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Check out expert barista Celeste Wong’s recommendations for the best moka pots, gooseneck kettles, coffee grinders and decaf coffee to buy on our sister brand, olive magazine:
Best coffee grinders at a glance
Electric coffee grinders
- Best slimline coffee grinder: Barista & Co Core All Grind, £122.38
- Joint best overall grinder: Smeg CGF01 grinder, £219
- Joint best overall grinder: Sage Smart Grinder Pro, £169.95
- Best for precision grinding: KitchenAid Coffee Grinder 5KCG8433, £199
- Best straightforward, no nonsense grinder: Gastroback 42642 Design Coffee Grinder Advanced Plus, £159.99
- Best budget electric grinder: Duronic Coffee Grinder CG250, £29.99
- Joint best blade coffee grinder: Salter electric coffee, nut and spice grind, £20
- Joint best blade coffee grinder: Krups everyday coffee and spice mill, £23.49
- Quietest coffee grinder: VonShef Coffee Grinder Electric, £24.99
- Best affordable burr grinder: Cuisinart Professional burr mill DMB8U, £63.95
- Best mid-range grinder: Wilfa Svart Aroma Precision coffee grinder, £125
- Best precision grinder: Melitta Calibra coffee grinder with integrated scale, £100
Manual coffee grinders
- Best manual coffee grinder: Kilner coffee grinder set, £29.99
- Best small hand grinder: Porlex Tall II hand grinder, £80
- Best mid-range hand grinder: Hario Mini Mill Plus, £24.99
- Best large hand grinder: ROK GrinderGC, £179.10
The best electric coffee grinders to buy
Barista & Co Core All Grind
Best slimline grinder
Pros:
- Stylish and modern
- Easy to assemble
- Lots of grind settings
Cons:
Wattage: 165W
Sleek, matte black and only 11cm wide at its base, the Core All Grind is a stylish burr grinder that would slot into most modern kitchens with ease. The included measure scoop and cleaning brush are stored in the lid of the bean hopper (a great space-saving idea) and the machine is satisfyingly simple to assemble, with tiny padlock markers to help you line up each component correctly.
There are 40 numbered settings to choose from (coarse to fine grind), each one marked by a dash – match your desired type of coffee to the right number by consulting the ‘grind size guide’ in the user manual. We found setting 23 to be perfect for our cafetière. The 29mm stainless steel burrs produced consistent grounds with limited noise, and both the bean hopper and storage container are UV protected.
The resulting coffee was smooth, rich and topped with a light layer of coffee bloom – perfect.
Because it’s easy to disassemble into its core components, the Core All Grind is also simpler to clean than most electric grinders. Once the machine finished grinding and the storage container was removed, a light dusting of excess coffee grinds was left behind. But it’s easy to sweep away, especially when using the included brush.
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Smeg CGF01 grinder
Joint best overall grinder
Pros:
- Comes in a range of colours
- Attractive
- Anti-slip feet
Cons:
- Not ideal for small kitchens
- Expensive
Wattage: 150W
Like an iconic Smeg fridge but grinder-shaped, this beautiful model is as smooth to operate as it is to look at. Secure the hopper and burr via an integrated ‘twist and lock’ system; choose your grinding level (there are 30 options) with a rounded stainless steel lever; use an equally-tactile dial to select the desired number of cups; and press an illuminated ‘start’ button to get grinding.
Every element of this grinder clicks together so seamlessly, and it was a joy to use. It’s also surprisingly quiet for such a big machine, and the anti-static technology means coffee grounds won’t stick to surfaces. The storage container, which comes etched with measurement markings, can be secured to keep grounds fresh. A stainless steel conical burr produced consistent grounds, there are anti-sleep feet to prevent vibration movement, and the grinder comes in cream, black and pastel blue colours, so you can match it to your kitchen.
It was the largest machine we tested, so you’ll need worktop space for it. But it’s so pretty to look at that you’d want it on display anyway. Try as we might, we couldn’t find anything wrong with this grinder. So if you can afford the price tag, it’s definitely one to consider.
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Sage Smart Grinder Pro
Joint best overall grinder
Pros:
- Ultra-precise results
- Intelligent grinding
- 60 settings
Cons:
Wattage: 165W
With a similar price tag as Smeg’s grinder, it’s hard to pick a winner between these two. In terms of performance, the Sage model is just as impressive – and even more precise. Use the smooth, rounded dial to select which type of coffee you’d like and it will work out the corresponding grind time to decimal-point precision. We loved the grind-time countdown and the fact that the grounds cannister slotted magnetically into place.
Of all the grinders tested, this Sage model produced the most aromatic results. The cannister can be sealed to keep coffee fresh and there were no issues with static. It’s generally more ‘intelligent’ than the Smeg model – from grind size to grind time, everything is measured with the utmost precision and the grounds themselves are highly customisable (there are 60 unique settings in total).
It also sports a different look. Where Smeg is retro and bold, Sage prefers a more slimline and discreet appearance, with a matte black satin-feel finish and dots of stainless steel throughout. There’s a ring-pull on the lid which, though useful, made the model too tall to fit under our wall-mounted kitchen cupboards.
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KitchenAid Coffee Grinder 5KCG8433
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best for precision grinding
Pros:
- Quiet
- Easy to use
- Gorgeous design
- 70 grind grades
Cons:
- It takes practice to achieve the perfect grind
Wattage: 150W
Lifting the KitchenAid Coffee Grinder from its box, it was a delight to see such a stylish, well-built machine, all black and shiny, with stainless steel accents. Though tall at 38cm, it’s only 18cm deep, so it won’t take up too much room on the worktop – which is where you’ll want to keep it since it’s far too good-looking to hide away in a cupboard.
Setting up the grinder is easy, thanks to the comprehensive manual, and the experienced coffee maker will find their way around easily. But, those new to coffee grinding will need to invest in a bag of beans just to practice with, as there are a staggering 70 grind settings on the dial to choose from, as well as several special functions to try.
Initially, we found it all a little muddling. Still, it soon falls into place as the KitchenAid has multiple options, both semi and fully automatic, to help you make your best cup of coffee – there’s even a bright, digital screen to help you see what’s happening all the way through. Once mastered, the grinder delivers a consistent precision grind resulting in delicious coffee across all brews, including espresso.
The KitchenAid grinder may not be the cheapest out there, but its semi-intuitive operation makes it pretty intelligent, plus it’s quick and easy to learn, even for the beginner. It delivers fabulous coffee no matter which brew style you choose, whether it’s cafetière, espresso, cold brew and everything in between.
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Gastroback 42642 Design Coffee Grinder Advanced Plus
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best straightforward, no-nonsense grinder
Pros:
- 16 grinding settings
- Direct grinding to portafilter or storage box
Cons:
Wattage: 130W
The Gastroback coffee grinder comes in an impressively large box without one scrap of plastic. The box and packaging hide its actual size, which is a little smaller than we expected leaving masses of worktop space free.
The grinder looks well made of die-cast aluminium and is functional, unfussy, and almost ready-to-go. Simply attach the bean hopper, since the 240g storage canister has its lid on and is inserted into the base. If you have a coffee machine, also included are two sizes of cradles that slot in for automatic grinding directly into your machine’s portafilter (not included).
With 16 grinding grades, the Gastroback can be fine-tuned for every coffee maker, from cold brew to the finest soft-powder espresso. As well as a grinder grading knob, there’s a grind time setting to dispense a set amount of ground coffee each time. Thanks to a comprehensive manual, we quickly found the machine easy to use.
Given the number of grades, we tried several settings; we especially liked the espresso grind (setting 2), which delivered a smooth, clean-flavoured cup of coffee with a lovely crema. Cleaning is super-easy with a cleaning brush (included) and removable powder tray.
The Gastroback Coffee Grinder Advanced Plus is a well-made, hands-free, straightforward machine, grinding both into a storage container or automatically into a portafilter (not included). We loved its direct, unfussy approach to coffee making, yet with 16 grinding grades and useful timer knob, it still allows for the personal touch when creating delicious coffee.
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Duronic Coffee Grinder CG250
Star rating: 4/5
Best budget electric grinder
Pros:
- Budget price
- Quiet
- One-touch operation
Cons:
Wattage: 250W
The Duronic electric grinder comes in a recyclable box protected by a plastic bag and polystyrene. Out of the box, it’s light and has just three parts – the motor, inner cup for the beans, and grinder cover – making it beyond simple to assemble. The grinder is no style icon but will sit unobtrusively on any worktop; at only 21cm tall and weighing a whisper over 1kg, it’s small and compact.
This is the most uncomplicated electric coffee grinder to use, thankfully, as the downloadable manual is a bit confusing since it suggests selecting which grinding cup to use, but there is only one?
Still, load the cup with beans and it will grind up to 75g, enough for 8 cups of coffee – simply pop on the cover and press. The electric grinder starts instantly, and when you lift your hand, it stops immediately. Not only is it safe to use, it’s surprisingly quiet.
Grinding takes as long as needed to achieve the grind you want; the maximum we tried was three bursts for espresso, by which time both the blade and coffee were quite warm. Yet, despite this slight heating, there were no burnt notes or oiliness to the finished drink – just great coffee.
At a budget price, we admittedly didn’t have high expectations of this simple, straightforward machine. However, it delivered well, and we were surprised by its ease of use and quietness. Getting the coffee exactly as you wish will take some experimentation as the manual offers little advice, but if ease, speed and a bargain price are what you’re after, this is the one.
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Salter electric coffee, nut and spice grinder
Best blade coffee grinder
Pros:
- Compact
- Versatile
- Quiet in use
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
- No grind settings
Wattage: 200W
One of only two blade grinders in our top buys, this Salter model is so easy to use. Coffee beans are poured into an accessible stainless steel bowl (just unscrew the see-through lid) and a fine grind is achieved in less than 30 seconds. It acts like a mini blender (use it for nuts and spices, too) and we liked the fact that one chunky button operates the whole thing.
Its compact size makes this grinder non-invasive and easy to store, plus it was relatively quiet when grinding. But because there’s only one speed option, achieving a consistent grind requires an element of personal judgement.
It’s a bit tricky to clean, because the container within the grinder can’t be removed. The resulting coffee grounds need to be poured into a separate bowl, which adds an extra element of faff. A 60g capacity makes it best suited for coffee lovers who are happy to grind their beans regularly. For its price though, this is a powerful and sturdy machine.
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Krups everyday coffee and spice mill
Joint best blade coffee grinder
Pros:
- Efficient
- Easy to use
- Ground coffee evenly
Cons:
Wattage: 180W
Similar to the Salter model above, this nifty Krups machine worked quickly and efficiently. It’s slightly bigger than its Salter counterpart, with a 75g capacity, and is also operated by just one button. A see-through lid means you can determine how finely milled your coffee grounds are by eye, and of all the electric grinders we tested it was the most compact.
The resulting grounds were even and aromatic. But it was also the noisiest electric grinder we tested. Bearing in mind that it’s only on for about five seconds, this wasn’t a problem for us.
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VonShef coffee grinder
Quietest coffee grinder
Pros:
- Versatile
- Cord storage
- Quiet
Cons:
Wattage: 150W
Small and compact, this versatile little machine from VonShef doubles as a coffee grinder and spice grinder.
The grinding bowl isn’t removable, which is a little frustrating, meaning it needs to be carefully hand washed. But we liked the hidden cord storage on the underside of the machine. The viewing window on the top isn’t the largest, however we were still able to easily check on the progress of our coffee beans. It’s easy to use thanks to the large and responsive control button.
With a 60g bowl capacity, this model makes enough ground coffee for four single shots, making it an ideal choice for couples or those only looking to make small quantities. Our favourite feature of this grinder was just how quiet it is. Many grinders are guilty of making loud and unpleasant sounds, and whilst they’re fast, just a couple of seconds of mechanical whirring is irritating first thing in the morning. Thankfully, this model quietly purrs as it grinds beans.
When grinding coffee it produced the fine and even results we were looking for, and it’s quick too. This budget-friendly option is worth considering.
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Cuisinart Professional burr mill DMB8U
Joint best affordable burr grinder
Pros:
- 18 settings
- Dishwasher safe
- Compact design
Cons:
Wattage: 125W
Lightning fast and intuitive to use, this is a great value Cuisinart burr grinder. There are 18 settings ranging from very fine to very coarse. Load your beans into the hopper (up to 250g), tell the machine the quantity, select your setting and an automatic grinding duration is generated. Grinding is fast and produces consistent results. The grind chamber slots out easily – although the plastic does generate a certain amount of static, sticking coffee grounds to the chamber walls – and it’s dishwasher-friendly.
One thing to bear in mind is how noisy it is (not the noisiest grinder we tested, but also not the quietest) – a coffee machine is likely to be used in the morning and this one could be quite anti-social. It’s a fairly slimline machine that would sit nicely next to the toaster.
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Wilfa Svart Aroma Precision coffee grinder
- Available from Union Coffee, £125
Best mid-range grinder
Pros:
- Modern design
- On/off switch
- Quiet
Cons:
Wattage: 130W
Perhaps the most original grinder we tested in terms of design, the Wilfa Svart (made by a Norwegian company) is sleek, neat and discreet. It was the only grinder with a partially hidden bean hopper, and both buttons – one to grind, the other to select grind time – are deliberately subtle. With curved edges and a matte feel to it, the Wilfa Svart would suit a modern kitchen best.
We liked the fact that there was an ‘on/off’ switch towards the back of the machine, a simple addition that most grinders don’t seem to have. It was one of the quieter electric models and there are five grind sizes to choose from, including filter, French press and aeropress. Grinds were noticeably consistent (on a par with both the Smeg and Sage models) and it was easy to remove the steel burr for cleaning.
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Melitta Calibra coffee grinder with integrated scale
Best precision grinder
Pros:
- Build in scale
- Saves settings
- Quiet
Cons:
- No lid for ground coffee container
Wattage: 150W
Are you all about the detail? Melitta’s machine comes with a built-in scale, so you can grind fresh coffee to the gram. A conical steel burr grinds beans to fluffy grounds with minimal noise (this was one of the quietest electric machines we tested) and there’s an impressive 39 grind levels to choose from. Overwhelming for some, or just the ticket if you’re precise when it comes to coffee. For us, level 28 was just right for grounds used in a cafetière.
There are also three adjustable ground modes: number of cups, length of time and weight. The latter is ideal if you want to grind very specific amounts – perhaps you know how much ground coffee you like per cup (the recommended ‘heaped tbsp’ is ambiguous, after all) or you want to store your grounds by weight.
Other benefits include removable bean and ground coffee containers, a silicone ring on the ground coffee outlet for spill-free results, and the ability to save your last settings, even if you unplug the machine. But the ground coffee container doesn’t come with a lid, so you’ll have to transfer fresh grounds to an airtight container.
Available from Melitta (£124.99)
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The best hand coffee grinders to buy
Kilner Coffee Grinder Set
Star rating: 4.5/5
Best manual grinder
Pros:
- Small footprint
- Easy to use
- No electricity needed
Cons:
- Fiddly changing the grind
Taking the Kilner Coffee Grinder set from its fully recyclable box, we found a charming, almost vintage-like, pretty glass jar and a high-quality stainless steel long-handled grinder. The Kilner is a manual grinder, so there are no leads, plugs, switches or buttons; we love this simplicity. The set is small – the jar is just 500ml, while the grinder is 21cm high, perfect for even the smallest kitchens.
The adjustable burr grinder mechanism is ceramic and high-quality stainless steel. There’s a little manual detailing how to adjust the grinding grade, a process we initially found a little fiddly. First, we had to remove the handle, hold the thread, change the cog for a fine or coarser grind, and then put it back together again. However, after a few times, it does become almost intuitive.
We were impressed by how easy, quick and immensely satisfying it is to use a bit of elbow grease! Each of the three grades produced well-textured, rich-flavoured coffee, each noticeably different, although all left a tad of sediment in the cup. The Kilner is a very versatile grinder for different coffee makers. And, as there is no electricity, you’ll never be stuck without one.
We enjoyed the whole process of using the Kilner Coffee Grinder Set. Assembling the grinder, perfecting the grind, briskly turning the smooth handle and watching the coffee powder tip gently into the jar is very satisfying. This grinder will appeal to those who like to keep personalising their cup of coffee simple and easy.
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Porlex Tall II hand grinder
Best small hand grinder
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compact
- Easy to change grind
Cons:
- Not ideal for large batches
In terms of slimline hand grinders, this ceramic Japanese model is a cut above anything else we tested. It’s both light and strong with plenty of grind settings (12 in total), which are selected by twisting the accessible locking nut. Each ‘click’ alters the grind level by 37 microns, giving you great levels of control and precision.
It was easy to use and quick to produce reliable results – around a minute for even-textured grounds, which is just enough time to make grinding a pleasure rather than a chore. Plus, the Porlex Tall II is an improvement on the older model, the Porlex I, because it can grind around 1.3 times more coffee with the same number of rotations.
The capacity is small, which is worth bearing in mind if you want to make large batches of coffee. It’s a bit tricky to clean – you’ll need to dismantle it first – but a big plus of the ceramic element is that it’s never going to rust.
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Hario Mini Mill Plus
Best mid-range hand grinder
Pros:
- Sturdy handle
- Markings on cup
- Compact
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not great for large quantities
£80 is expensive for a small hand grinder. So if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, consider this pocket-sized Hario grinder instead. One of its best features is a handle that stays firmly in place – essential if you’re grinding horizontally and can’t afford any slips. A reinforced hexagonal adapter keeps things sturdy and, unlike other hand grinders we tested, it doesn’t take too much effort to operate.
The grounds chamber is etched with cup markings so you know how much to prepare, and you can change the grind size with the click of a tiny wheel. But because Hario’s model is so compact, you can only fit two cups-worth of grounds in it. Fine if you’re the only coffee drinker in the house, but a touch too petite if you want to make multiple cups every day.
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ROK GrinderGC
- Available from ROK, £169
Best large hand grinder
Pros:
- Carefully crafted
- Easy to use
- Produced great results
Cons:
Expensive, yes – but the ROK GrinderGC is also a thing of beauty. Crafted from cast aluminium and complete with a bamboo cup for collecting coffee grounds, this was the most comfortable hand grinder to use by far. Instead of a horizontal mechanism (like all the other hand grinders we tried), this machine puts the emphasis on vertical rotations, which feels more natural and requires less force.
Tip beans into the wide hopper, fine-tune the grind size by hand, wind the handle and watch the cog work through a see-through glass casing. It’s a fun and enjoyable experience that feels more authentic than an electric machine. Plus it worked quickly and the resulting coffee grounds were consistent and fluffy.
It is, however, £169 – a lot of money for a hand grinder. But if you value aesthetics, appreciate the eco-friendly benefits of grinding without electricity, and enjoy using your hands, it might be worth investing in.
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How do coffee grinders work?
The mechanisms used in coffee grinders fall into one of two categories: burr grinders (which grind coffee between a pair of revolving abrasive surfaces) and blade grinders, which use a rotating blade. Much is made of the difference between the two – blade types are usually the more affordable option, but burr grinders tend to grind more consistently, and therefore produce uniformly ground coffee.
Ensuring the grounds in a batch of coffee are similarly sized matters to coffee aficionados, because the size of the grounds will determine which brewing methods the coffee is well-suited for. Espresso machines require a very fine grind, cafetières are best filled with coarse granules, and filter coffee should be somewhere in-between. If ground coffee is a mixture of fine and coarse, it can’t be considered ideally prepared for any purpose
Which coffee grinder should I buy?
The best coffee grinders or mills can grind coffee beans to various specific levels of fineness, so the ground coffee can be used in different ways. Burr grinders achieve this versatility with mechanisms to adjust the distance between their grinding surfaces, while blade grinders tend to use the less effective method of a manual on/off control.
Another defining feature of a coffee grinder will be how it is powered: by electricity or by hand. Electric grinders have the advantages of power and convenience. They grind much faster (and at the expense of far less effort) than any manual grinder we’ve come across. Crucially, they’re also more likely to grind consistently.
Grinding coffee by hand also has its benefits. Manual grinders tend to be small and easy to store. They don’t use electricity and are therefore more economical and eco-friendly.
How we tested coffee grinders
Our reviews experts tested coffee grinders based on a range of core and contributing criteria, including product design, the quality of coffee produced and ease-of-use factors likely to affect the experience of domestic users. The following are all covered in our reviews:
• How easy is it to clean?
• How easy is it to store?
• Is it sturdy?
• How large is its size/footprint?
• How noisy is the grinder?
• What’s the coffee bean capacity?
• Safety
• Ease of use
• Number of grind options
• Texture of the ground coffee – how do fine and coarse grinds compare to others?
• Design and aesthetics
• Any added functions?
• How much packaging is used?
The grinders featured here were selected from a long list of coffee grinders tested by BBC Good Food. They performed best against our list of criteria, relative to other grinders that were either of a similar type or sold at a similar price.
We tested the grinders by using them to grind several varieties of coffee bean, at levels of fineness to suit three of the most common brewing methods: cafetière, filter and espresso machine.
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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
