TL;DR
Baratza Encore
The Baratza Encore is frequently mentioned as a reliable and versatile grinder suitable for various brewing methods, including French press and drip coffee. It is praised for its consistent grind quality and ease of use [1:1]
[2:2]
[4:6]. While it may be slightly above budget for some, users have found it to be worth the investment due to its durability and ability to upgrade parts like burrs
[2:6]. Additionally, refurbished models can be found at a lower cost
[2:7].
Timemore C1/C2
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Timemore C1/C2 manual grinder is highly recommended for its build quality and superb grind consistency at its price point [5:2]. Users have noted significant improvements in coffee taste after switching from cheaper grinders to the Timemore
[5:3]. Although it requires manual effort, it provides excellent value for money and is considered on par with more expensive models.
Other Budget Options
Several other affordable grinders were mentioned, such as the Hario Skerton ceramic coffee mill, which has been used reliably for years [1:3], and the Oxo Brew grinder, known for its reasonable pricing and effectiveness
[4:1]. The Kingrinder P Series was also highlighted for its affordability and steel burrs
[1:4]. For those looking for an even cheaper option, the IKEA grinder was suggested, though its performance compared to higher-end models is uncertain
[5:4].
Considerations for Manual vs. Electric
While manual grinders offer better burr quality at lower prices, they require more physical effort, which can be inconvenient during busy mornings [3:2]. Electric grinders are generally more efficient and convenient but may come with higher costs due to additional electronic components
[2:3]. Ultimately, the choice between manual and electric depends on personal preference and lifestyle needs.
Hello Guys, (recently posted on r / coffee yet wanted to know from the french press lovers, so here it goes:
I'm a student and was hoping to get some advice on my coffee journey. I've been a coffee drinker all my life but have never prepared it myself, so I'm trying to get into it as a hobby. [From now on all prices are on CAD]
I recently bought a French press (around $40) and some pre-ground Juan Valdez Durazno and Chocolate Blanco coffee. I was excited to try it, but the grind was too fine - picture medium to fine sea salt - and it left a ton of silt at the bottom, which made it taste pretty bitter after 4 mins, even 3. I'll probably just use this batch (1kg) for a drip coffee maker with a paper filter to avoid the silt.
My goal is to use my French press properly to get a bold, rich brew without all the bitterness and (so much) silt, which means I need to start with whole beans and a coarse grind.
Here's where I need your help:
Any advice for a complete beginner would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
If you are only planning on using a French press then you can get a cheaper grinder. Still need a burr grinder but French press is a very forgiving brewing method. The kingrinder p series is good. If you’re in the US, happy mug coffee sells inexpensive good beans. Also, freshroastedcoffee.com sells inexpensive beans too. Perc coffee has 31% off on the 13th of every month. I really like their Brazilian lengender beans.
I've used the Hario Skerton ceramic coffee mill daily for about 8 years. It's currently on sale on Amazon for $40.
Check out the Kingrinder P Series, they have steel burrs (better than ceramic) and are mad cheap.
I'm also new at this, but I got a Kingtinder K6 and am very impressed with the build quality and machining. I didn't have anything else to compare it with, though, unfortunately.
It's more expensive than you're wanting to spend but the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder is $149 right now on Amazon. This is the grinder I bought 6 years ago and it's really good, no issues. I buy cheap beans online through Sam's Club and I use the French Press method exclusively. Makes a good cup of coffee. I have at times bought from Happy Mug or from a local roaster. However, I'm just as happy with less expensive beans.
First off: sorry if this is against the rules of this subreddit. :O
I always worked in cafes so whenever I bought coffee, I would have it ground in my cafe, but a couple years ago I bought a grinder deciding hey it would be great to just... grind m coffee just before I make it. Long story short, the grinder is absolute trash and I should've done research before actually purchasing one. It was a relatively cheap and it shows. I can't adjust the grind, it's jammed since the day I first got it, and even the *numbers* wiped off with a swipe of my finger!
So I'm looking for a replacement! I'm willing to spend a bit more if it means it'll actually do the job well. I use a Cuisinart 12-cup coffee maker with a cone filter; naturally, I already know about different grinds. I'm just looking for something of decent quality I won't have to replace in a day.
Baratza Encore all day. Consistent grinder perfect for all methods except espresso. Can be upgraded for $35 down the line, and replacement parts are cheap and easy to get.
Assuming that I can find one for a decent price, how much of an upgrade do you feel a virtuoso is for everyday use or is it unnecessary in the grand scheme?
You can upgrade the encore to the virtuoso burrs for $50. $35 for the M2 burr, $15 for the ring burr (which is the same on both models but you want both to wear at the same rate)
The encore does not go on sale due to some vendor agreements. You might find it being sold with along with free coffee beans but do not wait for a discounted price. Other choice is to get a refurbished encore ( I did this).
Here's what I was taught. I'm assuming you are looking for a grinder for personal use, not commercial.
Say you have the option between a $100 electric grinder and a $100 manual hand grinder.
The electric grinder has a motor and all kinds of electric parts which can be expensive, and thus the manufacture of that product has to use cheaper burrs and other core parts of the grinder to make up for that added cost.
The manual hand grinder, however, would be made with much higher quality burrs and core parts because they don't have to include the cost of all of those electronics. For most cases, I feel this holds true. I've been using a hand grinder for years which produces a much more consistent grind than the Encore I used to use. I'd recommend looking into hand grinders, personally.
I have the aergrind by Knock and it beats my Smart Grinder Pro in all grinds.
My Capresso Infinity is almost 5 years old. Great grinder, decent consistency, makes great tasting coffee.
What's your budget?
Personally, my little Cuisinart burr grinder has been more than suitable for ~$25
I knew this wasn’t going to go over well. Snobs.
Hey whatever it takes to get caffeinated!
Typically would grind the beans at Costco post coffee bean purchase ( so clearly my standards are low). Looking to invest in a coffee grinder as @jameshoffmann says it’s key to a great coffee ( mores so than the machine itself).
Not looking to blow the budget but want a good grinder that offers good value for money, and help me up my coffee game. Mostly do drip coffee but love the option for a variety of different grinds to accommodate the machine ability to make espresso, specialty coffees, etc.
Thanks!
I’m going to be a bit controversial and say unless you are on a tight budget or travel/camp a lot don’t buy a hand grinder. It’s an extra physical step that can be annoying in the morning when you are in a rush. A entry or mid-level tier electric grinder will be much more efficient.
I’m saying this as a person with two great hand grinders and no electric grinders.
I would get the best hand grinder you can for your budget. I enjoy manual grinding, but others don’t. 1Zpresso Ultra seems popular for under $160. More options for more money of course.
I know nothing about manually grinding but will look into it! Thanks
I'll share with you my thinking on this. Like I said in my post above, some people hate the manual process of grinding. It can take anywhere between 30 seconds to minutes depending on how fine you're grinding and how much coffee beans you're grinding. I really enjoy this process.
At the heart of any grinder is the burr set up. That's what's grinding your beans. When you have a hand grinder, a lot more of the cost of the grinder is going to the burrs versus an electric grinder, which has a motor and other electronic parts. So, the general view is that you can get a "better" grinder for the money when getting a hand grinder. The Baratza Encore is viewed as a solid grinder (it's kind of the entry electric grinder for good grinders). The price skyrockets from there. With hand grinders, the 1Zpresso X Ultra is a really excellent one and you're talking $160 off of Amazon. You can go up but you're not really going to need to spend more than $350 for a Commandante C40 or $250 for an 1Zpresso K Ultra. (These hand grinders I've listed are mainly for pour over, but they can do espresso; espresso for electric grinders is a different game and you're looking at way more cost for electric grinders for espresso).
Kingrinder is a brand I've come across that has better pricing than the X Ultra. I would search for "hand grinder" over on /pourover.
I wouldn’t even entertain manual grinding. Every coffee person I know, thought oh hand grind, I’m more in touch with the process, etc. They romanticize the process. Within 6 months to year they buy electric grinder. Do you really want to do manual labor in the first hour after you wake? If you’re trying to dial in, like espresso, count on 4-6 grinding cycles. If you’re trying to are ok with pre grinding beans at Costco, you’ll be elated with a Baratza Encore or something in that range.
In general, it's about $100 cheaper for the same quality grinds (as the grinders get more expensive it's even $500 or $1000 cheaper for the same) at the cost of 30-60 seconds of hand grinding each morning
King grinder p2 , done, even James recommended the P1
That’s fair! Grinding fresh is a huge step up to start with. As far as espresso goes what you are looking for is more weight ratios. So for 18g of ground coffee you should be looking to end up with 36g of coffee in between 25-35 seconds. If you are wanting to do more espresso based drinks you should invest in a cheap scale that also has a timer on it. With a versatile grinder you may not have enough control to dial in perfect espresso but you should be able to get close. Basically aim for a 1:2 ratio over 25-35 seconds. If it’s extracting faster then 25 second make your grind size finer. If you are on the slow end make your grind size more course.
Baratza Encore. Want to do more espresso (while still on the cheap)? Baratza Encore ESP. That's the most budget I would go. There's some hand grinder options but I'll let someone else talk about that.
Thanks!! I’ll check that out- recently had an espresso a $3700 machine and ….damn fell in love and changed my whole perspective on good coffee! Love espresso!
Hello, just purchased a Moccamaster KBGT and realized the coffee ginder I currently use make the bean too fine. I read for this machine, it's best to us a medium course grind.
My questions are:
1.) What's a middle of the road coffee bean grinder that you would recommend?
2.) Would you prefer electric or manual
3.) what the best coffee bean to use with a Moccamaster. I love coffee and there is a time and place for all blends.
Thank you
The very reliable, tried & true Baratza Encore
i've had mine for years, got it for $150 on amazon and eventually upgraded the burrs, but honestly the standard ones are fine too.
I have the Baratza Virtuoso. I love the work it does.
I started roasting my own coffee to "save money" or just have fresher coffee.
I have a baratza encore.
I get my whole beans from HomeGoods. They carry various varieties of 12oz whole bean bags for around $7.99. I usually get BKG bags from them and try other unique roasters when they have em (https://bkgcoffee.com).
Normally the roast date is not on the package but I never had an issue with freshness they taste great. I feel it’s a good compromise for non grocery store coffee and not paying $12-$16 for same size bags at small local coffee shops.
Baratza Encore is always the answer
Electric
Whatever you can get that freshest and local typically - I have “me” beans (local) and beans for company (Caribou medium roast)
Check the marketplace on Facebook, can usually find really good deals on there. I just now checked my local area & was able to find a used one for $75
The Oxo Brew grinder works well for me and it's very reasonably priced.
To spare you the details, I’m in the market for a new grinder. However, I am moving about 1,000 miles before the end of the year so I really do not want to spend good money on a nice grinder only to have to pack it away and hope it stays in good shape.
I really only make pour overs, but I do occasionally use my French press as well. Not sure if the different grinds will make a difference for which grinder to buy. I’d say my budget would be <$40. Thanks Joe Bros!
Timemore C1/C2.
This grinder is the best value for money at the moment. Nice build and feel, plus the grind quality is superb at its price and will beat any other grinder in that price range.
I have the Chestnut Slim, which is apparently the same grinder but smaller, and couldn't agree more. I could not believe how much better my coffee tasted after switching from a crappy grinder to this. I got it for about $80 from Aliexpress, and it was honestly the best coffee-related purchase I ever made.
A little more expensive than I wanted but it looks so damn nice for that price. Every website has it at a full 5 stars too. I may binge and pick this one up and just box it up carefully.
There’s an IKEA grinder for $30 that was posted recently. Not sure if it is as good as the one suggested above
Do yourself a favor and wait until you can spend $65 to order it from AliExpress. It is so much better than any other grinder cheaper than it. It really is a night and day difference over things like Hario or Porlex. It is on par with grinders well over $100.
If you pack it decently you shouldn't have any problem.
And if you want to be extra careful you can disassemble the burrs to avoid damaging them.
Also if you want more info about the grinder just search it here this sub.
I got the Javapress for $40 and it's OK so far, I mainly do pour overs so haven't really tested all grind sizes for other types of coffee.
A little higher than your budget but a nice grinder is KRUPS 1500813240 GVX212 +/- 60 $ .
My brother gifted me a french press a year ago and I bought a stainless steel mokapot a decade ago. Both make good coffee. They get about equal use a couple times a week.
But lately I’ve tried going from store bought grounds to locally roasted beans in small quantities. In theory, the flavor should be much better, but it’s not.
I also picked up a Crups M203 blade grinder a while back to grind dried chilies. It works awesome for that. It’s also good for other spices and even for wheat berries when I’m too lazy to pull out my flour mill or just need a small quantity.
But it’s absolutely awful for coffee beans (yes, it gets thoroughly cleaned between uses... I’m not a heathen). I find that by the time I get the majority of the grinds to the size I want, the coffee dust in the mix, that also ends up in the bottom of the cup, gets ridiculous. And I’ve been told that dust makes the coffee excessively bitter. I don’t like bitter coffee. If I have to add sugar to the coffee to cut the bitterness, then it’s bad coffee in my opinion.
What’s a good burr grinder that’s not outrageously expensive and will give a good grind size for both the mokapot and the French press? Is it better to have a hand grinder or an electric grinder?
For $140 - Baratza Encore (electric)
For $200 - Lido 3 (manual)
For $250 - Baratza Virtuoso + (electric)
The Lido and Virtuoso are in the same ballpark. All of the above are good (Encore) to great (Lido and Virtuoso) for moka and French press.
James Hoffman has a video on getting better results with a blade grinder by using a sieve and the a paper towel to get rid of fines. It might be a good stop gap while you save up more for a grinder?
The paper towel is brilliant! I’ll have to remember that one.
Ironically, what he suggested is basically what I did this morning before seeing your link.
I grabbed a couple pieces of scrap stainless steel mesh from a kiln spark arrestor project and my kitchen sieve. They are #30,#60, & #13 meshes respectively.
70g of beans ground in twenty 1-2 second bursts with the grinder tilted at a 30° angle (it’s the same effect to shaking it) gave me: 38g stopped by the #13 kitchen sieve, which I saved for regrinding later. 24g stopped by the #30 mesh after falling through the #13. 8g fell through both meshes - I tried to shake this through the #60, but it wasn’t worth it. So it was discarded.
The 24g was dropped into my French press with 360g of water. The coffee was better, but the sieving process was a pain.
What’s your actual budget?
I was thinking $30-$60. Anything over $100 is way out of my budget. I just don’t drink enough coffee to justify the cost.
Stick with the Krups until you can afford something $100+. Nothing in the $30-60 range is really that much of an upgrade.
You could try to find a capresso infinity on Craigslist or marketplace
I got a Baratza Encore for $80 brand new off some side on offerup.
I’d save until you can do $100. That gets you a Timemore slim or a refurbished baratza encore. The Timemore is probably the better grinder, but it can only hold 20g of beans or so. It’ll go through them quickly, but if you really can’t be bothered to do multiple loads (depending on how much coffee you’re making with your French press), the baratza should also do well.
Tired of lackluster coffee from pre-ground beans? You know that freshly ground coffee is the secret to a truly exceptional cup, but the high price of quality grinders can be a major barrier. Finding a machine that delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
To find the best budget coffee grinders of , we focused on models that deliver consistent performance without a substantial investment. Our top overall pick is the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder for its exceptional balance of consistent performance, user-friendly features, and outstanding value, making it the best choice for most home coffee enthusiasts. Leveraging extensive analysis and hands-on evaluation of the top contenders, this guide cuts through the noise. We'll dive into detailed reviews, compare the top models side-by-side, and give you a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the perfect grinder for your needs and budget.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Budget Coffee Grinders of
To find the best budget coffee grinders of , we focused on models that deliver consistent performance without a substantial investment. Our selections are based on grind quality, durability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring you can unlock the full aroma and flavor of fresh coffee beans at home. After analyzing dozens of models and evaluating 5 top contenders based on grind consistency, durability, and user feedback, this list represents the best options across different needs and price points.
Best Overall: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best Value: Aromaster Coffee Bean Grinder
Best for Small Spaces: OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best Manual Grinder: CEVING Mini Manual Coffee Grinder
Best Ultra-Budget Option: Bodum Bistro Electric Blade Coffee Grinder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CBhJ3G1mI4\
How We Tested and Selected These Coffee Grinders
What's the most important factor for you when choosing a coffee grinder? Our research shows for most people, it comes down to grind consistency. Our evaluation process focused on the factors that truly impact your daily coffee routine. Each grinder was assessed based on the following criteria to ensure our recommendations are reliable, trustworthy, and genuinely helpful for budget-conscious coffee lovers.
Grind Consistency: We analyzed how uniform the coffee particles were for different settings, from fine espresso to coarse French press. Consistent particle size is critical for even extraction and better flavor.
Range of Settings: We evaluated the number of grind settings and how well they catered to various brewing methods. Versatility is key for those who enjoy more than one type of coffee.
Durability & Build Quality: We assessed the materials used, such as stainless steel vs. ceramic burrs and the overall construction, to gauge long-term reliability.
Ease of Use & Cleaning: We considered the user experience, from one-touch operation and intuitiv...
Here is the Main Source: https://coffeexplore.com/best-budget-coffee-grinders/?feed_id=7&_unique_id=688191add20a9
I heard manual ones are cheaper than electric and grinding coffee freshly is much better what would be a good grinder which isn't all that expensive but works well?
It seems from your profile that you use a moka potm if so definitely got for the C2/c3 you won't regret it
Yesss thanks a lot
The Timemore C2/C3 if you're on a tight budget like the others said.
If you've got a bit more of a budget then I'd get the Comandante C40. This is what I currently use and it's definitely worth the price.
Timemore c2 is the best Grinder in a tight budget
After saving up and buying a KBGV, I can’t afford to spend hundreds more on a grinder. Is there a solid grinder in the $50-100 range or should I hold out for the Baratza Encore at $150? Is a hand-grinder an option and if so, any recommendations? Any input appreciated.
Oxo burr grinder, got it for under $100 few months ago, you can probably get the 15% discount if you sign up for their newsletter
I personally set light roast to 8 and dark to 9
Ymmv
Second the Oxo - most major retailers have it on sale once a quarter for $20-$30 off, got mine at Target for $70 I think around Black Friday. Has been my everyday grinder for 1-2 years, works well.
I can also vouch for this grinder. Good budget option.
I've had the Oxo for six years, it's a great option.
I use a 1zpresso JX hand grinder you will need to spend allot of money to get an electric grinder with the same quality grind.
I will look into this. What grind setting do you prefer for the Moccamaster?
Timemore C2 / C2 Max. Less than $100. Great grind for the price. Probably better than an Oxo.
Isn’t the Oxo what’s considered a “false burr” grinder?
Honestly hard to tell, you would need to count the amazing of clicks before you bottom out on the burrs. For larger batches you need to refill it twice to grind enough but for daily use I find it absolutely fine. I dare say the price has risen a lot since I bought mine.
A+ grinder
Look for used equipment on Facebook marketplace or a similar website. I just found a baratza encore for $90 Canadian
Check out Normcore grinders. They’re 50% off on Amazon right now in the US. I have the V3 and it’s fantastic.
Oxo Burr Grinder is $100. It's recommended by Wirecutter.
Best Affordable Coffee Grinder
Key Considerations for Choosing an Affordable Coffee Grinder:
Type of Grinder:
Grind Settings:
Capacity:
Ease of Cleaning:
Price Range:
Recommendations:
Burr Grinder: The Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder is a great choice, typically priced around $40-$50. It offers 16 grind settings, a 8.8-ounce capacity, and is known for its durability and consistent grind.
Blade Grinder: The Krups F203 Coffee Grinder is a solid option if you prefer a blade grinder. Priced around $20, it’s compact, easy to use, and works well for basic grinding needs.
Choosing a burr grinder is generally recommended for better flavor and consistency, but if you're on a tight budget, a blade grinder can still get the job done for casual coffee drinkers.
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