When whole bean coffee is ground, its aromatic compounds are released, simultaneously exposing more surface area directly to oxygen in the air. This accelerates oxidation, which is the main process by which roasted coffee becomes stale.
Grinding coffee shortly before brewing will extend the length of time that the coffee remains fresh while helping to preserve those aromatic compounds. Whole bean coffee ground immediately prior to brewing also enables for greater control over grind particle size, which allows individuals to fine-tune flavor to suit their own environment and brewing preferences best.
In general, a finer grind will result in higher extraction and a coarser grind will result in lower extraction. With this knowledge and the availability of a grinder at hand, one can adjust the grind setting to tame bitter, astringent, over-extracted flavors and weak, sour, under-extracted flavors.
In the spirit of crafting truly exceptional brews at home using the freshest coffee possible, we asked our team what their favorite grinders are for a variety of common circumstances. Check our recommendations our below!
Featured Partners Team Members
Rachel G. | Customer Experience Associate
Andrew C. | VP, Digital
Sam K. | Green Coffee Buyer & Head Roaster
Cary W. | Director of Coffee
Our Team's Coffee Grinder Recommendations
Overall: Fellow Ode
“I’ve had my Fellow Ode (Gen 1) for at least 4 years now and I have the feeling that this grinder will continue to be my go-to for many more years to come. It’s perfect for any grind sizes suited for manual brew methods (V60, French Press, Aeropress, etc.), and Drip machines. The grinder looks gorgeous as well, so it’s always on display in my brew setup.” (Rachel G.)
Espresso (non-integrated): Fellow Opus and Mahlkonig X54
Budget-Friendly: Fellow Opus and Baratza Encore
“I have a toxic relationship with my Baratza Encore in that it's an entry level grinder but I can't bring myself to upgrade it. I've had it now for at least 12 years, have put ridiculous amounts of coffee through it (hello WFH quality control), repaired it numerous times for less than the cost of a bag of coffee, and never doubted its durability.” (Sam K.)
Manual/Hand Grinder: Timemore C2S, Comandante C40, and 1Zpresso J
“As a definition "hesitant buyer", it usually takes me weeks, if not months, of research to make a purchase. Deciding on a grinder was no different. I was looking for a grinder that could achieve fineness for espresso and didn't take up a lot of countertop space in my small Brooklyn apartment. I wanted whatever I chose to be durable and not require much maintenance or tinkering.
Ultimately, I landed on a 1Zpresso J and I couldn't be happier. It's lightweight, easy to use and clean, and is capable of grinding fine enough that my Breville Bambino has no trouble with pulling great espresso. I've now had this grinder for 4 years and it works just as well now as it did upon unboxing. I highly recommend!” (Andrew C.)
What To Look For In A Coffee Grinder
“When someone asks what they should invest in for a home coffee setup, my answer is always the same: start with a quality grinder. A good grinder can significantly elevate your coffee experience.
The first question to ask yourself is how you plan to brew coffee at home. Are you focused solely on espresso, or do you like to explore different brewing methods? Narrowing down your brewing style will help simplify your options.
Next, consider the burr type: flat or conical. Flat burrs tend to produce more consistent and uniform grinds, making them ideal for drip and manual brews. However, they can overheat more easily. Conical burrs are often more affordable and are particularly popular in espresso grinders. For those brewing mostly drip or manual coffee, I recommend flat burrs.” (Cary W.)
“For really excellent coffee, spending money on a good grinder is important. It's the piece of equipment that will make the most difference in the cup. The reason for this is that a more uniform grind (think of a bell curve) will result in particles that are of more similar sizes and geometries; this means when you add hot water to the coffee, there is a much better likelihood of all of those particles extracting evenly. An even extraction can mean a sweeter, more balanced, and more flavorful cup whereas an uneven extraction means a higher percentage of particles that over or under extract.
I look for: availability of parts (specifically burrs and any plastic pieces that may be prone to breakage), service (is there a responsive support team), and grind uniformity (excellent grind quality is difficult to achieve at a price point below $200).
Bonus features to look for are low noise during operation (the Fellow grinders are good in this regard for a home model) and minimal static.” (Sam K.)
When To Clean A Coffee Grinder
“The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your grinder. If you use your grinder daily or grind darker roasts (which produce more oils), I recommend cleaning it once a week to maintain performance and flavor consistence.” (Cary W.)
“I clean my grinder once a month or so, brushing out anywhere fine particles have collected with a soft brush and wiping out the hopper and collection bin with a paper towel. Depending on your grinder it is okay to hand-wash these if they are oily and can be fully removed from the unit. Urnex Grindz or a similar product are good for a very occasional cleaning of the burrs themselves; don't use anything else. If you brew a lot of darkly roasted coffee, frequent cleaning will be more important (as these oils stick to surfaces and turn rancid).” (Sam K.)
How To Clean A Coffee Grinder
Manuals included with the original purchase of a product will include cleaning directions specific to your machine. User manuals and instructional videos can typically be found directly through the manufacturer’s website as well. Additional resources can be found with an Internet search of the brand name of your grinder accompanied by the words "user manual". For your convenience, we've compiled a list of a few popular grinders and their associated manuals below:
Baratza Encore (manual)
Mahlkonig X54 (manual)
Questions? Need grinder assistance? Email us at help@partnerscoffee.com!
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