6 Best Electric Burr Coffee Grinders for Home Use [Test Results]
A lot goes into making a great cup of coffee, be it drip or espresso, and using fresh, consistently ground coffee is definitely among the top 3 most important factors.
Now if precision, convenience, and consistency are important to you, the electric burr grinder is king.
With an electric grinder, it’s easy to dial in your grind size and the amount of grinds you need, and the machine takes care of the rest. Easy, consistent, repeatable.
But with all the options out there, which one suits you best? Let me simplify your search by sharing the electric burr coffee grinders I’ve used and can recommend in 2024.
The Best Electric Burr Coffee Grinders of 2024
To brew great coffee, you need a great grinder. Here are the top 3 electric burr grinders.
- 40 grind settings
- 40mm alloy steel conical burrs
- Compact and user-friendly
- 60 settings from espresso to coarse
- Lots of accessories
- 18 oz hopper
- 15 grind settings
- Large-capacity hopper
- Static-fighting container
And here is my entire shortlist with a few more gems.
| Grinder | Burr Type | Capacity | Settings | Materials | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Baratza Encore (ESP) | 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs | 8 oz | 40 grind settings | Stainless steel, 15% glass-filled thermoplastic, plastic, and metal |
| 2. | Breville The Smart GrinderPro | 40mm conical steel burrs (M2) | 18 oz | 60 grind settings | Stainless steel and plastic |
| 3. | OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder | 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs | 12 oz | 15 grind settings | Stainless steel and plastic |
| 4. | Baratza Virtuoso+ | 40mm conical steel burrs (M2) | 10.6 oz | 40 grind settings | Brushed metal, plastic, and stainless steel |
| 5. | Capresso Infinity | 40mm stainless steel conical burrs | 9 oz | 16 grind settings | Stainless steel burrs, plastic or zinc die-cast casing |
| 6. | Bodum Bistro | 35mm stainless steel conical burrs | 7.8 oz | 12 grind settings | Borosilicate glass, steel, plastic, rubber, and silicone |
1. Baratza Encore (ESP for Espresso) – Editor’s Choice
The Baratza Encore is tried and tested by the coffee community. This entry-level grinder has 40 grind settings that cover a wide range of methods from fine espresso grinds to medium grinds for drip coffee and the coarser French press coffee.
The Baratza Encore features 40 grind settings and commercial-grade conical burrs for a wide range of brewing methods. It's designed to be user-friendly with a simple ON/OFF switch and a front-mounted pulse button and comes in a compact size suitable for home use.
The grinder is built with quality parts, including 40mm hardened alloy steel burrs and a robust DC motor, backed by Baratza's reliable support and a one-year warranty.
- 40 grind settings
- 40mm alloy steel conical burrs
- Compact and user-friendly
It’s easy to use with a pulse button for controlled dosing and an on/off switch for continuous grinds. Equipped with 40mm conical stainless steel burrs, the Encore shines with its consistency for medium to coarse grinds. It operates at 550 RPM (revolutions per minute) which means less heat generation, so don’t worry about getting a burnt flavor out of your coffee grounds.
Truth be told though, this is not the most consistent choice for finer settings like espresso, but Baratza rolled out the Encore ESP version in 2023 to make up for it. It’s good that they acknowledged the pain points of the Encore users. So if you mainly brew espresso, you would want the ESP version of the Encore.
Overall, the Baratza Encore is a well-received grinder for its exceptional balance of performance and price. Read my full review of the Baratza Encore to learn more.
Pros
Cons
Baratza Encore Specifications:
- Burr type: 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs
- Hopper capacity: 8 oz
- Settings: 40 grind settings
- Materials: Stainless steel burrs, 15% glass-filled thermoplastic gears, and plastic casing with heavy metal ballast
2. Breville Smart Grinder Pro (Great All Around)
Breville’s Smart Grinder Pro is an intelligent piece of machine with a digital display where you can adjust what you need.
The Smart Grinder Pro isn't pro enough to use in a café, but it does a good job in the home kitchen. It has stainless steel conical burrs with 60 grind settings ranging from espresso fine to French press coarse. An electronic timer can be set in 0.2 sec increments for consistent dosing.
The hopper has a large 18 oz capacity, it's easy to transfer beans, has a single dosing accessory, and can grind directly into multiple containers, including portafilters.
- 60 settings from espresso to coarse
- Lots of accessories
- 18 oz hopper
Pick from 60 precise grind settings, adjust the electrical timer in 0.2-second increments, and choose how many cups or shots you need. The 40mm stainless steel conical burrs will then deliver consistent grinds fast.
Grinding with this smart grinder also goes seamlessly into any coffee routine. Aside from the grinder container locked by magnets, it also comes with attachable 50-54mm and 58mm portafilter cradles perfect for espresso.
The high cost can be a turn-off, but if you consider its accurate grinds and smart features, buying the Breville’s smart grinder may be well worth the investment.
Pros
Cons
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Specifications:
- Burr type: 40mm conical steel burrs (M2)
- Hopper capacity: 18 oz
- Settings: 60 grind settings
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
3. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Best Budget Grinder
The OXO Brew is an automatic grinder that has 15 grind settings with extra micro-settings for a variety of brewing methods.
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder features stainless steel burrs that produce uniform coffee grounds, essential for optimal flavor. It offers 15 grind size settings, catering to a range of brewing methods from espresso to French press, and includes a one-touch start function that remembers your last setting.
The grinder has a large-capacity hopper with a UV-blocking tint and a static-fighting container, both designed to preserve coffee quality and freshness.
- 15 grind settings
- Large-capacity hopper
- Static-fighting container
It may be affordable, but this device can produce uniform coffee grounds with its 40mm stainless steel conical burrs. Plus, it’s easy to use with the evident adjustment dial and one-touch timer.
Then there’s the large hopper with a 12 oz capacity and a UV-blocking tint to maintain your beans’ freshness. Bean feeding has occasional issues resulting in incomplete doses, but it works well 90% of the time, so it’s really just a minor issue.
All things considered, the OXO Brew pairs excellent performance with affordability, making it worthy of a spot in the lineup of the best coffee grinders.
Pros
Cons
OXO Brew Specifications:
- Burr type: 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs
- Hopper capacity: 12 oz
- Settings: 15 grind settings
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
4. Baratza Virtuoso+ – Precision Burrs
The Baratza Virtuoso+ is a compact grinder that goes big on performance. The trusted brand for electric grinders equipped this machine with their precision-milled M2 burr set to guarantee a consistent grind that brings out the best from your beans.
The Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a specialty coffee grinder with a 40-second adjustable digital timer and LED backlit grounds bin for precise dosing. It features 40 grind settings with commercial-grade conical burrs, suitable for a wide range of brewing methods, and a durable build with hardened alloy steel burrs and a powerful DC motor.
- 40 grind settings
- 40-second adjustable timer
- Commercial-grade conical burrs
With 40 grind settings, this machine can cater to your brewers, be it espresso, AeroPress, pour over, or French press.
Apart from being on the quieter side, it has a backlit digital timer and lighting on the catch bin, making it a great choice if you’re an early riser who fixes a cup of coffee early in the morning.
Yes, the Virtuoso+ has a heftier price tag but it matches the cost with a sturdy metal and plastic build along with upgraded burrs that deliver exceptional grinds.
Pros
Cons
Baratza Virtuoso+ Specifications:
- Burr type: 40mm conical steel burrs (M2)
- Hopper capacity: 10.6 oz
- Settings: 40 grind settings
- Materials: Brushed metal, plastic, and stainless steel
5. Capresso Infinity
The Capresso Infinity is another highly affordable automatic grinder in the market, equipped with commercial-grade 40mm conical burrs that were produced by pairs for precision.
The affordable Capresso Infinity burr grinder delivers consistent grinds for drip coffee, cold brew, and French press with its durable stainless steel conical burrs. However, it lacks capabilities for fine espresso grinds.
If you're seeking an entry-level electric grinder on a budget, the Infinity is a solid choice for reliable everyday performance.
- Good price
- Steel burrs
- Large capacity
It has 16 grind settings that range from fine to coarse, producing uniform coffee grounds for different methods.
The Infinity also sports some handy features like an auto-off mechanism when your hopper is not securely locked and a control wheel that doubles as a timer.
You can also choose from the Capresso Infinity 560 with ABS plastic housing or the Infinity 565 with zinc die-cast casing.
One issue with this machine is some grind retention in the chute. Setting aside this small flaw, I still stand by the Infinity’s grinding performance.
Pros
Cons
Capresso Infinity Specifications:
- Burr type: 40mm stainless steel conical burrs
- Hopper capacity: 9 oz
- Settings: 16 grind settings
- Materials: Stainless steel burrs, plastic or zinc die-cast casing
6. Bodum Bistro
Another grinder worth considering is the Bodum Bistro. A 35mm conical burr set paired with a pre-set timer gives you uniform grinds in controlled doses.
The BISTRO burr coffee grinder is an electric grinder that ensures the freshness of coffee beans by crushing them between stainless steel conical burrs, offering 12 adjustable grind settings for various coffee preparations. It features a neat design with a sealed bean container and borosilicate glass catcher to preserve bean freshness and flavor, plus a preset timer for precise grinding. The grinder also includes a friction clutch to protect against damage from foreign objects.
- 12 Grind settings
- 35mm conical burrs
- Borosilicate glass hopper and catcher
For flexibility, this device has 12 grind settings ranging from espresso-fine to coarse French press.
Another asset of Bistro is its durability, combining plastic, steel, and rubber. Meanwhile, its catch bin and hopper are made of borosilicate glass, reducing the annoying static when you grind.
There are times that grounds come out of unexpected places, so it can get messy, but it’s a rare occurrence I can let it pass.
After all, the Bodum Bistro still delivers impressive performance which shows in my cup of joe.
Pros
Cons
Bodum Bistro Specifications:
- Burr type: 35mm stainless steel conical burrs
- Hopper capacity: 7.8 oz
- Settings: 12 grind settings
- Materials: Borosilicate glass, steel, plastic, rubber, and silicone
What to Look For in a Coffee Grinder
There are different types of coffee grinders, and to help you make a choice, here are the features you want to consider:
Electric vs Manual Coffee Grinders
Automatic grinders are more convenient and consistent while the more affordable hand grinders offer you more control and easier upkeep.
The drawback with going manual is that it takes more time and energy when you grind. I recommend it if you’re mostly going solo when you brew.
So which suits you better? This depends on how you do your coffee. Read more on my full comparison of electric and manual coffee grinders.
Blade Grinders vs Burr Grinders
Would you want propeller-like blades or compact burrs to crush your beans? Burrs are the superior choice, no question. They can produce uniform coffee grounds, unlike blades that only chop the beans with no consistency.
Let’s leave the blade grinders to nuts and spices. Get to know more in my full article comparing blades and burrs.
Flat vs Conical Burr Grinders
Now I’ve established that burrs are better, let’s look into the two different burr shapes.
Flat burrs are superior in performance but costly. These are mostly used in specialty cafes and even competitions. Conical burr grinders are more affordable and they generate less heat and noise.
If it’s about the results, flat burrs get my vote, but the price gap makes their conical counterparts more cost-effective.
Single-dose vs Hopper Grinders
With single-dose machines, you dose just enough coffee beans every time you grind. As for hopper grinders, they have built-in containers for your coffee beans and will automatically dose for you.
Hopper grinders are more convenient, but there’s the issue of the freshness of the beans in the hopper. Ideally, you empty the hopper in a day or two, but that is rarely the case in a home environment.
So when you’re deciding whether you should get a single-dose or hopper grinder, think about how much you consume as a coffee drinker. Do you brew for yourself or prepare a full pot of coffee?
Dedicated vs Built-in Grinders
Another factor to consider is whether you want to buy a separate grinder or if you haven’t picked a coffee machine yet, purchase one with a grinder integrated already.
A dedicated grinder offers more customization, varying levels of portability, and generally, more focus on higher quality in performance and construction.
However, this means a separate purchase and a bit steeper learning curve.
You then have its built-in counterpart, which focuses more on convenience. They’re easier to use, more space-saving, and come with automatic settings. You have to be careful with them though.
I have extensive experience with the Breville Barista Pro, it is a good choice if you’re going this route.
Other factors to consider
Aside from the key features discussed above, here are other factors that you should consider when buying a grinder:
- Durability: For an electric coffee grinder, you want external and internal parts to last. Find one with a sturdy body and parts that can withstand the motor of such grinders.
- Noise level: A noisy grinder can be annoying especially when you’re making coffee early in the morning. If this is an issue for you, look into the noise level of the coffee grinder you’re eyeing.
- Size: Unlike manual grinders, automatic ones will have to sit somewhere in your kitchen. Be mindful of the space it will occupy so you’ll have no problem working on your coffee routine.
- Capacity: The frequency and the amount of coffee you consume should also be added to the equation. Can your grinder have enough capacity for the amount of coffee you need? This will help you decide on a capacity that’s right for you.
- User-friendliness: This factor is important especially if you’re just getting started. Aside from the ease of use, look into other aspects like control, cleaning, and overall maintenance.
- Brand reputation: The reputation of a brand is important, so it’s smart to check out people’s reviews of the product and the brand’s customer service first.
- Price: Of course, you need to find a grinder within your budget. Weigh this with your needs to find a grinder that offers the best value for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions regarding electric burr coffee grinders:
This varies depending on the grinder that you have, but generally, you first disassemble the parts, clean them carefully with a brush or a grinder-specific cleaner, and reassemble the machine. Remember never to use water or soap as these could damage your grinder.
Be sure to check the manual of your device before you clean it. You can also read my guide on cleaning grinders.
Oily coffee beans are frowned upon because of their potential damage to your coffee gear. I recommend that you clean your grinder more frequently when grinding very dark roast coffee with too much oil, or just completely avoid such beans.
Grinding a large batch of coffee beans sounds convenient, but grinding them right before you brew coffee is still best. Grinding releases the volatile oils from your beans, so their flavors will escape if not extracted right away.
A tip for reducing the noise that your grinder makes is to place the machine over a cushioned surface. But this will not make a huge difference so the placement of the grinder is still more important. You can try placing it in the farthest corner of the kitchen away from the door. Otherwise, you can opt to upgrade to a quieter machine like the Fellow Opus conical burr grinder.
You might be looking for a grinder that will perform seamlessly with your espresso machine. The Eureka Mignon Specialita is worth considering if you’re mostly grinding specialty coffee. You can also check out my list of the best espresso grinders to learn more.
Get Grinding
You have numerous options out there, but the six grinders listed above are my most recommended ones. Whether you’re looking for a machine that’s budget-friendly, one with smart features, or simply a grinder that does the job perfectly, there’s a grinder that suits you.
Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments. Have you used any of these grinders?
So, I’m confused about the static-fighting container mentioned with the OXO Brew grinder. How exactly does it work in reducing static, and is it a feature that actually makes a significant difference when grinding beans?
This article was just the push I needed. I bought the Breville Smart Grinder Pro based on Tom’s review, and it’s absolutely changed my coffee game. The number of settings is a bit overwhelming, but once you find your sweet spot, it’s incredible. Also, the smell of freshly ground coffee throughout the kitchen is unbeatable.
I have to agree that the Baratza Encore is a top-notch choice, especially for espresso enthusiasts. As someone who has roasted my own beans for a while now, the 40 grind settings on the Encore allow for a precision that caters to even the most subtle flavor adjustments. It’s a reliable machine that rarely disappoints.