For coffee aficionados, the journey to the perfect cup begins long before the brew. It starts with the beans, and arguably even more crucially, with the grind.
Achieving consistent and precise coffee grounds is essential for optimal flavor extraction, making the quality of your coffee bean grinder paramount. In 2021, the market offered a diverse range of options, from budget-friendly models to high-end machines.
Navigating this landscape can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive guide aims to simplify your search for the best coffee bean grinder 2021.
We understand that value extends beyond price; it encompasses durability, grind consistency, ease of use, and overall performance. This review focuses on identifying the best coffee bean grinder 2021, empowering you to make an informed decision and elevate your coffee experience.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 9 Best Coffee Bean Grinder 2021 Compared
🏆 BEST OVERALL Amazon Basics Electric Coffee Grinder
- Grinds 30g coffee beans quickly.
- Versatile use for coffee, herbs, spices, and nuts.
- Clear lid allows monitoring grind consistency.
- Stainless steel blade for durability.
4.7/5
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🥈 2ND RUNNER UP OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Silver
- Offers 15 grind settings with micro-adjustments for various brewing methods.
- One-touch start remembers the last setting for convenient use.
- Large hopper holds up to 12 ounces of beans, with a UV-blocking tint.
- Features a static-fighting container to reduce mess.
4.3/5
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� BEST VALUE BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder
- Durable stainless steel blades and bowl.
- One-touch push-button control for easy operation.
- Lid-locking safety feature prevents spills and accidents.
- Versatile – grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs.
4.6/5
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SHARDOR Burr Coffee Grinder
- Wide range of grind size settings (32)
- Consistent and uniform coffee grounds
- Adjustable electronic timer for precise grinding
- Easy to clean with removable parts
4.7/5
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Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder for Beans
- Dishwasher-safe and removable grinding bowl for easy cleanup
- Grinds enough coffee for up to 12 cups
- Simple and intuitive push-button operation
- Durable stainless steel blades
4.5/5
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Aromaster Coffee Bean Grinder with 48 Gind Settings
- Wide range of 48 grind settings.
- Large capacity hopper.
- Anti-static technology reduces mess.
- Stainless steel burrs minimize heat generation.
4.5/5
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Wancle Electric Coffee Grinder
- Easy one-button operation.
- Transparent lid allows for grind monitoring.
- Can grind coffee beans, spices, seeds, and nuts.
- Compact design saves counter space.
4.5/5
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AMZCHEF Coffee Grinder
- Offers 48 grind settings for customized coarseness.
- Digital touch display for easy and precise control.
- Includes portafilter holder and photophobic coffee ground container.
- Low-speed conical burr minimizes heat and static.
4.7/5
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SHARDOR Burr Coffee Bean Grinder Electric
- Uniform coffee grounds due to flat burr design.
- 16 grind settings for various brewing methods.
- Grind-on-demand feature for precise quantity control.
- Easy to clean with removable parts and included brush.
4.5/5
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Coffee Bean Grinder 2021
Amazon Basics Electric Coffee Grinder – Grinds 30g coffee beans quickly.
This electric coffee bean grinder offers a convenient solution for grinding small batches of coffee beans and other dry ingredients. It’s designed for home use and can process approximately 30 grams of coffee beans in a short amount of time, making it suitable for drip coffee brewing. The grinder’s versatility extends beyond coffee, as it can also be used for grinding herbs, spices, grains, and nuts.
The clear safety lid provides visibility of the grinding process, allowing users to monitor the consistency and prevent over-grinding. The stainless steel blade is a positive addition suggesting it can handle a variety of tasks and have a longer lifespan.
Pros
- Grinds 30g coffee beans quickly.
- Versatile use for coffee, herbs, spices, and nuts.
- Clear lid allows monitoring grind consistency.
- Stainless steel blade for durability.
Cons
- Small batch capacity (30g) might be insufficient for larger coffee pots.
- Grind consistency might not be as uniform as more expensive burr grinders.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Silver – Offers 15 grind settings with micro-adjustments for various brewing methods.
The Conical Burr Coffee Grinder offers a range of features aimed at improving the coffee grinding experience. Its stainless steel conical burrs promise consistent grinding, and the 15 grind settings, along with micro-adjustments, provide ample flexibility for different brewing methods. The one-touch start and memory feature are convenient for daily use, while the large hopper and UV-blocking tint address bean storage concerns.
The design considers cleanliness with a trap door and a static-fighting container. A powerful DC motor prevents overheating during grinding. The grinder boasts a sleek, compact design and has received recognition for its performance, according to the product description.
Pros
- Offers 15 grind settings with micro-adjustments for various brewing methods.
- One-touch start remembers the last setting for convenient use.
- Large hopper holds up to 12 ounces of beans, with a UV-blocking tint.
- Features a static-fighting container to reduce mess.
- Uses a DC motor to prevent overheating during grinding.
- Compact design suitable for most countertops.
Cons
- Product claims award-winning performance, but this is based on information only from the product description.
- Durability and long-term performance can only be assessed after extended use.
BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder – Durable stainless steel blades and bowl.
This coffee grinder offers a straightforward and relatively efficient way to grind coffee beans, spices, and herbs. The stainless steel blades and bowl appear durable and capable of providing a consistent grind, which is a definite plus. The one-touch push-button control simplifies the grinding process, allowing for customizable grind coarseness.
The lid-locking safety feature is a welcome addition, ensuring user safety and preventing accidental spills. While the claim of “30%* better grinding” is difficult to verify without comparative testing, the grinder does appear to function as intended. Overall, it’s a decent entry-level grinder for those seeking convenience and simplicity.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel blades and bowl.
- One-touch push-button control for easy operation.
- Lid-locking safety feature prevents spills and accidents.
- Versatile – grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs.
- Relatively consistent grind.
Cons
- The “30% better grinding” claim is unsubstantiated.
- Grinding capacity might be limited for larger batches.
SHARDOR Burr Coffee Grinder – Wide range of grind size settings (32)
This electric burr grinder offers a wide range of grind settings, catering to various brewing methods from espresso to French press. The adjustable timer allows for precise control over the grinding process. The claim of uniform grounds seems valid, and the overall flavor of the coffee is preserved well.
The unit is relatively easy to clean due to its removable parts and included brush. Its compact design is also a plus for those with limited counter space. While the plastic components may raise concerns about long-term durability, the grinder appears to be a decent option for home coffee enthusiasts seeking consistent results.
Pros
- Wide range of grind size settings (32)
- Consistent and uniform coffee grounds
- Adjustable electronic timer for precise grinding
- Easy to clean with removable parts
- Compact and space-saving design
Cons
- Potentially flimsy plastic components
- Grinding sound may be loud
Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder for Beans – Dishwasher-safe and removable grinding bowl for easy cleanup
This electric coffee grinder offers a straightforward approach to grinding coffee beans and spices. Its dishwasher-safe, removable stainless steel bowl simplifies cleanup. The capacity is sufficient for brewing up to 12 cups of coffee, catering to both individual servings and larger batches.
Operation is intuitive, involving a simple push-button mechanism for grinding. While the stainless steel blades appear durable, long-term performance remains to be seen. The hidden cord storage is a practical addition, minimizing countertop clutter.
Overall, it appears to be a decent entry-level grinder, particularly suitable for those seeking ease of use and convenient cleanup. The claim of being quieter than competitors is a nice bonus, though not extensively tested during this review.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe and removable grinding bowl for easy cleanup
- Grinds enough coffee for up to 12 cups
- Simple and intuitive push-button operation
- Durable stainless steel blades
- Hidden cord storage for reduced clutter
- Claimed to be quieter than leading competitors
Cons
- Long-term blade durability is unknown.
- Grind consistency might not be suitable for all brewing methods (e.g., espresso).
Aromaster Coffee Bean Grinder with 48 Gind Settings – Wide range of 48 grind settings.
The Aromaster electric coffee grinder offers a wide range of grind settings, making it versatile for different brewing methods from espresso to French press. The large capacity is suitable for grinding enough coffee for multiple servings, and the timer function allows for consistent dosing. The anti-static technology is a welcome addition that helps to minimize mess.
The stainless steel burrs seem durable and are designed to minimize heat generation, preserving coffee flavor. Cleaning appears to be relatively straightforward thanks to the included brush and removable burr. However, users should ensure the burr is completely dry before reassembling.
It’s important to note the grinder’s voltage requirement before purchasing.
Pros
- Wide range of 48 grind settings.
- Large capacity hopper.
- Anti-static technology reduces mess.
- Stainless steel burrs minimize heat generation.
- Easy to clean with included brush and removable burr.
- Timer function ensures consistent dosing.
Cons
- Requires 120V, 60hz voltage.
- Burr must be completely dry before reassembling to prevent issues.
Wancle Electric Coffee Grinder – Easy one-button operation.
The Wancle coffee grinder offers a compact and seemingly efficient way to grind coffee beans and other ingredients. Its one-button operation and transparent lid make it easy to control the grinding process and monitor the fineness of the grind. The claim is that the copper motor and stainless steel components help prevent burning and maintain flavor, which is a definite plus.
The grinder’s ability to handle spices, seeds, and nuts in addition to coffee beans adds to its versatility. The 60g capacity is suitable for single servings or small batches. While it appears convenient, long-term durability and consistency might be factors to consider.
Pros
- Easy one-button operation.
- Transparent lid allows for grind monitoring.
- Can grind coffee beans, spices, seeds, and nuts.
- Compact design saves counter space.
- Stainless steel blade and bowl.
Cons
- Small 60g capacity limits batch size.
- Long-term durability remains to be seen.
AMZCHEF Coffee Grinder – Offers 48 grind settings for customized coarseness.
This coffee grinder aims to offer a precise and versatile grinding experience for various brewing methods. The inclusion of a portafilter holder and photophobic coffee ground container is a thoughtful addition for espresso enthusiasts. With 48 grind settings, users can fine-tune the coarseness to suit their preference, from espresso to French press.
The digital touch display allows for easy operation and precise control over grinding time, with adjustments possible in 0.5-second increments. The 40mm stainless steel conical burr grinder operates at a low speed to minimize heat and static, preserving the coffee bean’s oils and ensuring consistent quality. The manufacturer does mention that the grinder will have some coffee powder residue when used for the first time.
Pros
- Offers 48 grind settings for customized coarseness.
- Digital touch display for easy and precise control.
- Includes portafilter holder and photophobic coffee ground container.
- Low-speed conical burr minimizes heat and static.
- Ability to grind by cups, time, or espresso shots.
Cons
- May have coffee powder residue on first use.
- Only compatible with 50mm portafilters.
SHARDOR Burr Coffee Bean Grinder Electric – Uniform coffee grounds due to flat burr design.
This coffee grinder offers a decent range of features for home brewing enthusiasts. The flat burr design aims to produce uniform coffee grounds, which is crucial for consistent extraction. The 16 grind settings provide flexibility for various brewing methods, from espresso to French press.
The grind-on-demand function allows you to select the desired quantity, minimizing waste. The inclusion of removable parts and a cleaning brush simplifies maintenance. The stainless steel exterior gives it a clean and modern look.
Overall, this grinder seems like a solid mid-range option for those looking to upgrade from a blade grinder or seeking more control over their grind size.
Pros
- Uniform coffee grounds due to flat burr design.
- 16 grind settings for various brewing methods.
- Grind-on-demand feature for precise quantity control.
- Easy to clean with removable parts and included brush.
- Stylish stainless steel finish.
Cons
- Grind consistency might not be perfect for high-end espresso machines.
- May be louder than some higher-end grinders.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Coffee Bean Grinder 2021
Burr vs. Blade Grinders
Choosing the right coffee bean grinder is crucial for achieving the perfect cup. The two main types are burr and blade grinders. Burr grinders, like the OXO Brew and SHARDOR models, use two revolving abrasive surfaces to crush coffee beans into uniform particles. This results in a consistent grind, ideal for various brewing methods. Blade grinders, like the Amazon Basics and BLACK+DECKER, use a spinning blade to chop the beans. While more affordable, they produce an inconsistent grind, leading to uneven extraction and a less flavorful cup. When considering the best coffee bean grinder 2021, burr grinders are generally preferred for their superior performance.
Grind Settings and Brewing Methods
Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. Espresso needs a very fine grind, while French press requires a coarse grind. A coffee bean grinder with multiple grind settings, such as the OXO Brew (15 settings), SHARDOR Burr Coffee Grinder (32 settings), Aromaster (48 settings), and AMZCHEF (48 settings), offers versatility for various brewing methods. Micro-adjustments, like those on the OXO Brew, provide even finer control. If you use multiple brewing methods, consider a grinder with a wide range of grind settings to achieve optimal results. Finding the best coffee bean grinder 2021 depends on matching grind capabilities to your brewing preferences.
Capacity and Features
Consider the capacity of the hopper and the amount of coffee you typically brew. The OXO Brew boasts a large 12-ounce hopper, while the Hamilton Beach grinds enough for up to 12 cups. Features like UV-blocking hoppers (OXO Brew), anti-static technology (OXO Brew, Aromaster), and timers (Aromaster, AMZCHEF) can enhance the grinding experience. Easy cleaning is also important; look for models with removable parts and included brushes (SHARDOR, Aromaster, AMZCHEF). The best coffee bean grinder 2021 balances capacity, features, and ease of use to suit your individual needs.
Durability and Noise Level
Durability is key for a long-lasting coffee bean grinder. Stainless steel blades and burrs are generally more durable than other materials. The OXO Brew uses a DC motor to prevent overheating, which can extend the grinder’s lifespan. Noise level is another consideration, especially if you grind coffee early in the morning. The Hamilton Beach claims to be quieter than leading competitors, but user reviews can provide more specific insights. The best coffee bean grinder 2021 should be built to last and operate at a reasonable noise level.
Budget Considerations
The price range for coffee bean grinders can vary significantly. Blade grinders are generally more affordable than burr grinders. However, the superior grind quality of burr grinders often justifies the higher cost. Consider your budget and how frequently you grind coffee. If you are a serious coffee enthusiast, investing in a high-quality burr grinder like the OXO Brew or AMZCHEF is a worthwhile investment. Even a budget-friendly burr grinder like the SHARDOR can provide a significant improvement over a blade grinder. Determining the best coffee bean grinder 2021 for your needs involves balancing cost with performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Coffee Bean Grinder 2021
Is a burr grinder really better than a blade grinder?
Yes, a burr grinder is significantly better than a blade grinder for coffee. Burr grinders crush coffee beans between two revolving abrasive surfaces, creating a consistent and uniform grind size. This consistency is crucial for even extraction, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. Blade grinders, on the other hand, chop the beans with a spinning blade, producing an inconsistent grind with both fine dust and large chunks. This leads to uneven extraction and a bitter, muddy taste. For a truly superior coffee experience, a burr grinder is the clear choice.
How do I choose the right grind size for my brewing method?
The ideal grind size depends on your brewing method. Extra coarse is suitable for cold brew, coarse for French press, medium-coarse for percolators, medium for drip coffee makers, medium-fine for pour-over, fine for Moka pots, and extra-fine for espresso. Experimenting within these ranges can help you fine-tune your brew to your personal taste. A grinder with adjustable settings allows you to easily switch between grind sizes for different brewing methods. Consulting brewing guides specific to your equipment can also provide valuable insights.
How often should I clean my coffee bean grinder?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the performance and longevity of your coffee bean grinder. For daily users, cleaning the grinder every one to two weeks is recommended. This involves removing any remaining coffee grounds from the hopper and burrs or blades. A small brush, often included with burr grinders, can be used to dislodge grounds. For a more thorough cleaning, disassemble the grinder according to the manufacturer’s instructions and wash removable parts with warm, soapy water. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
What is the difference between conical and flat burr grinders?
Both conical and flat burr grinders produce a consistent grind, but they differ in design and performance. Conical burr grinders use a cone-shaped burr that rotates against a stationary ring burr. They tend to be quieter, generate less heat, and are more forgiving of oily beans. Flat burr grinders use two parallel, flat burrs. They typically produce a more uniform grind and can be more efficient for certain grind sizes, but may generate more heat and noise. The choice between conical and flat burrs depends on personal preference and specific grinding needs.
Can I grind spices and herbs in my coffee bean grinder?
While some coffee bean grinders are marketed as versatile for grinding spices and herbs, it’s generally not recommended to use the same grinder for both. Spices and herbs can leave behind oils and aromas that can contaminate your coffee. If you do choose to grind spices in your coffee grinder, thoroughly clean it afterward to remove any residue. A dedicated spice grinder is a better option to avoid flavor transfer and ensure the best possible taste for both your coffee and your spices.
What features should I look for in a coffee bean grinder?
When selecting a coffee bean grinder, consider features that enhance usability and performance. Grind settings are crucial for versatility across brewing methods. A timer or scale ensures consistent dosing. Anti-static technology reduces mess. A UV-blocking hopper protects beans from light. Easy cleaning with removable parts is essential. Durable materials, like stainless steel burrs, contribute to longevity. Low noise level is a bonus. Prioritize features that align with your brewing habits and preferences.
How important is the motor type in a coffee bean grinder?
The motor type in a coffee bean grinder can significantly impact its performance and longevity. DC motors, as used in the OXO Brew, are generally preferred because they generate less heat during grinding. Overheating can damage the beans and the grinder itself. Lower heat generation also helps to preserve the aromatic oils in the coffee beans, resulting in a better-tasting brew. Look for grinders with robust motors designed for consistent and reliable performance.
What is the ideal hopper capacity for a coffee bean grinder?
The ideal hopper capacity depends on how much coffee you typically brew. If you brew large batches of coffee regularly, a larger hopper capacity, such as the 12-ounce hopper in the OXO Brew, is beneficial. A larger hopper allows you to grind more beans at once, saving time and effort. If you only brew small amounts of coffee, a smaller hopper capacity is sufficient. Consider your brewing habits and choose a hopper size that aligns with your needs.
How does the grind-on-demand feature work?
A grind-on-demand feature allows you to grind only the amount of coffee you need for each brew, ensuring maximum freshness. This feature often involves a built-in scale or timer that measures the amount of coffee being ground. Some grinders, like the AMZCHEF, even allow you to grind by cups, time, or espresso shots. Grind-on-demand is particularly useful for espresso, where precise dosing is crucial for achieving the perfect shot.
What is the best way to store coffee beans for optimal freshness?
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness of coffee beans. Store beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as condensation can damage them. Opaque containers are preferable to protect the beans from light. Grind your coffee beans just before brewing to maximize flavor. Purchasing smaller quantities of beans more frequently can also help to ensure freshness.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The Amazon Basics Electric Coffee Grinder this grinder is a decent option for users who need a small and quick electric grinder for coffee and other dry ingredients. it is suitable for occasional use or individuals who only need to grind small batches at a time.
