From the first brew of the morning to the last sip of your arvo caffeine crash, the world runs on coffee. It took me a long time to surrender to the home coffee grinder life, but now that I have, there's just no looking back!
The benefits of owning a top-quality coffee grinder are clear. It's a much more cost-effective way to feed your caffeine addiction, and the flavour is simply unbeatable. You can impress visitors to your home with your elite perspective of bespoke coffee-drinking experiences, and then be oblivious when your guests mercilessly deride you behind your back.
We've done the research; we've done the testing (heh). And so now, from one caffeine fiend to another, here is the full review of the coffee grinders worth your dollaridoos.
Let's get brewing!
De'Longhi Electric Coffee Grinder (KG521M)
Our Pick
Benefits
- Consistent grinding for optimal flavour.
- Multiple grind settings for various brewing methods.
- Large capacity hopper for less refilling.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Affordable price for a high-quality grinder.
Drawbacks
- Messy - could use a larger catch tray.
- Incompatible with other manufacturers’ portafilters.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Grinder (BCG820BSS)
Premium Pick
Benefits
- 60 unique grind settings.
- Precision digital timer allows for consistent dosing.
- Large 450g hopper for less refilling.
- Hands-free grinding with a portafilter cradle.
- Durable stainless steel conical burrs for long-lasting performance.
Drawbacks
- Difficult to store due to its height.
- Can’t remove the hopper without spilling the beans unless it's completely empty.
Breville Coffee & Spice Grinder (BCG200BSS)
Best Value
Benefits
- One-cup capacity for grinding coffee and spices.
- Removable stainless steel bowl for easy cleaning.
- Durable stainless steel blades for consistent results.
- Compact design for easy storage.
- Good value for money.
Drawbacks
- Cannot grind very fine.
- Excess cable does not fully fit under the device.
- Uses a blade instead of a burr grinder.
Final Verdict
Finito! Whether you’re after a cappuccino, macchiato, espresso, or turmeric mochaccino (you Melburnian you), none of this can truly be achieved until you’ve bought yourself a tried-and-true home coffee grinder! Nothing beats the flavour and aroma of freshly ground beans.
So to sum up these seven sensational selections, what’s our top pick of the best home coffee grinders?
Honestly, if you’re after the best, buy the Breville Smart Coffee Grinder. It’s the most expensive on the list, but Breville is a very trustworthy brand. I’ve actually used this product extensively at my aunt’s house and can confirm that if you’re after a fully deluxe beverage to go with your brekkie, then this purchase is worth the extra cash.
On the cheap end of the spectrum though, I’d suggest the Breville Coffee & Spice Grinder – the top end of budget home coffee grinders. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to a lot of other grinders, however, the extra convenience of the quality-of-life features makes it worth the little extra spending.
But, if your goal was just to get in, get out, and grind some goods, get the Anko Coffee Grinder. It will never deliver a brew nearly as awesome as all the other entries on this list, but man, you just can’t look past that price tag.
Otherwise, grind away! Get yourself a coffee grinder and never look back because the flavour tones you experience will hit all the right notes. After all, I believe it was Yoda that said-
“May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short.”
Or maybe it was Garfield. Damn Mondays.
FAQ
Yes! Grinding your own beans means an overall cheaper price for coffee (if you buy in bulk) and a more flavourful brew too. Coffee starts to lose its flavour and aroma immediately after it is ground, so pre-ground coffee can never match the quality of coffee that is freshly ground just before brewing. Additionally, with the right grinder, grinding your own coffee allows you to control the grind size, which is essential for getting the best flavour from different brewing methods. There are a lot of benefits to grinding your own coffee, and if you’ve never tried it, it’s at least worth the experiment!
High-end coffee grinders are only worth it if you’re serious about your coffee. These grinders offer a level of precision that cheaper models can’t match, resulting in a more consistent grind and, consequently, a better-tasting cup of coffee. But you need to be invested and willing to experiment with your grind size for different methods of brewing; much like home beer brewing, it’s an enthusiast thing. However, if you’re on a tight budget or not too fussy about the quality of your coffee, a high-end grinder may not be necessary: ultimately, when it comes to coffee grinding, you’ll get out what you put in (pun not intended).
Overall, burr grinders are generally considered superior to blade grinders. Burr grinders use two abrasive surfaces to crush the beans to a consistent size, while blade grinders use a blade to chop the beans, resulting in uneven grounds. Burr grinders also allow for more precise control over grind size, which is important for achieving optimal flavour dependent on your brewing method. While blade grinders are often cheaper, the inconsistency in grind size can lead to an inferior flavour. So if you’re serious about your boutique coffee drinking, it’ll have to be a burr.
It is recommended to clean your coffee grinder after every use to prevent the buildup of oils and coffee residue, which can affect the taste of your coffee. However, it is not necessary to wash it with soap every time. A simple way to clean your grinder is to use a brush or a dry cloth to remove any leftover grounds, and then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Regardless, it is important to clean your coffee grinder regularly as it will help you achieve a better-tasting cup of coffee.