Finding a great coffee grinder can be something of a challenge.
There are things to consider, including size, power, machine settings, and other factors that an amateur coffee lover may need to be aware of.
Luckily, when it comes to coffee and all things related, we know our stuff! And that includes grinding fresh beans!
Whether you prefer manual burr grinders or want something a little more modern, our top nine coffee grinders for pour-over coffee reviews await, which should help you get one step closer to finding the right coffee grinder for you and your brewed coffee needs.
What is a Coffee Grinder?
A coffee grinder is a device used to extract flavor and aroma from whole coffee beans by grinding them into small granules. They can then be placed into a coffee maker to create a cup of coffee by having hot water poured over them to dissolve them into the fluid.
You need to grind beans before you can have your cup of joe, so these play an important role in your coffee brewing methods! Coffee grinders have more than one setting to allow for different grind options. Different grind settings allow for the activation of different flavors and strengths.
Types of Coffee Grinders
Good quality coffee is perhaps more popular now than ever, and with the continual advancement in technology, gone are the days when coffee grinding was a tedious affair. Almost all modern coffee makers have built-in grinders; however, those who enjoy, for example, French press coffee or Moka pot, will need a coffee grinder.
Burr Grinders
The coffee beans are passed through grinding surfaces, known as burrs, which shred them into small granules. These work (and look) similar to salt/pepper mills. Most burr grinders have several different settings, allowing you to adjust what size you prefer your coffee grinds to be, enabling you to control the flavor of your coffee.
Burr grinders are reliable and provide even ground coffee. However, they tend to be more noisy and costly than other grinders.
Blade Grinders
A blade grinder is a bladed device that works similarly to a food processor, with rotating blades chopping the coffee beans into smaller granules. Generally, blade grinders aren’t as reliable as burr grinders in terms of providing an even grind. They are also noisier.
Manual Grinders
Definitely the cheapest option on the list, manual grinders for pour-over coffee is similar to the burr grinder insofar as they work similarly to that of a pepper mill.
However, because they require manual grinding, they take longer (and more effort) to create an even grind. While these are the quietest option, they also have considerably less coffee bean room than the other grinders.
Choosing the right coffee grinder for you depends on your own preference, as well as your budget.
The 9 Best Coffee Grinders For Pour-Over Coffee
(Automatic)
This sophisticated stainless steel conical burr coffee grinder has impressive 19-grind settings and is ideal for your drip coffee maker, French press, percolator, espresso machine, or Turkish coffee maker.
This burr grinder has seven ounce/200 grams capacity, providing a 12-cup drink capacity. While it has various grind settings, it operates on one switch only, making it simple and easy to use – even for senior generations!
It also automatically stops once the selected grind has been completed, leaving no chance of over-grinding for those who prefer a more coarse grind.
Boasting an option of 2-12 adjustable cups, this conical burr grinder for pour-over coffee has a resealable dust-proof lid, ensuring your coffee beans stay fresher for longer. It is also pretty compact for its size, meaning it can be stowed easily.
While this product’s RRP is somewhat pricey, often you can find discounts and deals at a reduced price.
Other benefits include:
- Blue completion light
- Easy-cleaning
- Safety lock
- It comes with a coffee spoon
(Automatic)
This Dualit burr grinder boasts more capacity space than the above option (220g). Its unique selling point is that its conical burr grinder that spins slower than most other conical burr grinders preserving the coffee’s natural oils and aromas and minimizing the heat that comes into contact with the coffee beans.
It also crushes the coffee beans instead of cutting them, which helps maintain the coffee’s delicious natural flavors and a more consistent grind. You can also remove the burrs, which makes cleaning this appliance quick and simple.
This coffee grinder also allows for portion control, owing to its portion selector dial applying the required amount of coffee while guaranteeing zero wastage.
As for grind settings, you have an option of 10 – so quite a few less than the above grinder – which can be ideal for those who know what they like, as ten still covers all the grind types of coarseness. The burr’s hopper also has a 250g capacity, allowing for a generous filling (up to 35 portions – without needing to refill!)
Other benefits include:
- Safety cut-out.
- 450 rpm speed.
- Stainless steel.
(Manual)
This lightweight ceramic and glass manual coffee grinder are ideal for those wishing to avoid the noise and hassle of electric grinders and is also portable and super inexpensive.
This ceramic mill contains little burrs to ensure an even grind, and the base also doubles as storage for leftover grinds to ensure limited mess!
The disadvantages here, naturally, are limited control over coarseness, and the manual grinding process can be something of a workout (although the handle is ergonomic, at least!)
A manual grinder isn’t the best option if you’re very particular about the type of grind you like.
Other benefits include:
- Twist lock for storing coffee flour.
- It can be used for up to 4 cups of coffee.
(Automatic)
This OXO brew grinder has a fancy digital ‘one-touch’ screen with large, easy-to-read numbers. It grinds quickly and consistently – and is considerably quieter than other grinders on this list.
It can hold approximately 12 ounces of whole coffee beans and has an impressive 38 settings to allow for the most precise grounds to your absolute preference. The plastic bean holder compartment has a UV tint to keep the beans as fresh as possible for longer and a stainless steel ground holder that prevents any mess.
Owing to the high-tech nature of this product, it is the most expensive of the burr grinders on our list, but in terms of expert coffee grinding, it means business!
Other benefits include:
- One-touch timer.
- Low vibration.
- Compact & takes up little counter space.
- Comandante C40 MK4 Hand Grinder (Best manual grinder)
(Manual)
Despite being a manual grinder, this Comandante c40 hand grinder is far from basic.
Boasting a uniform grind consistency from Turkish brew coffee to the finest espresso granules (and everything in between), this conical burr grinder is pricy for a manual grinder, but it does the job with enthusiasm.
Providing a 40-45 gram capacity, this manual burr grinder is made from 100% natural oak wood, has robust stainless steel conical burrs, and comes with a sturdy grounds jar lid. Stylish and sleek, this manual portable coffee grinder allows you autonomy over your preferred grind size and is, we feel, the best manual coffee grinder on this list.
Other benefits include:
- Available in a range of colors (“American Cherry,” “Black,” “Burgundy,” “Cobalt,” “Virginia Walnut”, and “Alpine Lagoon”).
- Free shipping.
- Option of 1-3 years warranty.
(Automatic)
As for pour-over coffee grinders, this Baratza is arguably the most appealing on the list, owing to its inexpensive price, great quality, and innumerable favorable online reviews.
Maybe not the most sophisticated or aesthetically-appealing electric grinder on the list, but it gets the job done and provides a consistent grind time and time again, and is easy to use.
It’s a self-assembly product, which a few Amazon reviewers have grumbled about, and it doesn’t have an auto shut-off, but other than that, this is an excellent choice for freshly ground coffee.
Other benefits include:
- Conical burrs.
- Fine for cold brew.
- Loved by professional baristas.
(Automatic)
We love this 10-ounce flat burr grinder, which is ideal for drip coffee or pour-over coffee. It has adjustable burrs, which don’t interfere with your grind settings, and has a grind timer for precision with your grind size, which stays on default, meaning you don’t have to reset your grind size every time you want to make coffee.
Available in a range of sizes and colors, this electric burr grinder is higher in price than other electric burr grinders but is very popular among pour-over coffee lovers for its quiet grinding and minimalist and sleek aesthetic.
Users may need to be mindful that coffee grounds will, over time, build up in the channel and must be tended to prevent blockages.
Other benefits include:
- Great for brewing espresso.
- Compact design.
- Stepless grind settings.
- Mahlkonig EK43 Filter Coffee Grinder (Best for commercial use)
(Automatic)
So, there’s no doubt that this coffee grinder is certainly on the pricey side, but in terms of modernity and sophistication, it is unbeatable.
Ranging in a color option of black, white, and copper (which is extremely snazzy!), this grinder has large flat burrs (99mm each) that cater to over 3 lbs of coffee beans and offers second-to-none grind consistency.
Arguably, this option may be better for commercial rather than domestic, but if coffee is your life and you love your gadgets, this grinder is a no-brainer.
Other benefits include:
- Hopper magnet to protect the grinding discs, ensuring they last longer.
- Lockable hopper.
- ‘Knock-off’ device, which prevents wastage.
(Automatic)
This swanky Breville Smart Grinder Pro is high-tech and great value for money. Coming in an option of ten colors (including “Damson Blue,” “Royal Champagne,” and “Red Velvet Cake”), this burr coffee grinder is the bee’s knees from French press coarse grind to the finer granules. Burr coffee grinders, such as the Breville smart grinder, allow you to choose from ‘cups’ or ‘shots,’ depending on your preferred coffee choice, and with the clear LCD screen, you’ll be the envy of your friends.
Other benefits include:
- Pre-programmed setting.
- 60 grind settings.
- A range of accessories, including a burr cleaning brush.
Coffee Grinders for Pour Over – FAQs
How long should I grind coffee for pour-over?
This depends entirely on the type of grind size you prefer. Between two to three minutes for medium to fine grind should do the trick. However, all grinders are different, so please consult the instruction manual of your grinder to be sure.
Which is better – flat or conical burr grinders?
Each grinder type has its pros and cons. Flat burr grinders will typically provide a more consistent grind size for your morning cup of joe, but they are more expensive. Conical burrs are cheaper and quieter; however, you might find when grinding coffee that the result isn’t as consistent as it would be with flat burr grinders.
The answer lies within your preferences when brewing coffee using an independent coffee grinder.
Can I use an espresso grinder for pour-over?
Absolutely. Espresso grinders are perfectly fine to use for your pour-over coffee.
Which is better – steel or ceramic burrs?
Naturally, steel burr grinders are more robust and will last longer than ceramic burrs. Plus, you risk chipping with ceramic and having a small, rock-hard nasty surprise in your coffee cup.
Ceramics will not conduct heat the same way stainless steel does, which is an important part of the process. So, all in all, stainless steel burrs are your best option.
Very Best Coffee Grinders: Conclusion
Those who love delicious coffee that tastes straight out of their favorite coffee shop from the comfort of their own home are best off investing in a grinder with stainless steel flat burrs.
These are ideal for ensuring even the finest coffee grounds (such as Turkish or espresso) are achieved, and the sturdiness of the stainless steel will ensure your grinder lasts longer. This applies whether you favor buying a hand grinder or an electric grinder.
Things to consider when purchasing a grinder: budget, burr type, reviews, how much coffee you like to grind, grind setting options, noise, your brewing methods, and whether you favor a crush option or blade grinder.
Happy grinding!
