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Not everyone can splurge on a $200 coffee grinder. But here’s the bright side: even a budget-friendly grinder can majorly upgrade your home coffee experience.
Want to make your coffee taste better? Grinding your own beans is the key! It makes your brew sweeter, fresher, and cuts down on bitterness. Whether you’re searching for an affordable grinder or just curious about their importance, you’re in the right spot to boost your home barista skills.
Quick Take: Best Budget Coffee Grinders
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Best budget coffee grinder |
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CUISINART Coffee Grinder, Electric Burr One-Touch Automatic Grinder with18-Position Grind Selector, Stainless Steel, DBM-8P1 | Check price |
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Best coffee grinder under $50 |
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SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0, Adjustable Burr Mill with 16 Precise Grind Setting for 2-14 Cup, Black | Check price |
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Best burr grinder under $100 |
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OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder , Silver | Check price |
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Best budget manual grinder |
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JavaPresse Manual Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder - 18 Adjustable Settings, Portable Conical Burr Grinder for Camping, Travel, Espresso - With Hand Crank | Check price |
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Cheapest coffee grinder |
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KONA Manual Coffee Grinder, Conical Burr Mill with Adjustable Setting, Best Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder for Aeropress, Drip Coffee, Espresso, French Press, Turkish Brew | Check price |
Why Buy a Coffee Grinder?
When brewing coffee at home, you can choose between pre-ground or whole bean coffee. Pre-ground is super easy – no need for a grinder or extra steps. Just scoop the grounds into your coffee maker and you’re good to go!
Using whole bean coffee means you’ll need a grinder and a bit of know-how on grinding your own beans. It’s an easy step, but it does add another moment to your morning coffee ritual.
So why would anyone bother with whole bean coffee?
Whole bean coffee is fresher
Freshness is key! Coffee loses its magic over time, and ground coffee goes stale quicker than whole beans. This is super important for espresso, but remember, even coarse grounds are best enjoyed within a day or two after opening the bag.
If you want the best taste, always choose the freshest coffee beans. Beware of pre-ground coffee from grocery stores; it’s often stale. For top-notch ground or whole bean coffee, find a trusted online retailer or a local roaster. This way, you’ll ensure your coffee is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
Storing whole bean coffee the right way keeps it fresh for weeks, giving you enough time to enjoy every last bean. Making the switch from ground to whole bean? You’ll taste the difference right away. Fresh coffee brings out sweet, rich flavors that you just can’t get from old, stale grounds.
Grind size is important
Pre-ground coffee comes in limited sizes. You can easily find drip coffee grinds, but finding French press, espresso, or cold brew grounds from most brands is tough.
Most good coffee brands offer whole bean options, giving you plenty of choices. This is great if your coffee maker needs a certain grind. So, explore and find the perfect beans for your brew!
If you love drip coffee, you’ll be amazed at how much better it can taste with just a small change in grind size. Tweaking the grind can transform bitter coffee into a sweet, delightful cup. It’s a simple yet powerful step towards becoming a coffee pro. It’s not the only trick, but it’s an easy one to start with!
2 Tips for Choosing a Budget Coffee Grinder
1. Avoid blade grinders
Avoid cheap $10 blade grinders. They ruin coffee beans. You’re better off with pre-ground coffee.
Blade grinders don’t grind coffee beans properly. They just chop them up unevenly. This means some pieces are super fine and others are way too big.
If your coffee grind isn’t even, you’re headed for a bad brew. Fine grinds become too strong, while coarse ones stay weak. So, your coffee might taste bland, sour, or bitter – not a great combo!
Burr grinders are the way to go! They let you pick the perfect grind size and give you a super even grind every time. If you’re choosing a grinder, the one thing you shouldn’t compromise on is making sure it has burrs, not blades.
2. Consider a manual coffee grinder
Electric grinders are easy to use, but you’re mostly paying for the motor. In a manual grinder, you power it yourself.
Discover the world of affordable coffee grinding with handheld, manual burr grinders. Start your journey with a compact, glass-bodied option for just $20.
Many affordable manual grinders are surprisingly sturdy, meaning they’ll outlast cheaper electric ones. Without motors, these manual grinders are also the quietest option available. This is a big plus, especially when budget electric grinders tend to be noisier due to less effective sound dampening.
Manual grinders save cash but can be tricky to use. They’re great for a quick cup, but if you’re brewing a whole pot daily, it might be a hassle. In that case, consider an electric grinder. Yes, it’s pricier—expect to pay twice as much—but for ease and speed, it could be worth the extra cost for coffee lovers.
Best Cheap Coffee Grinders
Best budget coffee grinder: Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
Cuisinart’s beginner-friendly burr grinder boasts a large capacity and plenty of power. Offering 18 grind settings, it’s perfect for drip coffee, French press, cold brew, and more, fitting various coffee makers with ease.
The slide dial on this grinder is super simple to use, letting you grind beans for 4 to 18 cups of coffee in no time. It can hold 8 ounces of beans and the grounds container is big enough for 32 cups. So, no matter your coffee maker or if you’re brewing several pots, you’re all set!
I was amazed by how small this grinder is, despite its impressive features. Measuring only 6 x 7.1 x 10.8 inches, it’s perfect for tight spaces, easily squeezing into busy countertops or under low-hanging cabinets.
While Cuisinart’s grinder might not boast all the high-end features found in the top coffee grinders, it’s a steal at its price. However, it lacks a tinted hopper and grounds bin, so it’s best not to leave beans in it for too long. Direct sunlight can make the beans stale quickly.
The main issue with the DBM-8 grinder is it’s loud. It makes a lot of noise because its motor is strong and the grinder doesn’t do much to quiet it down. This is something you often find with cheaper electric grinders, but it’s really obvious with this one. However, if you don’t mind the noise, it’s an amazing grinder for its cost.
Best coffee grinder under $50: Shardor electric burr coffee grinder
Shardor has crafted an affordable electric burr grinder that surprises many. Despite its low price, it outperforms several $100 grinders! They smartly figured out which features were essential for a great grinding experience and which ones they could skip.
Shardor’s grinder is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for those new to coffee grinding.
The grind amount selector helps you choose how many cups you want to make, perfect for beginners. Consider getting a coffee scale later for precise measurements. Plus, the grind size selector uses brewer types instead of sizes, making it easier to improve your coffee grinding skills as you learn more.
Let’s dive into the Shardor’s features! It lets you grind beans for anywhere from 2 to 14 cups of coffee in one go. Plus, you have 16 grind size options at your fingertips, from the fine espresso grind to the coarser French Press grind.
Keeping this grinder sparkling clean is a breeze! With the included brush, you can easily clean the inner burr, grounds chamber, and hopper. Regular cleaning ensures your machine stays in top shape for years of delicious coffee.
Best burr grinder under $100: Oxo Brew conical burr coffee grinder
Every day, I reach for my Oxo Brew grinder. It’s perfect for anyone just starting their coffee adventure, just like the other grinders we’ve talked about. But what sets the Oxo apart is how it adapts with you as you dive deeper into the world of coffee. It’ll be a long while before you even think about upgrading to something more advanced, like the Baratza Virtuoso+.
What’s different about the Oxo Brew?
First off, this grinder boasts an impressive 45 grind size options! This wide range lets you explore how different grind sizes change your coffee’s taste and perfect your go-to recipes. These sizes are organized into 15 main categories, which are then divided into 3 broad groups, making it easy to remember your preferred settings.
Meet the first grinder on our list that boasts a tinted hopper and a stainless-steel grounds bin. These cool features help keep your coffee fresh, especially handy if you store beans in the hopper and your kitchen gets plenty of light.
The Oxo Brew grinder is built entirely from stainless steel, making it super tough and incredibly sleek. Its stainless-steel burrs and simple cleaning steps mean this grinder is a long-lasting gem for your coffee routine.
The Oxo Brew grinder might cost a bit more, but its main issue is its height. It’s not too wide, but it’s quite tall for an affordable grinder. This matters because you’ll need extra space above it to take off the lid and add beans into the top. Keep this in mind for your kitchen setup!
Best budget manual grinder: JavaPresse manual coffee grinder
Let’s dive into hand grinders! Instead of beginning with the most budget-friendly option, I’ll show you a grinder that’s as beautiful, durable, and feature-packed as those pricier models.
JavaPresse’s grinder stands out because it uses ceramic burrs, while most budget grinders have stainless-steel ones. Steel burrs are sharp at first, but ceramic burrs last about five times longer. So, even though both types work well, choosing ceramic means your grinder will stay strong for years, making it a smart choice in the long run.
The JavaPresse offers 18 grind size settings, which is impressive for an affordable hand grinder. While pricier options like the 1Zpresso Q2 boast more settings, 18 is plenty for those just starting out or with a bit of experience.
What I love most about this grinder is its sturdy steel body. Unlike many affordable hand grinders that come with fragile glass exteriors, this one feels solid and durable. Perfect for someone like me who’s a bit clumsy! With the JavaPresse, you can easily pack it in a bag or drawer, stress-free about any breakage.
Cheapest coffee grinder: Kona manual coffee grinder
The Kona coffee grinder is your best bet for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality. Sure, there are cheaper grinders out there, but they often come with blades and other big compromises.
The Kona grinder, boasting 18 grind settings, is your go-to for everything from French press coffee to AeroPress espresso. Its jar can hold enough grounds for three cups of coffee – perfect for manual grinding but not for brewing a big 12-cup pot. Ideal for those who appreciate quality over quantity!
The Kona’s glass body might not be as tough as the JavaPresse’s steel frame, but it’s still stronger than many other glass coffee grinders out there. Perfect for travel or hiking, just remember to take off the handle before packing it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap coffee grinders worth it?
Yes, you can find cheap coffee grinders under $50 that are good enough for beginner coffee lovers. You may have to spend closer to $100 if you want one that will have the longevity and features to bring you to novice home barista status.
What type of coffee grinder is best?
Burr grinders are far better than blade grinders. Electric grinders are better than manual grinders in the high price range, but in the budget price range, it’s easier to find a quality manual grinder. Beyond those characteristics, you just need to look for features, ease of use, and durability.
Are blade coffee grinders good?
No, blade grinders are absolutely terrible. You are always better off buying a comparably priced burr grinder, even if you have to sacrifice a few other features. No blade grinder can match the grind quality of even a low-end burr grinder.
Final Verdict
Investing in a coffee grinder can elevate your home brewing game. New to the coffee world? It’s okay to hesitate on splurging for a high-end grinder. Opting for an affordable burr grinder, instead of a blade one, can still significantly outperform using pre-ground coffee.
Looking to enjoy great coffee without breaking the bank? Dive into the world of AeroPress and AeroPress Go, two affordable coffee makers that brew exceptional cups. And for espresso lovers, check out my roundup of the top espresso machines under $200. It’s time to consider upgrading from a steam espresso machine to enhance your coffee experience with a new espresso grinder.
