COFFEE
 
Choosing the right grinder is key to getting the most out of your espresso machine or brewing kit. Here's our guide to choosing the right grinder to suit your needs from our range.
The two main types of grinder are hand or electric, below we'll walk you through the pros and cons of both including the various optional features of electric grinders.
Hand Coffee Grinders
Hand grinders are an affordable way of achieving good grind quality for the money. They contain conical burr sets and are all capable of grinding for a range of brew methods, including espresso.
Pros
- Low cost
- Ability to grind across a range of settings
- Portable - perfect for camping, taking on holiday or using in the office
- Versatile - very easy to change between coarse and fine settings
- Minimal waste / grind retention
Cons
- Slower than electric grinders
- Can be tiring to grind for more than 2 or 3 coffees
- Very course settings sometimes result in uneven grind (due to low price point)
L-R: Hario Mini Mill Plus; Timemore Nano; Comandante
Entry Level Hand Grinders: £30 - £40
Hario Mini Mill
The Mini Mill produced by Hario is the industry standard, go to grinder for under £40. It is a very capable grinder at entry level, that will satisfy most beginners in learning about hand grinding. It has a slight drawback in that the courser you adjust it, the less accurate the grind quality is, which results in a slightly uneven grind. That said, it delivers a very good standard for the price, without getting into the world of much pricier pieces of kit. A perfect entry level grinder for most, but not a grinder of choice for the speciality coffee aficionado. Easy to set up and adjust the grind plus it houses around 25g of coffee. Price £35.
The Tiamo Large is ultimately a mirror copy of the Hario Skerton, the larger model of the Hario Mini Mill. The only major difference between this grinder and the Hario Mini Mill is that it houses 45-50g of coffee and has a glass base. It's a slightly better option for those that want to grind enough for coffee for a large cafetiere without needing to repeat the process twice. Price £40.
High-End Hand Grinders: £110 - £235
Timemore have become one of the leading names in high end / pro-sumer hand grinders in 2019. They are a Chinese company focused on producing exceptional hand grinders, aimed at those who appreciate the difference between acceptable and high quality (uniform) grind.
The Timemore Nano model is currently the world leader in micro hand grinders that produce a fantastic precision grind. It's micro in size, holds around 18g of coffee and can grind very accurately from Turkish to Cafetiere with ease. It has some very neat features such as an auto-click extendable arm for grinding that snaps into place when extended and a rubber seal behind the handle that stops the arm damaging the main body of the grinder. The housing is made from aluminium and is crafted in a rough pattern, which makes the grinder great to hold tight whilst grinding. The whole production feels very slick and premium. Priced at £120.
Recommended brew methods: Hand coffee brewing / pourover (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever Dripper, AeroPress)
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AergrindÂ
The Aergrind has proven itself to be one of the best professional hand grinders in the world. Now in its 4th variation, it's as solid and slick as ever, with what we see as the ultimate in refinement of an already amazing product. It's Knock's smallest, portable grinder that is probably their most popular product to date. It's compact, high quality, easy to use and fits inside an Aeropress. It grinds to a very uniform consistency with a range from espresso to filter and lots in between. It is stepless, meaning it adjusts very smoothly, and not limited to pre-defined grind settings. Priced at £149.
Recommended brew methods:Â Hand coffee brewing / pourover (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever Dripper, AeroPress)
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Comandante
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Comandante have become the world leader in precision hand grinders, aimed at the very top end of the scale. Beautifully presented, with amazing detail and fantastic grind quality all contribute to what is, a very premium product that has a world following. It can house up to 50g of coffee, comes with two glass bases (one clear and another tinted) and is very easy to adjust and use. It comes in a range of finishes such as Black, Wenge (pictured), Red, Zebra and now new Green, Blue and Burgundy. Priced from £235.
Recommended brew methods:Â Hand coffee brewing / pourover (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever Dripper, AeroPress)
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TIP:
The one major difference between entry level and high end grinders is that all high end grinders have 3 points of contact along the shaft and the burr set, which removes any 'wobble' which results in larger particles of coffee falling through. Furthermore, in higher end grinders - the burr set is held in place with a spring and controlled up and down very accurately. This makes the adjustment very accurate and smooth, which produces less boulders and fines and much (MUCH) more of a uniform grind.
Electric Coffee Grinders
There are a large range of electric grinders to choose from depending on what your preferences are. Here's the run down the options we currently have available on our website:
Filter Coffee Grinders
Wilfa Svart
If you're looking for an electric grinder for filter coffee then the Wilfa Svart (Silver) (Note: it is not suitable for espresso). This area of the market used to be dominated by the likes of the Baratza Encore, however, the Wilfa has now supplanted all other contenders on price, speed and grind quality. It's simple, easy to use, fast and fairly quiet for the price. We consider it to be the best sub £150 brew method grinder available on the market.
You can now buy this grinder in it's second version known as the Svart Aroma. It is Black in colour and has a slower RPM motor, which results in a slightly better grind quality. BUT, at this level - the difference between the silver and black model is marginal at best. Very easy to use & clean. Priced from £105-135.
Recommended brew methods:Â Hand coffee brewing / pourover (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever Dripper, AeroPress), filter machines (e.g. Moccamaster)
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Fellow Ode
If you have a larger budget and aesthetics are important to you, you might want to consider the new Fellow ODE grinder. Fellow produce very slick devices that look minimal and Scandi in style. The come with 65mm commercial burrs, produce a very decent standard of grind and look like they come off a Scandinavian crime drama TV show.
The grind adjustment is on the front of the unit and acts as much part fo the design, as it does it's actual function. Nice features include a metal grinds bin that sits on a magnetised base, which clicks nicely into place, plus a great grind visual inside the hopper lid, providing guidance on grind Vs brewing styles.
They come in either Matt Black or White and are priced at £365.
Recommended brew methods:Â Hand coffee brewing / pourover (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever Dripper, AeroPress), filter machines (e.g. Moccamaster)
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Wilfa Uniform
Wilfa have now released their Uniform range, which offers the same style of convenience grinding as the Svart. It's heavier in weight, comes with a more advanced burr set and is capable of grinding for both filter & espresso. There are two options. First the Uniform Silver, then the Uniform Plus Black, which is the exact same unit, with a very slick set of scales built into the top of the unit that you can detach when required. Both adjust the grind setting by moving the top of the unit on a sliding scale, which is both very effective and easy to use.
The Uniform is not really a dedicated espresso grinder, meaning that it does not have a holder fork for a portafilter, and instead grinds into a coffee bin. A good option if you are looking for high quality filter grind and have the option to grind for espresso if you choose to do so. solution. Own a Moccamaster and a basic home espresso machine? This could be perfect for you as an all in one Priced from £310-375.
Recommended brew methods:Â Hand coffee brewing / pourover (Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever Dripper, AeroPress), filter machines (e.g. Moccamaster)
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Espresso Coffee Grinders
Eureka Mignon
If you looking for a dedicated espresso grinder, then check out the Eureka Mignon. It is arguably the best sub £450 dedicated espresso grinder on the market. There are lots of other brands out there such as Baratza, Dualit, Mazzer, Compak etc, but we have tested many (MANY) grinders and we have found that the Eureka Mignon is the best out there considering price, grind quality and build. It's a simple, but highly effective unit that delivers the best quality home espresso for between £279 & £400. There are actually 3 different models in the range:
The Silenzio:
A dedicated espresso grinder with a holding fork for grinding directly into your portafilter, in the same way that commercial grinders do. It has manual controls on the side of the unit for timed and manual dosing, alongside 50mm flat steel burrs. It is 6KG in weight and built like a mini tank. Perfect for those wanting a solid home espresso grinder to pair with a Dualit, a Gaggia Baby or Classic, a Di-Longhi, a Rocket. Priced at £279+
Recommended brew methods:Â Rancilio, Gaggia, Di-Longhi, Morphy Richards & Dualit espresso machines; Profitec, Lelit or Rocket prosumer espresso machines
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The Specialita:
This is a dedicated espresso grinder with a holder fork for grinding directly into your portafilter, in the same way that commercial grinders do. Like the Perfetto it has touch screen controls on the front of the unit for programmed, timed and manual dosing. Featuring 55mm flat steel burrs and 6KG in weight. Perfect for those wanting a solid home espresso grinder to pair with a Profitec, Rocket, Linea Mini or Lelit and other pro-sumer machines. Priced at £379+
Recommended brew methods: Profitec, Lelit or Rocket prosumer espresso machines
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Mid-range - for home or light commercial use
These grinders are geared towards those wanting a slightly higher grade of grind quality and improved speed. They could be for home use, or possibly low volume cafes (Up to 12KG per week), and are sometimes very popular for a 2nd Decaf grinder. They offer increased quality in grind consistency, plus faster grind time with 65mm burrs. Firstly the Eureka ORO Stark and then the Eureka Zenith NERO 65e. They are both on demand.
The Eureka Mignon ORO Stark
This is Eureka's top of the range Mignon Grinder, with less plastic parts, heavier in weight and crucially, much larger 65mm burrs. It's a small footprint grinder, capable of grinding as fast as many commercial units, but for domestic use. Again, it's a dedicated espresso grinder with a holder fork for grinding directly into your portafilter (On-Demand). Just like the Specialita, it has touch screen controls on the front of the unit for programmed, timed and manual dosing. Featuring 65mm flat steel burrs, easy to use grind adjustment dial weighs in at 7.5KG. Perfect for those wanting a solid home espresso grinder to pair with a Profitec, Rocket, Linea Mini or Lelit and other pro-sumer machines (Due to it's smaller size). Available in Chrome, Black & White. Priced at £525+
Recommended brew methods: Profitec, Lelit or Rocket prosumer espresso machines; La Marzocco's Linea Mini
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The Eureka Zenith 65e
The Eureka Zenith 65e is a brilliant mid range commercial on-demand grinder that punches way above it's weight. Again, it features 65mm flat steel burrs, with touch screen controls, Eureka's patented micrometric grind adjustment and fast quiet grinding. It's the model and price point that sits just between high end domestic and low volume commercial use. Perfect for Bars or Cafes serving low - med volumes of coffee (Max 12KG per week), but maybe also for home users that are not scared off by it's slightly larger commercial size. Available in Matt Black. Priced at £649
Recommended brew methods: Profitec, Lelit or Rocket prosumer espresso machines; La Marzocco's Linea Mini
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The Compak E5
The Compak E5 moves more into the realms of a commercial unit, with a more premium build quality and larger in size. It features 58mm flat steel burrs, with touch screen controls for programming doses (Up to 3). Grind adjustment comes via a traditional Collar Adjustment on the side of the hopper. It's the model and price point that sits at the higher end of domestic, but lower end of commercial use. Arguably less suited to home users (Due to price), but a serious contender for low commercial use due to it's excellent build quality and reliability. Again, it's perfect for Bars or Cafes serving low - med volumes of coffee (Max 12KG per week), but maybe also for home users that are not scared off by it's slightly larger commercial size. Available in Matt Black. Priced at £1050.
Recommended brew methods: Profitec, Lelit or Rocket prosumer espresso machines; La Marzocco's Linea Mini
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Which is the best grinder for my equipment?
Choosing the right grinder is key to getting most out of your espresso machine. so here’s an at a glance guide to which grinders work best with which espresso machines.
Espresso Machine or Brew Method |
Recommended grinders |
| Chemex, V60, Kalita, Clever etc |
Hand grinders:
Electric grinders:
|
|
Moccamaster |
Filter grind only:
Filter & Espresso Grind:
|
|
Rancilio, Gaggia, Di-Longhi, Morphy Richards |
Eureka Mignon Silenzio |
|
Profitec, Lelit or Rocket prosumer machines |
50-55mm Burrs:
58-65mm Burrs:
|
|
Precision espresso |
Mahlkonig EK43 or EK43s Compak PK100 |
