Buying an espresso grinder is like buying an espresso machine—which one is “best” depends on your particular interests and needs.
For those unwilling to abandon their drip coffee machine, an all-purpose grinder is probably the way to go. Though, if you’re ready to take the plunge into the espresso-verse, a dedicated espresso grinder will give you the best results.
Whichever situation applies to you, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on for our grinder recommendations across all categories and price points!
Espresso-Focused Grinders
A dedicated espresso grinder is optimized for consistent grindings when grinding for espresso specifically. They are absolutely essential tools for any home barista who wants to embark on the quest for the perfect espresso extraction.
When it comes to espresso grinders, we recommend the Eureka Mignon Libra, the Ceado E37S and the Ceado E37J.
All-Purpose Grinders
All-purpose grinders are perfect for anyone who wants to try brewing espresso, but still wants to be able to use their drip machine. They trade extreme precision for a large grinding range, providing all sorts of particle sizes, from espresso-fine to cold brew-coarse.
It’s not like they don’t grind consistently either: the LX, Mahlkonig X54, and Ceado Life grinders all offer premium performance, regardless of what type of coffee grounds you’re looking for.
Budget Grinders
Is it possible to brew great espresso without spending thousands of dollars on a grinder?
It sure is!
Don’t get me wrong: you won’t be doing the same kind of precise grinding on a budget grinder that you can on a premium one, but for anyone just getting started on their espresso journey, the best budget espresso grinder will do just fine.
The Eureka Mignon Facile, Baratza Encore ESP, and Fellow Opus grinders all offer solid performance at prices that won’t nauseate you.
See Your Grinder in Action!
If you’re looking to brew coffee shop quality espresso at home, you’re going to need to get a grinder that will do justice to the coffee beans and espresso machine you’re using.
For the truly dedicated, that means investing in a premium, espresso-focused grinder. Even a quality budget grinder, however, can work if you’re just dipping your toes into caffeinated waters of home espresso brewing.
If you’re unsure about which path is right for you, we can help! Schedule a Coffee Cast for a one-on-one product demonstration of any of the grinders (or espresso machines) we sell.
Our expert staff can help you make the right purchase for your needs, and even help you dial your grinder in once you unbox it at home!
FAQs
Which type of grinder is best for espresso?
The best type of grinder to use for preparing espresso is one dedicated to grinding at espresso-fine sizes. For the most part, this means a flat burr grinder. Flat burrs offer greater grind consistency and precision than conical burrs, and produce less fines. Ultimately this results in a more nuanced, well-developed extraction.
What coffee grinders do baristas use?
Basically every coffee shop will be equipped with a commercial-grade flat burr grinder. Because of the sheer volume of coffee being ground and because they have to prepare excellent coffee for discerning customers, they need grinders that can do a lot of work quickly without sacrificing on the quality of the grounds they produce.
Does the espresso grinder make a difference?
The type of espresso grinder you buy absolutely makes a difference. Think of it like buying a musical instrument: you could play a song on a bass guitar or a six string guitar, but the result will sound quite different. All purpose grinders are like six string guitars: they offer a wide range of grind sizes. An espresso-focused grinder is like a bass guitar: they trade versatility for precision in a specific area. Which grinder is best for you ultimately depends on what you plan to use it for.
