If you're just getting started with espresso or are looking for an upgrade from your current grinder, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want a grinder that can produce a consistent grind, with the flexibility to make small adjustments to your extraction as needed. Second, since espresso is all about extraction, you'll want a grinder that can produce a fine grind while maintaining uniformity in the particle size - this will ensure replicable results after each coffee and reduce the headache of dialing-in your grinder to pull the best shot of coffee. And lastly, since espresso grinders are often used multiple times daily, you want to consider its build quality and long term durability.
We would like to note, while many entry level grinders are listed as 'espresso capable', few grinders have the precision, uniformity in particle size, or fine tune control that is required for consistently excellent quality espresso. As such, we've omitted several popular grinders from this article and are only displaying what we think are the most worth-while grinders at an entry level price point that you won't feel inclined to quickly replace in your espresso journey.
With that in mind, here are our top picks for the best entry-level coffee grinders for espresso:
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a versatile and affordable grinder. It is built for espressos but also offers a wide range of grind sizes. The built-in timer makes it easy to get consistent and precise doses of coffee, and the removable hopper allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. However, it can sometimes cause clumping, which can affect the extraction of the coffee. We do recommend using distribution tools for better extraction. This grinder has relatively high retention, which would not ideal for single dosing. This may be a concern for those who prefer to use grind beans for every cup of coffee.
Pros:
Best value for espresso
Wide range of grind sizes
Built-in timer
Removable hopper
Many colour options
Cons:
Can cause clumping and needs distribution tools for best extraction.
High grinder retention (not ideal for single dosing)
The Baratza ESP is an upgraded version of the popular Baratza Encore grinder. One of the key advantages of this grinder is its small size, which saves counter space and makes it a great option for smaller kitchens. The 54mm dosing cup, which comes with an included 58mm adapter ring, makes it easy to transfer grounds directly into a portafilter for less mess and an even distribution that's ready to tamp. Another great feature is the quick-release burr and cleaning system, which makes maintenance and cleaning very easy, as the cone burr is easily removable with no additional tools needed. However, one of the drawbacks of the Baratza Encore ESP is its noise level. The grinder can be quite loud, which may be a concern for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.
Pros:
Small size that save counter space
Comes with 54mm dosing cup, easy to transfer grounds directly into a portafilter
Quick-Release Burr removes easily for cleaning and maintenance
The Rocky is a great all-around grinder, capable of producing a consistent uniform grind for both espresso and drip coffee. It's also built to last, with heavy-duty construction that can withstand the increased wear and tear of constant daily use. Our only critique of this model would be that its steps in grind adjustment are somewhat larger than the others on this list - so there's less fine tuning of your extraction possible with this grinder compared to the others at a comparable price point. The Rocky also lacks a dosage timer, meaning a scale would be required to manage consistency between extractions.
Pros:
Great durability and build quality
Creates uniform particles leading to excellent consistency in both espresso and drip coffee
Cons:
Large steps between grind settings prevents fine tuning control in comparable models
No dosing timer. Needs a scale for precision dosage control and replicable results fromshot to shot.
The BURZ SD40 is a low-budget option for a grinder with such great quality. It has a single-dose hopper for blowing out retention, making it a great option for those who prefer single dosing for maximum freshness and like to switch between different types of coffee beans.This grinder has amazing built quality with an aluminum body that adds to the grinder's durability and gives it an attractive appearance.
Pros:
Low retention with single dosing bean hopper
Single dose design allows for easily changing beans
Excellent built quality with an aluminum body
Great for multiple brew methods
Fine particle size
Low budget for great quality grinder
Cons:
No dosing timer. Needs a scale for precision dosage control and replicable results fromshot to shot.
One of the most popular grinders from Baratza, the Sette 270 is an acclaimed espresso-capable grinder renown for it's excellent performance, wide ranges of precision steps in adjustment, and speed in use. The unique design of the Sette 270 has a rotating external burr, rather than a rotating internal burr like most other grinders. This grinder is one the fastest grinders in the market, especially at this price range. That being said, we have noticed the Sette 270 is extremely loud and would recommend avoiding it if noise is a concern in your current living space. The build quality of this grinder also leaves something to be desired, as its mostly plastic construction feels somewhat less durable than other grinders in its price range.
Pros:
Fastest grinder in class
Good uniformity and extraction consistency between shots
Has a dosing timer
Cons:
Extremely loud
Mostly plastic body with something to be desired in the build quality
Our top pick for best entry level grinder, the Eureka's Mignon Facile is a great choice for those who want an excellent high-quality espresso, great durability, and extremely quiet operation. The Eureka Mignon Facile coffee grinder has a fully metal and sound-insulated body, making it perfect for quiet operation in noise-sensitive homes. Among other features includes an anti-static design to prevent clumping, and fairly large 50mm flat burrs which grind coffee particles with great uniformity. The grinder also has an extremely precise stepless micrometric grind adjustment system allowing for the widest range of fine-tuning and adjustments to your extraction in this list. Its only draw back is a lack of a dosage timer, meaning you will likely need to use a scale while operating if you are looking for consistent results.
Pros:
Excellent built quality
Sound isolated design for quiet operation. Excellent for noise-sensitive environments
Anti-static design helps reduce clumping which improves extraction and consistency
Large 50mm flat burrs which produce excellent grind uniformity and consistent extraction between shots
Cons:
No dosing timer. Needs a scale for precision dosage control and replicable results fromshot to shot.
No matter what your budget or brewing needs are, there's a coffee grinder that's perfect for you. So, get grinding and enjoy your espresso. For more information, help, or support, feel free to reach out to our staff at hello@homecoffeesolutions.com. Thank you for reading!
