coffee grinders
"A good coffee grinder is a crucial element in making good coffee."
The correct grind will ensure that you get every ounce of flavor and nuance from the beans when you brew.
I favor burr mill grinders, as they do the best job of getting a consistent grind to ensure even oil extraction from the beans.
Without a consistent grind the coffee particles will be all different sizes. This results in the small particles being over-extracted by the brewing process, and the big particles being under-extracted.
Consequently, the coffee can taste a bit off, as over-extraction can bring out undesirable flavors.
Below are my top picks for the best burr coffee grinder to ensure a consistently great cup every time. You'll find options for every budget. Let's get grinding!
Technivorm Moccamaster at Clive Coffee. Simply one of the best coffee makers on the market. Tap image to learn more.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
This is the grinder I use and the best one I've ever owned. Baratza make some of the highest quality burr mill grinders you'll find. Though the $139 price tag may still be perceived by some as too much for a grinder, keep it mind that the build quality, performance, and support offered are on par with professional model grinders which cost much more. I haven't found a better grinder at this price point.
Kitchen Aid Burr Coffee Grinder, Contour Silver
Kitchen Aid products are synonymous with quality, so it's no surprise that their line of burr grinders are solid, heavy duty monsters. This thing is a tank, requiring lots of counter space. If you really want to make a statement about your commitment to making great coffee and using as much counter space as possible, this is your machine. (This is the only other grinder I had my eye on before ultimately choosing the Baratza. I still dream about it.)
Capresso 565.05 Infinity Conical Burr
Capresso is another company making great burr grinders. This is one of their higher end models. It features commercial-grade conical burrs, and a die-cast housing with stainless steel finish. The burrs are produced as matched pairs and hand assembled in Switzerland. A family member has been using this model for several years with great, consistent results. I have used Capresso grinders in the past and also had good experiences with them. I used the 560.01 model for several years and thought it performed very well. It's a cheaper model with an ABS plastic housing instead of the die-cast housing. It has the same commercial-grade conical burrs, however, so the results are very similar. (560.01 pictured to the right, or below on mobile.)
