with the quality of the ground coffee produced by your blade grinder and are thinking of trying something better, consider Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme. This machine with ceramic burrs will be your devoted helper in the kitchen. The motor is super powerful, so you'll hear the lion's roar every time the machine comes to life. Keep it in mind, if you don't want to wake your whole household every time you crave a caffeine hit.

Even though the motor is a beast, you might be surprised how energy-efficient the device is: the device will consume only around 140 watts.

An electric timer is a huge benefit, as it turns off the device automatically after every grinding cycle. The body is made of plastic. But if you are a fan of full-metal grinders and consider them more durable, look up the same model made of stainless steel.

Will it last you fifty years? That's unlikely, considering the price. Still, it will be with you for a couple of years if you clean it on time. To sum up, it is a good choice for beginners who don't want to risk their money and are not too demanding when it comes to ground coffee consistency. There is, by the way, an 18-month guarantee from the manufacturer to put your mind at ease.