Hi r/espresso,

I’ve recently fallen in love with the world of espresso, and I’m ready to invest in a grinder that’s not just “good enough” but genuinely excellent. I’m not interested in the best grinder under a certain dollar amount—those lists often feel like stepping stones that set you up to eventually buy something better. Instead, I want to know: What are the absolute best grinders out there?

Here’s where I’m coming from:

• I’m willing to save up and spend more for a grinder that looks great, performs exceptionally, and will last for years (ideally 5-10+).

• I don’t want to waste money on a “starter” grinder that’s just going to get replaced in a couple of years. For example, buying something under $100 now, then upgrading to something under $500 later, feels inefficient to me.

• I value performance and durability over name brands or aesthetics alone. I don’t mind paying extra for quality, but I need to feel like the additional cost is justified.

I understand that the grinder is absolutely key to great espresso, so I want to make an informed decision. If I’m spending $500+ on a grinder, I want to know it’s worth the extra $200-300 over its cheaper competitors.

So, espresso enthusiasts:

• What are your recommendations for grinders that deliver exceptional quality and will stand the test of time?

• Are there specific models or brands that you feel truly justify their price tag with performance and durability?

• Any insights into whether the top-tier grinders really offer a noticeable difference in espresso quality would also be helpful.

I see this as an investment in a lifestyle I’ve come to love, so I want to get it right. Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations!

Cheers,

I’ve been doing analysis on reddit data and was looking at the most recommended electric coffee grinders on r/espresso. Thought I’d share the results.

Its part of a side project of mine to tinker with Reddit data and LLMs. My goal was to create something useful for the community while practicing my dev skills.

The analysis aims to highlight the most well reviewed electric coffee grinders - a very rough proxy for what’s widely considered the best electric coffee grinders. Hopefully it is a useful data point for those overwhelmed by all the information out there.

Methodology:

I used Google and Reddit search (filtered for the past year for freshness) to source for discussions on electric coffee grinders in r/espresso. From the top results I analyzed a total of 63 relevant threads and used LLMs to extract opinions and perform sentiment analysis.

To rank the models, I calculated the normalized difference and ratio between the no. of positive and negative user sentiments, and used that to determine the final score for ranking.

Handling and merging different model namings, brands, abbreviations etc is non trivial (e.g. DF54 is one model but sold by different brands) so a 100% LLM approach wasn’t sufficient. I did some eyeballing and manual clean up but there may still be mistakes. Let me know if you spot anything wrong or surprising.

For those interested in, the source data (i.e. comments analyzed) and individual sentiment analysis can be found on RedditRecs dot com (or google RedditRecs)

Note: This thread should be used for Electric espresso grinders. Hand grinders will get a dedicated thread next.

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As this sub continues to grow the amount of similar posts also continue to rise. This will begin a series of buying guides to help future shoppers make better informed decisions.

If you missed the first one here is a link to the Espresso Machine Budget Buyer's Guide

We’re looking to get help from the community by adding information for an espresso grinder in a specific price range.

Please upvote for visibility!

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For this thread all top comments will be only for dollar amounts.

Please respond to the top parent comment with the following template.

Machine: Make and Model
Price:
Description: (Be descriptive as possible, imagine you’re writing to your past self when you were trying to decide what machine to purchase)

If you see someone already commented on a machine, feel free to reply to the comment with additional info.

I currently have a breville barista duo temp and I was wondering what grinder I should pair with it?

I was recommanded the turin (or burz in Canada) sd40 single dose, but i’m wondering if it’s overkill for my espresso machine?

For Xmas, I got my wife a bambino and an OXO grinder. The grinder is absolutely terrible and gets clogged up (lesson learned on going cheap). So, that’s getting returned, but I need to get something to replace it.

Seems like there’s a ton of stuff in that range, and the choices are overwhelming. I know that she really would like something easy to use and doesn’t want something crazy loud (like a baratza). The grinder will only be used for espresso.

Also, are there any other accessories to consider? The machine came with everything, but I keep reading about getting a better portafilter and tamper. Will upgrading those make a huge difference?

Edit to add info from automod post:

Location: US

Budget: $200-$300

Drink Types: Mostly milky drinks. Although the occasional straight shot would be good.

Frequency: Maybe once a day. Potentially a couple times a day if both of us make a drink.

Space: Limited, but the OXO fit fine. It's dimensions are 6.8"L x 11.8"W x 14.8"H

Manual vs Electric: Electric

Comfort with tinkering: Would much rather have plug and play.

Hey everyone! I’m in the market for a new coffee grinder and I’m looking for some recommendations. I mostly brew pour-over and espresso, so I need something that offers consistent grind size and is easy to use.

Edit: After reading the comments I found these ones:

• TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S

• Baratza Encore ESP

• Fellow Gen 2 Ode

• DF64 Coffee Grinder

If you have any other suggestions for coffee grinders that are high-quality but won’t break the bank, feel free to suggest.

Edit: My budget is around $900.

Thanks in advance!

Hi trying to spend as little money like under 150(?) new or used? Idunno, any suggestions? Not sure how long I have to make this post to not get deleted which I’m a big fan of in general 😊

But yea looking for suggestions, thanks 🙏

I’m finally ready to upgrade my coffee grinder and want something truly worth buying. Been looking at Time more, 1Zpresso, and Baratza, but the choices are overwhelming. Consistency and durability matter more to me than fancy looks.
My budget is around $300, but I can stretch if it’s really worth it. Which grinder has made the biggest difference in your coffee routine.

Thanks.

I got the barrista express a few months ago for me and the wife. Everything is good other than she always fills up the coffee grinder with her Starbucks beans. I like to try different beans. She’s willing to try other coffee but we have to wait till all the beans are done and out of the grinder before adding different ones. But at the end of the day she likes the coffee she gets with Starbucks. So I’ve been thinking of getting the tubes to just add the coffee we each like every time but I’m now leaning more towards getting a coffee grinder instead. But I’m a newbie and not sure where to start. Any suggestions on coffee grinders?

Hello! I am investing in at-home espresso because I spend too much at cafes.

• I purchased a second-hand De'Longhi ECP 3630

• and switched out the pressurized basket for a non-pressurized 51mm basket off Amazon.

• As of now I'm using a pre-ground espresso bag and the pull is coming out too fast/watery.

So -- I'm looking to purchase a grinder, and my budget is under $200. I want a powdery, extra-fine grind for espresso. Another website recommended the following:

• Kingrinder K6 Manual Grinder

• Baratza Encore ESP

• 1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder

• Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder

I'm new to brewing espresso at home so I'm looking forward to all of your advice! Bogged down by the options and looking to make a decision soon. Open to all advice/suggestions.

I want a motorized espresso grinder. I don’t want to be grinding it by hand, but I want one that’s good because I know that they are very important. and I plan on having the grinder for a couple years at least. I see a lot about the Baratza encore ESP grinder for beginner grinders, but I don’t know much about it. They just always say it’s the best beginner grinder. I also see a lot about the niche zero, obviously this one’s better than the other one, but is it actually a milestone of difference? I would really like to save money where I can, but I also know the more money spend on the grinder the better quality of espresso you’re getting, and I’d still like to obtain that. I know my budget is up to 500 but I don’t necessarily want to spend 500. I just want to see what’s out there and what your suggestions are.

Could you please recommend any affordable burr coffee grinders (not manual) priced under £200?

I want to buy my boyfriend a good coffee grinder for his birthday. He isn’t a coffee expert so just a decent grinder would do. However as I’m a tea drinker, I know nothing so please help.

I was contemplating the Sage Dose Control, but the reviews have made me hesitant due to reports of it frequently breaking within a year. I need a burr grinder that works well with his De'Longhi espresso machine. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations you have.

Edit: Thank you for everyone’s recommendations. While the majority have said the Baratza ESP is good, unfortunately, it’s not yet out in the UK.

Update: I ended up going for the Baratza ESP, as it’s currently on pre-order. I got in contact with the distributor, who informed me that they will hopefully have them in stock this week. Thank you, everyone, for your help. I’m sure my boyfriend is going to love it.

Hello! I've been clicking around for an espresso machine, and settled on the DeLonghi Dedica, which I think seems to offer decent value for money - although not an awful lot of control. Now I'm faced with another issue - the grinder. I do have a regular blade grinder, but from what I read, that won't be consistent enough for espresso - or most coffee, for that matter :)

I've stumbled upon the Bodum Bistro grinder on sale for $60, but it seems most people find the grind insufficiently fine for espresso. I'm in no ways an expert, and my tastebuds aren't exactly finely tuned - I just want a decent to good espresso. Will the Bodum Bistro be sufficient for most regular Joe joe-drinkers, or am I better off saving for something better? I read somewhere that you can use a slightly more coarse grind with pressurized baskets, which I do believe the DeLonghi has.

Any advice or personal experience is welcome, thanks!

I have been an espresso enthusiast for a few years now. My girlfriend’s brother would like to get into espresso and develop a new addiction. What is the best grinder to recommend to a beginner? Good performance, longevity, and budget friendly are all things I would like to consider.

Hey all - I just got a Breville Bambino and am looking to get a separate grinder.

I’m new to this so looking for ease of use but was wondering what grinders you reccomend? Seeing that the best ones are $250-500 range and was wondering if there’s any that are $200 or less that you reccomend?

Appreciate the help

I was looking at the Niche Zero and love it but read it’s bad for light roasts. Is there a consensus single dose grinder that works best with all beans?

So I’m looking for the best grinder between 300-500$. Currently have the Sette 30 which I’m going to return. The Sette 270, Niche Zero and the Df64 are the three that I’m looking at that seem to be really solid in this price range. Let me know which you think will be the best for my budget. I’m mainly making double espresso shots and latte/cortados.