8 Best Coffee Grinders For Espresso In 2023 Reviewed

Latte, Cappuccino, Cortado, Doppio; you name it, all barista specialties need Espresso. Having the luxury of making one at home; is a true coffee connoisseur’s dream.

If you’re someone who wants to brew their morning espresso at home, you need a good coffee grinder. Here is a list of the 8 best coffee grinders for espresso along with a buying guide.

What Type Of Coffee Grounds Is The Best For Making An Espresso?

We know that you need different types of coffee grounds for making coffee. To make espresso you need finely ground coffee. Fine enough for the water to seep through, but not extra fine.

Not all grinders can grind coffee beans to very fine capacity, but the below-mentioned grinders are great for not only espresso but also other brewing methods such as Aeropress, French Press, Drip Coffee, etc.

8 Best Coffee Grinders For Espresso In 2023 (At A Glance)

No.	Coffee Grinder	Product Link
1.	Baratza Virtuoso Conical Burr Coffee Grinder	View Product
2.	Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro	View Product
3.	OXO Brew Canonical Burr Coffee Grinder	View Product
4.	Baratza Forte All Purpose Flat Burr Commercial Coffee Grinder	View Product
5.	Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder	View Product
6.	Capresso Infinity Plus Commercial Burr Grinder 57001	View Product
7.	Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder	View Product
8.	Rancilio Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder	View Product

1. Baratza Virtuoso Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Baratza is known for producing prosumer-level quality coffee grinders for decades. Baratza Virtuoso Burr Grinder has been a favorite amongst coffee purists for years, it has recently been updated with new features and is now known as Virtuoso plus. Virtuoso Plus is a high-quality automatic burr grinder. With this grinder, you get consistently fine to coarse grinds that are suitable for different brew methods.

It comes with a 40-second digital timer and an easy-to-use dial that lets you adjust the grind time to one-tenth of a second. All you need to do is press the dial to start grinding the coffee beans and it will automatically stop at the set time. The Virtuoso grinder comes with 40 different grind settings and high-quality conical burrs. You can adjust the grind settings with the bean hopper by turning it around and placing it in the desired setting.

From coarse to extra fine, this coffee grinder can get the job done in seconds. It is also accompanied by a backlit coffee ground bin. The stylish Virtuoso plus is a compact device that can fit any kitchen counter. It also has a powerful DC motor, which ensures durability and gives you consistent high-performance coffee grounds for years. If you like brewing different types of coffee and are a little experienced with coffee grinders this one would be a great choice.

Pros

• Digital timer
• Affordable
• Conical burr 
• Durable

Cons

• Limited grinder settings

2. Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro

Breville is known for its excellence in kitchen appliances especially its espresso machine and coffee grinder, which baristas all over the world vouch for. If you are purchasing a product from a reputable brand like Breville you can expect nothing short of high-quality products. Its Smart Grinder Pro is one such product. 

Once you take a look at the grinder, over the top of your head the thought that strikes you the most is its advance and modern look. The grinder’s stainless steel body ensures durability and comes with an LCD Display that shows the grind setting, grind time, and the number of shots or cups. All the settings of the grinder are digitally controlled through a dial.

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is equipped with a 40mm conical steel burr. It also comes with 60 grind settings which ensure consistent grind in every use. Another great feature about the grinder is that it comes with 2 portafilter holders. One for 50-58 mm portafilters and another one for 58 portafilters. The bean hopper has a capacity of 1lb of coffee beans. The bean hopper comes with a lock system for easy removal and storage of coffee beans. 

Pros

• LCD display
• Huge coffee bean storage capacity
• Good for all types of brew including espresso

Cons

• Fewer grind settings

3. OXO Brew Canonical Burr Coffee Grinder

If you have done some research on coffee grinders, you have probably come across OXO Brew Grinder. It is one of the most popular grinders after the Baratza coffee grinders. OXO brand is known for producing kitchen appliances and equipment. The OXO Brew Coffee Grinder is an automatic conical burr grinder. It contains a 40mm stainless steel conical burr.

The burr grinder has a sleek look and well-thought universal design, that would look good on any countertop. It has a small footprint that will not take up a lot of space in your kitchen or coffee bar. One of the best things about the OXO Brew grinder is its huge coffee bean hopper which can hold up to 0.75lbs or 12oz of coffee beans.

It comes with 15 marked grinder settings along with micro settings, a total of 38 settings that lets you adjust the grind size as per your preference. The coffee ground bin can hold up to 110 grams of ground coffee which is equal to 12 cups of coffee. Another impressive feature about the OXO Brew is that the hopper is equipped with UV tint which protects the coffee bean from being exposed to sunlight.

The top conical burr can be easily removed for cleaning, and the grinder motor has a low speed, which in fact is a good thing as fast grinders tend to generate heat. Its stainless steel exterior ensures durability. Lastly, it also comes with a 30-second grind timer and integrated scale. 

Pros

• UV tinted hopper
• Huge hopper size
• Easy to clean
• Affordable 

Cons

• Minimum settings
• Loud noise while grinding

4. Baratza Forte All Purpose Flat Burr Commercial Coffee Grinder

Most baristas when asked, would prefer Baratza’s coffee grinder any day over other grinders. Talking about aesthetics and style, it is without a doubt, Baratza Forte looks like classic equipment on your coffee bar. 

Its polished metal body and sleek design give a statement look and fit comfortably even in a small space. The forte all-purpose grinder offers around 260 grind settings. It comes with a ceramic flat burr. Many baristas state that ceramic burr is preferable over stainless steel burs. Stainless steel burrs tend to heat the metal while grinding in turn ruining the grind quality.

Another excellent feature of the Baratza Forte grinder is that it comes with a digital scale. So you can accurately weigh your coffee beans and it also comes with a digital timer for time-based dosing. You can also save up to 3 grinder settings. Since we are looking at a grinder for commercial purposes, it is important to assure high daily grinding capacity. Baratza AP perfectly fits in that scenario as it has a grinding capacity of up to 5 lbs per day.

Cleaning the Forte AP grinder is easy as it comes with a shut-off hopper and a burr removal tool. It also comes with a portafilter ensuring no mess is created and ground beans are collected directly into it. Finally, the grinder has a touchscreen LCD making it very convenient to use. You can also enjoy a 1-year warranty.

Overall the Forte All Purpose grinder is perfect for espresso and other brewing methods. If you are looking for a grinder that is of good quality, this would be it. It is slightly higher in price, but it is worth every penny, considering the qualities it has to offer. 

Pros

• Ceramic flat burr grinder
• 260 grind settings
• LCD touchscreen
• High capacity grind
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Expensive

5. Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder

Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder is hand built in Florence, Italy. The grinder comes with a 55mm flat burr with a powerful motor that offers 1350 RPM. The Eureka Espresso Grinder is built with advanced silent technology. It has a sound-insulated case that keeps the grinder quieter than any other grinder in the market. In fact, it claims to rescue noise by approximately 20 dB.

The amazing benefits are not only limited to the sound technology but it also comes with touchscreen controls that let you adjust grind time. Anyone who checks out the grinder, cannot help but compliment its smart and sleek look. This smart grinder features a stepless grinder, which gives you complete control of the grind settings.

Pros

• Silenced technology
• Touchscreen display

Cons

• Quiet Expensive

6. Capresso Infinity Plus Commercial Burr Grinder 570.01

Capresso named after combining the words cappuccino and espresso is one of the most common brands out there for coffee makers, espresso machines, coffee grinders, and milk frothers. The Capresso Infinity Plus Commercial Grinder is designed to give high-precision grinds for commercial use. It comes with a stainless steel conical burr. The machine offers 16 grind settings. In terms of different types of coffee grind, the Capresso grinder proves its excellency. From extra fine to coarse grind, this grinder does it all. 

The grinder comes with a beans hopper that has the capacity to hold 11 ounces of coffee beans. It also comes with a safety lock system to ensure beans are protected from moisture. You can easily remove the upper burr and clean it with the burr cleaning brush that is accompanied by the grinder. 

The coffee container can hold up to 4oz of ground coffee. It is built with smart technology, its motor is built to produce less friction and heat so it retains the aroma of coffee the best it can. The Capresso Infinity grinder can easily be called the most versatile appliance. From espresso, and Turkish coffee to percolators and french press, you can grind beans for any type of coffee with ease.

Pros

• Versatile commercial grinder
• Affordable

Cons

• Fewer grind settings

7. Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder

Bodum as a brand has been known for its excellency in french press coffee makers and other coffee appliances. The Bodum Bistro Burr coffee grinder is another of its excellent invention. All appliances including the burr grinder for Bodum scream elegance. The grinder has a smart design, that would complement any kitchen type. 

With 12 grind settings and a 20-second grind timer, Bodum ensures consistent grind every single time. It is not the quietest machine when it comes to grinding coffee beans but it does have an impressive coffee bean funnel that can hold up to 7.75 ounces of coffee beans and comes with a lid that seals the coffee beans. 

Thanks to its 35mm stainless steel conical burr, it crushes the coffee beans slowly as opposed to slicing them which ensures precision every time you grind coffee. From fine grounds for espresso to coarse grounds for french press, you can twist the bean hopper and adjust it to your desired setting. 

Another great feature of the burr grinder is that it comes with a friction clutch that senses the presence of any stone and makes a rattling noise to indicate the user about it. It also comes with a borosilicate coffee grounds catcher to prevent static.

Pros

• Best affordable burr grinder
• Great for all types of brew

Cons

• Limited grind settings
• Loud noise while grinding

8. Rancilio Rocky Espresso Coffee Grinder

The name of the product speaks for itself, this is a classic coffee grinder for espresso. Rancilio is an Italian brand that is known for producing high-quality commercial coffee grinders and coffee machines. Rancilio Rocky is an automatic flat steel burr coffee grinder. It comes with a 50mm commercial-grade grinding burr and 55 grind settings, that help you grind coffee beans to the finest for an espresso.

Talking about the overall look of the grinder, it is a matte gray colored model that looks very stylish and modern. The coffee grinder comprises UV tinted plastic bean hopper that protects the coffee beans from sunlight. The Rocky Espresso grinder ensures consistent grind. If an espresso grinder is high on your list, this grinder would fit right in. The price of the grinder is on the higher end, so if you are looking for a low-price option this is not the right fit. 

Pro

• Fine coffee grinds for espresso
• UV-tinted beans hopper

Cons

• Expensive

What Are The Different Types Of Coffee Grinders?

There are essentially four main types of coffee grinder- Electric Grinder, Manual Grinder, Burr Grinder, and Blade Grinder. The electric and manual grinder has to do with the automation and manual end of things. While blade and burr grinders have to do with the construction and methodology for different grinds. Most burr grinders come in both electric and handheld forms. Let’s look at what these grinders are and how they perform-

1. Electric Grinder

Electric Grinders are one of the best options when it comes to convenience and efficiency. You can easily grind big batches of coffee beans using an electric grinder. It comes with a sharp blade that helps grind coffee beans into a finer powder. Many high-end reputable electric grinders also offer a multitude of settings to grind different types of coffee beans. 

An electric grinder gives a user the flexibility and convenience to automatically grind coffee beans as per their preference. Like every coin has two sides, there is a downside to an electric coffee grinder as well. The efficiency it provides is a huge perk for sure, but it comes at a price. The blades wear out over a period of time and it does not remain as efficient as other grinders. 

Electric grinders are also known for making oddly loud noises when grinding coffee beans, so if you are someone who prefers calm mornings, purchasing a device that makes an awful lot of noise wouldn’t be the right choice. Another thing to be of note here is that there are so many options for electric grinders that any low-priced electric coffee grinder simply does not offer the quality that you will need. To get the best out of an electric coffee grounder you might have to spend over and above $100.  

2. Manual Grinder

A manual grinder is your best friend if you prefer a portable grinder or you travel a lot.

The advantages of owning a manual grinder outweigh the disadvantages. To name a few, manual grinders can run without any power source. Whether you want to take it while you’re camping or on a vacation, you are good to go!

Manual grinders are great at grinding coffee beans in uniform sizes, these are small but sturdy devices that are interconnected with simple functionality. All you need to do is rotate the handle that grinds the beans and it collects the ground coffee at the bottom.

Some grinders also come with different blade settings for you to grind coffee beans for different types of brewers like French Press, or a Moka Pot. Another good thing about manual grinders is that they are quite affordable. You can own a sturdy coffee grinder at a very affordable price.

The only downside to a manual grinder is that it involves a lot of manual work. You need to put force and energy to grind the beans and it is also more time-consuming than an electric grinder. If you’re okay with the ‘manual’ work side of things, a manual grinder is the right fit for you! 

3. Burr Grinder

Burr grinders are the most commonly used grinders in cafes and by beginners or experts at home. They are also the most convenient and efficient grinder simply due to the varied functionality it offers. It comes with two discs that spin in opposite directions.

When you control the distance between the two burr discs you control how fine or coarse you want your coffee grounds to be. The closer the discs are to each other, the finer the grind. This is a great function as you can control the intensity of the grounds as per your method of brew.

These burrs are often made of ceramic or stainless steel. Ceramic burrs are relatively cheaper and are a great option if you are starting out on your coffee grinder journey, but stainless steel, is built to last and its sharp cutting discs cut the coffee beans uniformly which ensures uniformity across the coffee grounds.

Most burr grinders allow you to adjust the settings of the discs in accordance with the coffee grounds for your brewer. There are two different types of burr grinders – Flat Burr Grinders and Conical Burr Grinders. The difference between these two is how they are designed and structured to provide different kinds of coffee grounds.

(a) Flat Burr Grinders

A flat burr grinder includes two round cutting discs, with sharp edges that face each other. It is designed so that the coffee beans grind properly between the discs and then it forces the coffee grounds from the outer side of the discs.

Flat burrs are a great option if you love espressos, as these do a great job grinding the beans uniformly and finely. To make espresso you need fine coffee grounds since it pushes the oil and flavors of the coffee with very little water.

(b) Conical Burr Grinders

Conical burr is a cone-shaped grinder, these are the most common option for cafes and home baristas. They use two burrs, one sharp cone-shaped burr on the outside and a cone-shaped centered burr on the inside. 

These operate slowly without making any noise and are also heat resistant. But, with conical burrs, you will see that the grinds are not uniform, ie; it produces two different sizes of coffee grounds which may not be ideal for espresso.

4. Blade Grinder

A blade grinder is a great option if you are a complete beginner in the ‘freshly ground coffee’ world. It is also likely the most inexpensive of all the above grinders. These grinders come with a set of blade that spins at a very fast pace to chop the beans.

The longer you run the blade grinder, the finer the coffee beans will turn out to be. However, when it comes to precision, a blade grinder isn’t your best bet. You cannot expect a blade grinder to give you an even-sized grind. The blades also tend to release heat while grinding the beans, which results in a lower-quality coffee grind.

Buying Guide: Things To Consider Before Buying A Coffee Grinder 

Grinding your coffee beans is an experience that can easily be called the most exciting part of brewing your own coffee at home. Knowing what grinder to invest in is of utmost importance.

Through this buying guide, we will walk you through all the must-haves for a grinder. Go through the categories and features in a sequence of your needs and pick the one that suits your needs the most. 

1. Types of grind

One of the most important qualities to look for in a coffee grinder is the different types of grinds it offers. The quality and size of your coffee ground are directly correlated to the quality of that cup of coffee.

The size and precision of coffee grinds vary for different types of brewers and different types of coffee. You cannot use the same ground coffee to make an espresso and a french press. Therefore, knowing what type of coffee you need to make, and what brewing equipment you use will decide the type of grinder you choose.

For example, for a french press, you need a grinder that can grind coffee beans in coarse size. We suggest investing in a coffee grinder that enables you to have more control over the grind size and precision. Therefore the more settings it offers the better it is. Most high-end grinders come with around 40 to 50 grinder settings. 

If you are buying a coffee grinder for home use, a grinder that offers anywhere between 20 to 25 settings will be a good pick. For commercial purposes, it is better to invest in a grinder that offers more flexibility, i.e; more settings.

2. Budget and Cost

Your budget for the coffee grinder should be the second biggest concern when picking the right grinder. If you have budget constraints and are looking for a cheaper option then it is best to go for manual or blade grinders. As we mentioned above, burr grinders offer precision and quality, but are high in cost. If your budget allows you to invest anywhere between $100 – $500, a burr grinder would be the wise way to go. 

Another important thing to note is that heavy-duty equipment like coffee grinders, coffee makers, and other kitchen appliances are one-time purchases. That is to say, you will not be investing in equipment like that for a long period of time. 

Therefore, even though a grinder may cost you more than you estimated, it is going to save you thousands of dollars on buying coffee grounds or coffee from a coffee shop. At the same time, do not invest heavily in a coffee grinder if you know you are not going to be using it frequently.

3. Electric or Manual

Both electric and manual grinders have their own share of advantages and disadvantages. While electric grinders offer convenience and comfort, manual grinders are relatively cheaper and offer ease of use.

If you are someone who travels or camps a lot and needs something portable, a manual grinder is a good option. While if you are someone who prefers automatic equipment, an electric grinder is a better option.

4. Speed

How fast you grind your beans can be an impressive consideration until it is not. Coffee grinders with high-speed motors tend to produce heat while grinding coffee beans, which in turn ruins the grind quality and consistency.

While there are hacks around this method that many tend to use, one of which is pausing while grinding in order for the heat to escape, this process in fact slows down the entire procedure of grinding beans. 

Grinders with low-speed motors, take their time to grind the coffee beans but ensure quality and precision over speed and time. It also ensures durability as the chances of the blade wearing out over time due to a high-speed motor reduces.

Therefore a grinder that offers more control over the speed of grinding is your best bet if the coffee grounds getting heated up is an important consideration for you. As we said grinders that offer more flexibility might cost more, but they also ensure the best result over a longer period of time.

5. Capacity

Once you have given enough thought to the budget, control, and speed of a grinder. The capacity of the coffee grinder is the next order of business. The capacity of the grinder you choose to purchase will decide the amount of coffee it can make on each use. 

Unless you are brewing coffee for a group of people every day, you will do well with a small-capacity grinder. On the other hand, if you are purchasing a grinder for commercial purposes or for making multiple cups of coffee at any given point in time then you might want to look for something that has a higher capacity.

6. Cleaning

Technical aspects set aside, it is important to consider a grinder that makes your job easier. Grinding coffee is a process you should be able to enjoy. You do not want it to add to the list of things you do every morning.

Hence, read reviews and pick a grinder that involves minimum steps and is easy to clean and use. Doing this before you make a buying decision ensures you are picking an appliance that you would actually enjoy using and not worrying about the added steps to use and clean it.

7. Settings and Features

Like with any kitchen appliance, the more you are ready to pay the more features you will find. Grinders too, come with a multitude of settings and features some of which are important and some just fancy gimmicks. 

From LCD displays to LED indicators there are innumerable features. Decide on the features that are important for you and that you need at all costs and make a buying decision on the basis of that.

8. Durability

We all want to make an investment that gives us good returns and is durable. Making a purchase decision with durability in mind is one of the best decisions you can take. Certain high-priced grinders are assembled with high-quality equipment so it lasts longer than the low-quality ones.

The best way to figure out if a grinder is going to last long is to go through the material quality and settings it offers. See if it is from a reputable brand, and go through what the customers had to say. Once you had the chance to look at these points, you can now make a decision.

9. Style and Aesthetic

The style and aesthetic of a coffee grinder may not be a high-priority checklist but it sure is an important one. How the coffee grinder fits in your kitchen, is a thought that you must ponder if you value aesthetics.

A coffee grinder may fit all your specifications, but might not be the right size or fit for your kitchen. There are many options available today, choose what works best in your opinion. 

[Also Read: Here are 20 Interesting Things People Add To Their Espresso]

Final Verdict: Which Coffee Grinder Is The Best For Espresso?

If you have not yet picked one for yourself here is our top pick among the 8 coffee grinders for espresso – Barataza Virtuoso Burr Grinder. A favorite among coffee enthusiasts, this grinder contains all the qualities you are looking for.  From a digital timer to 40 different grind settings, it makes grinding coffee beans a piece of cake.