Do you already have a coffee grinder for making espresso? You might want to get one if you already have an espresso machine at home.
Yes, this buying guide is about espresso coffee bean grinders. If you have read our article, types of coffee ground size, you might have read about how the coarseness or fineness of the roasted beans will affect the flavor, aroma and taste of coffee.
And with espresso in particular, it also matters to achieve the right texture and consistency of the coffee powder. In order to make that ideal cup of espresso with café-quality at home, you need to use the level of Fine Grind.
To achieve this consistency, you need a burr grinder, not a blade type of grinder. The burr grinder will help you get precise results, unlike the blade grinder that will produce uneven results. What is worse is that blade types also tend to produce more heat.
When this happens, you know the consequence. Your coffee beans might be burned. And as you know, burnt coffee taste no good! We don’t want that to happen. Also, blade grinders tend to create more noise that will not help but annoy us.
But those will not become an issue if you would use a burr grinder for your espresso. It will help in making that perfect cup of coffee that will complete your day! This machine can also help with creating different coffee variants for their numerous settings.
We want to help you choose the right coffee grinder for making espresso. In the following, we’re featuring the machines operated by electricity and those operated manually. The choice is yours!
But at the end of the day, all these are burr coffee grinders. If you’re ready, let us begin and help you compare your options on the following burr grinders for espresso.
- The 17 Best Coffee Grinders
- The 6 Best Espresso Machines With Grinder
- How to make espresso without a machine?
- The 8 Best Espresso Beans
- The 5 Best Manual Espresso Machines
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I. The 7 Best Coffee Grinders for Making Espresso
1. Our #1 Pick: Breville BCG820BKSXL
The Smart Grinder is our top pick for an espresso grinder because it is with the solid features that you can take advantage of to make the process of grinding espresso coffee beans properly.
The Pro Coffee Bean Grinder has a smart design that allows for minimizing heat and protecting the coffee beans’ essential oil.
You will also appreciate that it is designed and constructed with 60 different grind settings, giving you more flexibility on how you want to grind your coffee beans. You can achieve fine or coarse textured beans as you like it.
This model also comes with an efficient timer that lets grinding time adjustment. Each is with 0.2-second increments for a precise result. It can also give you with a consistent dose all the time.
When it comes to ease of operation, it has a good coffee bean capacity of up to 16 ounces. This model also has a locking system that allows for quick and easy removal and storage. It also allows for easy transfer of the beans to the hopper.
Things We Like
- Sleek and elegant sesame black color
- Durable brushed stainless steel
- Trusted and reputable brand
- 16oz capacity
- 60 different grind settings
Things We Dislike
- Impeller may wear out over time
2. Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder
Rancilio is another trusted name when it comes to a sturdy and precise coffee grinder. It is top-rated and is used even by coffee shops for its efficiency. This item is worth its price for its resilience in grinding coffee beans, too, something to consider when comparing your options.
This item also has 50 mm grinding burrs, which can work directly into the portafilter, offering ease of operation even for beginners who are still familiarizing themselves in the use of such item.
This espresso coffee bean grinder is also with a powerful but quiet motor that can operate without creating much noise versus competitors. Each item is also check before packaging, so some users can find coffee residue inside it.
It also has a tinted hopper that has a good capacity of 0.65lb. When it comes to adjustable controls, you will be impressed with the easy operation. It is one of the features to look for when comparing your options. Overall, the Rancilio HSD-ROC-SD is a decent choice for those looking for a reliable coffee bean grinder for homes or cafes.
Things We Like
- Durable 50 mm grinding burrs
- Quiet operation motor
- Tested before packaging
- Easy adjustment
- Large capacity
Things We Dislike
- Beans can be found due to testing before packaging
3. OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The OXO BREW is another great choice if you’re looking for a grinder that you can use without any hassles. It can offer ease of use for its one-touch start timer, which can remember and keep the last setting. All you have to do is to push the button to start grinding.
It is also tough to deal with the level of abuse and use in your kitchen for its rugged stainless steel conical burrs. That is not all, as they also help you make uniform grounds for the coffee that you’re trying to make. This action can also result to the perfect flavor extraction.
When it comes to adjusting the grind in order to help you achieve the taste desired, it also has 15 settings along with micro settings. It also has a hopper that has a large enough capacity that it is able to hold up to 0.75 pounds.
This item only measures 12 x 7.4 x16 inches, making it a compact unit. It will not take much space in your countertop or kitchen. Overall, it is what you need for precision and adjustable settings that promote ease of use.
Things We Like
- 15 different settings
- 75 pounds hopper capacity
- One-touch operation timer
- Adjustable settings to accommodate your preference
- 110 grams grounds container capacity
Things We Dislike
- Buzzing noise
4. Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Check out the coffee grinder that’s preferred even by baristas and coffee professionals. If you want great results, you should not think twice but take a look on what this coffee grinder can offer. It is a chosen grind by many even by beginners who are familiarizing themselves on how coffee grinders work.
It is a good choice for coffee brewing, and it is available at an affordable price. If you are not yet ready to spend on a high end and more expensive machine, you should check this out.
Another thing is that it comes with 40 different grinder settings, offering you with more flexibility and functionality. You can explore the different brewing methods like Aeropress or espresso that you desire.
More so, this model is user-friendly that it is designed with a front-mounted pulse button along with an easy to use switch for easy grinding. You might want to check it out if you want an easy to use machine.
Finally, this item has a one-year warranty that you can count on for peace of mind. For all these things, you might want to consider this grinder for a rewarding and easy brewing experience.
Things We Like
- 40 different settings
- User friendly operation
- Commercial-grade conical burrs
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Things We Dislike
- Quality control issues
5. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Another product not to miss when comparing your options in coffee bean grinders is the JavaPresse manual grinder. It is with adjustable settings that help you achieve the perfect brew. You can choose from one of the 18 different settings to get the results you need.
With it, you can ensure that you will be able to control the texture of the beans like fine or coarse. It is also designed with a removable hand crank for added convenience.
This model is also ideal for those who don’t want the noise that most electric models produce. With it, you don’t also need batteries or electricity. It also means that you can take the grinder outdoors anywhere and those places without electrical supply.
This grinder is also tested and proven to last up to five times longer than those with stainless steel blades. Thanks to the ceramic combo burrs that this coffee bean grinder is made of. You might want to check this JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder if you want a dependable, portable and precise coffee bean grinder.
Things We Like
- Adjustable settings for precision
- Quality brushed stainless steel
- Can help for a wide range of coffee drinks
- Portable and lightweight
- Removable hand crank for more convenience
Things We Dislike
- Needs more effort in brewing
6. Shanik Premium Manual Coffee Grinder
One of the top choices among those looking for a manual coffee bean grinder is the Shanik premium manual coffee bean grinder. There is no doubt on that because this item is able to help them achieve precision each time for whatever specialty coffee like espresso they want.
The Shanik battery-operated grinder is with a conical ceramic burr that allows for precise brewing all the time. In addition, this item is built to last long, and that’s due to its stainless steel body and other durable components. Its ceramic burr grinder is also durable and built for heavy-duty performance.
The coffee grinder also features a silicone grip that allows for ease of use and handling. It also has a silicone lid that can store the coffee and keep it fresh.
As it is also not requiring electricity, it can be used anywhere. You can use it in camping or picnics. You can also take it anywhere when hiking or driving in the open road. The manufacturer also offers a full refund within 30 days should you be not satisfied with your purchase.
Things We Like
- Portable to allow brewing anywhere
- Battery-operated for added convenience
- Sleek and elegant design and in black color
- Durable ceramic burr last longer
- Silicone lid to keep freshness of coffee in the container
Things We Dislike
- Needs practice to master the perfect brew
7. ROK Coffee Grinder
The ROK coffee bean grinder is another to consider when comparing your choices. It is a reliable grinder that can last long and offer a heavy-duty performance for all espresso and coffee lovers out there. It is not hard to use at all, so even those without much brewing experience will find it satisfying to use.
The ROK Coffee Grinder is adaptable for all types of coffee brewing. With it, you don’t need any other grinder because it works for virtually all types of brews.
This model is also designed and constructed with stainless steel conical burrs, which can produce grounds that an electric model does.
In addition, the grinder needs minimal effort as compared to other manual grinders. You only need 30 seconds of grinding time to achieve the results you want.
If you want to achieve the right grind stability and consistency, you can take a look at this item. It is made to last long and deliver the performance that you need. Finally, you can adjust it for left or right hand use.
Things We Like
- Removable washers
- Grind consistency and stability
- Can be used by left-handed or right-handed users
- Quieter operation than electricity types
- With non-slip ring to prevent wobbling when in operation
Things We Dislike
- Not the most durable around
II. Buyer’s Guide
We have a little advice if you like that perfect espresso brew. Don’t buy the pre-grounded coffee beans, but grind the roasted beans yourself. Buy your favorite roasted beans, make sure to grind until they’re fine, and create that cup of espresso, which is ideally brewed for about 5 or 10 minutes right after grinding.
While you can try instant espresso, it is no good for a long distance travel or if you’re too busy. So if you want that ideal grinder for an espresso, take a look at the following suggestions.
That should be the Burr Coffee Grinders
An essential consideration when looking for an espresso grinder is the grinder itself. While it may sound like advertising, burr grinder is the best for an espresso, after testing the different types of grinders out there.
This type will not produce much heat that will affect the quality, aroma and flavor of the beans, and we don’t want that. With it, you can achieve that smoother brewing experience.
For one, there is the flat burr grinder that is better at producing consistency and stability in the size of the grind. There is also the conical grinder that tends to be quiet and affordable.
Material
The material of the coffee grinder is important because it has to do with the long-lasting performance of this appliance. Materials include stainless steel or ceramic. Both are good options anyway even if the choice can be very controversial. It all boils down to personal preference.
But then, take note that steel is a good thermal conductor. It also means that the material will cool down fast. On the other hand, ceramic burrs possess lower thermal conduction ability. It also means that the burrs will heat up and cool down slower.
Some notes: Ceramic burrs tend to be pricier but it may last longer. On the cons, they are more sensitive, so many café owners choose steel for longevity.
Size and consistency of grind
We all have different preferences when it comes to coffee. Some like espresso; others love cowboy style coffees. For this reason, you should find the grinder that lets you achieve precision for the type of coffee you want, and that is why the consistency and size of the grind matters.
The item that you’re picking must be able to let you grind super coarse texture to the finest coffee beans for better consistency. It will also help to determine the brew recipe and method you will use the grinder for most of the time, allowing you to pick the machine that can cater to your primary purpose.
The number of grind settings
It is another consideration when choosing a coffee bean grinder. As a suggestion, it might be better if you would go for one that allows for more versatility. It means finding a grinder that comes with more settings that you can easily adjust to meet your needs.
It also matters to ensure that you can achieve the results for the brewing method used like French press or an espresso maker. With a higher number of grind settings, you can also extract that perfect coffee based on its grind size.
Bean hopper size
There are different hopper sizes available for a grinder. One works to provide you with stock storage. You might want to choose a machine that has a hopper capacity to accommodate the dose of coffee beans you plan to extract for like a week, let’s say. It will matter because longer storage can affect the freshness of the beans.
For some, they prefer a hopper that is larger because it is more convenient to store their beans than the smaller capacity one does. However, it might be better to opt for an airtight, opaque container that can get rid of the direct air and sunlight, keeping the beans fresh. In this way, you can also prevent oxidation that will affect the quality of the roasted beans.
Speed of grinding
Grinding speed has to do with durability, too. Remember, a faster grinder will not last as long as those that takes a bit slower. The reason is that speed grinders will have motors that will heat up faster. A high-speed motor can also affect the aroma and flavor of the beans as well as can pose high risk of burning them.
On the other hand, you can find those grinders that have a gear reduction. It will help in solving some of those issues. But if you want a longer-lasting grinder, you should opt for those that can grind slower.
III. FAQs
Why should I choose a burr coffee grinder, not a blade?
We hate to say this, but blades do not grind evenly. In fact, they also produce much heat in the process of grinding. When this happens, you know what is next. Your coffee will taste awful especially when they’re burned by the too much heat. Blades are not advisable, period.
For that perfect espresso cup, we suggest buying a burr coffee grinder. It is the ideal choice that can help you make even and precise coffee bean texture and size. With the consistency it offers, there is no doubt that you can achieve café-quality espresso at home. If you love espresso, go for a burr grinder. Avoid blade types. They are no good for this rich coffee.
Can a manual coffee grinder make fine enough flour for espresso?
Yes, you can! All those manual grinders we have featured earlier are capable of grinding a flour-like consistency for the beans. All these grinders can produce you fine enough coffee beans that will help you create that perfect espresso.
The only thing that you might not like is that force and muscle power! But did you know that it could take only about 30 seconds to grind coffee beans for a cup of espresso? While exerting some effort may sound inconvenient, believe us! It will help you produce the right consistency of the beans for your espresso.
Can it be used as a grain mill?
We have received this question from many friends and visitors of this website. Our team also wondered and thought about the possibility. Do you know what we found out? Yes, it can be used as a grain mill!
However, we do not suggest this practice. The reason is that the coffee grinder is quite expensive, and we don’t want to ruin or damage it for grinding other grains or beans on it.
So while it can grind grains, we do not advice it. Some seeds may produce oil that can lead to problems with the grinder. The bottom line is to use the grinder only for the coffee beans.
IV. Conclusion
While it may be more convenient to buy pre-grounded coffee beans for espresso, it may not be the better option. The beans might have been processed a long time ago, so they might not be as fresh as the beans that we can process at home using the best coffee grinder for espresso.
It is for the same reason that finding the machine that suits your needs is essential. We want something that will meet our needs. For example, some family members want latte; the others like cold coffee. We like espressos!
With the varying preferences, we also need a grinder that is with different settings. Using these, we can choose one of those and achieve the consistency and precision that we’re after for all the time.
Having a burr coffee grinder that can be manipulated and used easily to match our needs, we can have a satisfying brewing experience. And in time, we’ll be able to master the different brews we desire aside from espresso. If we do, we might not need to visit a coffee shop when we just cannot.
With that said, you can just remember the savings you will have yearly. Doing the math, you might choose this option than to drop by and buy espresso at the coffee shops.
Hoping we’re able to help with the suggestions above!
