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10 Best Electric Coffee Grinders in 2022 (Coffee Shop Owner-Reviewed)

Did you know that ground coffee gradually loses flavor and aroma over time? Before you’ve even put your pre-ground, store-bought coffee into the machine, it has already lost most of its taste! To make sure to savor each and every aspect of the coffee bean, coffee grinders are an essential item.


Picking a coffee grinder can be hard. Different grinders are best suited for specific types of brewing methods, while some are more versatile in use than others. After combing through tons of reviews, our favorite electric coffee grinder is the Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder for its ease of use, measurement instructions, and advanced technology. Take a look at our buying guide, reviewed by coffee shop co-owner, Nicole Michalek, for the rest of our picks!

Last updated 02/01/2024
Nicole Michalek
Expert
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

Following a decade-long career as a designer/art director in the fashion and beauty industry, I found my new calling in a coffee shop in Japan, where I met my husband who is a barista. We now run a coffee shop together in the countryside. My knowledge and passion for specialty coffee continues to grow, and I enjoy trying new beans and methods every day!

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Table of Contents

How to Choose an Electric Coffee Grinder - Buying Guide

Choosing an electric coffee grinder can be a herculean task when there's so much to consider. Here, we'll go over some main tips for buying the best electric grinder to fit your coffee habits!

1

Check Company Specifications of Capacity

Check Company Specifications of Capacity

First, ask yourself when setting out to find your perfect grinder, “how often will I use it?” The answer can affect the size and type of grinder you choose. For instance, if you only plan on making coffee once a week, maybe a smaller grinder, perfect for one cup, would be enough.


When you start looking at different grinders, you'll notice that a few will be described as making a certain number of cups. This does not mean how many cups of coffee beans can fit into the machine. It is the measurement of cups the grinder can make.


The average measurement is two tablespoons of grinds per cup. However, the exact amount per cup will depend on the manufacturer, so check the product details closely for how the company defines a cup! 


Make sure to keep track of how many cups of coffee you usually make as well, as different coffee grinders can handle a different number of batches. For instance, some coffee grinders can make as little as one to 12 cups of coffee, while other grinders can make four to 18 cups. So, if you require a large number of cups daily, you'll want a grinder that can make a lot of cups.

2

Pick Between Blade and Burr Grinders

In general, when picking a grinder, you want to look for grind consistency. Then, you should look at the size, portability, and how it fits into your lifestyle. There are two types of electric grinders: blade and burr. We'll go over the pros and cons of each here.

Blade Grinders are Easy to Use and Plentiful to Find

Blade Grinders are Easy to Use and Plentiful to Find

Blade grinders work like a blender; the blades spin and chop the beans. They are often affordable, portable, and simple to operate. However, they emit heat when grinding, which can alter the taste of the beans. And since the blade isn’t accurate, the resulting grind will be inconsistent. It's also recommended to use a filter with these types of grinders to keep grounds out of your cup.


However, blade grinders are much better than buying pre-made coffee, as they still allow you to create fresh, flavorful cups of coffee suited to your tastes. They are a convenient choice for people starting off in the coffee grinding world or for those who want an easy-to-use machine!

Nicole Michalek
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

Blade models are readily available, yet more difficult to use because the grind size is not uniform. Ultimately, this leads to an inconsistent flavor for your coffee, regardless of whether you're sticking with the same recipe. 


It is possible to develop your own method via trial and error if you have the time! Also, blade models tend to produce fine coffee powder when grinding the beans. This may not be a bad thing if you’re using beans at their prime point in aging. But if your beans are too fresh or too old, the powder is not so palatable.

Burr Grinders for a Consistent Grind

Burr Grinders for a Consistent Grind

Many coffee aficionados recommend burr blade grinders – and for good reason. These grinders are made of two plate-like blades that come together to crush the coffee beans. The plates can be shifted further apart from each other to achieve different grind consistencies. The resulting grind is finer in texture and more uniform.


Burr grinders can be further divided into two categories: steel and ceramic. These are based on what the blades are made of and what shape they are. Either choice does the same job, but there are a few differences in longevity of the blades. 


Steel burrs last longer and are easier to find on the market, while ceramic burrs stay sharper for longer but are more fragile.


If you want to be even more specific, you can also pick between flat and conical burr blades. The difference between the two is based on the shape of the blades. Conical burr blades feed beans through the grinder faster than flat burr blades. Flat burrs leave bean fragments called retention, which can jam the grinder if it is not thoroughly cleaned. 


But, both types have minimal differences in the final grind and are really based on personal preference. No matter what type you pick, you can’t go wrong with a burr grinder!

Nicole Michalek
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

The higher the grinder performance and quality – which ensures uniformity of coffee grain size – the better the effect on extraction. Electric burr grinders practically guarantee a consistent grind size, so it’s a great way to go if you have the budget and space for it. 


There are a number of great options in quite a wide price range these days: MAHLKONIG ek-43, Kalita NEXT G, Wilfa SVART Nymalt, Fuji Royal, and so on.

3

Extra Features Can Help You Specify Your Blend

Extra features and versatility are awesome bonuses when it comes to picking a machine. These additions can make the grinder easier to use or better adjusted for your lifestyle, so keep them in mind!

Step and Stepless Grinders Help You Fine-Tune Your Grind

Step and Stepless Grinders Help You Fine-Tune Your Grind

For those who want a grinder that has multiple settings, there are two types: step and stepless.


Step grinders have pre-programmed settings optimized for different grinds and stepless grinders do not have preset settings. You can change the settings by a fraction of an inch for a more precise grind. This makes a big difference when making espresso shots. We recommend a step grinder since step grinders are easier to adjust, reprogram, and consistently make the same grinds for each of its input settings.


Did you know that different grinds are preferred for specific brewing methods? If you want to be able to create the optimal brew, go for a machine that can be adjusted


In general, most adjustable machines are able to grind for different brews, from French presses to lighter espressos. The consistency of the grinds can vary based on the machine and its blades, so refer to reviews about which grinds a machine is best at making before purchase! Read on to learn what type of grinds are suitable for what kinds of brews so you can match your grinder to your brewing machine.

4

Direct Drive Grinders Make the Least Amount of Noise

Direct Drive Grinders Make the Least Amount of Noise

For those who want the convenience of an automatic grinder that's quiet, look for a grinder labelled “direct drive.” These are low-speed motor machines, where the motor is attached to the burr blade and spins at the same speed, resulting in less noise. They also have an added bonus of reducing heat when grinding coffee beans.


Another choice is a "gear reduction" machine. In gear reduction grinders, the burr is slowed down by a set of gears attached to a fast motor. The extra gears in between make it noisier than a direct drive, but the lower speed of the blade makes it quieter than a standard grinder.


However, any automatic machine will make some degree of noise, so make sure to check the reviews before purchasing!

Nicole Michalek
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

If noise is really an issue, go for a manual grinder! The performance of hand-grinding mills has improved dramatically in recent years and offers a bit more sense of control over your outcome. Some pro choices are COMANDANTE, 1Zpresso Zpro and Weber workshop. Plus, you’d have the flexibility of using it on the go!

5

Grinders That Can be Taken Apart Are Easier to Clean

Grinders That Can be Taken Apart Are Easier to Clean

As you start using your grinder more often, it will inevitably build up with old coffee grounds. This can affect your next batch of beans, so it will need a good cleaning.


Doing a quick search online can lead you to a simple solution: grinding rice, which can help to get rid of the grounds. We do not recommend this method! Although you won’t need to take the grinder apart, the grinding rice may clog or unnecessarily damage the inner workings of the machine.


You will need to take apart the machine to do a proper clean. If you want the process to be more convenient, pick a grinder that can be taken apart with ease. You want to be able to reach the burr blade easily.


When cleaning, small brushes and toothpicks can be lifesavers to brush away those pesky grounds. Some machines even come with one, so check the product descriptions carefully!

Nicole Michalek
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

Residual grounds will affect the flavor of the coffee, so the ease of maintenance of the grinder is important. If you want to grind different types of coffee beans - for example, one cup of single-origin Ethiopia, one cup of a blended coffee - you will need to first purge the coffee powder from the mechanism before switching beans. So when purchasing a grinder or mill, consider the parts that are easy to maintain and clean.

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10 Best Electric Coffee Grinders

Here are our 10 best electric coffee grinders. We've chosen them based on blade type, how easy they are to clean, and versatility. We've also combed through top reviews and summarized them here for your perusal! *Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Nicole Michalek.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Bodum

Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder‎10903-01US-3

Bodum Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder 1

$32.05

Low Mid

Best Burr Grinder for Beginners

2

Kaffe

Blade Coffee GrinderKF2040

Kaffe Blade Coffee Grinder 1

$17.80

Low Mid

Best for Personal Use

3

Capresso

Infinity Conical Burr Grinder560.01

Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder 1

$98.05

High Mid

Best for Quiet Grinding

4

Mueller

Ultra-Grind Conical Burr GrinderCG900

Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder 1

$89.97

High Mid

Best For Grind Variety

5

OXO

Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 1

$99.95

High Mid

Best Burr Grinder for Preservation

6

Baratza

Conical Burr Coffee GrinderENCORE

Baratza Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 1

$149.69

High

Best Grinder for Longevity

7

Breville

Electric Coffee Blade GrinderBCG820BSSXL

Breville Electric Coffee Blade Grinder 1

$38.50

Mid

Best for Pour-Over Brewing Method

8

Hamilton Beach

Espresso Coffee Grinder

Hamilton Beach Espresso Coffee Grinder 1

$18.99

Low Mid

Best Grinder for Portability

9

Mr. Coffee

Electric Coffee Grinder with Multi SettingsIDS77-RB

Mr. Coffee Electric Coffee Grinder with Multi Settings 1

$22.99

Low Mid

Best for Easy Cleaning

10

KRUPS

Supreme Grind Automatic Burr MillGX332850

KRUPS Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill 1

$51.60

Mid

Best for Fast Grinding

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

BodumElectric Spice and Coffee Grinder‎10903-01US-3

Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder 1
Source:amazon.com
Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder 2
Source:amazon.com
Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$32.05
Low Mid
Reference price
$32.05
Low Mid

Best Burr Grinder for Beginners

Pros:

  • 12 grind settings
  • Lid with measurements
  • Available in three colors 
  • Has a static-free glass container to catch grinds
  • Has a timer for up to 20 seconds

Cons:

  • Settings are marked by symbols instead of numbers

Bodum’s Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder is the best product for customers that are new to burr grinders. It has twelve grind settings instead of forty or more, which can be overwhelming for beginners. More importantly, the hopper lid has measurements for the amount and grind time needed for whichever brew you wish to make. This product also has a timer with five-second intervals to keep you from over-grinding your beans. 


Some reviewers find this grinder to be very loud. They also find it messy because of the static electricity causing the beans and dust to fly around when removing the grinds. But, most reviewers like that it lasts for years, that it is easy to clean, and mostly quiet. It also has a friction guard to protect the blades if a stone happens to be in the grinds.

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No.2

KaffeBlade Coffee GrinderKF2040

Blade Coffee Grinder 1
Source:amazon.com
Blade Coffee Grinder 2
Source:amazon.com
Blade Coffee Grinder 3
Source:amazon.com
Blade Coffee Grinder 4
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.80
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.80
Low Mid

Best for Personal Use

Pros:

  • Two-year limited warranty
  • Easy to use on and off button on the transparent lid
  • Available in four colors
  • Can grind spices and herbs
  • Includes a brush for easy cleaning

Cons:

  • Only one grind setting 


Kaffe Electric Coffee Grinder is the best grinder for personal use. It's compact for easy storage, makes up to twelve cups, and has a three-ounce capacity, perfect for the individual coffee lover. Despite having only one grind setting, the transparent lid allows you to check on grind consistency as it runs. It also comes with a two-year warranty. 


A few customers remark that their coffee grinder stopped working within one year. However, other customers love that this product is easy to clean and how well it produces fine grinds. They also love to use it to grind spices and that it is quiet and easy to store.  

No.3

CapressoInfinity Conical Burr Grinder560.01

Infinity Conical Burr Grinder 1
Source:amazon.com
Infinity Conical Burr Grinder 2
Source:amazon.com
Infinity Conical Burr Grinder 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$98.05
High Mid
Reference price
$98.05
High Mid

Best for Quiet Grinding

Pros:

  • Ultra-fine Turkish grinds to coarse
  • Gear reduction motor for reduced noise
  • Safety lock
  • 16 grind settings
  • Available in silver and black
  • Includes cleaning brush and coffee scoop

Cons:

  • No automatic shut off option

The Infinity Conical Burr Grinder is the best machine for quiet grinding. The gear reduction feature of this machine makes it quiet compared to other burr coffee grinders. This machine has a wide range of settings, from coarse French Press to Turkish grinds. There is also an auto-lock feature for safety. The auto-lock feature keeps the blades from operating when the hopper isn't attached.


Some customers say that it clogs often and is difficult to keep clean and they have difficulty achieving an adequate coarse grind. On the other hand, reviewers love that there is little static, so the beans won't stick to the sides of the chamber and not much heat is emitted during use. They also love that a cleaning brush and a measuring scoop are included. The top burr and hopper are removable for easy cleaning.

No.4

MuellerUltra-Grind Conical Burr GrinderCG900

Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder 1
Source:amazon.com
Ultra-Grind Conical Burr Grinder 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$89.97
High Mid
Reference price
$89.97
High Mid

Best For Grind Variety

Pros:

  • 30 to 32 cup capacity
  • 90 settings
  • Ultra-fine Turkish grind to coarse grind size
  • Gear reduction grinding for quieter coffee making
  • Embedded cleaning brush for easy cleaning

Cons:

  • Larger than other models

The Mueller Ultra-Grind Conical Grinder is the best product for grind variety. This large machine has 90 settings to fine-tune each cup. It can produce the coarsest French Press grinds to powdery Turkish grinds, a setting that is not available on most coffee grinders. It also makes up to 32 cups and has a gear reduction system that grinds quieter than other machines.


A few reviewers have reported that grind dust gets everywhere when removing the hopper or opening the lid. Other reviewers love that this machine delivers a uniform grind for every setting. They also love that this machine has an embedded cleaning brush for easy cleaning.

Best Burr Grinder for Preservation

Pros:

  • 15 labeled settings plus micro settings
  • Stainless steel burrs
  • One-touch start that saves the last setting
  • 12 cup capacity
  • UV-blocking hopper

Cons:

  • Cannot clean burrs with soap or water

The OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is the best grinder to use to preserve the flavor and aroma of your beans. The hopper is tinted to block UV rays to keep your beans fresh! The stainless steel grinds container prevents static from building up and creating a mess. There are 15 marked settings and more micro settings for a large range of grind sizes. 


Some customers point out that sometimes, the machine has issues constantly feeding the beans during the grinding process. However, other reviewers love that the static electricity is greatly reduced with the stainless steel tray. The one-touch start also saves the last setting automatically, so the next time you don’t have to adjust the settings.

No.6

BaratzaConical Burr Coffee GrinderENCORE

Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 1
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 2
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 3
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 4
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 5
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 6
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 7
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 8
Lowest price
$149.69
High
Lowest price
$149.69
High

Best Grinder for Longevity

Pros:

  • 40 grind settings
  • Small design can fit in most kitchens
  • Designed to be kept for years with replaceable parts
  • Available in black and white
  • One-year warranty

Cons:

  • May occasionally clog

The Baratza Encore Burr Coffee Grinder is the best grinder for longevity. The company ensures that they will replace any part for a small fee in the event of damage or wear and tear. It also has a generous one-year warranty policy. Aside from that, it has forty grind settings for different preferences. The lid, bean hopper, and top burr are removable for quick cleaning. 


Some reviewers noticed that the machine clogs - especially when using oily, dark roast beans. Other reviewers love the consistency and precision of the grinds. This product is also compact, so it doesn't take up counter space and is easy to store. The grinder is available in black and white.

No.7

BrevilleElectric Coffee Blade GrinderBCG820BSSXL

Electric Coffee Blade Grinder 1
Source:amazon.com
Electric Coffee Blade Grinder 2
Source:amazon.com
Electric Coffee Blade Grinder 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$38.50
Mid
Reference price
$38.50
Mid

Best for Pour-Over Brewing Method

Pros:

  • 60 grind settings
  • Includes large and small portafilter cradles
  • Includes conical cleaning brush
  • LCD display
  • Programmable system allows 0.2-second increment adjustments

Cons:

  • Heavier compared to other models

The Smart Grind Pro by Breville is the best grinder for fans of the pour-over brewing method. The programmable timer's 0.2-second increment adjustments give users control to produce perfect medium-fine beans. The LCD display shows grind time, number of shots or cups, and grind size. You can also adjust between the 60 settings for the best grind. 


Some reviewers report that the parts for this grinder wear down and jam frequently after a year. Most reviewers love how evenly this product grinds and that the bottom tray, cradles, and feeder are all easy to remove and put back. This product also comes with warranty options to replace any faulty machines and includes a cleaning brush for the burrs. 

No.8

Hamilton BeachEspresso Coffee Grinder

Espresso Coffee Grinder 1
Espresso Coffee Grinder 2
Espresso Coffee Grinder 3
Espresso Coffee Grinder 4
Espresso Coffee Grinder 5
Espresso Coffee Grinder 6
Espresso Coffee Grinder 7
Lowest price
$18.99
Low Mid
Lowest price
$18.99
Low Mid

Best Grinder for Portability

Pros:

  • 12-cup capacity
  • Removable grinding tray
  • Hideaway cord
  • Can grind spices and herbs 
  • Available in two colors

Cons:

  • Only has one setting

The Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder by Hamilton Beach is the best product for portability. This grinder is only one-point-three pounds, very lightweight, and easy to transport. It also has a hideaway cord that wraps snuggly around the base. It is quiet, making it ideal to use in a variety of locations without disturbing others. 


Some reviewers say that the coffee bean capacity is too small for them and that water gets trapped inside of the blade component. The company says to combat this issue, the blade component needs to be separated and held upside down to allow the water to drain. Other reviewers love how the cap doubles as a cup for your grinds and that it can grind spices as well.

No.9

Mr. CoffeeElectric Coffee Grinder with Multi SettingsIDS77-RB

Electric Coffee Grinder with Multi Settings 1
Source:amazon.com
Electric Coffee Grinder with Multi Settings 2
Source:amazon.com
Electric Coffee Grinder with Multi Settings 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$22.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$22.99
Low Mid

Best for Easy Cleaning

Pros:

  • Removable grinding chamber
  • Self-cleaning system
  • One-year limited warranty
  • Can grind spices
  • 25-inch cord

Cons:

  • Three settings for grind size

The Mr. Coffee Blade Grinder is the best coffee grinder for those that prefer a clean grinding process. It has an exclusive chamber maid cleaning system, which cleans beans off of the sides with easy twists and turns. The press-n-pour lid makes dispensing and filling the hopper mess-free. The chamber is removable to make cleaning it a breeze.


Some reviewers note that there is a chemical odor and that the motor can burn out if used too frequently in one day. But, many reviewers love that it gives a consistent grind for its three settings and that it can also be used to grind spices. This coffee grinder also comes with a limited one-year warranty and that its 25-inch cord gives it a versatile location.

No.10

KRUPSSupreme Grind Automatic Burr MillGX332850

Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill 1
Source:amazon.com
Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill 2
Source:amazon.com
Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$51.60
Mid
Reference price
$51.60
Mid

Best for Fast Grinding

Pros:

  • Fast grinding
  • Unique vortex technology reduces noise
  • Brews 12 cups
  • Dishwasher-safe bowl
  • One-touch operation for easy use

Cons:

  • Small coffee bean capacity compared to other models


The Vortex Silent Grinder by KRUPS is the best product for fast grinding. The unique vortex technology pulls the beans into the blades, grinding 12 cups in as little as 15 seconds. The same technology ensures that this product is quiet, so you can use it night or day without waking anyone. This grinder brews twelve cups and can grind in pulses or continuously. 


Some reviewers say that while the bowl is dishwasher-safe, the main unit is very annoying to clean. Many other reviewers are satisfied with the product's easy maintenance and that it has a safety lock feature. They also love that it can be used to grind herbs and spices but don’t recommend that coffee and spices be ground with the same machine.

Tips to Brew Better Coffee

When you brew coffee, water flows through the grinds, extracting the aromatic oils and flavor out of the beans. The finer the grind, the more time it takes for the water to pass through, making the final beverage stronger in flavor. Different types of brews have different flavor profiles which require a range of coffee grind consistencies.


Since this can be a little confusing, we’ve prepared a simple guide to making the best coffee for a few popular brew methods. Take a look!

Nicole Michalek
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

Recently, the basic grind sizes (fine, medium, coarse) are being further fine-tuned based on the coffee beans’ refining process and variety. If you really want to geek out, there are mesh kits available, such as the Kruve, which are specially made for sorting and filtering your coffee grinds to the desired size. 


This enables you to “layer” different grind sizes of coffee during manual pour-over in order to develop a more complex flavor profile.

Drip Machines Are Best Used With Medium Grinds

Drip Machines Are Best Used With Medium Grinds

These are the types of machines you’ll commonly see in a typical American home. A cone-shaped filter is placed in the machine, filled with coffee grinds. You just pour water into the reservoir and let the machine control the whole process. The recommended grind for this is a medium grind.

The French Press Method Needs Coarse Grinds

The French Press Method Needs Coarse Grinds

This brewing method requires that the beans be immersed in hot water for a long period of time. The resulting flavor profile of French press brews is full-bodied and strong. Since it is brewed for a long time, coarse grinds are your best choice for ensuring minimal bitterness.

Pour Overs Require Medium-Fine Grinds

Pour Overs Require Medium-Fine Grinds

Pour-over coffee is exactly what it sounds like – pouring hot water over a filter filled with coffee grinds that funnels into a mug. It's similar to drip-machine coffee, but with a more delicate flavor profile. For this method, medium-fine grinds are best. 

Cold Brews Are Best With Coarse Grinds

Cold Brews Are Best With Coarse Grinds

Cold brew is a delight for coffee-lovers everywhere. The best grind size for this method of brewing is coarse. Cold water needs to be able to flow freely through the grinds to extract the flavor and finer grinds can clump together. 


Since there is no heat or pressure to facilitate extraction and the grounds steep in cold water, coarse grinds allow more time for flavor extraction. Plus, it is easier to filter the grounds from the coffee. Fine grounds will be harder to strain out and will leave sediment, giving your cold brew an unfavorable grainy texture. 

Espresso Machines Need Fine Grinds

Espresso Machines Need Fine Grinds

Espresso machines operate by shooting high-pressure and near-boiling water through compact ground coffee, dissolving more of the solids and coffee oils into the espresso shot. The resulting drink is known for being highly concentrated and is brewed for a short period of time, making fine grinds optimal. 

The Aeropress Method Can Use Any Grind

The Aeropress Method Can Use Any Grind

This syringe-like coffee maker is popular amongst coffee enthusiasts. Lightweight and easy to use, it is easy to take on cycling trips, camping, and to your office! It’s extremely versatile and since it requires a filter, any type of grind can be used.


Whatever the machine, it is best to experiment first to get your perfect blend. When adjusting, note that if coffee is sour, grind the beans finer. The opposite is also true! If the coffee is too bitter, make a coarse grind!

Nicole Michalek
Coffee Shop Co-Owner
Nicole Michalek

The Aeropress coffee maker is a device with a wide range of extraction methods and potential to unlock so many flavors in the beans. It’s popular among baristas and non-coffee-professionals alike, and there are even competitions on a national and worldwide level! 


General participation is open, so if you are confident in your Aeropress recipe, why not give it a go? We recommend medium-fine grinding for Aeropress!

Frequently Asked Questions

We've included the answers to some frequently asked questions about electric coffee grinders with valued input from Nicole Michalek, as well!

Why should I grind my own coffee beans?

Pre-ground coffee is subject to a chemical reaction called oxidization. In oxidation, the addition of oxygen strips away electrons from a molecule. This destabilizes the molecule, allowing it to combine with other molecules. You might have heard the phrase that coffee goes “stale.” It is through this process that it happens.


To put it in simple terms, coffee will lose flavor and aroma over time. When coffee is ground, surface area increases, which allows oxidization to affect the beans faster.


To slow this process down, we recommend buying a grinder. Grinders can be a great investment for brewing robust, bold cups in the comfort of your own home. 


Nicole Michalek says, "The quality and performance of your grinder play such an important role in the process of making delicious coffee. Although a good one can be quite an investment, it’s worth it in the long run! Scrutinize carefully when purchasing, and if possible, it is best to actually touch and handle it in person."

What do you need to consider when grinding coffee?

There are several things to consider when grinding your own coffee aside from which type of grinder you should get: grind size, contact time, extraction rate, and flow rate


The grind size is the size of the coffee grinds and ranges from extra-coarse to Turkish. The grind size greatly affects the other three factors. The extraction rate depends on the surface area of the grind and fine grinds have a higher surface area than coarse grinds. Fine grinds have a high extraction rate compared to coarse grinds, as well, and require less contact time with water. 


You can over-extract your coffee by brewing your find grind for too long and can under-extract your coarse grind by not brewing it long enough. Over-extracted coffees can be bitter or sour and under-extracted coffees can be weak in flavor. Temperature and pressure can also alter the extraction process. A balance of these factors is required for that perfect cup of coffee.

What are the different grind sizes?

The different grind sizes are extra-course, coarse, medium, medium-fine, fine, extra-fine, and Turkish. Each grind size has a different texture and a different flavor and requires a different machine to process them properly.


Extra-coarse and coarse grind sizes are very chunky, with visible pieces of coffee beans. Medium and medium-fine grinds are gritty with visible flakes of coffee beans. The texture of these grinds is like coarse sand or salt. Fine grinds are smooth and similar in texture to table salt, while extra-fine grinds are even finer than granular sugar. 


Turkish grinds are so fine that they're like flour with no discernable bits of coffee bean in them. Blade grinders cannot produce Turkish grinds. 

How durable are electric coffee grinders?

The longevity of an electric coffee grinder depends on the type of blade, brand, and frequency of use and is measured by the pounds of coffee it can grind. However, on average, electric grinders that are used daily last for about five to 10 years. 


Blade grinders can grind about 500 to 800 pounds of coffee before their blades start to become dull. Burr coffee grinders, on the other hand, last longer. Flat burr blades can grind from 500 to 1000 pounds of coffee in their lifetime while conical burr grinders can grind up to 1000 to 1500 pounds of coffee in their lifetime. 


You can increase the lifespan of your electric coffee grinders by replacing or sharpening the blades once they start to become dull and clearing away clogs. If your coffee grounds start coming out in lumps or you need to grind finer than usual, it's time to replace or sharpen your blades. Clean your coffee grinder regularly to avoid clogs and jams.

Should you use an extension cord to power an electric grinder?

According to Nicole Michalek, "Using an extension cord or multi-socket outlet for an electric grinder can potentially reduce the power supply, resulting in a weaker performance (and possibly weaker coffee due to inconsistent grain size). We recommend plugging it into a single outlet so as not to impair the uniformity of the coffee grinds."

The Best Machines for Different Brewing Methods

Now that you've chosen your perfect electric coffee grinder, it's time to pick a brew machine. We've got more awesome tips and recommendations for you to make the best cup of joe you've ever had!

Amazon Best Sellers Links

Are you interested in more electric coffee grinders? Check out these bestseller lists from Amazon on blade and burr coffee grinders below.

Top 5 Electric Coffee Grinders

No. 1: BodumElectric Spice and Coffee Grinder‎10903-01US-3

No. 2: KaffeBlade Coffee GrinderKF2040

No. 3: CapressoInfinity Conical Burr Grinder560.01

No. 4: MuellerUltra-Grind Conical Burr GrinderCG900

No. 5: OXOConical Burr Coffee Grinder

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