15 best coffee grinders to buy in 2023

Jump to:

• Best coffee grinders at a glance
• Best electric coffee grinders to buy
• Best hand coffee grinders to buy
• How do coffee grinders work?
• Which coffee grinder should I buy?
• How we tested coffee grinders

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 moka pots to buy
• Best gooseneck kettles to buy
• Best coffee grinders to buy
• Best decaf coffee to buy

Best coffee grinders at a glance

Electric coffee grinders

• Best overall coffee grinder: Fellow Opus Grinder, £188.95
• Best coffee grinder for speedy results: De'Longhi Dedica Style KG521.M, £162.99
• Best coffee grinder for versatility: KitchenAid Coffee Grinder 5KCG8433, £203.75
• Best coffee grinder for ease of use: Gastroback 42642 Design Coffee Grinder Advanced Plus, £149.99
• Best coffee grinder for beginners: De'Longhi KG79 Coffee Grinder, £60
• Best budget electric coffee grinder: Duronic Coffee Grinder CG250, £20.99
• Best slimline coffee grinder: Barista & Co Core All Grind, £118.99
• Best blowout coffee grinder: Smeg CGF01 grinder, £219.95
• Best coffee grinder for precise results: Sage Smart Grinder Pro, £179.95
• Best blade coffee grinder: Salter electric coffee, nut and spice grind, £24.99
• Best value coffee grinder: Cuisinart Professional burr mill DMB8U, £50.95
• Best mid-range coffee grinder: Wilfa Svart Aroma Precision coffee grinder, £127

Manual coffee grinders

• Best manual coffee grinder: Kilner coffee grinder set, £27.94
• Best small hand coffee grinder: Porlex Tall II hand grinder, £65.21
• Best mid-range hand coffee grinder: Hario Mini Mill Plus, £29

The best electric coffee grinders to buy 2023

Fellow Opus grinder

• Available from Origin Coffee (£188.95), Selfridges (£210), Harrods (£210), Fenwick (£210)

Best overall coffee grinder

Pros:

• 41 grind settings
• Attractive and compact
• Efficient
• Easy to use
• Mostly recyclable packaging

Cons:

• Beans need to be weighed before grinding

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 140W

Fellow is known for producing some of the best-looking coffee kit on the market, and its sleek and compact Opus grinder is no exception. Understated and intuitive, it comes with 41 grind settings, a volumetric dosing lid to help with measuring beans and a spouted catch to minimise mess. We also love its smooth, rounded shape and textured panel across the top.

There's capacity for 200g ground coffee, which is enough for about 12 cups. A simple turn of the dial is all that's needed to modify the grind size – it also makes a satisfying 'click' as it rotates.

Grinding is measured in time (in seconds) rather than cup size or dose, which means you'll need to measure your beans out before you grind. This is potentially a faff for some coffee drinkers, but not unusual if you're already precise about your brewing process. The dosing measurements on the lid also make this easier.

How long the Opus grinds for depends on how you press the start button – for example, a single short press will grind for 30 seconds, while a double short press will grind for 60 seconds.

We found the performance excellent: there was solid consistency across the board, with noticeable differences in texture between fine, medium and coarse grounds. The noise the Opus generated wasn't too intrusive, and the timings were accurate when measured on a stopwatch, too.

Available from:

• Origin Coffee (£188.95)
• Harrods (£210)
• Selfridges (£210)
• Fenwick (£210)

De'Longhi Dedica Style KG521.M coffee grinder

Best coffee grinder for speedy results

Pros:

• 18 grind settings
• Clear LCD display
• Fast, even results

Cons:

• Noisy
• Instructions are quite vague
• Some non-recyclable packaging

Star rating: 5/5

Wattage: 150W

If you want coffee in a hurry, the process of freshly grinding your beans may seem like a chore. But, the speed at which this De'Longhi grinder works impressed us. It produced enough grounds for two cups (19g) in 5 seconds on the coarse setting, which was significantly faster than other recently tested models. Our fine, medium and coarse grounds were also even in texture.

There are 18 settings altogether, with labels for different coffee types – like espresso, pour-over and French press – marked above the dial, so you know roughly which grind size to aim for. From there, you can adjust the dose and strength using the button (marked with two coffee beans) on the left. To start the process, simply hit the play button.

The machine itself has a brightly lit digital display and slimline build, and its container has an airtight seal, so you can keep your beans fresher for longer. There are diagrams in the manual, but not much written guidance; thankfully, the controls are intuitive and some useful tips are displayed on the screen. An espresso filter holder support and a cleaning brush are included, too.

KitchenAid Coffee Grinder 5KCG8433

Star rating: 4.5/5

Best coffee grinder for versatility

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.

Gastroback 42642 Design Coffee Grinder Advanced Plus

• Available from B&Q (£149.99), Gastroback (£169.90)

Star rating: 4.5/5

Best coffee grinder for ease of use

Pros:

• 16 grinding settings
• Direct grinding to portafilter or storage box

Cons:

• A little noisy

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.

• Available from B&Q (£149.99), Gastroback (£169.90)

De'Longhi KG79 burr coffee grinder

Best coffee grinder for beginners

Pros:

• Compact and slimline
• 16 settings
• Clear interface

Cons:

• Design is a little flimsy
• Noisy
• Slow

Star rating: 4/5

Wattage: 110W

If you're keen to start freshly grinding your own beans from home, but don't want to fork out for an expensive gadget, this more affordable burr grinder from De'Longhi does the job well. It's unfussy and easy to use, with 16 settings and capacity for up to 120g beans. There are also two dials: one for adjusting the grind size, and another for dose (measured in cups).

Its lower price tag is reflected in the simple, plasticky design. It's also noisy during use and not especially quick, taking around 15-17 seconds to grind two cups on the coarse setting. But, its compact, sleek design makes it an ideal choice for smaller kitchens. It also grinds consistently, and unloading the grounds from the container and into a machine was mess-free, too.

Duronic Coffee Grinder CG250

Star rating: 4/5

Best budget electric grinder

Pros:

• Budget price
• Quiet
• One-touch operation

Cons:

• Very confusing manual

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.

Barista & Co Core All Grind

Best slimline grinder

Pros:

• Stylish and modern
• Easy to assemble
• Lots of grind settings

Cons:

• None

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.

Smeg CGF01 grinder

Best blowout coffee 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.

Sage Smart Grinder Pro

Best coffee grinder for precise results

Pros:

• Ultra-precise results
• Intelligent grinding
• 60 settings

Cons:

• Expensive

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 canister slotted magnetically into place.

Of all the grinders tested, this Sage model produced the most aromatic results. The canister 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.

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. Read our full Salter coffee and spice grinder review.

Cuisinart Professional burr mill DMB8U

Joint best affordable burr grinder

Pros:

• 18 settings
• Dishwasher safe
• Compact design

Cons:

• Some elements stick
• Noisy

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.

Wilfa Svart Aroma Precision coffee grinder

Best mid-range grinder

Pros:

• Modern design
• On/off switch
• Quiet

Cons:

• Large

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.

Melitta Calibra coffee grinder with integrated scale

Best coffee grinder with built-in scales

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.

The best manual 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.

Porlex Tall II hand grinder

• Available from Hasbean (£70)

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.

• Available from Hasbean (£70)

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.

Other coffee grinders tried and tested

• VonShef coffee grinder, £19.99
• Krups coffee and spice grinder, £29.91
• ROK GrinderGC, £199

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.