Best Budget Coffee Grinder (Top 11 Picks)

Looking for the best budget coffee grinder? Check out our top picks and a buying guide so you can choose the best and cheapest grinder out there.

Short on time? Our top choice is the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder!

With so many different types of grinders on the market, it’s hard to pick the best budget coffee grinder.

But this list of my top choices will help you narrow down your options.

I even include a buying guide to walk you through a few big decisions that will help you pick out the best grinder for your situation.

Let’s jump straight in!

Best Budget Grinder: Top 11 Picks

• Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (Best Overall)
• Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind (Best Value for Tight Budget)
• KRUPS GX5000 Burr Coffee Grinder (Best for Small Kitchens)
• JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder (Best Traveling Hand Grinder)
• Hario Skerton Pro Manual Burr Grinder (Best Hand Grinder for Home Use)
• Capresso Infinity (Best for Home Brewer)
• Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill (Best Aesthetic)
• OXO Conical Burr Grinder (Best Hobbyist Grinder)
• Timemore C2 (Biggest Capacity Hand Grinder)
• 1Zpresso Jx Burr Grinder (Sleekest Hand Grinder)
• Secura SCG-903B Grinder (Simplest Design)

Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Okay, full disclosure: this is my favorite grinder of all time.

Seriously. I’ve had one for about three years now and have used it pretty much every day. And if it ever breaks down (unlikely), I’ll immediately go out and buy another one.

It really is that good.

It has 40 different grind size settings, which means I can grind anything from super coarse cold brew down to espresso.

It has a grind timer programmable down to the tenth of a second. That’s barista-style grinding at home.

The burrs themselves are high-quality stainless steel. And in the three years that I’ve had mine, they haven’t dropped in consistency or sharpness at all.

When you do need to give it a good cleaning, the grind chamber and the hopper are removable. 

The price is a little high. But trust me: the quality you get from this grinder makes the price actually a good bargain.

Pros

• The Virtuoso+ has 40 grind-size settings, which means you can grind for anything from cold brew to espresso
• It has pulse grinding and a grind timer programmable down to the tenth of a second, which means you have a lot of control over the grind itself
• The commercial-grade conical burrs will last forever and stay consistent with minimal maintenance
• It’s a really intuitive design, so it doesn’t take much to master using this grinder

Cons

• The price is a little high, but the value and durability almost make up for it

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Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind

If you’re looking for a solid, small burr grinder to fit into your morning coffee habit, then the Cuisinart DBM-8 Supremer Grind is a great choice.

It’s small enough to fit into any kitchen but powerful enough to handle daily brewing.

Plus, the price is hard to argue with for the average home coffee brewer.

It’s a burr grinder, which means instead of chopping the coffee bean, it grinds it between two hard surfaces. That produces a much more consistent grind than a blade grinder.

This Cuisinart has timed grinding and pulse grinding. So you can set your grinder and forget about it. Or you can use the pulse button for smaller doses.

The hopper and the grinding chamber are removable on this grinder, which makes cleaning this machine super easy.

The only downside is that it’s a cheap coffee grinder, so it isn’t the most consistent in grind size. I’d recommend this to a casual coffee drinker and not a dedicated home barista.

Pros

• This is a stainless steel burr grinder, so it will last a long time and have a more consistent grind size than a blade grinder
• The removable hopper and grind chamber make using this grinder really easy, including cleaning
• Timed grinding means you never have to worry about forgetting your grind and leaving the grinder running
• The small footprint means it can fit in just about any kitchen

Cons

• The grinds are known to be inconsistent and sometimes inaccurate, but you get what you pay for

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KRUPS GX5000 Burr Coffee Grinder

I currently have a rather small kitchen, and my roommates and I struggle to fit all of our coffee equipment, never mind anything else.

Having a small grinder like the Krups GX5000 would be really nice.

It has a tiny footprint, so it fits in any kitchen, no matter how much space you’re working with.

But it’s also a good little grinder. It has nine main grind size selections and five intermediate selections between all the main ones. 

For those counting, that’s a lot of control over your grind size.

And it has an auto-shutoff feature that controls how many grinds end up in the grind chamber. That saves a lot of waste when you’re brewing single cups at a time.

The only downside is that it’s not an intuitive design. It will take some getting used to.

Pros

• With nine main size selections and five intermediary selections, you’ll have a lot of control over the size of your grinds
• The steel burrs are durable and will provide a more consistent grind than any blade grinder, even though this machine is on the cheaper end
• It has a tiny footprint, which means it will fit in any kitchen, no matter the space you’re working with
• The auto-shutoff feature means you never have to worry about grinding too many beans or leaving your grinder running too long

Cons

• The design is hard to use and unintuitive, so it might take some time to get used to using this grinder

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JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder

There’s something to be said for having a great manual grinder in your arsenal.

Anywhere you go, this JavaPresse grinder can go.

But portability isn’t everything. It doesn’t require any electricity or power, so you can use this grinder anywhere.

And it packs down small enough to fit into any bag.

But how does it perform? Incredibly.

It has 18 grind size settings, meaning you still have much control over your grind size. I know 18 sizes isn’t a ton in the grinder world, but with this JavaPresse being so small, it’s really impressive.

Plus, the burrs are the same ones found in bigger and more expensive grinders. That means you’ll get high-quality grind and durability in a smaller and cheaper design.

The only downside is that grinding by hand can get pretty old. Especially if you use it every day.

Pros

• Eighteen grind size settings mean you have a lot of control over the grind size in such a small hand grinder
• It packs down small enough to fit into any size bag or carry-on, which makes it perfect for traveling or camping
• It doesn’t require any electricity or power, so you can use this grinder anywhere you want to 
• The stainless steel burrs are commercial grade, which means you get great grinding in a smaller and more convenient design

Cons

• Manual grinding gets old after a while, especially if you do it every day

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Hario Skerton Pro Manual Burr Grinder

I’ve had a Hario Skerton ceramic burr grinder in my kitchen for almost a decade.

These days, I mostly have it as a backup grinder or a road trip grinder. It’s small enough that I’ll bring it with me on trips.

But it still packs a punch! The burrs are so adjustable that I can’t put a number on how many grind size choices you have.

Plus, the ceramic burrs are incredibly sharp and durable. I’ve used mine off and on for nearly ten years and haven’t seen any decrease in consistency or reliability.

I’d recommend this to someone just getting into home brewing who doesn’t want to spend a lot on an electric burr grinder.

This Hario will get you by just fine for a long time without sacrificing quality.

The only downside is that this grinder is somewhat uncomfortable to hold. Even though it’s a manual grinder, it’s kind of big, so it’s hard to grip it while grinding. Yes, it has a silicone bottom that should stick to the table, but it’s still not very stable.

Pros

• The compact size makes this a good traveling grinder as well as an everyday, at-home grinder
• The updated burr design makes changing the grind size easier, which makes the entire design easier and more intuitive
• The ceramic burrs are sharp and durable, which gives you a consistent grind size for many years
• It has many grind sizes, too many to count, which means you can dial in your grind size to whatever you’re grinding for

Cons

• Somewhat uncomfortable to grip while grinding

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Capresso Infinity

The Capresso Infinity fills the space between prosumer and hobbyist grinder.

I’m a fan of this grinder because you get good features at a decent price. It has plenty of grind size settings from coarse for cold brew down to super find for Turkish coffee.

The number of grind sizes means you can dial in your grind for each coffee and each style of brewing.

The hopper and the grind chamber are also pretty big. Definitely big enough to handle any brewer, from single-dose AeroPress to batches of drip coffee.

Plus, the burrs themselves are quality steel. They stay sharp for a long time, and that gives you consistent and pretty reliable grinding for a long time.

It also has timed grinding, which means you can set your grinder to grind anywhere from 5-60 seconds.

The one thing I don’t like as much is that it isn’t as reliable or consistent as some other grinders at the same price.

Pros

• The commercial-grade steel burrs are really durable and sharp, which gives you a consistent and reliable grind every time
• The removable hopper and upper burr make cleaning and maintaining this grinder a breeze
• An 8.8 oz hopper and 4 oz grind chamber are plenty for any kind of brewing
• It has plenty of grind size settings from cold brew to Turkish, which means you can dial in your grind to exactly what you need

Cons

• It isn’t as fast or quite as consistent as other grinders of similar quality

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Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill

This fun little hand grinder is a good addition to a home brewer’s coffee nook.

It has a specific aesthetic that’s reminiscent of one hundred years ago. But it’s updated with modern technology.

It has high-quality conical burrs that ensure you get a consistent and reliable grind every time. They are sharp and durable. Burr grinders are much better than blade grinders.

And the size selection knob means you can grind any size from coarse to super fine.

The footprint of this grinder is pretty small, so it will fit any sized kitchen. But it still has enough coffee bean capacity to grind a couple of doses of coffee at a time.

The downside to this grinder is that the selector knob rotates towards coarse as you grind.

It also isn’t very portable, which is a major problem for hand grinders.

This Zassenahus is mostly for looks.

Pros

• The conical burr grinders are made from high-quality steel, which means they are sharp and durable and will be consistent for a long time
• The aesthetic fits with a lot of other coffee brewers, which is perfect for creating a coffee brewing nook in your kitchen
• The size selector is a knob, which means you can grind any size from Turkish to cold brew
• It’s small enough to fit most kitchens but with enough capacity for a couple of doses at a time

Cons

• It’s not especially user-friendly, and the selector knob doesn’t stay in place when you use the crank

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OXO Conical Burr Grinder

There’s a space between prosumers and hobbyists where this OXO grinder sits. It’s a great little grinder at a reasonable price.

My personal favorite feature is that it saves your coffee grind settings for the next time you want to grind. That means that once you have the settings you prefer, all you have to do is press start.

But it also features stainless steel burrs, which will stay sharp and durable for a long time. That ensures you get a long life out of your grinder without losing efficiency.

Plus, the grind chamber is big enough for a dose of up to 12 cups of coffee. That’s big enough for most batch brewers.

The downside is that this isn’t as reliable or consistent as other grinders at a similar price. I’d say it’s worth spending a little more for a much better experience.

Pros

• It’s a lot of features and a good grinder at a great price, good for somewhere between a prosumer and a hobbyist
• The stainless steel burr grinders are sharp and durable, they’ll give you consistent and reliable grinding for a long time
• Your grind preferences are saved from grind to grind, so all you have to do is press start once you have the settings you prefer
• The grinding chamber is big enough to hold a dose for up to 12 cups at a time, which is big enough for even batch brewers

Cons

• It isn’t as reliable or consistent as other grinders at a similar price

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Timemore C2

The biggest problem with most hand grinders is that they don’t have enough capacity.

That’s not a problem with the Timemore C2. The 30-gram capacity makes this a great choice, no matter how you like to brew.

The dose is big enough for any single-cup brewer.

This Timemore features stainless steel burrs that are really durable and sharp. That means you never have to worry about losing the efficiency of your grinding. 

These burrs will last for a long time, which adds to the already great value of this grinder.

It also packs down really small. That makes it a great traveling or camping grinder. And the fact that it doesn’t require electricity means you can use this grinder anywhere you want to brew.

The only downside is that you need to take it apart if you want to change the grind size. If you are frequently changing brewing methods, this could be an inconvenience.

Pros

• For a hand grinder, a 30-gram capacity is huge and plenty enough for any pour-over or single-cup brewer
• The stainless steel burrs are sharp and reliable, which means this grinder won’t lose efficiency or consistency for a long time
• It packs down super small, making it a great choice for a traveling grinder or camping grinder
• It doesn’t require electricity, so you can use this grinder anywhere you want to brew coffee

Cons

• You have to take apart the grinder to change the grind size, which is very inconvenient

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1Zpresso Jx Burr Grinder

There’s no hiding behind the fact that this is a very specific grinder.

Between the high price and the sleek design, this grinder fills a pretty small niche.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a gorgeous appliance. I would be proud to display this sleek and aesthetic grinder on my coffee shelf.

And it backs up the design with maybe the highest-quality components of any hand grinder on the market.

The burrs are stainless steel and incredibly sharp. The handle is easy to turn. And you get 40 different grind size settings. That’s a ton for a grinder of this size.

And yes, you are paying for the quality of this grinder, but if you’re in the market for something like this, there isn’t a better option.

But if you’re looking for a daily grinder, I’d say your best bet is to spend the money on an electric grinder of a similar price.

Pros

• It’s a gorgeous grinder, and a sleek design and aesthetic make it a great addition to any brewer’s coffee shelf
• It has high-quality steel burrs that are removable for easier cleaning
• You get 40 different grind size settings, which is a lot for a grinder this small
• It is maybe the most consistent and most reliable hand grinder on the market, so you can be sure that you’re paying for the best possible option

Cons

• Honestly, it’s over-engineered for a hand grinder, and you’re better suited to spending the money on an electric grinder for daily use

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Secura SCG-903B Grinder

Cheaper burr grinders are becoming more common. But you need to be careful about what you’re actually getting.

This Secura is a good choice for a beginner’s burr grinder.

It has stainless steel conical burrs, which will stay reliable for a long time.

And it has 18 grind-size settings. That’s usually enough for any style brewer from French Press to pour over.

Both the hopper and the grind chamber are removable, which makes cleaning and maintaining this machine super easy.

The design is simple and easy to use. The design is what makes this a great grinder for beginners. You don’t need to know too much about grinding or grind sizes to get good results from this machine.

The only thing to note is that you get what you pay for. This machine isn’t the quietest or fastest out there, but it is a good beginner’s grinder.

Pros

• Conical burrs of stainless steel mean this grinder will stay consistent for a long time
• It has 18 grind size settings, which is plenty for most brewing needs from French Press to pour-overs
• The hopper and grind chamber is easy to remove, which makes cleaning and maintaining this grinder really easy
• The design is super simple and easy to use, which makes it a great choice for beginners

Cons

• It’s cheap, and the quality and reliability reflect the price

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Grinders: How I Make A Decision

With so many grinders on the market today, it can be hard to narrow down your options.

In this section, let’s talk about what I look for in grinders and how that might help you make a decision.

There are a few categories to think about when buying a grinder, so let’s jump right in.

Blade vs Conical Burr

The first and most important aspect to consider in a grinder is blade vs conical burrs.

I like to use garlic as an analogy for this, so bear with me.

Think of blade grinders as using a knife to chop garlic. You’ll get fine results. You’ll get garlic you can cook with. But the garlic won’t be juicy and will be inconsistent in size and shape.

Think of conical burr grinders like using a garlic press. You’ll get juicy and consistent garlic that often adds more flavor to your dishes.

And yes, there are flat burrs out there. But all you need to know is that burrs are better than blades, regardless of if they are flat or conical.

Flat burrs are two pieces that are flat and press the coffee ground out the sides of the burrs.

Conical burrs are two pieces that fit together like stacked traffic cones. They push the ground coffee beans down instead of out the sides.

IN A NUTSHELL
If you’re even somewhat serious about your coffee brewing, always opt for conical burrs. They are just so much better than blade grinders.

Electric vs Manual

The other major category you have to choose between is electric vs manual grinders.

The two options are pretty self-explanatory. Electric grinders require electricity, while manual grinders require some elbow grease.

Electric grinders are best for someone who brews at home every morning. And for anyone who wants faster and more reliable grind settings out of their machine.

Manual grinders are better suited for people who travel a lot and want to bring a grinder with them.

I prefer manual coffee grinders on road trips when I’m brewing at a friend’s house, or any other time I’m out and about and want fresh whole-bean coffee in my cup.

Pretty much every other time, I prefer using an electric grinder. They are just more consistent, faster, and easier to change settings.

And yes, there is a pretty big price difference between electric and manual grinders. But the convenience of having a sturdy electric grinder outweighs the money you’ll save if you buy a manual grinder.

BOTTOM LINE
Electric grinders are by far the better option for brewing daily at home. But manual grinders are necessary if you travel or go on road trips where you don’t have electricity.

Settings

Unlike a lot of other coffee appliances, there aren’t many settings that differentiate coffee grinders.

Where brewers might have different cup sizes or filters or temperatures, grinders just don’t have the versatility.

So, the main differences between grinder settings are in the grind sizes and the timing.

If you are only using one brewing method, for example, a drip coffee machine, then you will be satisfied with even a few grind size setting options.

But, if you sometimes use an espresso machine, and sometimes make a cold brew, and French press coffee in between, then the more – the merrier.

Basically, the more grind size settings that a machine has, the easier it will be for you to dial in your coffee. But also usually the more expensive.

Also, some grinders offer timed grinding while others only do on/off or pulse grinding.

Personally, timed grinding isn’t really worth it if you brew every morning and weigh out your coffee.

IN A NUTSHELL
The more grind size options, the better, but if you only brew one way, this doesn’t matter as much.

My Final Verdict

I’m sticking with the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder as the best coffee grinder for those who are on a budget, but also want a quality machine.

After all, it’s my favorite ever coffee grinder.

Yes, it’s a little expensive, but I’ve had mine for almost a decade, and it hasn’t lost any efficiency or reliability.

It has plenty of grind size options and burrs that last forever.

It’s also super intuitive and has programmable timed grinding.

Overall, it’s just the best grinder for your money.