The 3 best coffee grinders of 2024, tested by experts

An ideal best coffee grinder produces ground particles of a consistent and correct size. By this we mean that the size of the ground coffee particles should match the coarseness setting of the grinder, whether fine or not. The size of the grounds produced must also be appropriate for the intended brewing method, as described in the product manual.

To test each grinder for our coffee grinder reviews, we first hand wash and dry all parts recommended by the manufacturer. We then set each machine to the appropriate level for grinding drip coffee or automatic coffee makers (again, as the manual indicates). Sometimes the manual lacks specific instructions. In this case, we select the medium coarse setting for grinding coffee and then turn it up one level coarser (from a fine grind, like an espresso, to a coarse grind). For example, if a grinder has 16 coarse grind settings in total (assuming 16 is its coarsest grind setting and 1 is its fine), we’ll set it for coarse grind level 9.

Next, we weigh 10 grams of whole coffee beans to grind them. By default, our test beans are Kirkland Colombian Roast. These are the same beans we use for our coffee maker tests. (No judgment, please.) When you grind as much coffee and espresso as we do, it pays to be frugal.

We then put our sample beans through the grinder. We also take note of the time it takes for the grinder to grind the coffee beans. Next, we carefully collect the grounds and then sift them with a two-sieve strainer for 60 seconds. For this we use the Kruve sieve system. Our original Kruve Two unit came with two mesh screens of different aperture sizes (800 and 400 microns). This step allows us to measure the grind size and grind consistency of our sample. He screw base has now replaced the Kruve Two and offers five mesh screens (300, 500, 800, 1,100 and 1,400 microns).

 

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A premium electric best coffee grinder or manual grinder will produce ground beans, preferably with stainless steel blades, which mostly have a particle size between 400 and 800 microns (at the chosen grind settings). Finally, we weigh the dregs that accumulate between the two screens (800 microns above, 400 microns below).

A bad grinder will grind particles of different sizes, from large to small. Blade grinders are known for this problem. Unlike a blade best coffee grinder, a steel or ceramic burr best coffee grinder generally produces much more uniform ground beans.

In addition, we grind at least two more times. From there, we can record an average optimal performance for each grinder.