To choose an espresso grinder, prioritize grind quality, workflow, and budget, then decide between electric and manual based on your roast levels and how much effort you can tolerate. Users generally agree that a good grinder matters more than the espresso machine itself.
For electric grinders, look for a fine, consistent grind with easy micro-adjustment. Flat burrs give a more uniform grind and clarity in the shot, while conical burrs produce more fines and a larger grind size distribution, which adds mouthfeel. Noise level, ease of cleanup, and low retention all affect daily workflow.
Manual grinders can deliver excellent grind quality at a lower price and are portable, but grinding for espresso by hand can be physically demanding, especially with light roasts or multiple servings. Specific models worth buying and a couple to avoid are listed below.
Picks and warnings
DF64 (Gen 2)Around $399; frequently recommended for value and performance.
Timemore 064sUnder $500; versatile with solid build quality.
Grind consistency and adjustment: Look for grinders that offer fine and consistent grind for espresso, with easy micro-adjustments. "It grinds very fine and consistent for espresso."
Workflow and maintenance: Prioritize low noise, easy cleanup, and minimal retention. "Aside from the quality of the grinds it’s workflow, workflow, workflow."
Burr type: Flat burrs offer a more uniform grind and clarity in the shot, while conical burrs produce more fines and a larger grind size distribution, leading to more mouthfeel. "Conical burrs makes more fines and larger grind size distribution and more mouthfeel. Flat burrs more uniform and more clarity in the shot."
Recommended Electric Grinders
DF64 (Gen 2): This grinder is frequently recommended for its value and performance. "You can get a DF64 gen 2 for $399. I have one and i have really liked using it so far."
Timemore 064s: Users consider this a versatile and high-value option. "You can get the Timemore 064s for less than $500 right now. It’s a fantastic grinder with pretty solid build quality."
Eureka Mignon Series: These grinders are praised for their quiet operation, build quality, and consistent grind. "Seriously, it's quiet and the grinds are static free with barely any retention. I highly recommend."
Manual Grinders: Benefits and Drawbacks
Portability and cost-effectiveness: Manual grinders can provide excellent grind quality at a lower price point compared to electric models. "I’ve been using a 1Zpresso for almost 3 years now and have made a shot or two daily. I agree, it’s not really that hard of a workout so idk what everyone is on about. It’s also such a high quality grind for a cheaper price."
Effort for espresso: Grinding for espresso with a manual grinder can be physically demanding, especially for light roasts or multiple servings. "A manual grinder is not fun for espresso….Some beans are very tough to grind by hand, and stop you dead in the tracks."
Top manual grinder recommendations: The 1Zpresso J-Ultra and Kingrinder K6 are popular choices. "1zpresso J Ultra is 👌"
Grinders to Avoid
OXO burr grinder: Many Users report that this grinder does not grind fine enough for espresso. "I would avoid the oxo burr grinder, I use it and even on the finest setting it’s no good for espresso."
Fellow Opus: This grinder receives criticism for its plastic build, messiness, and complicated micro-adjustments for espresso. "Had a Fellow Opus, don’t recommend it...The opus is all plastic, for espresso the micro adjustments are unnecessarily complicated and shortly after a year it kicked the bucket and refused to work."
Are you primarily looking for an electric grinder, or would you consider a manual option?
Bottom line
To choose an espresso grinder, prioritize grind quality, workflow, and budget, considering whether you need an electric or manual grinder and your preferred roast levels. Users generally agree that a good grinder is more crucial than the espresso machine itself.
FAQ
Is a burr grinder good for espresso?
Yes, burr grinders are what users recommend for espresso. Look for fine, consistent output and easy micro-adjustments, since espresso requires a much tighter grind than other brewing methods.
Flat or conical burrs for espresso?
Flat burrs give a more uniform grind and more clarity in the shot. Conical burrs produce more fines and a larger grind size distribution, which leads to more mouthfeel.
Are manual grinders good for espresso?
They can offer high quality grind at a lower cost and are portable, but grinding for espresso by hand is physically demanding, especially with light roasts or if you are making multiple drinks.
Is a grinder more important than the espresso machine?
Users generally agree that a good grinder matters more than the espresso machine itself, since grind consistency and adjustment drive shot quality.
What espresso grinders should I avoid?
Users report the OXO burr grinder does not grind fine enough for espresso, and the Fellow Opus has a plastic build, is messy, and has complicated micro-adjustments.
How much should I spend on an espresso grinder?
Recommended electric models run roughly $399 to under $500, such as the DF64 Gen 2 and Timemore 064s. Manual options like the 1Zpresso J-Ultra and Kingrinder K6 offer quality grind at a lower price point.
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