In this material, we will look at the main types of coffee grinders on the market today, and also tell you which type of device is suitable for certain user tasks.

Today, generally speaking, it is possible to distinguish two classifications among devices for grinding coffee beans. Thus, there is a division into manual and electric models. In the former, it is necessary to independently rotate the handle, and that will drive the grinding wheel. In grinders operating from the network, there is an electric motor, which takes all the work on itself.

The second general classification is between blade and burr models. The principle of grinding coffee beans differs here, which we will explain in more detail below.

What to choose a manual or electric coffee grinder?

While electric coffee grinders are objectively the most modern and convenient, manual coffee grinders also have their appeal. They come in handy when electricity is unavailable, such as with a geyser coffee maker and a Turkish pot on a gas stove or during camping. Additionally, many manual models are compact, enhancing their portability.

A manual coffee grinder is an accessory that requires user participation in the process of grinding beans.

Furthermore, manual coffee grinders are an ideal option for enthusiasts and individuals who enjoy a hands-on approach or consider coffee preparation a special ritual. These models, equipped with burrs, effectively accomplish the primary grinding task. Operating at the pace set by the user rotating the handle, they avoid the risk of overheating coffee, preserving its original taste and aroma.

Note that the selection of such devices is limited. The cheapest models are more like souvenirs or just interior decorations. Good solutions cost comparable to their electric counterparts, and the top ones, like Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade, are even more expensive. Other notable brands are Timemore, Gefu, 1Zpresso, HARIO. Manual coffee grinders of the middle price segment are ideal for grinding under the Turkish pot or holder coffee maker. More expensive models are even more universal, i.e. they are suitable for both filter coffee and alternatives.

In any case, manual devices are much inferior to electric ones in popularity and widespread use.

Manual coffee grinders

Burr or blade coffee grinders: what to choose?

Electrical appliances for grinding coffee beans include blade solutions and burrs. First of all, it is worth understanding the principle of operation of both.

The operation of blade coffee grinders is very simple. Inside the body there is a motor that drives the blade (usually double-bladed). The latter is located in the chamber where the beans are added and rotates quickly (hence another name for the appliance — rotary). The blade most often moves for as long as the user holds the power button. Sometimes the operation is initially programmed for a certain time. Grinding adjustment in such models is almost never found, and if there is, it is realized through different time intervals of functioning. Conditionally speaking, you need coarse grinding - the cycle lasts 30 seconds, and fine - more than a minute. Grinding is based on chopping beans into pieces.

A blade coffee grinder is the most affordable electrical device for grinding coffee.

Burrs function uniquely, comprising two rings (disks) with cutting surfaces (sharp notches) facing each other. They vary in shape and materials, categorized as flat or conical, and made of either steel or ceramic.

Flat burrs produce a slicing action where centrifugal force draws grains between the discs, guiding them beneath the notches. The grinding degree is typically adjustable over a broad range based on the distance between the rings.

The differences between conical and flat burrs are in the form of discs (rings) that “compress” the coffee.

Conical burrs also have two rings, but in a different shape. The inner cone is stationary and the outer cone is driven by a motor. As a result, the beans caught in the burrs are squeezed and gently crushed. The degree of grinding is adjusted in the same way — by the distance between the cones.

Conical burrs are commonly crafted from metal, while flat ones are predominantly made of steel or ceramic. For domestic use, the choice of manufacturing materials doesn't carry a substantial impact, as factors like heating, cooling speed, and productivity weigh more heavily in commercial settings such as coffee shops. Generally, ceramics are more susceptible to foreign objects, whereas metal is less resilient to liquid contact. Conical burrs tend to be slightly quieter, although the primary noise during operation arises from the grinding of the beans rather than the rotating disks.

Unlike blade coffee grinders, all models with burr grinders have two compartments. From the hopper they are fed onto discs, and after grinding they end up in another bowl — for ground coffee.

What should the user choose? In short, we can highlight the following theses-recommendations:

  • Only burr coffee grinders can produce uniform grinding with the required (user-controlled) fraction size;
  • the material and shape of the burrs (flat rings or cones) does not play a special role (for home use, that’s for sure);
  • Today on sale among burr coffee grinders you can find both budget pseudo burr grinders and more expensive full-fledged versions;
  • blade models also have their own buyer.

To understand in more detail, let’s look at the main types of electric coffee grinders in more detail.

Blade tools

The main advantage of such a device is its affordable cost. But at the same time, the blade grinder is not able to provide a full adjustment of the degree of grinding, and a really homogeneous fraction is obtained in one case - by grinding "into dust". That is to say, such a device can be recommended only to those who like coffee in the Turkish coffee pot, which requires the maximum grinding of the beans.

The grinding uniformity of blade models leaves much to be desired.

Experimenting with the total rotation time of the blades through trial and error may yield varied but highly uneven grinding. In practical terms, this inconsistency prevents the full expression of coffee aroma and taste on any coffee maker other than a Turkish pot, such as a geyser, drip, or holder. If you own one of these devices, it's advisable to forgo a coffee grinder altogether and opt for pre-ground coffee or request grinding from roasters. The end result in the quality of the brewed drink will be indistinguishable.

By the way, it is worth noting that a blade coffee grinder copes well with the task of grinding spices or herbs. Popular brands are Bosch, Gorenje, Cecotec.

Blade coffee grinders

Pseudo burr models

Experts increasingly classify coffee grinders with burrs in the entry-level price segment as a separate group. It’s worth noting right away that they can provide much more predictable and high-quality grinding results compared to blade ones. True, there are some cons.

The pseudo burrs are distinguished by protruding serrations on the rings.

Many inexpensive burrs, including, for example, such a popular device as the De'Longhi KG 89, have flat rotating rings (disks) of small diameter, which, in addition to the characteristic sharp notches, also have protruding serrations. During the grinding process, they do most of the work, breaking the beans according to a similar principle to blade tools.

To differentiate between pseudo-burr solutions and authentic counterparts, inspect the internal components before making a purchase. An indirect indicator is the price, as the most budget-friendly options typically feature serrations on the discs. Some brands may not explicitly distinguish these devices and market them as regular burrs, making it challenging for inexperienced buyers to make an informed choice.

As a rule, even pseudo burrs allow you to quite correctly vary the degree of grinding and provide the size of the ground coffee fraction that the user requires. But, they almost always fail to cope with the task of grinding into dust, that is, they are not suitable for making coffee in a Turkish pot. Plus, on the largest fractions, grinding leaves much to be desired in terms of uniformity: for drip coffee makers and alternative brewing methods (Aeropress and Chemex), pseudo burr models are not the best choice.

These coffee grinders are best suited for espresso and moka enthusiasts, particularly those using a geyser coffee maker. Pseudo burrs are a fitting choice for individuals who aren't overly concerned about achieving perfect grinding uniformity, a preference that aligns with the majority (around 90%) of coffee drinkers. Noteworthy brands in this category include De'Longhi, Cecotec, and Krups.

By the way, such coffee grinders can be modified — using a screwdriver and scissors, you can reduce the distance between the flat rings and achieve a finer grind, which will make espresso even better, and is even suitable for preparing in a Turkish pot..

Full-fledged burr grinders

These devices are more expensive than the previously described variations. Objectively, this is a must-have for professional use, as well as the best choice for home (especially if you are seriously interested in coffee and are interested in different technologies for making it).

More affordable full-fledged burrs usually have conical disks, such as the De'Longhi Dedica KG 520.M. Models that are more expensive and are already positioned as semi-professional or professional, as a rule, can also have cones (but they are more massive) or larger flat discs (50 mm in diameter) without protruding serrations.

Opting for full-fledged burrs ensures optimal grinding uniformity and versatile grind adjustment, making them an excellent match for various coffee makers and brewing methods, including pour-over and alternative techniques. Owners of carob machines are strongly advised to choose models with the capability to grind directly into the holder for increased convenience. When brewing espresso, the precision adjustments of burrs play a key role in experimenting with taste, complementing other factors such as pouring time, liquid volume, and the weight of the coffee puck.

This is what a good flat burr looks like without the extra serrations.

For beginner baristas and all those who plan to develop their coffee making skills, it is worth looking at serious models right away. It may be advisable to take semi-professional burrs so that you don't run into a situation when, after a year of use, a simpler model is no longer sufficient. Full-fledged burrs are produced by such brands as De'Longhi, Saeco, Rommelsbacher, Gaggia, Lelit, Wilfa, Eureka and others.

Burr coffee grinders

Briefly about what kind of coffee grinder is used in coffee makers

There's a recurring question: given the crucial role of grinding, is it worth investing in a separate coffee grinder alongside the coffee maker? Coffee makers themselves often come equipped with robust internal mechanisms. For instance, Saeco and Philips consistently incorporate flat ceramic burrs with a diameter of 48 mm. On the other hand, De'Longhi uses metal cones, though the manufacturer doesn't specify their size. Other reputable coffee maker brands also incorporate high-quality full-fledged burrs in their designs.

In general, a separate investment in a coffee grinder is both an overpayment and a violation of the principle of complete automation of the preparation process, because each portion of ground coffee will have to be manually poured into a special compartment.

Coffee makers with built-in coffee grinder

Conclusions on coffee grinders for home

Summarizing the information that has been offered above, the following is worth highlighting in brief:

  • a manual coffee grinder is suitable for those who value the preparation process itself, love Turkish coffee and/or want to be sure that they can grind beans even in the absence of electricity;
  • the blade model is the most affordable choice, suitable only for grinding “to dust” and cooking in a Turkish pot;
  • A worthy choice for those who have a geyser or holder coffee maker is a pseudo burr coffee grinder. In some ways this is a compromise, but in terms of price and quality, it is probably a balanced option for the masses;
  • The best coffee grinder is a burr grinder. Moreover, if you plan to study the world of coffee “inside and out,” then you should consider semi-professional solutions. They will help a beginner develop the skills and progress as a barista.
A good coffee maker needs a great grinder to pair with it.

When buying a device for your home, you shouldn’t focus on the type of burr (flat or conical, made of ceramic or metal). The difference in reliability amounts to hundreds of kg of bean; the differences in noise and heating at home work volumes are also not particularly significant.

While a blade grinder may seem like a cost-effective option, it may not be the most logical choice. If you're contemplating a coffee grinder, it suggests a certain level of demand for the taste of your coffee. In this case, buying pre-ground coffee might not align with your preference for the freshest grind and a more pronounced taste and aroma.

Experts suggest allocating up to 50% of the coffee maker's price for investing in a bean grinding device. For high-end holder models, simple full-fledged burrs may not be the most suitable addition; instead, considering a semi-professional solution is advised. Interestingly, it could be more cost-effective and practical to opt for a coffee maker, prioritizing user comfort over developing coffee making skills.

In general, try to base yourself not only on prices, but also on other important points — requirements for the quality of the drink, the general goals you are pursuing, etc.