Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder Review – Is This Affordable Automatic Grinder Worth It?
In my years as a barista, I’ve always found enjoyment in being hands-on when brewing coffee. But it’s also nice to make some parts of the process convenient, such as grinding the coffee beans. This is why you might consider picking a reliable automatic grinder.
But what if you’re on a budget?
Fret not, because there are affordable options that can still cater to your needs. The Capresso Infinity is one such grinder. If you want to find out if it’s right for you, then go on and read my in-depth review where I’ll discuss its features and shortcomings.
Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder Review Summary
For an entry-level electric grinder, the Capresso Infinity is a solid choice with its durable stainless steel conical burrs and 16 grind settings that follow through on your French press, pour over, and drip coffees.
While this grinder is lackluster in style and its fine-grinding capabilities are limited, the Infinity makes up for these shortcomings by having a compact body, generous capacity, user-friendly design, and of course, a very budget-friendly price.
Overall, if budget is a big factor in choosing your grinder, and you’re not too crazy about espresso, then the Capresso Infinity can really be worth your every buck.
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.
Pros
Cons
Key Features of the Capresso Infinity Grinder
Now let’s give the details of the Capresso Infinity conical burr grinder a better look. Here’s an in-depth review of this grinder’s features:
Design and Aesthetic
In terms of design and visual appeal, the Capresso Infinity is quite simple in both of its two variants: the classic black color and stainless steel finish.
While both may seem underwhelming in looks, I prefer the black one better as it fits nicely alongside my drip coffee maker of the same color.
Materials and Durability
This grinder’s entry-level price point is reflected by its construction, which is mostly made of ABS plastic. But don’t let this deter you from this Capresso grinder, as the quality of this impact-resistant thermoplastic feels surprisingly solid. This heavy-duty material gives the machine weight and durability that can withstand regular usage.
As for its bean container, it is made from clear plastic.
However, if durability is a key concern for you, you can choose the alternate option called the Capresso Infinity Plus which comes with an option for the more durable zinc die-cast body.
Burr Performance
Of course, you also want to make sure that the burrs can deliver the performance we all look for in a grinder. The Capresso Infinity has high-quality stainless steel conical burrs that I’ve found to be consistent and uniform in their grind size.
Burrs are known to be superior in comparison to blade grinders. Blades are often inconsistent and their sharpness doesn’t hold up as well as burrs. Meanwhile, the stainless steel material ensures that you can rely on this grinder for a long time.
The conical steel burrs are 40mm in size, and the 450 RPM (revolutions per minute) provides minimal heat generation during the grinding process; this helps prevent extraction errors often caused by friction-generated heat.
In addition to that, this electric burr grinder is also not that noisy when grinding your coffee.
Versatility and Grind Quality
The Infinity also has a wide range of 16 grind settings, ranging from extra-fine to coarse grinds. Therefore, it provides versatility for multiple brewing methods such as pour over, drip coffee, and French press-style cups.
While it manages to grind well across the two ends of the spectrum (from fine to coarse grinds), it does not go as fine as Turkish coffee. Meanwhile, it’s not the best coffee grinder for making espresso. I was only able to use its resulting grounds for espresso with the help of a pressurized basket.
Overall though, this grinder offers impressive performance delivering precise results without you breaking the bank.
Grinds retention is a big problem with this grinder though. You have several grams of ground coffee stuck in the grind chute, which is annoying since you always need to tip the machine forward to empty it.
Additional Features
The Infinity may not have a long list of fancy features, but it does come with a few additional perks that enhance its overall functionality.
One such feature is the auto-off mechanism when the hopper is not securely locked into place. This helps prevent any accidents or spills while using the grinder.
Its control wheel also serves as a timer, so you don’t have to watch the grinder closely as it does its job.
Size and Capacity
When it comes to size and capacity, the Infinity strikes a good balance between being compact yet spacious enough for your coffee needs.
With dimensions of just over 10 inches tall and a footprint measuring approximately 5″ x 7.75″, this grinder won’t take up too much valuable countertop space in your kitchen. It’s also lightweight at 3 pounds, making it easy to move around and store in your kitchen if needed.
In terms of capacity, the plastic hopper can hold up to 250 grams of coffee beans at once, allowing you to grind sizable batches without constantly refilling. The grounds bin has a slightly smaller capacity at around 110 grams but still provides ample room for collecting freshly ground coffee.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
This Capresso burr grinder is easy to use, thanks to its straightforward design and intuitive controls. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to grind with the Infinity:
- Fill the bean hopper with your desired amount of coffee beans.
- Rotate the hopper to adjust the grind settings by aligning the black dot to your desired number.
- You can then twist the small dial in front which times the grinding from 5 to 60 seconds. The numbers might confuse you because they don’t actually refer to any time measurement, but they’re merely reference points.
- Once the coffee grounds have appeared in the coffee container below, I’ve found that it’s a good habit to give it a light tap first before pulling out the bin, then tap it on the counter this time to help the grounds settle and avoid unwanted mess caused by static.
Cleaning this burr grinder is also relatively hassle-free since its upper burr can be easily removed for thorough cleaning with a brush. Click here for a more in-depth guide on how to clean your coffee grinder to keep it in tip-top shape.
Price and Value for Money
Of course, we can’t overlook one of this grinder’s main selling points— its cost. Priced affordably, this grinder offers good value for those seeking an entry-level burr grinder that still delivers consistent and quality grinds.
While not as premium as its high-end counterparts, this grinder comes equipped with effective steel burrs that fetch most of its cost, considering that its external parts are mostly plastic. For its price, the Capresso Infinity grinder proves to be a smart investment if you’re out for a reliable grinder to join your home brewing setup without a hefty cost.
Capresso Infinity Plus & Capresso Infinity – What’s the Difference?
When shopping for the Capresso Infinity, chances are, you’ll encounter a few different models that can make this endeavor a bit confusing. Let me clear things up by pointing out each model’s own unique features and specifications that set it apart from the others:
The basic model in the lineup is the Capresso Infinity 560 (also 560.01 and 560.04) which I have reviewed above. This grinder offers high-quality precise burrs and a quiet low-speed motor for optimal grinding results. It has an ABS plastic housing and is available in both black and silver finishes.
If you’re looking for something more heavy-duty, then consider the Capresso Infinity 565 (or Capresso 565.05). This model has all the same specifications as the 560 but with a zinc die-cast housing instead of ABS plastic. The stainless steel finish also adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen countertop.
For those who need more capacity, there’s the Capresso Infinity Plus series (model numbers 570 and 575). These models feature larger hoppers with a 311g (11oz) capacity and come equipped with a convenient selector that allows you to choose between brewing one cup or up to twelve cups of coffee at once. Like their counterparts, they are also available in black (plastic body) or stainless steel (zinc-die cast body).
As you might expect, prices vary between 560 and 565 depending on the materials used for the grinders, but the costs are not too far from one another. As for the Infinity Plus, it will cost an additional several bucks from the basic models.
Capresso Infinity Alternatives
When choosing the grinder that’s right for you, it’s also ideal to give some alternatives a look. Knowing your options will further help you decide if the Capresso Infinity is really for you or not.
Here are other grinders you’d want to consider.
| Grinder | Burr Material | RPM/Grind Settings | Construction Material | Bean Hopper Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capresso Infinity 560 | Steel | 450 RPM / 16 settings | ABS Plastic | 250g |
| Capresso Infinity 565 | Steel | 450 RPM / 16 settings | Zinc Die-Cast | 250g |
| Capresso Infinity Plus 570 | Steel | 450 RPM / 16 settings | ABS Plastic | 311g |
| Capresso Infinity Plus 575 | Steel | 450 RPM / 16 settings | Zinc Die-Cast | 311g |
| Baratza Encore | Steel | 550 RPM / 40 settings | Plastic | 300g |
| Bodum Bistro | Steel | 720 / 12 settings | Plastic, Borosilicate Glass Catcher | 220g |
| OXO Brew Burr Grinder | Steel | 400 / 15 settings | Stainless Steel, Plastic | 340g |
| Timemore C2 Max | Steel | Manual / 27 settings | Aluminum alloy body | 30g |
Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity
The Baratza Encore is another grinder that would often crop up when discussing entry-level electric grinders. Like the Infinity, it has stainless steel burrs, but it can run faster at 550 RPM.Its versatility is a big advantage as the Encore has 40 grind settings whereas the Infinity only has 16. The Encore’s burrs are also highly regarded for their durability and longevity.
On the other hand, while both grinders offer good value for money, the Baratza Encore typically comes with a higher price tag than the Capresso. So if budget is a big factor in your decision-making, then you’d want to think this through.
Bodum Bistro vs Capresso Infinity
Also more expensive but stays within the budget-friendly price range of grinders is the Bodum Bistro. It shares the same construction with the Capresso Infinity, having steel burrs designed for a long grinding life and plastic casing, but with a borosilicate glass catcher.
Personally, I perceive the Bistro as a sleeker grinder even if I’m not a fan of the red accents. However, its main drawbacks include a smaller 220g bean capacity, lower 12 grind settings, and the 5-minute cooldown between grinders.
OXO Brew Burr Grinder vs Capresso Infinity
The OXO Brew is another affordable grinder with 15 grind settings, close to Infinity’s 16 grind settings. Their similarities don’t end there, as the OXO Brew is also equipped with stainless steel burrs that provide consistent results.
What gives the OXO Brew an edge over the Infinity is its case material, which combines both stainless steel and plastic for a sturdier construction. Another advantage that it has is its large 340g capacity, making this a reliable grinder if you’re looking to grind larger batches of coffee.
Timemore C2 Max vs Capresso Infinity
If you’re seeking a grinder that offers excellent performance but maintains an affordable price, you might want to consider going for manual grinders instead. Yes, they lack the convenience of electric grinders, but getting a premium hand grinder can produce better results while having a similar, if not lower, price point. Plus, they’re portable.
One such grinder is the Timemore C2 Max, which is more affordable yet provides impressive grinds that could closely compete with the Infinity.
One of the Timemore grinder’s biggest advantages is it allows you to have better control over the grinding process. It has 23 steps in its adjustment settings that can cater to various brewing methods. For espresso though, you need to upgrade to Timemore’s titanium-coated E&B burrs for optimal results. For more information, read my Timemore C2 Max review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are quick answers to some questions you might have about the Capresso Infinity:
While the Capresso 565 strikes a good balance between affordability and durability, I would say the best among these models is the upgraded Infinity Plus. Not only is it better in performance but its automated dosing feature and larger capacity offer a better brewing experience.
You can but you shouldn’t. As with any coffee grinder with steel burrs inside, you shouldn’t wash them with water because it could form rust which you wouldn’t want getting into your coffee. Stick with a brush for the metal parts and wash non-metal parts but be sure to dry them before reassembling the grinder.
While the Capresso Infinity is manufactured in China, the burrs are produced and assembled in Switzerland, where its owning company, JURA EG, is based. JURA is a household name among coffee lovers as it is known for producing top-quality espresso machines.
You can find users online who modified this grinder to achieve the grind size for espresso. However, I advise you not to follow these modifications. Not only will this void the warranty of your grinder, but it also poses the risk of damaging your machine’s performance across different grind sizes while the consistency of your espresso grinds is still not ensured.
Final Verdict
So, do I recommend the Capresso Infinity?
Yes, it is worth considering if you have a strict budget and don’t mind not achieving optimal espresso grinds. The Infinity may not enjoy the fancy features or premium construction of higher-end grinders, but it is equipped enough to get the job done properly without breaking the bank.
However, if you do have wiggle room as to how much you are willing to invest in a grinder, there are many electric grinders that give you better results with little additional cost. If it comes down to consistency and control, you might even want to consider getting a manual grinder instead.
