Introduction
Updated: November 2024
If you haven’t noticed, here at Coffee Bros., we are huge espresso enthusiasts, so much so that we considered changing our name to Espresso Bros. I am just kidding!
We are such big espresso lovers that we even developed several coffee blends and offerings to suit the espresso brewing method perfectly. Whether you're a home barista who relishes pure espresso shots or someone who enjoys their coffee with a dash of steamed milk and a touch of sugar, we've created a coffee tailored to suit both preferences.
We started our espresso journey years before starting our coffee roastery and were probably in similar shoes as those reading this article. Espresso brewing seemed complex, machines and features seemed endless, and knowing where to start and what espresso machine or grinder to buy seemed more like a guessing game than an informed decision.
Knowing where we have come from and where we are now, we wrote this article to outline the best coffee grinders for espresso at every price point and skill level. We also have recommendations in this article for espresso grinders that we do not sell or earn commission on. We recommend these espresso grinders because we believe they can consistently grind well, and they are ideal for beginners, experts, or those seeking a specific price point.
Strap in, grind a sub-par espresso (soon to be a great espresso), and hear some of our excellent recommendations.
Table of Contents
- Can you use any coffee grinder for espresso?
- What are the different types of espresso grinders?
- How we grade each espresso grinder
- The best espresso grinder for beginners
- The best conical burr espresso grinder
- The best flat burr espresso grinder
- The best espresso grinder under $200.00
- The best espresso grinders under $1000
- The best espresso grinders over $1000
- The best espresso grinders for home barista experts
- The best espresso grinder for commercial or café settings
- The best manual espresso grinder
- The espresso grinders you should keep your eyes on in 2023 and 2024
- What should you look out for when purchasing an espresso grinder?
- Summary
The best espresso grinders in each category
The best espresso grinder for beginners: Baratza Encore ESP and DF64 II Single Dose Grinder
The best conical burr espresso grinder: Baratza Sette 270wi
The best flat burr espresso grinder: Eureka Mignon Specialita
The best espresso grinder under $200.00: Baratza Encore ESP
The best espresso grinders under $1000: Niche Zero and Baratza Sette 270wi
The best espresso grinders over $1000: Eureka Atom 75
The best espresso grinders for home barista experts: Weber Workshops The Key
The best espresso grinder for commercial or café settings: Mahlkonig E65S
The best manual espresso grinder: 1Zpresso Jx-Pro S
The espresso grinders you should keep your eyes on in 2023 and 2024: Mazzer Philos and Mx. Cool Aries
Espresso Grinder | Price | Great For | Burr Type/Size | Power Rating | Key Feature | Our Rating |
$199.95 | Beginners | 40mm/Conical | 200W | Simple 2-button controls | 3.5 | |
$399.00 | Beginners | 64mm/Flat | 200W | Single dose espresso grinding | 3.62 | |
$599.95 | Beginners - Novice | 40mm/Conical | 200W | Grind-by-weight functionality | 4.2 | |
$649.00 | Beginners - Novice | 55mm/Flat | 260W | Digital display and controls | 4.2 | |
$550.00 | Beginners - Novice | 63mm/Conical | 170W | Espresso and filter grinding | 4.0 | |
$1399.00 | Beginners - Novice | 75mm/Flat | 800W | Fast and consistent grinding | 4.25 | |
$1999.00 | Expert | 83mm/Conical | 350W | RPM Control | 4.5 | |
$2950.00 | Expert | 75mm/Conical | 700W | Grind-by-weight and cool and quick grinding | 4.75 | |
$169.00 | Novice | 45mm/Conical | N/A | Compact and travel ready | 3.62 |
Recommended Reading: The Best Espresso Machines for Every Price Point and Skill Level
Can you use any coffee grinder for espresso?
This question pops up often and is one where many folks are slightly misinformed. You, unfortunately, cannot use any coffee grinder for espresso (or any other finely ground brewing method like Moka Pot) as you will need to grind within a specific range to hit the fineness needed for espresso brewing.
What does this all mean? Well, espresso brewing requires coffee to be ground within a specific range when then compacted into a “puck,” and pressurized water (130 lbs. per square inch) is pushed through the coffee; you get an evenly flowing espresso that brews somewhere in the range of 30 – 40 seconds (depending on your recipe).
Some coffee grinders claim to grind across the spectrum of brew types, from highly coarse for cold brewing to very fine for espresso brewing. If you are jumping into espresso brewing for the first time, look for a grinder specifically built for espresso and can grind in the range of 180 – 400 μm (microns). Not all grinders will list their micron range, but those that market themselves as espresso grinder should fall in this range.
Coffee Grinder | Price | Grinder Type | Grind Range |
$345.00 | Filter Grinder (Flat) | 275 - 1160 | |
$199.95 | Espresso Grinder (Conical) | 220 - 1100 | |
$599.00 | Espresso Grinder (Flat) | 200 - 1000 | |
$599.95 | Espresso Grinder (Conical) | 230 - 950 | |
$649.00 | Espresso Grinder (Flat) | 0 - 1400 | |
$2,950.00 | Espresso Grinder (Flat) | 180 - 580 |
There are some fantastic coffee grinders for drip coffee or brew methods like French press, pour over, or cold brew that require a much coarser grind. For those who also love filter brewing, we recommend a dedicated filter coffee grinder like the Fellow Ode to handle the coarser end of the spectrum. For the finer brew methods (espresso, moka pot), a dedicated espresso grinder is not only ideal but highly recommended.
What are the different types of espresso grinders?
There are a few types of coffee grinders, and many may have heard of the most straightforward comparison between a low-cost ineffective blade grinder versus a burr grinder. The term “burr grinder” has become somewhat of a marketing term where burr coffee grinders represent quality though not every burr grinder is the same.
Burr grinders are the industry standard for espresso grinding and are placed into two categories: flat burrs and conical burr grinders (sometimes called cone burrs). The type of burrs, the material they are made of, and their size all affect how consistent and efficient your grind will be and impact the taste of your coffee (RPMs of your grinder also play a part here).
The surface level difference between flat burrs and conical burrs
Flat Burr Grinders
A flat burr grinder features two horizontal blades, one positioned upwards and the other facing downwards. The blades have varying shapes and teeth, which dictate how the coffee is crushed and finished. Differently designed burrs can impact the uniformity and clarity of the coffee though other factors like RPM also affect the taste.
Flat burrs are known for producing some of the most consistent coffee grounds due to their flat and large surface area, which leads to a smoother and uniform size.
When assessing a range of flavor profiles, extending from a rich, chocolatey mouthfeel to a bright, clean, and tea-like taste, it's notable that flat burrs generally position themselves closer to the cleaner, more acidic end of the flavor spectrum, but some can undoubtedly produce chocolatey notes.
Conical or Cone Burr Grinders
Conversely to flat burr grinders, conical burr grinders work vertically, with one burr nested inside the other. The outer burr is shaped like a circular, hollow ring with slanted teeth, like a cupcake wrapper without the base. The inner burr is cone-shaped with a broader base, which appears star- or flower-like from above due to its channels and small angled teeth. The design of the outer burr dictates how fast or slow a coffee moves through it, first being crushed into smaller pieces, then moving down the blades determining its fineness and finish.
After reading the above, you may still be confused about what burr type to look for when shopping for an espresso grinder. There is much debate about what type of burr is better for espresso. We have used both types and think conical burrs can produce a high-quality grind just like flat burrs, but all the attention on flat burrs makes you wonder if that is the best option.
Overall, it comes down to the versatility and profile range you are looking for in a grinder. If you prefer coffees that tend to lean toward the traditional espresso, heavier body, chocolatey side, then we would suggest a conical burr, while cleaner, more nuanced profiles with splashed acidity, then we would suggest flat burrs. Again, both burr styles can hit either end of the spectrum though conical and flat burrs will tend to stay toward their respective side and can be the more extreme of each profile type.
There are also electric espresso grinders and manual espresso grinders. You are most likely here for electric espresso grinders, but we will cover some fantastic manual espresso grinders later in this blog.
How we grade each espresso grinder
We base our grade for each coffee grinder on the topics below and score from 1 – 5 stars. None of the grinders we reviewed were perfect, and the highest score we gave a machine was 4.5 stars. Finding the ideal coffee grinder at any price point is challenging, as all grinders come with nuances and slight flaws. That said, we were strict on the grading as we didn’t want to score everything 5 stars and make an unrealistic assessment of an espresso grinder you may consider purchasing.
- Ease of use
- Build quality
- Function and features
- Price to feature comparison
We will also list the pros and cons of each coffee grinder and the basic stats like burr type, grind settings and adjustments, burr size, adjustment type, display and programs, build quality, burr speed, warranty, and much more.
The best espresso grinder for beginners
Regarding espresso grinders for beginners, we typically suggest one or two options based on your intended or current setup and the coffee you want to brew.
For those who want pure convenience when it comes to espresso brewing and currently do not have an espresso machine, we constantly push individuals towards espresso machines with built-in grinders. You will likely find little variety here in terms of brand, and all grinders in this category will be conical burr grinders, so expect a more classic flavor profile from these grinders and setup.
If this seems like the route you might want to take, then read our article on: The Best Espresso Machines for Every Price Point and Skill Level
For those who want a separate espresso machine and grinder, one of the best grinders, believe it or not, falls under the $200.00 price point. And yes, it is a “burr” grinder, conical or cone burr, to be exact, with just enough features to make espresso grinding and brewing relatively straightforward.
Baratza Encore ESP ($199.95)
best beginner espresso grinder
- Best Espresso Grinder for Beginners
- Best Espresso Grinder Under $200
The Encore is Baratza’s most trusted conical burr grinder, and it has now been re-engineered to be optimized for espresso.
Baratza's new espresso-optimized coffee grinder re-engineers an industry classic to make high-resolution grinding simple, repeatable, and approachable. It's another way Baratza is making specialty coffee accessible for all.
Baratza offers Specialty Coffee Association award-winning grinders that are often at the top of the list from baristas and review sites as well-built, user-friendly, and high-quality entry-level grinders.
The Encore ESP features new metal internals for highly consistent grinds and durable, long-lasting operation.
How it scores: 3.5
Ease of use: 4.5 stars
Build quality: 3.5 stars
Function and features: 3.0 stars
Price to feature comparison: 3.0 stars
The DF64 II Espresso Grinder is a newly redesigned single-dose grinder that integrates features from the popular DF64V and DF83 models. It boasts 64mm custom-made stainless steel flat burrs for consistent particle size distribution and minimal clumping. Key features include stepless adjustment for precise grind size, an anti-popcorn disc for improved grinding speed, and a plasma generator to reduce static. Its durable aluminum dosing cup and ergonomic design make it a practical choice for home baristas, offering a high-quality grind with minimal retention and enhanced control.
How it scores: 3.62
Ease of use: 4.5 stars
Build quality: 3.75 stars
Function and features: 3.25 stars
Price to feature comparison: 3.0 stars
DF64 II Espresso Grinder Pros
The DF64 II excels in delivering a consistent grind for espresso, with its 64mm stainless steel flat burrs producing fluffy grounds with minimal clumping. The stepless adjustment dial allows precise control for dialing in espresso shots, while the anti-popcorn disc and plasma generator improve the grinding process by reducing bean jumping and static. The grinder's single-dose design ensures almost zero retention, and the included aluminum dosing cup makes transferring grounds straightforward. Overall, the grinder is a cost-effective option for home users looking for a versatile and reliable espresso grinder.
DF64 II Espresso Grinder Cons
While the DF64 II has many strong points, static issues remain a challenge, often causing messiness during use despite the plasma generator. The stepless adjustment dial, while precise, can be difficult to turn for some users, especially when switching between coarse and fine settings. Many users have noted a steep learning curve with retention control and grind adjustment, as well as the need for tools like WDT to manage clumping. Additionally, the build quality of some components, like the sticker-based dial, has drawn criticism, as it may show wear over time. Despite these drawbacks, the grinder still delivers excellent results for espresso with some patience and care.
DF64 II Product Specs
- Price: $399.00
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Burr Type: Flat
- Best for: Fine and coarse grinding
- Weight-based Dosing: No
- Digital Display: No
- Saved Recipe settings: No
- Burr size: 64mm Stainless Steel flat burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 50 - 70g (with or without bellows)
- Weight: 15lbs
- Power Rating: 250W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 5.2 / 12.0 / 10.0
The best conical burr espresso grinder
Baratza Sette 270wi ($599.95)
best for functions and features
- Best Conical Burr Grinder
- Best Espresso Grinder Under $1,000
The Baratza Sette 270Wi is an espresso-focused grinder that enhances the features of the Sette grinder. It offers weight-based dosing, three programmable presets, 30 macro grind settings, and a stepless micro grind range. Its unique pass-through grinding mechanism is highly efficient, leaving minimal coffee ground residue, even at fine espresso settings. The built-in Acaia weighing technology with Bluetooth connectivity ensures timely software updates through the Sette Updater app on iOS. The grinder includes a convertible device holder for hands-free operation, making it ideal for home espresso enthusiasts seeking a high-quality and user-friendly grinding solution.
How it scores: 4.2
Ease of use: 4.0 stars
Build quality: 4.0 stars
Function and features: 4.5 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.25 stars
Baratza Setter 270wi Pros
The Baratza Sette 270wi was the first espresso grinder we were genuinely impressed with. Like most budding espresso enthusiasts, we started with a built-in espresso machine and grinder, then moved to a cheaper home espresso grinder. We eventually found our way to the Baratza Sette 270wi. The one great thing we can say about the Sette 270wi is that it is loaded with features not seen on machines even twice its price.
The grind-by-weight feature and the built-in Acaia scale make grinding and dosing incredibly effortless. While not built in a stainless-steel housing, the machine feels sturdy and strong for its size.
We put this grinder through its paces for many years, and it still holds up with a few issues.
Baratza Setter 270wi Cons
Dialing in new coffee beans at first can be frustrating due to the 30 macro steps and 9 stepless micro-adjustments. Once you get a general understanding of where each coffee performs the best, it becomes much more manageable.
Surprisingly, the grinder does not grind fine enough in specific scenarios, but installing a shred (which comes with the machine) quickly fixes that problem. For a while, the shim was not installed out of the box, but we believe the shim is now preinstalled on the grinder. If you cannot reach fine enough grinds for your espresso, installing a shim is relatively easy, and this video here is all you need to know.
Baratza Setter 270wi Product Specs
- Price: $599.95
- Skill Level: Beginner to Novice
- Burr Type: Conical
- Best for: Espresso grinding only
- Weight-based Dosing: Yes
- Digital Display: Yes
- Saved Recipe settings: No
- Burr size: 40mm Conical Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 10.0 oz (300 - 400g)
- Weight: 7lbs
- Power Rating: 200W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 5.11 / 14.96 / 9.8
The best flat burr espresso grinder
The Eureka Mignon Specialita is the perfect choice for the home barista who wants to achieve high-quality grinds easily. This grinder features 55mm flat burrs, a stepless grind system, and a sound-insulating metal case with rubber mounts and gaskets that make the operation almost silent. With its anti-clumping chute, high-speed grinding, and touchscreen controls, the Eureka Mignon Specialita has all the features you need for an effortless espresso experience and perfect grind size every time. The internals are designed for easy cleaning and disassembly, and with its Italian styling, the Eureka Mignon Specialita will be a great addition to any home espresso setup.
How it scores: 4.2
Ease of use: 4.0 stars
Build quality: 4.5 stars
Function and features: 4.0 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.0 stars
Eureka Mignon Specialita Pros
The Eureka Mignon Specialita is small but extraordinarily well-built with a powerful internal motor, aluminum housing, and sound installation for quiet-as-a-whisper grinding.
Not too many grinders under $1,000 can boast a 260W motor, 55mm burrset, aluminum housing, and being hand-built in Italy. If a flat burr grinder is what you are after, the Eureka Mignon Specialita must undoubtedly be in the running.
Eureka Mignon Specialita Cons
While the grinder seems flawless, a few things need to be mentioned.
- The clearance between the portafilter fork and chute is not large, making any portafilter dosing rings challenging. Luckily, the fork can be removed, and grinding into a dosing cup, while not perfect, can certainly fix this issue.
- The Specialita does have issues with retention and some users report 0.5 – 1g of retention in the grinder. You must keep the grinder quite clean to improve retention or replace the hopper with silicone bellows, which you can find on Etsy.
Eureka Mignon Specialita Product Specs
- Price: $649.00
- Skill Level: Beginner to Novice
- Burr Type: Flat
- Best for: Espresso grinding only
- Weight-based Dosing: No
- Digital Display: Yes
- Saved Recipe settings: Yes
- Burr size: 55mm Flat Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 10.0 oz (300 - 400g)
- Weight: 12.34lbs
- Power Rating: 260W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 4.75 / 13.87 / 5.5
The best espresso grinders for under $200
Say hello to the best espresso grinder under $200.00, the Baratza Encore ESP. It is also our pick for the best coffee grinder for espresso beginners! There shouldn’t be any surprise here, as there aren’t too many solid options under the $200.00 price range from time-tested machines and from brands you can trust.
The Encore is Baratza’s most trusted conical burr grinder, and it has now been re-engineered to be optimized for espresso.
Baratza's new espresso-optimized coffee grinder re-engineers an industry classic to make high-resolution grinding simple, repeatable, and approachable. It's another way Baratza is making specialty coffee accessible for all.
Baratza offers Specialty Coffee Association award-winning grinders that are often at the top of the list from baristas and review sites as well-built, user-friendly, and high-quality entry-level grinders.
The Encore ESP features new metal internals for highly consistent grinds and durable, long-lasting operation.
How it scores: 3.5
Ease of use: 4.5 stars
Build quality: 3.5 stars
Function and features: 3.0 stars
Price to feature comparison: 3.0 stars
The best espresso grinder for under $1000
We have two great espresso grinders in the under $1000 range worth exploring further. First is the Niche Zero, a 63mm conical burr grinder with little to no retention and a large fanbase that speaks volumes of this grinder. Second is the Eureka Mignon Specialita, a powerful, well-built 55mm flat burr grinder that will last time.
Both are great options, and many customers are deciding between these two grinders when exploring the under $1000 price point. While the Niche and Eureka Mignon Specialita and two different burr types expect closer than-expected flavor profiles from each of these grinders.
The Niche Zero, equipped with high-quality 63mm conical Mazzer burrs, is a single-dosing coffee grinder suitable for espresso and filter brewing. It excels in producing rich and full-bodied brews. You can choose your desired grind setting precisely using the infinite dial adjustment. Pour your coffee beans into the funnel and flick the switch. The process is quick and straightforward. The grinder retains almost no grind residue thanks to its patented straight-through design. This ensures that all the flavors from your beans are extracted, allowing you to craft barista-quality coffee with every brew consistently.
How it scores: 4.0
Ease of use: 5.0 stars
Build quality: 4.0 stars
Function and features: 3.5 stars
Price to feature comparison: 3.5 stars
Niche Zero Pros
The Niche Zero, designed by Martin Nicholson, boasts a metal body and elegant oak accents, reflecting its premium craftsmanship. Martin's 30 years of design expertise is evident in the finer details, underscoring the Niche Zero's exceptional build quality. Initial impressions of the product include its compact size, quiet operation, and impressive speed. The grinder delivers consistent results, especially at finer grind settings. However, it lacks an auto shut-off feature and has a hopper more suitable for 18-35 grams of coffee, making it smaller than other automated grinders. Overall, the Niche Zero is a well-built and premium coffee equipment piece.
Niche Zero Cons
The motor size (170w) and features are slightly underwhelming for the price. While the Niche Zero does a great job grinding consistently across ranges, it costs quite a bit from a feature perspective compared to similarly priced models.
Niche Zero Product Specs
- Price: $550.00
- Skill Level: Beginner to Novice
- Burr Type: Conical
- Best for: Espresso and filter grinding
- Weight-based Dosing: No
- Digital Display: No
- Saved Recipe settings: No
- Burr size: 63mm Conical Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: Single-dose capacity
- Weight: 9lbs
- Power Rating: 170W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 4.8 / 8.3 / 12.24
Baratza Sette 270wi ($599.95)
best for functions and features
- Best Flat Burr Grinder
- Best Espresso Grinder Under $1,000
The Baratza Sette 270Wi is an espresso-focused grinder that enhances the features of the Sette grinder. It offers weight-based dosing, three programmable presets, 30 macro grind settings, and a stepless micro grind range. Its unique pass-through grinding mechanism is highly efficient, leaving minimal coffee ground residue, even at fine espresso settings. The built-in Acaia weighing technology with Bluetooth connectivity ensures timely software updates through the Sette Updater app on iOS. The grinder includes a convertible device holder for hands-free operation, making it ideal for home espresso enthusiasts seeking a high-quality and user-friendly grinding solution.
How it scores: 4.2
Ease of use: 4.0 stars
Build quality: 4.0 stars
Function and features: 4.5 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.25 stars
Baratza Setter 270wi Pros
The Baratza Sette 270wi was the first espresso grinder we were genuinely impressed with. Like most budding espresso enthusiasts, we started with a built-in espresso machine and grinder, then moved to a cheaper home espresso grinder. We eventually found our way to the Baratza Sette 270wi. The one great thing we can say about the Sette 270wi is that it is loaded with features not seen on machines even twice its price.
The grind-by-weight feature and the built-in Acaia scale make grinding and dosing incredibly effortless. While not built in a stainless-steel housing, the machine feels sturdy and strong for its size.
We put this grinder through its paces for many years, and it still holds up with a few issues.
Baratza Setter 270wi Cons
Dialing in new coffee beans at first can be frustrating due to the 30 macro steps and 9 stepless micro-adjustments. Once you get a general understanding of where each coffee performs the best, it becomes much more manageable.
Surprisingly, the grinder does not grind fine enough in specific scenarios, but installing a shred (which comes with the machine) quickly fixes that problem. For a while, the shim was not installed out of the box, but we believe the shim is now preinstalled on the grinder. If you cannot reach fine enough grinds for your espresso, installing a shim is relatively easy, and this video here is all you need to know.
Baratza Setter 270wi Product Specs
- Price: $599.95
- Skill Level: Beginner to Novice
- Burr Type: Conical
- Best for: Espresso grinding only
- Weight-based Dosing: Yes
- Digital Display: Yes
- Saved Recipe settings: No
- Burr size: 40mm Conical Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 10.0 oz (300 - 400g)
- Weight: 7lbs
- Power Rating: 200W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 5.11 / 14.96 / 9.8
The best espresso grinders for over $1000
Espresso grinders start to get pretty pricey for the $1,000 range and you quickly start to get into commercial or café build materials. Do you need a $2,000 espresso grinder to produce a fine cup of espresso? The answer in most cases is no – but do they help in café settings where you are pulling potentially hundreds of shots of espresso a day – absolutely!
One thing you will find on the lower end of the scale for grinders over $1,000 is two things.
- Grinders will have better build quality; including higher quality motors and burrs which should last much longer than its predecessors.
- With potentially larger burrs and a stronger motor, espresso grinders at the $1,000 or higher price point and faster, more efficient, and often quieter.
There are also some other fantastic features you can find with grinders at this price point – read more below to find out.
The Eureka Atom 75 Espresso Grinder seamlessly blends the quality of a coffee shop with the convenience of a home setup. It improves upon the original Atom with enhanced features, including a larger burr set and a more powerful motor, making it exceptionally fast and quiet. This focus on grind quality places it on par with commercial-grade grinders, but it's tailored for home baristas. The Atom 75 offers dual programmable timers, manual grinding, stepless grind size adjustment, and anti-static dosing, setting it apart from competitors. The Atom is wrapped in a sleek, compact design that combines functionality with an elegant aesthetic for your home café.
How it scores: 4.25
Ease of use: 4.5 stars
Build quality: 4.5 stars
Function and features: 4.0 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.0 stars
Eureka Atom 75 Pros
The Eureka Atom is powerful with an 800w motor and large 75mm burrs that can grind 20+ grams of espresso in seconds.
With aluminum housing, the build quality is outstanding, though some plastic pieces can feel somewhat inexpensive.
We have spent a lot of time with this machine, and it works well across profiles and roast types, though it may lack the ability to produce heavy-bodied shots like that of a cone burr grinder.
Eureka Atom 75 Cons
The Eureka Atom’s price comes down to the powerful motor and extremely large burrset of 75mm. The grinder is a workhorse built to last, but many other inexpensive grinders can get similar results.
Eureka Atom 75 Product Specs
- Price: $1399.00
- Skill Level: Beginner to Novice
- Burr Type: Flat
- Best for: Espresso grinding only
- Weight-based Dosing: No
- Digital Display: Yes
- Saved Recipe settings: Yes
- Burr size: 75mm Flat Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 300g
- Weight: 20.9lbs
- Power Rating: 800W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 7.0 / 17.25 / 10.5
The best espresso grinders for home barista experts
When looking at the best espresso grinder for experts and enthusiasts, it is tough to look past Weber Workshop’s The Key conical burr grinder.
A few things set this grinder apart from all others in its price point. While extremely expensive for the home barista, you will be working with a grinder that pushes the boundaries of innovation and design with a beautiful and fun workflow and one that produces delicious coffee.
The original KEY grinder integrated an 83mm conical burr set into an incredibly compact design. The Mk ii version represents an evolutionary step in the KEY's development, introducing notable enhancements in usability and workflow while maintaining the same compact size.
The burrs and mount determine the grinder's width, allowing it to occupy significantly less space than grinders with much smaller burrs. Notably, the KEY is designed by the same team responsible for the iPod nano, prioritizing a small yet feature-packed package. It features a built-in cleaning brush with a replaceable head, an easy RPM adjustment knob, and compatibility with standard (49mm & 58mm) and magic (58mm) tumbler configurations. The tumbler configurations are also interchangeable with the HG-2 Hand Grinder.
How it scores: 4.5
Ease of use: 4.5 stars
Build quality: 4.5 stars
Function and features: 4.5 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.5 stars
Weber Workshop The Key Pros
Weber Workshops is known for its flawless design, leaving no stone unturned regarding beautiful workflow and usability.
The Key grinder features a massive 83mm conical burr design, with a unique bean feeder mechanism that ensures even loading rates not to overwhelm the grinder and to create a more even grind.
The ability to change the RPMs from 30 to 150 is a feature not seen in many grinders across any price point on the market. This feature gives the expert many RPM options to test when dialing in a coffee.
The grind retention is near 0 and not detectable by most scales, and the anti-static and clumpiness features of The Magic Tumbler™ are phenomenal to see.
If you have the money to spare, not only is The Key a phenomenal piece of machinery, but it is also fun to use and makes brewing coffee an absolute joy.
Weber Workshop The Key Cons
The Key seems to be improving over time, as some early complaints and feedback on the alignment of the system seem to have been squared away on newer units.
The Key is also extremely expensive and only ships from Japan. If something goes wrong with your grinder, you must ship it back to Japan to get it fixed, as no one can fix it locally.
Weber Workshop The Key Specs
- Price: $1999.00
- Skill Level: Expert
- Burr Type: Conical
- Best for: Espresso or filter brewing
- Weight-based Dosing: No
- Digital Display: No
- Saved Recipe settings: No
- Burr size: 83mm Conical Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: Single-dosing
- Weight: l9.8bs
- Power Rating: 350W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 7.0 / 17.25 / 10.5
The best espresso grinder for commercial or cafe settings
When seeking the best commercial or café espresso grinder, you must place a few things above everything else.
- Build quality: You want to ensure the machine you purchase can withstand time and handle tens to hundreds of drinks a day.
- Speed: Your commercial espresso grinder should be fast and quickly handle back-to-back grinding without overheating or heating too much, which may impact the next grind.
- Consistency: You will need a café quality espresso grinder that is consistent from one shot to the next and is low maintenance.
Further, you want to purchase a grinder so that you know spare parts and servicing are readily available in your area. While that innovative and new espresso grinder might look like the one, is it time tested, with parts available, and individuals who can service it on a whim?
The E65S espresso grinder simplifies coffee preparation with its precise 0.1-gram grind-by-weight technology. Equipped with a large digital display, easy push-button controls, and six programmable recipes, it streamlines the process for baristas. Its intelligent fan cooling system and heat-retaining motor preserve the quality of the coffee. Operating quietly and quickly, it suits professional and home use. Sporting 65mm flat burrs made from special steel ensures consistent grinds, and the fan cooling system maintains an ideal temperature. Upgraded components prevent overheating. The E65S offers icon-based menu navigation, a sleek design, an adjustable spout, a universal portafilter holder, and a generous 2.6-pound bean hopper, reducing the need for frequent refilling. It embodies Mahlkonig's dedication to innovation and accessible premium espresso.
How it scores: 4.75
Ease of use: 4.5 stars
Build quality: 5.0 stars
Function and features: 5.0 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.5 stars
Mahlkonig E65S Pros
The Mahlkonig E65S (regular and GBW version) is a phenomenal coffee shop quality espresso grinder with all the bells and whistles needed to ensure speed, accuracy, consistency, and quality.
Mahlkonig left no stone unturned when developing the E65S, and its fan cooling system allows baristas to pull back-to-back doses without worrying about sacrificing quality.
When pairing the Mahlkonig E65S GBW with a puqpress, baristas can grind to 0.1-gram accuracy and tamp all in seconds.
Mahlkonig E65S Cons
There is much not to like about the Mahlkonig E65S. The one drawback is occasional static build-up, which can throw your grinds for a loop. We suggest keeping the grinder clean, especially the flapper in the chute, which should help prevent static build-up.
Cleaning and maintaining the Mahlkonig E65S is quick and straightforward. Here is a quick video on how to clean your E65S grinder.
Mahlkonig E65S Product Specs
- Price: $2300 - $2950 (GbW version)
- Skill Level: Expert
- Burr Type: Flat
- Best for: Espresso
- Weight-based Dosing: Yes (GbW version)
- Digital Display: Yes
- Saved Recipe settings: Yes
- Burr size: 65mm Conical Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 1200g or 2.6lbs
- Weight: 30.8bs
- Power Rating: 700W
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 7.7 / 24.4 / 11.1
The best manual espresso grinder
You must be scratching your head when seeing a suggestion for a manual grinder for espresso, but hear us out.
While there are some objective benefits of grinding with a manual grinder, there are also some negatives.
First, and if you caught our review of the Weber Workshops The Key grinder, you will notice a fantastic feature of RPM speed integrated into the grinder. Faster RPMs mean the grinder moves through coffee faster, which is ultimately a desirable benefit when operating a busy coffee shop, but does that always result in a better cup of coffee? Not necessarily, as studies suggests that slower RPMs may improve extraction and grind accuracy, but there is still discussion on how slower RPMs may improve taste. Some users of manual coffee grinders swear by them when it comes to pour-over brewing, while others use them exclusively for espresso grinding. While manual grinding may not be practical for most (it may take upward of 45 seconds to grind 18 grams of espresso), it may be worth exploring for some.
The 1Zpresso J-Ultra, like its younger counterpart, is highly popular among coffee enthusiasts. The key distinction lies in their adjustment mechanisms. The J-Ultra offers finer, externally adjustable increments, making it convenient for espresso aficionados. However, the standard J-Ultra grinder is already suitable for espresso, providing a comfortable range for dialing in shots. The 1Zpresso J-Ultra caters to value-conscious espresso lovers, but its appeal has slightly diminished with the introduction of the espresso-focused J-Ultra, only marginally more expensive. Meanwhile, the basic J-Ultra has been improved with a redesigned axle and adjustment wheel, making it a decent option for espresso enthusiasts as well.
How it scores: 3.62
Ease of use: 4.0 stars
Build quality: 4.5 stars
Function and features: 2.0 stars
Price to feature comparison: 4.0 stars
1Zpresso J-Ultra Pros
The J-Ultra is exceptionally well built and super compact considering it packs a 48mm conical burr.
While it takes some time to grind 16 – 18 grams, it makes the whole brewing process a more mindful experience, which can be pleasant from time to time. Further, while we do not have a ton of experience experimenting with RPM speeds and how that impacts the taste of espresso, it is something worth exploring as many have commented on their preferences to lower RPM speeds.
The J-Ultra is a perfect espresso grinder for those who want to explore how RPM impacts brewing or those who travel often and brew as they go. The Jx-Pro S is also on the more budget-friendly side of things though you can get an electric espresso grinder with 40mm burrs for $30.00 more.
1Zpresso J-Ultra S Cons
It is hard to knock the J-Ultra as you know what you are getting into when purchasing it. Clearly, there is no digital display, or fancy functions and features that you can either enjoy or be dissatisfied with. The J-Ultra does a fantastic job though it has its limitations being a manual grinder.
1Zpresso J-Ultra S Specs
- Price: $143.00 - $199.00
- Skill Level: Novice
- Burr Type: Conical
- Best for: Espresso - Filter
- Weight-based Dosing: No
- Digital Display: No
- Saved Recipe settings: No
- Burr size: 48mm Conical Burrs
- Bean Hopper Capacity: 30 - 35g
- Weight: 1.71bs
- Power Rating: N/A
- Dimensions (WxHxD inches): 7.4 / 2.4 / 7.08
The espresso grinders you should keep your eyes on in 2024 and 2025
Espresso grinders, or coffee grinders in general, are some of the most hyped products in the industry, from known companies launching the next best coffee grinder to unknown brands on Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns launching a well-backed machine.
There are two coffee grinders to hit the market in 2024 that we have been keeping an eye on. Both are innovative and build upon what home and prosumer users have been looking for.
The first grinder is from a well-known Italian coffee manufacturer that is homing in on the single-dose, large burr set grinder market. The second, a currently unknown coffee manufacturer from Taiwan, has built a massive 83mm conical burr grinder with variable grinding speed adjustments.
Mazzer Philos
The Mazzer Philos is a vertically designed single-dose 64mm flat burr grinder with a rear adjustment dial and an extremely well-designed feeder and pre-breaker to ensure consistency throughout the entire grind.
Mazzer built the grinding chamber in a way where cleaning or changing burrs does not require tools, and due to the rear adjustment dial, users will not lose their grind setting when pulling the burrs out.
Mazzer also focused on product features home baristas look for, including; near-zero grind retention, reduction in static electricity, the ability to swap burr sets quickly, and optimized grinding duct to control popcorning and ensure constant and even flow of coffee beans into the grinding chamber.
We have our eyes on the Mazzer Philos as a potential high-end prosumer flat burr grinder to hopefully hit the market in early 2024. As soon as we can get our hands on this coffee grinder, we’ll provide an even more in-depth review.
The Mazzer Philos also has the option of two burrs for varying espresso grind and flavor preferences. The Mazzer burrs include:
- I200D (factory-fitted): characterized by a very uniform particle size distribution, these innovative burrs generate low fines and outstanding flavor clarity, enhancing pleasant acidity and fruity notes.
- I189D (factory-fitted upon request): the evolution of the iconic Mazzer Mini burrs, they are the right choice if you seek full-bodied extractions and a rich velvety mouthfeel. Easy to dial-in and great with medium-dark roasts, they are the best pick for traditional Italian espresso.
Mx. Cool Aries
The Mx. Cool Aries pushes the boundaries of conical burr grinding with their large 83mm titanium burr and adjustable grinder speeds of 90 – 150 RPMs.
If you read our review of the Weber Workshops Key coffee grinder, you will note that both have 83mm conical burrs and adjustable RPM speeds as some of the main features of their products.
The Weber Workshops grinder has a 350W motor, while the Mx. Cool Aries houses a 200W motor. Both can adjust RPM speeds, though the Key allows users to adjust between 30 and 150 RPMs.
While we have not tested the Mx. Cool Aries grinder, a few things to note are the cool operating temperatures of the machine as well as the quick 3-second burr disassembly for easy cleaning. Users who have been able to test the Aries note low grind retention, silent grinding, and balanced-tasting espresso with a slightly heavier mouthfeel.
The Mx. Cool Aries notes that it is compatible with various brewing methods like, French press, Pour-over, Moka pot, and Espresso.
What should you look for when purchasing an espresso grinder?
Our most significant advice when buying an espresso grinder, especially one with higher price points, is to look to the brands and manufacturers with quality builds, strong warranties, and available parts and service centers that work on these machines.
Buying an obscure espresso grinder with hard-to-find parts will make the machine unserviceable. If you run a café, it will cause even more significant problems that can temporarily halt your operation.
Call your local service center if you plan on buying a more expensive machine and see if they work on it. Alternatively, look for machines with solid warranties that can be serviced within the country you purchase them from.
Summary
We presented you with many great options, from the best espresso grinder for beginners to the best grinders for various skill levels and intentions. We have given you our thoughts on some of the entry-level espresso grinders and hopefully steered you toward solid options across multiple price points. When searching for the perfect espresso grinder, you should better understand what to look for, from conical burrs to flat burrs, motor size, build quality, available parts and servicing, and strong warranties.
If you are starting, start small and inexpensive, learn what you like, and then upgrade from there. Some mid-tier options, like the Eureka Mignon are grinders that even the more expert-level home baristas still use due to their convenience, longevity, and consistency.
Feel free to shoot us a note if you have any other detailed questions about espresso grinders.