The Scoop on Grinders

It’s a common question… you need a coffee grinder and don’t know where to start. Are they really worth $200? Can you get a good one for $100 or less?

Here are my thoughts and recommendations.

Considerations

The biggest factor is, how do you make your coffee? Do you have an espresso machine where the grind makes a HUGE difference or do you use a filter / drip system or french press, which are more forgiving?

Other factors to consider are:

• How much coffee do you grind at a time? For 1 or 2 cups or more?

• How often do you make coffee? Daily? Weekly or less often?

• Do you always use the same grind / same coffeemaker or do you switch it up, sometimes needing a coarser grind and sometimes a finer grind?

OPTION 1 - basic electric burr grinder 

Expect to pay - from $150 & up  

For most home coffee setups, a decent burr grinder is the best choice. It is quick and easy to use, and can easily adjust from one type of grind to another.

There are several good models out there and you’ll have to figure out which features are most important to you. Don’t compromise on grind consistency or reliability. And make sure it is easy to clean and maintain. Other than that, it is personal choice whether you go for something simple and small or spend a little more for additional features or a flashy colour to match your kitchen. Once you've found what you want, shop around and watch for sales! Small appliances like coffee grinders go on sale regularly. 

FEATURES TO LOOK FOR:

• A range of grind settings (should be from very fine to coarse)

• How easy is it to adjust the grind?

• Hopper capacity - will it hold enough beans for a pot or more of coffee?

• A timer for measuring the amount ground (sometimes shown as quantity)

• Materials used - is it solidly made? A lot of plastic? The burrs will probably be ceramic and that’s fine

• How easy is it to clean and maintain? Can you get at the burrs to clean them?

• Anti-static features

• Size and design. Is it easy to fill? Attractive if sitting out on your counter? Will it fit in your coffee area? Do you like the look?

BEST IF YOU: 

• Are (mostly) not using for espresso

• Are grinding more than 1 or 2 cups at a time

• Use your grinder frequently

I am a fan of the Baratza Encore. It’s about C$200 and rarely goes on sale but is well worth the investment. Here is the NY Times Wirecutter’s review - it’s been their grinder recommendation since 2015!

Wirecutter: Why We Love the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

OPTION 2 - a hand grinder

Expect to pay - $40 to $75

Another option that lots of Sparkplug Coffee customers swear by is a manual or hand grinder.

A manual grinder can work really well if you don't mind putting a little elbow grease into your coffee making routine. BUT... you must pick your grinder carefully if you’re using it for espresso (many hand grinders are not super consistent and it’s hard to get a good, extra-fine grind out of them). AND... it’s slower and more work than an electric grinder. It's also very quiet compared to electric, if you're worried about disturbing others.

LOOK FOR: 

• How easy is it to set and change the grind?

• How consistent is the grind - will the grind mechanism slip during use?

• A lid! to keep those beans from flying all over while you’re grinding

• Design - is it comfortable to hold?

BEST IF YOU:

• Are grinding for no more than 1 or 2 cups a day

• Don’t often change the grind settings

• Are not in a rush

• Enjoy being very hands-on and crafting your coffees (I’m looking at you, AeroPress owner!)

OPTION 3 - a Good espresso grinder 

Expect to pay - $400 & up

If you’re serious about espresso, I’d seriously consider a good espresso grinder. Something where you can dial in the espresso grind in a way that is just not possible with the less expensive grinders. 

Once you start looking at espresso grinders, the sky’s the limit for price so set a budget, decide on your essential features, then find the best reviewed that meets your budget and has those features.

PICK IF you:

• Regularly make espresso

• Plan on keeping and using for several years

• Love espresso (you spent how much on your espresso maker? Get a decent grinder to go with it!)

OPTION 4 - buy ground coffee

Expect to pay:  FREE - included in your coffee purchase

The final option is to get your coffee ground when you buy it instead of grinding at home. See here for the Sparkplug Coffee grind chart to figure out which grind you want. 

BEST IF YOU: 

• Buy fresh roasted coffee, store it properly and drink it quickly.

• Don’t have the budget for the best fit grinder. Save your money, buy better coffee in smaller amounts!

• Go through a lot of coffee each week - I’m looking at you, office coffee buyers.

• Are unsure of your future coffee making needs. Save your money now and buy what you need when you know what it is.

A note on BLADE GRINDERS

You may have noticed, we didn’t include a blade grinder (AKA spice mill) as an option. It’s just not what we recommend if you’re looking for a coffee grinder. 

Sure, buy one to use for spices and if you have a very occasional need to grind coffee. It’ll never give a consistent, good grind so it’s harder to get a great coffee every time with it. But it’s cheap and basic and better than nothing! 

If you’re buying a spice mill / blade grinder, don’t spend more than $40. And if you’re spending that much, why not get a good little manual grinder or electric burr grinder?