I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a good burr coffee grinder is the single most important piece of coffee equipment you can invest in for improving the taste of your coffee. Seriously, no matter which brew method you favor – whether it’s espresso, AeroPress or automatic drip – the quality of your coffee grounds plays a huge part in achieving a balanced extraction.
By the same token, you don’t have to empty your bank account to get hold of the best burr coffee grinder for your needs. In fact, there are tons of affordable budget coffee grinders on the market, many of which perform like true champions.
In this guide to the best budget coffee grinders I’ll introduce you to my 12 current favorites. I’ll also get into the details of why a blade grinder isn’t worth buying as well as giving you tips on what to look for in a burr coffee grinder. My aim is to provide you with all the information you need to find a grinder that suits your preferred brewing style. Let’s do this!
Table of Contents
Best Budget Coffee Grinders at a Glance
Here’s a sneak peek at the affordable grinders I’ll be reviewing today:
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Calibrated for espresso
Two portafilter cradles
LCD display
1Zpresso J Ultra
High-quality materials
Tons of grind settings
Can grind for espresso
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Great price-performance ratio
Solid build
Ideal for manual brewing
KitchenAid Burr Grinder
Attractive design
Digital screen
Anti-static technology
Baratza Sette 30
Very consistent grounds
Awesome design
Minimal static charge
Why a Quality Grinder is the Best Investment for Your Coffee
As I mentioned above, investing in a quality burr coffee grinder is incredibly important for good coffee flavor. Put another way, it doesn’t matter how expensive your espresso machine is – if you don’t have a grinder capable of producing a consistent grind size for espresso, you’re never going to get the best results.
Here’s why: an espresso grinder that struggles with particle consistency will produce a mix of boilers and fines. And when water passes through the puck in your portafilter, your extraction will be uneven, with simultaneous under- and over-extraction occurring during the brewing process. I’m sure you can imagine how the resulting espresso will taste; it’ll be both bitter and sour, without the balance of sweetness and complexity you crave.
Thus far I’ve discussed the impacts of an inconsistent grind for espresso, but it’ll be the same no matter which brew method you’re using. That goes for pour-over, French press and drip coffee.
| Consistent Grind | Inconsistent Grind | |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Even, predictable and repeatable | Uneven and chaotic |
| Flavor profile | Balanced and complex | Muddy and incomplete |
| Result in cup | Well-rounded flavor profile | A mix of bitter and sour notes |
Pre-Ground vs. Freshly Ground Coffee: Does It Really Matter?
If you’ve never experienced coffee from freshly ground coffee beans, you haven’t lived. OK, that’s maybe an exaggeration, but you get what I mean.
As it happens, once roasted coffee has been ground, it quickly starts to lose delicate aromatic compounds, becoming less vibrant with every passing minute. So, no matter how well-packaged preground coffee may be, it’s never going to come close to offering the flavor of freshly ground coffee beans that are brewed immediately.
Think of it this way: once you’ve sliced an apple, oxidation quickly starts doing its thing, turning the apple slices brown as they begin to dry out. It’s the same with coffee – as soon as those roasted beans are ground, they begin to go stale. So, it stands to reason that when you brew with preground coffee, you’ll be missing out on a world of complex flavors and aromas.
Here are the key benefits of grinding your coffee fresh:
Preserves volatile aromas
Let’s you select a grind size for any brew method
Unlocks coffee’s full flavor potential
Guarantees maximum freshness
Burr Grinders vs Blade Grinders: Which Is Better for Your Coffee?
Now that you know how much better freshly ground coffee is, you may be tempted to simply buy a blade coffee grinder. After all, you’ve found one on Amazon for around 50 bucks, which seems like a great deal. Well, allow me to gently dissuade you from making that particular decision.
You see, there’s a huge difference between a blade grinder and a burr grinder in terms of performance. In essence, a blade grinder simply chops up coffee beans willy-nilly, producing a hugely inconsistent mix of dust and chunks. And as we already learned, that’s going to result in a butter and unbalanced brew.
On the other hand, even the most budget-friendly burr grinder will produce infinitely superior results, seeing as the burrs act together to crush coffee beans rather than wildly shatter them with abandon. With that in mind, consider investing just a little more on a burr grinder if you care about coffee flavor.
| Burr Grinder | Blade Grinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Two conical or disc-shaped burrs with sharp cutting surfaces | Two sharp, rotating propellors |
| Grind consistency | Good to excellent | Poor |
| Heat generation | Low to moderate | High |
| Grind size control | Precise | Not possible |
| Best for | Making good coffee | Nothing |
| Price range | $100-$2,000 | $10-100 |
Conical vs Flat Burrs: What’s the Difference on a Budget?
To be honest, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to consider the conical vs flat burr debate when you’re shopping for the best budget grinder. For the most part, low-cost coffee grinders are equipped with stainless steel conical burrs, seeing as they are very efficient and cheaper to produce.
With that said, conical burrs are an excellent choice, and you’ll often find them in very high-end grinders too. A conical burr set consists of an outer ring with a cone-shaped inner burr that spins. Coffee beans pass through the burrs and are crushed to powder, with the particle size determined by how far apart the burrs are spaced. And while conical burrs do tend to produce more fines, they’re known for their consistency and reliability.
On the other hand, a flat burr set consists of two parallel discs which rotate at speed. As coffee beans pass between the burrs, they’re crushed and pushed out sideways by centrifugal force. As you might have guessed, flat burrs require a more powerful motor to create the necessary force. And that means you’ll have to spend more money to get hold of a flat burr grinder that can truly deliver.
With that said, there are exceptions as you’ll discover when you check out my list of the best budget grinders. However, for the most part, you’re better off choosing a conical burr grinder if you’re on a budget.
Best Budget Grinders for Home Use: Our Top Picks for Different At-Home Coffee Needs
OXO Brew Burr Coffee Grinder: Best Entry-Level Coffee Grinder
best entry-level electric grinder
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Great for Drip and Pour Over
Affordable
Sleek design
Tinted bean hopper
Stainless steel conical burrs
Stainless steel grounds bin
Not suited for espresso
| OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | $109.94 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
Costing just $109.94, the awesome OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder really impressed me during my testing, and represents very good value for money.
Featuring rugged stainless steel housing and a tinted plastic bean hopper, this grinder is equipped with 40mm stainless steel burrs. And although it’s advertised as having only 15 grind settings, you can make micro-adjustments between each number. Heck, this compact burr grinder even features a nifty timer function.
I’d say the OXO grinder would be an ideal first burr grinder. And while the OXO brew struggles at coarser settings and experiences significant static buildup, it’s a whole lot better than a blade grinder.
See Also: OXO Coffee Grinder Review
Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Entry-Level Espresso Grinder
performs really well
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Great value for money
60 grind settings
Suitable for espresso
Large LCD display
Includes portafilter cradles
Fantastic value for money
Not great for coarser grind sizes
| Breville Smart Grinder Pro | |
| Current price on Amazon | $199.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
Trust me, it’s rather difficult to find a suitable espresso grinder for under $400. However, the $199.95 Breville Smart Grinder Pro actually does a great job. While it might not satisfy the most demanding home baristas, the Smart Grinder Pro is one of the best espresso grinders for beginners.
During my testing I was able to quickly dial in this budget model, and ended up pulling some great shots of espresso. Featuring a digital LCD screen, timer function and two portafilter forks, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro certainly delivers. Plus, there are 60 grind settings to choose from, so you have a lot of room to maneuver.
At the finer end of the grind size spectrum, the Smart Grinder Pro produces very uniform results. However, this consistency drops off as you go coarser, making the Breville unsuitable for French press.
See Also: Breville Smart Grinder Pro Review
Baratza Encore ESP: Best All-Rounder
Affordable and Effective
Baratza Encore ESP
A Worthy Succesor to the Encore
Compact footprint
Very affordable
Suitable for all preparation methods
Durable construction
Confusing dosing system
Rather loud
| Baratza Encore ESP | |
| Current price on Amazon | $199.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
The Baratza Encore ESP was a real game changer upon its release. While it looks just like its predecessor, the Baratza Encore, this updated model has a trick up its sleeve.
As it happens, the Encore ESP employs a clever trick to make it a true all-rounder: the first 20 grind settings are calibrated for espresso, with a 9-micron step between each click. Above 20, there’s a 45-micron step between each number. So, for $199.95 you’re essentially buying two grinders in one.
The Baratza Encore ESP comes with a grounds bin and an espresso dosing cup. However, this is a fairly bare-bones grinder, and there’s no timer function or portafilter fork. Then again, for the price, you really can’t complain, especially given the fact that the Encore ESP is fast and very consistent.
See Also: Baratza Encore ESP Review
Eureka Mignon Filtro: Best for Filter Coffee
Ideal for drip coffee
Eureka Mignon Filtro
Precision grinding for a great price!
Great value
Stepless adjsutments
Stellar build quality
Easy to use
Easy to maintain
Not super versatile
| Eureka Mignon Filtro | |
| Current price on Amazon | |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
I find it quite staggering that the Eureka Mignon Filtro costs just $189.00, given its features, performance and build quality. Seriously, if you’re looking for the best budget coffee grinder to pair with your drip coffee maker, the Filtro will deliver.
Featuring a solid metal chassis and equipped with 50mm stainless steel flat burrs, the Eureka Mignon Filtro also has a powerful low-rpm motor. Best of all, this burr grinder features Eureka’s stepless micrometric adjustment system, giving you infinite choices for your grind size.
Of course, this grinder won’t cut the mustard for espresso, but it’ll knock it out of the park for automatic drip, Chemex and pout over. What’s more, there are two programmable buttons for timed dosing, making the Filtro extremely versatile for home coffee enthusiasts.
See Also: Eureka Mignon Filtro Review
Fellow Opus: Best Budget Single Doser
Versatile and affordable
Fellow Opus
A game-changing burr grinder
Suitable for all brewing methods
Beautiful design
Great value
Small footprint
Easy to use
Rather messy
| Fellow Opus | |
| Current price on Amazon | $199.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
You have to hand it to Fellow – these guys just keep pumping out dreamy coffee gear. And while some of their offerings are on the pricey side, the Fellow Opus costs an entirely reasonable $199.95. Plus, that price seems even more reasonable when you bear in mind that this is another true all-rounder.
Thanks to an innovative inner adjustment ring, you’re able to make tiny micro-adjustments. And while the system is somewhat convoluted, it means the Opus is a very capable espresso grinder. Featuring stainless steel conical burrs and a nifty single-dose hopper, the Fellow Opus wowed me during my testing. Sure, there are some static buildup issues, but that’s not the end of the world. Besides, the Opus produces very consistent results across the grind size spectrum.
See Also: Fellow Opus Review
Baratza Virtuoso+: Best Performing Budget Grinder
Solid and Dependable
Baratza Virtuoso+
Could be a lifelong partner
High quality build
Easy to maintain
Powerful DC motor
Very consistent results
Digital timer function
Backlit grounds container
Not suitable for espresso
| Baratza Virtuoso+ | |
| Current price on Amazon | $249.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
Another burr grinder that’s most well-suited to drip coffee and pour-over preparation, the Baratza Virtuoso+ is about as solid and well-built as it gets.
Costing $249.95, the Virtuoso+ isn’t exactly cheap. Still, you really do get what you pay for, and this baby should last you a lifetime. Besides, Baratza spare parts are readily available, so you won’t need to buy another grinder if something breaks. The Baratza Virtuoso+ offers thoughtful touches like a backlit grounds container and an LCD screen with a timer function.
Best of all, this grinder has a fantastic DC motor, which provides plenty of torque without generating excess heat. Trust me, that kind of performance is rare in coffee grinders at this price point.
See Also: Baratza Virtuoso+ Review
1Zpresso J Ultra: Best Budget Hand Grinder
Simply Incredible
1Zpresso J-Max S Manual Coffee Grinder
A champion among hand grinders
48mm titanium coated stainless steel burrs
Staggering amount of grind settings
Magnetic catch cup
Easy to use
Suitable for all brewing methods
Rugged and stylish
Comandante might be worried
| 1Zpresso J-Max S Manual Coffee Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | $199.00 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
A successor to the J Max, to which it’s almost identical, the wonderful 1Zpresso J Ultra is one of the best manual coffee grinders on the market in my opinion.
The J Ultra features incredibly rugged construction, and very premium materials, making it very easy to use. Trust me, grinding with this thing doesn’t feel like hard work. What’s more, 1Zpresso has equipped the J Ultra with a fantastic external grind adjustment dial with an astonishing amount of settings. This means you can make tiny changes to your grind size when you’re dialing in for espresso. Oh, and yes – this hand grinder is ideal for all preparation methods, with the 48mm titanium-coated stainless steel burrs producing exceptional results.
Retailing for $199.00, the 1Zpresso J Ultra is extremely competitively priced, especially given its quality, ease of use and performance.
See Also: 1Zpresso J Max Review
Hario Mini Slim Plus: Best for Travel
Lives up to its name
Hario Mini-Slim Plus
Compact, affordable and rugged
Compact design
Rugged build
Improved crank arm
Very affordable
Ideal for travel
Performs poorly for coarser grinds
Limited capacity
| Hario Mini-Slim Plus | |
| Current price on Amazon | $38.50 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
The Hario Mini Slim Plus is a compact manual coffee grinder that certainly won’t break the bank. In fact, its $38.50 is adventurously low.
Made from super durable plastic and equipped with ceramic conical burrs, the Hario Mini Slim Plus performed really well during my testing. I particularly appreciated the grinder’s ergonomic design and updated crank handle, both of which make the Hario very easy to use. With that said, the Mini Slim Plus struggles with consistency away from the middle of the grind size spectrum.
Ultimately, the Hario Mini Slim Plus will make a fantastic travel partner and will fit nicely in your backpack. Heck, this baby would also make a great grinder for preparing pour over at home.
See Also: Hario Mini Slim Plus Review
The Best Budget Coffee Grinders: Our Top Picks by Price
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder: Best Grinder Under $50
Great Value
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Your new favorite camping buddy
Very inexpensive
Compact and lightweight
Rugged build
Good for pour-over
Easy to clean
Very slow
Limited grind settings
| JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | $37.59 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
If you’re on a serious budget and want a decent burr grinder, look no further than the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder. Available for just $37.59, the JavaPresse represents very good value for money. What’s more, it’s just so much better than a blade grinder.
The JavaPresse features solid metal construction, and its ceramic conical burrs perform admirably. Sure, this grinder is pretty slow, and has a limited number of grind adjustment settings. However, you can’t argue with the price. Plus, I was pleased by the JavaPress Manual Coffee Grinder’s performance during my testing. In fact, I found that it did a great job when I was grinding for AeroPress and drip coffee.
See Also: JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder Review
Timemore C3 Pro: Best Grinder Under $100
Solid and Affordable
Timemore Chestnut C3 Pro
Great value for money
Great value
Solid construction
Works fast and efficiently
Easy to clean
Minimal static buildup
Limited grind settings
| Timemore Chestnut C3 Pro | |
| Current price on Amazon | $79.20 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
I absolutely love the Timemore Chestnut C3 Pro, and I feel like the Chinese manufacturer could price the thing way higher than $79.20 and still sell a boatload of grinders.
Thanks to its minimalist, ergonomic design and metal construction, the Timemore C3 Pro is both easy to use and incredibly durable. What’s more, the manufacturer has included thoughtful design touches like a foldable crank handle that doubles as a grounds knocker.
The C3 Pro is equipped with specially designed stainless steel burrs that deliver consistent results for all brew methods. That said, there are limited settings, so this isn’t really a suitable grinder for espresso. However, if you want a budget grinder for drip and pour-over, the Timemore C3 Pro is ideal.
See Also: Timemore C3 Review
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder: Best Grinder Under $200
Awesome Entry-Level Grinder
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder
A solid performer, especially for drip machines
Screen
Different grinding modes
Fine grinding stages
Very easy to clean
Quiet
No static charge
Price
| KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | $199.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
If you’re looking for an affordable electric grinder that’s suitable for all brew methods, you’ll know there isn’t much choice. Enter the KitchenAid Burr Grinder, which performed way better than I’d expected during my testing.
If your coffee grinder budget can stretch to $199.95, I’d recommend checking out the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder. For starters, it has a whopping 70 grind adjustment settings. And while it struggles a little at the finer end of things, it is suitable for espresso. Heck, the grinder even comes with a detachable portafilter cradle.
What’s more, the KitchenAid grinder has a programmable timed dose function as well as very convincing anti-static technology that actually works. Trust me, as an entry-level burr grinder, the KitchenAid is hard to beat.
See Also: KitchenAid Coffee Grinder Review
Baratza Sette 30: Best Grinder Under $300
Superb design
Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder
A solid entry-level espresso grinder
Innovative design
Almost no grind retention
Fluffy and uniform grounds
Easy to use
Looks great
Plastic feels cheap
Limited grind settings
| Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | $299.95 |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
In my opinion, the Baratza Sette 270Wi is one of the best espresso grinders around. However, it’s pretty darn pricey. So, you’ll be happy to hear that for $299.95, you can own the Baratza Sette 30. Sure, this affordable model has a fraction of the 270Wi’s adjustment settings. However, it does have the same thoughtful design language and “direct through” burr setup.
The Baratza Sette 30 is a great entry-level espresso grinder, although there are limited settings that work for espresso. Still, in my experience, the Sette 30 produces very uniform and fluffy grounds at every setting. Plus, its clever design means you won’t experience excessive static buildup. All in all, the Baratza Sette 30 is a really good grinder that’ll serve you well until you want to upgrade.
See Also: Baratza Sette 30 Review
What to Look for in Consumer Grinders: A Buyer’s Guide
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of awesome budget-friendly grinders out there. However, you may still be on the fence about which is the best burr coffee grinder for you. I mean, should you go with a manual coffee grinder or an electric model? And what if you want something that’ll work for espresso and French press?
Well, don’t worry because I’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at all of the things you should consider before committing. After all, I only want the best for each and every one of you!
Your Budget Grinder Buying Checklist
Brew method: There are very few coffee grinders that can be considered authentic “all-rounders.” With that in mind, look for a grinder that suits your preferred brew method. For example, if you usually prepare drip coffee, a grinder like the Eureka Mignon Filtro could be the way to go. On the other hand, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is an ideal budget choice for espresso preparation.
Burr type and material: For the most part, you’re better off going with a stainless steel conical burr grinder if money is tight. With that said, the ceramic burrs in some budget hand grinders perform admirably, and will last for a long time.
Grind adjustments: While it might be tempting to buy a grinder with as many grind settings as possible, even grinding and particle uniformity is more important for a good extraction. Again, your preferred brew method comes into play too, especially if you want an espresso-focused grinder. In that case, a grinder like the 1Zpresso J Ultra is the way to go seeing as you’re able to make tiny changes to the grind with each setting change.
Build quality and durability: It almost goes without saying that your chosen coffee grinder should be well made. And I stand behind all the models on my list in that regard. Still, it’s worth pointing out that your grinder should be solid with quality components. In particular, you should beware of budget hand grinders with flimsy crank handles. If in doubt, check out the customer review section on Amazon. In my experience, you’ll find a wealth of information about build quality there.
Grind retention: Grind retention and static buildup are issues that can plague even the best burr grinders. To be honest, it’s highly likely you’ll experience a little grind retention, but using a brush and giving the grinder chute a quick tap after each cycle can work wonders. And it’s also worth trying the Ross Droplet Technique (RDT) to eliminate static when using a single dose coffee grinder. You simply spritz your coffee beans with a little water before grinding and voila! No more static.
Ease of use & cleaning: There’s no reason why a budget coffee grinder should be hard to use. Of course, manual grinders require more effort than their electric counterparts. But other than that, you should be able to pull the grinder out of the box, plug it in and start making coffee. As for cleaning, avoid any grinder without removable burrs. Plus, you should be able to remove the bean hopper as well as easily access the grinder chute.
Final Verdict: The Best Cheap Coffee Grinder for Your Needs
If you’ve made it this far, I hope I’ve convinced you that even the cheapest of my best budget grinder picks is far superior to a blade grinder. And if you’ve only ever used pre-ground coffee, you’ve been missing out in a big way!
Ultimately, a burr coffee grinder is an essential piece of equipment for any home coffee bar. What’s more, if money is tight, there are tons of affordable options out there. To sum up, here are my recommendations for those of you still on the fence about which is the best budget coffee grinder for your needs:
Best for most people: The Baratza Encore ESP offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality for everything from espresso to drip and French press.
Best on a tight budget: The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder delivers exceptional grind quality for very little money as long as you don’t mind putting in the effort.
Best for aspiring home baristas: The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is the most affordable entry point for real espresso.
All that’s left for me to say is that I wish you well on your journey to discovering better coffee. Trust me, your new burr coffee grinder will help you discover the kind of well-balanced brews you previously only dreamed of!
Our Methodology: How We Tested These Grinders
I personally tested all the budget grinders on my list, with the exception of the Eureka Mignon Filtro. During a review, I test a grinder across several sessions, with the aim of assessing its performance, ease of use and suitability for different preparation methods. Here are some of the criteria I adhere to when testing a coffee grinder:
Grind uniformity: I pay special attention to particle size distribution at different grind settings, with the aim of assessing a grinder’s suitability for a variety of brew methods.
Taste & sensory evaluation: I make sure to test a grinder’s performance by using it for a range of brew methods, including espresso, pour-over and French press.
Usability & workflow: Is the burr coffee grinder easy to set up and use? Are there any special features that stand out? Can the grinder be easily cleaned and maintained? I consider all these questions during my test.
Build quality & durability: My first impressions are always focused on the materials used and whether or not the grinder feels solid and well-made.
Value for Money: Does the grinder deliver a good price/performance ratio? If so, I can feel good about recommending it to my readers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
First things first, a budget coffee grinder should be suitable for your preferred brew method. Other things to look out for include solid construction, straightforward operation and removable burrs.
There are several budget grinders on the market that are ideal for espresso. These include the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, Baratza Encore ESP and 1Zpresso J Ultra.
If you take good care of your budget coffee grinder, it should last for at least five years. With that said, a manual coffee grinder will outlast an electric model, seeing as it doesn’t have a motor.
