Topic
Coffee grinders
The grinder shapes the cup as much as the machine. Burr type, burr size and how finely the settings step matter more than the motor's wattage.
- Burr types
- conical or flat
- Espresso grind
- fine, about 200 to 300 microns
Conical burrs have a cone turning inside a ring; flat burrs are two parallel discs. Both can grind well; the listing will give the burr diameter in mm, and larger burrs usually grind faster.
For espresso you need small, repeatable adjustments, so look for stepless adjustment or a high number of steps in the fine range. For filter and French press a wider spread of settings is more useful.
Blade grinders chop rather than grind and give uneven particles, which is why every grinder in our guides uses burrs.
Guides on this topic
- Sage Barista Express grinder not workingSage Barista Express grinder not grinding? Check the hopper lock, clear jammed or oily burrs, set the grind amount dial and follow the clean out routine.Fix
- How to clean a coffee grinderHow to clean a burr coffee grinder at home: brushing the burrs, using cleaning pellets, removing coffee oils and spotting when burrs are worn out.How-to
- Conical vs flat burr grindersConical vs flat burr grinders: how burr shape changes grind distribution, retention and taste, with burr sizes in mm for common home grinders.Comparison
- Coffee grinder not working: causes and fixesWhy your coffee grinder will not start or grind: hopper and lid interlocks, jammed burrs, static and clumping, and signs of a burnt out motor.Fix
- Coffee grind size chart for every brew methodA coffee grind size chart from Turkish and espresso to French press and cold brew, with rough particle sizes, textures and how to set your grinder.Guide
Buying guides on this topic
- Best coffee grinders for espressoSeven espresso grinders compared by burr type and size, stepless or stepped adjustment, dosing method, hopper size and motor power.Buying guide
- Best coffee grinders for filter, pour-over and French pressSeven grinders for medium and coarse grounds compared by flat or conical burrs, adjustment, hopper size, dosing and motor power.Buying guide