Short on time? Our top pick for the smallest coffee grinder is Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder.
Coffee enthusiast with very limited counter space?
Tough situation, but you can make it work.
One thing you can save up on space is the grinder.
There are some pretty tiny options on the market nowadays.
And today, I’ll help you make your pick. In this article, I’ll review the smallest coffee grinder out there and its close follow-ups.
Let’s dive straight in.
Top 11 Smallest Coffee Grinders
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder (Best Overall)
- Hario ‘Mini-Slim Plus’ Manual Coffee Grinder (Most Ergonomical)
- Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder (Smallest Handheld Grinder)
- Fellow Ode Brew Electric Burr Grinder (Most Silent Option)
- 1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder (Best for Gifts)
- SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0 (Best for Larger Households)
- Brim Electric Burr Coffee Grinder (Easiest to Use)
- Baratza Vario Flat Burr Coffee Grinder (Best Premium Pick)
- Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Electric Coffee Grinder (Best Mess-Free Grinder)
- JavaPresse Manual Coffee Bean Grinder (Sturdiest Design)
- PARACITY Coffee Grinder Electric Burr (Budget Pick)
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder
This model by Breville holds this well-deserved spot on this list for a good reason. It comes with practically every feature you need in such a machine.
First, it features stainless steel conical burrs that are designed to minimize the heat during grinding. This model offers as many as 60 precise grind settings.
This means you can turn your beans into particles of practically any size you want. What’s more, you can choose the right dose for the coffee you’re making.
What I especially like about this machine are the options for where your grind goes. You can choose whether you want to grind directly into the portafilter, container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter.
I also like the large, 18-ounce bean hopper, as that means you don’t have to refill it more than once a week.
Now, with a bean hopper of that size, this is not the tiniest grinder out there. In fact, it’s one of the largest on this list. But with the dimensions of 8.5x6x15.5 inches, it still counts as one of the smallest grinders on the market.
Pros
- An intuitive and concise LCD screen lets you adjust the settings before grinding
- An 18-ounce bean hopper can hold a weekly amount of coffee beans
- You can grind directly into the portafilter, container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter
- Comes with a 1-year warranty, so you’ll get your money’s worth
Cons
- Slightly larger than other models on this list
Hario ‘Mini-Slim Plus’ Manual Coffee Grinder
One thing that’s especially important with handheld coffee grinders is that it sits well in your hands. If you struggle to hold it steady, how will you achieve even grind?
Luckily, that’s not an issue with this coffee grinder by Hario. The Mini-Slim Plus is an upgrade of the original version, and the main difference lies in the handle. This model has an ergonomic handle with a shaft that creates better traction when grinding.
The grinder is also slim and compact, so you can easily hold it with your non-dominant hand.
Of course, the small size means it’s great for traveling. You can also remove the handle so that it takes up even less storage space.
Ceramic conical burrs ensure you always get a precise grind. And really, that’s the feature most customers praise this grinder for. As far as precision and ease of use go, this manual coffee grinder is an excellent option.
The only thing I must say I’m not thrilled about is the material. This coffee grinder is made of acrylic. Sure, that’s a durable option, but nowhere near as durable as metal. But given the affordable price tag, I can’t complain too much about that.
Pros
- An ergonomic handle with a shaft ensures a tight grip while grinding
- Comes with a price tag that won’t break your bank
- The handle can be removed for easy storage
- A conical burr grinder achieves even ground each time
Cons
- Not as durable as some other options on this list
Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
As far as small coffee grinders go, this is probably the tiniest model you can currently find on the market. With dimensions of 6×2.3×1.8 inches, this mini coffee grinder is smaller than a can of soda.
But even though it’s tiny, this coffee grinder has a capacity of 0.7 grams. In other words, you get roughly between 1 and 3 cups of coffee per grind, which is not too bad.
Since it’s so small, this is the perfect grinder for travel. It fits into a pocket of your backpack, and with 0.5 pounds, it barely weighs you down.
The only issue with this coffee grinder being so small is that it’s slightly more difficult to clean.
You don’t have to bubble wrap your grinder when taking it with you because it’s so sturdy. Made of stainless steel, this thing can take quite a bit of beating. This makes it great for camping, as you can just pack it with the rest of your outdoor kitchen gear.
This coffee grinder is super easy to use. Adjust the grind settings, add coffee beans, turn the handle and start grinding. That’s it.
Pros
- The slim and compact design makes this coffee grinder great for travel
- The ceramic burrs are resistant to heat, rust, and flavor absorption, so your coffee is always tasting good
- Very fast grinding for a manual coffee grinder
- The grinder is pretty straightforward to use
Cons
- Cleaning leftover grounds can be slightly difficult
Fellow Ode Brew Electric Burr Coffee Grinder
There are a lot of great things to say, and I’ll get to them in a minute. But first, I must say this is one of the coolest-looking coffee grinders I’ve ever seen. Unlike most models that feature a retro style, this one has a futuristic, sleek look that looks good in any kitchen.
This coffee grinder uses flat burrs, so you can rest assured it achieves an even grind every single time. With 11 settings and 31 steps in between, you can make pretty much any grind size you need. The way it achieves that is by snapping the burrs in place with a magnetically aligned catch.
This also makes the grinder rather quiet while working. This means you can grind your coffee early in the morning while the rest of the household is still sleeping.
This coffee grinder has a rather small bean hopper of just 2.3 ounces. The idea behind this is that you only want to use the freshest beans for the best-tasting coffee. But if you’re making coffee for more people at once, the small-sized hopper can be annoying.
Pros
- Grinds the whole bean hopper in just 20 seconds
- The grinder is rather quiet, making it suitable to use at any time of the day
- Professional-grade flat burr grinder that creates even grounds every time
- Automatically shuts down after grinding the last bean, preventing overheating
Cons
- The small bean hopper is not great for large coffee-drinking households
1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder
First things first, the modern look of this model is quite appealing. It has a cylindric shape and steel body, while the wooden handle is a neat detail. But aside from looking good, the handle also sits nicely in hand and makes grinding easy.
I also like the rubber band around the top part. It gives you a good grip around the coffee grinder so that you can grind at a faster pace.
I must also mention the nice box 1Zpresso JX Manual coffee grinder comes in. It makes it a perfect present for a fellow coffee lover. You also get a cleaning brush in the packaging, so it’s a really nice set.
With 40 grind settings, you can really fine-tune your coffee ground size. From French press to Turkish coffee, you can make grinds for any brewing method you want.
One thing to keep in mind. While it’s a manual grinder, this model isn’t exactly super portable. It’s somewhat bulky and weighs 24 ounces, so it’s quite noticeable in your backpack.
Pros
- A rubber band and wooden handle allow a firm grasp while grinding
- With 40 grind settings, you can make coffee grounds for any brewing method
- A 1-year limited warranty ensures your product is free from manufacturing defects
- A 30-ounce bean capacity allows you to grind enough coffee for several cups at once
Cons
- Slightly bulky and heavy for a handheld grinder
SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0
If you live in a household full of coffee drinkers, then you’re rarely drinking alone. And in that case, being able to grind a larger amount of coffee at once can save you time and effort.
In that case, this model by Shardor is a great option. You can grind from 2 to 14 cups quantity, depending on how many people you’re making coffee for.
As far as grind settings go, you can choose between 16 options. These range from coarse to fine and cover most brewing methods. You can’t fine-tune grind size like with some other models on this list, but your options are still pretty decent.
This coffee grinder features metallic flat burrs, which ensures you get ground particles of the same size. For a grinder in this price range, flat burrs are a pretty impressive feature.
I like that you get a nice thin brush with the purchase. Its shape allows you to clean those hard-to-reach places and get rid of all the coffee grounds. Then, you just need to rinse the parts under the tap, and you’re good to go.
Pros
- You can make a large batch of coffee grounds at once
- Wire storage underneath the grinder saves up space and keeps the counters tidy
- Flat burrs ensure your ground particles are always even in size
- All parts are easily disassembled and cleaned with the included brush
Cons
- Has fewer grind settings than most models on this list
Brim Electric Burr Coffee Grinder
At first glance, this coffee grinder reminds me of the pepper mill. But since it’s electric, it’s much easier to use than it is to grind a bit of pepper into your soup.
First, you need to pick the desired grind size. There are 9 settings available, covering the most common brewing methods. French press, espresso, drip coffee – these are covered. For Chemex or Turkish coffee, on the other hand, you might have to use slightly different sizes.
With a 1-button operation, using this grinder couldn’t be simpler. Just dial the desired grind settings and press the button. The grinder will do the rest.
A single-ounce of bean hopper capacity is decent for a tabletop coffee grinder. You can make around 5-6 coffee cups at once, which is handy when having people over.
This coffee grinder is rather compact, so it doesn’t take much room on the counter. However, it’s by no means light. With 1.4 pounds of weight, this isn’t exactly a grinder you just put in your backpack and carry around when traveling.
Pros
- The compact design makes this coffee grinder suitable for small spaces
- Single-button operation makes this grinder straightforward to use
- A 2-year warranty ensures you get your money’s worth with this machine
- You can grind enough for around 5-6 cups of coffee at a time
Cons
- Limited grind options don’t let you fine-tune your coffee grounds
- Rather heavy, given its size
Baratza Vario Flat Burr Coffee Grinder
Willing to invest more in a coffee grinder? Then this model by Baratza is definitely worth considering. Not going to lie. It’s very pricey – as much as a mid-range espresso machine. But it offers some amazing features you don’t see in grinders with lower price tags.
First, let’s talk about grind settings. This coffee grinder has as many as 230. Now, I had no idea you could grind coffee in particles of that many different sizes, but here we are.
But that doesn’t mean using this coffee grinder is hard. It has macro and micro adjustments for fine-tuning, and you can choose how finicky you want to be.
This model uses ceramic flat burrs, which are crème de la crème. As far as precision goes, you can’t find better ones. But that’s to be expected for a coffee grinder at this price range.
The grinder features a large digital control panel, which is easy and intuitive to use. After choosing the desired settings, you can save them up for quicker grinding next time. The grinder allows you to save up to 3 presets.
It’s also worth noting that this model comes with a heavy-duty metal portaholder. What this does is it allows you to dispense grounds directly into your portafilter for a mess-free grind.
Pros
- With 230 grind options, you can fine-tune your ground size like a pro barista
- You can save up to 3 grind preferences for a 1-touch operation in the future
- A metal portaholder allows you to grind directly into your portafilter
- Features ceramic flat burrs, which are the best ones available
Cons
- Extremely pricey
Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Electric Coffee Grinder
I love freshly ground coffee. What I don’t like is the mess left behind after every single grind. Luckily, that’s not a big problem with this model by Mr. Coffee.
This coffee grinder features a flip-top lid. Once you’re done grinding, turn the grinder upside down and unscrew the lid. Then, just pour the grounds into your brewer of choice.
This is quite a compact tabletop electric grinder. But its bean hopper is quite ample. You can add enough beans for as many as 14 cups of coffee at a time. This makes the grinder suitable for households with more than 1 coffee drinker.
There are some really nice details about this coffee grinder. My favorite is the safety switch, which allows grinding only when the lid is locked. This prevents coffee grounds from getting spilled all over the place by accident.
As for what I don’t like about this machine – it features blades instead of burrs. While they’re made of steel, which is a really good material, blade grinders simply aren’t better than burrs when it comes to consistent grind.
I also don’t like the fact that you only have 3 grind settings. While they’re adequate for French press and drip machines, you can’t tweak the grind size for most other brewing methods.
Pros
- You can make enough grounds for up to 14 cups of coffee at a time
- The compact design makes it suitable for small places
- The flip-top lid makes grinding mess-free
- Safety switch prevents spilling while in use
Cons
- Only 3 grind options to choose from
- Blades are sub-par when compared to burrs
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Bean Grinder
I’m a sucker for good-looking coffee equipment, so it’s no surprise I often talk about the design. But I must really mention the retro look of the JavaPresse manual coffee grinder. It reminds me of the one my grandma used to have.
With 18 grind settings, you can prepare your coffee for pretty much any brewing method out there. Quite impressive for a manual grinder. In fact, some of the settings are suitable for grinding spices and herbs at home. What a 2-in-1 tool!
Using this hand grinder is no rocket science. Just dial the desired settings and start turning the handle. No need to worry about the consistent grind – it comes out even every single time.
What’s also fascinating about this coffee grinder is how silent it is. I mean, manual grinders are definitely much quieter than electric, but this one might be the quietest one out there.
All in all, this is a great manual grinder. The only bad thing about it is that it’s small, so making fresh coffee for more people at once is more time-consuming.
Pros
- A stainless steel body is very sturdy and durable
- With 18 grind settings, you achieve the grind suitable for different brewing methods
- The quiet grind mechanism allows you to use the grinder when the household is asleep
- Comes with a manufacturer warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- A small capacity, meaning it takes a long time to grind for more than one cup
PARACITY Coffee Grinder Electric Burr
Using an electric grinder without having a power output nearby? That’s right, it’s possible. Some models feature a DC motor and are charged via a USB cable, like the one by Paracity.
This specific model features a 1250mAh lithium battery, which lasts for hours of use when fully charged. So charge your grinder at home, and use it when traveling or camping.
I’m pretty impressed by the fact that this coffee grinder features ceramic cone-shaped burrs. Considering this is one of the most affordable small grinders on the market, that’s not a feature you see in this price range.
This coffee grinder is extremely easy to use. There’s a single-button switch, and it shuts down automatically once done grinding. You just need to adjust the grind size manually before turning it on.
You can disassemble all the parts for easier cleaning. The brush included is pretty good for getting rid of remaining coffee grounds. After that, you’re just left with rinsing them with water (except for the motor).
The only thing I’m not impressed with is the build quality. The material is ABS plastic, which is durable, but nowhere near metal.
Pros
- The battery lasts for hours, allowing you to use the grinder on the go
- Single-button operation makes this grinder straightforward to use
- All parts can be disassembled and washed with water except for the motor
- Can grind enough coffee for up to 12 cups at a time
Cons
- The material is not the most durable option
What to Consider When Buying the Smallest Coffee Grinder – A Buyer’s Guide
So what are some things that make small grinders different from one another? In this section, we’ll talk about different factors you should consider when buying one.
Type of Grinder
First, you need to decide whether you want a manual or an electric coffee grinder.
The main difference between the two is clear – the amount of input required. With a manual grinder, you’re doing all the work by turning the handle in a clockwise motion. As for electric coffee grinders, they do that part for you.
Of course, both have their pros and cons. While manual coffee grinders are more work, they’re more durable and consistent. Electric grinders cost more, but they save you the hassle of doing the grinding yourself.
Both manual and electric grinders come as either handheld or tabletop.
Handheld grinders are smaller, so they’re great for tiny places like college dorms and RVs. Tabletop alternatives have a larger capacity, so they’re suitable for households with more than one coffee drinker.
Once you figure out which one of those works best for you, let’s talk about the main grinding part.
More affordable models use blades to grind beans. Blade grinders are generally cheaper, but they don’t give consistent results.
While more expensive, burr grinders are simply a better alternative. Unless the price is an issue, it’s always better to choose a burr grinder over a blade grinder.
But you’re not done yet.
There are 2 types of burrs:
- Conical burrs – they have a cone-shaped spinning inner burr and a stationary outer burr. You adjust the coffee grind size by moving the stationary burr closer or further away from the spinning part.
- Flat burrs – these are basically 2 discs with teeth. Again, one is stationary and moves closer or further away from the spinning one to adjust the settings.
Finally, consider the material of the burrs.
Metal is much cheaper and more durable. But at higher speeds, metal can heat up. This can affect the flavor of your beans, as it practically “roasts” them slightly longer. Furthermore, metal can retain flavor and odor, so it must be cleaned properly regularly.
With ceramic burrs, you don’t have that problem. Ceramic burr neither heats up nor retains flavor and odor. But, ceramic is usually more expensive.
IN A NUTSHELL
You can choose either a manual or electric grinder, depending on how much work you want to put into the grinding. Next, you need to choose between a burr and blade grinder, considering that the burr grinder gives a more consistent grind, but is more expensive.
Capacity
Given these are the smallest grinders out there, you can’t expect a whopping bean hopper capacity. But there are still differences between the models.
Consider the capacity depending on how much coffee you plan on brewing at a time.
Some models are tiny, allowing you to grind only enough coffee for 1 or 2 cups of java. Others go as high as 12 or 14 cups at a time.
IN A NUTSHELL
If you are grinding coffee just for yourself, you will be ok with smaller grinders. But, if you are in a household of coffee drinkers, search for something with a larger capacity.
Settings
Different brewing methods require coffee grounds of different sizes. This is really important as it affects how your coffee turns out.
The longer the brewing method is, the larger the particles you want to use.
There are other things that also affect the right size of coffee grounds. These include air moisture, temperature, and age of the beans.
With a good grinder, these variables are easy to implement into the equation. With more than 1 grind setting creating “fine” grounds, for instance, you can really tweak them up to your preference.
So how many grind settings do you actually need?
You’ll need about 40 different grind settings if you’re using different brewing methods at home. That many settings will cover everything from cold brew, and French press to Turkish coffee.
If you like experimenting here and there, anything between 20 and 40 options will be fine.
Finally, if you use classic brewers, like pour-overs and drip machines, up to 20 settings will do.
IN A NUTSHELL
If you are using different brewing methods, you will need a grinder with a variety of grind settings.
Final Verdict
If you don’t have much space on your counter, then you need the smallest coffee grinder out there.
And among those, Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder is the best one available.
It’s easy to use, offers 60 settings, and has a really nice bean hopper capacity. So whether you’re making coffee for yourself or the entire household, you can grind enough beans at once.
It also allows you to grind coffee directly into the portafilter, filter basket, or container for mess-free grinding. What more can you ask for?
