Coffee lovers know that a good cup starts with the perfect grind. The ideal coffee grinder makes all the difference in brewing a balanced, flavorful cup of joe. But finding a high-quality grinder that doesn't break the bank can be a challenge. We explore the best coffee grinders under $100, considering factors like consistency, grind settings, durability, and user-friendliness.
Key Features to Look for in a Coffee Grinder
When choosing a coffee grinder, several key features should guide your decision to ensure you get the most out of your coffee. The consistency of the grind is paramount; look for a grinder that delivers a uniform grind size, as this greatly impacts the extraction and the overall flavor of your coffee. A broad range of grind settings allows for versatility, enabling you to adjust the grind size to suit various brewing methods. Durability and build quality are critical considerations too. A high-quality grinder, often characterized by a sturdy construction and materials like stainless steel, will stand the test of time. In terms of maintenance, grinders with removable parts are generally easier to clean and keep in top shape. Noise level can also be a concern, particularly if you're fond of early morning brews. Lastly, some grinders come with extra features like a timer, auto shut-off, or a function to measure beans by weight. These added conveniences, while not strictly necessary, can make your grinding and brewing process smoother and more enjoyable.
When shopping for a grinder, pay attention to these critical features:
- Consistency of Grind: Consistency is crucial for balanced flavor extraction. Burr grinders offer better consistency than blade grinders.
- Range of Grind Settings: A grinder with more grind settings allows you to brew different types of coffee.
- Durability and Build Quality: A robust grinder lasts longer and is less likely to break down. Stainless steel burrs tend to be more durable than ceramic ones.
- Ease of Cleaning: Grinders with removable parts are easier to clean and maintain.
- Noise Level: If you’re an early riser, you don't want a grinder that sounds like an airplane taking off!
- Extra Features: Some grinders come with a timer, auto shut-off, or the ability to measure beans by weight, adding to convenience.
A Deeper Look at Our Picks
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Features
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder helps unlock the full potential of your beans. Simple design, 15 grind size settings, one-touch timer, and UV-blocking hopper.
- 15 grind size settings
- One-touch start
- Large-capacity hopper
- UV-blocking tint
Pros
- Stainless steel conical burrs create uniform grounds
- One-touch start remembers your last setting
- Large-capacity hopper holds up to 3/4 lb/12 oz of coffee beans
- UV-blocking tint shields coffee beans from UV rays
Cons
- Clogging with Oily Beans
Gevi Burr Coffee Grinder
Features
Gevi Burr Coffee Grinder is an adjustable burr mill with 35 precise grind settings, electric coffee grinder for espresso/drip/percolator/french press/american/turkish coffee makers, 120V/200W, ivory white.
- Ground coffee container holds a maximum of 130g of ground coffee
- Select the amount of cups according to your demand
- Will stop automatically at the correct amount of grounds
- Rest for 30 minutes automatically if the working time exceeds 3 minutes
Pros
- Bean box holds up to 240g of coffee beans
- 1-14 cups extensive grinding amount
- Compact & safety design
- Consistent Grind
- 35 Grind Size Options
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Mr. Coffee Burr Coffee Grinder
Features
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind 18-Cup Automatic Burr Grinder grinds whole coffee beans to yield consistent, flavorful coffee grounds for making regular coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and all your other favorite coffee beverages.
- 2-18 cup selector
- Bean hopper holds up to 8 oz. of coffee beans
- Cleaning brush included
- Cord Length (In): 24
Pros
- Flat burr plates deliver a uniform grind size
- Fully automatic system allows for convenient, hands-free grinding
- 18 grind-size settings, from coarse to ultra-fine
- Large bean hopper holds up to 8 oz. of coffee beans
Cons
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
Features
Commercial-grade, solid steel conical burrs with advanced cutting design, from ultrafine Turkish to French Press coarse and everything in between. Gear reduction motor grinds slow with reduced noise and little static build-up.
- 100W/120V/60Hz
- Removable upper burr
- ABS black plastic housing
Pros
- Precision grinding
- Wide grinding range
- Preserves aroma
- Large capacity
Cons
SHARDOR Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Features
Choose from 35 custom grind settings with our anti-static conical burr coffee grinder. Enjoy uniform grinding, easily adjust the quantity, and find cleaning a breeze.
Pros
- 35 Custom Grind Selections
- Anti-static Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- Uniform Grinding
- Customizable Quantity
- Easy to Clean
Cons
Greater Goods Burr Coffee Grinder
Features
- Built in scale
- High-grade conical burrs
- Small footprint
- UV protection in the hopper
With the built-in scale, you can achieve unparalleled precision in your coffee brewing routine. No more guesswork or approximations when measuring the perfect amount of coffee beans. This innovative design allows you to precisely weigh your beans while grinding, ensuring the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for a consistently delicious cup of coffee every time.
Not only does the integrated scale enhance the precision of your morning brew, but it also helps reduce wastage. By accurately measuring the desired amount of beans, you can avoid overestimating and wasting precious coffee. This feature not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures that you extract the maximum flavor from your beans, resulting in a truly satisfying coffee experience.
Pros
- High-grade conical burrs
- Simple and stylish
- True support
Cons
Comparison of the Top 6 Grinders
Each of these grinders has unique features that make them suitable for different coffee lovers. Your ultimate choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The SHARDOR Conical Burr Coffee Grinder stands out with its 35 grind selections, ranging from fine for espresso to coarse for French press, and a notable anti-static technology that keeps the grinding chamber mess-free. The grinder also offers a customizable quantity setting, allowing you to grind the exact amount of coffee you need, and it's fairly easy to clean thanks to its built-in brush and removable components.
Next up, the Mr. Coffee Burr Coffee Grinder features 18 custom grind settings and a generous capacity, holding up to a half-pound of coffee beans. It's user-friendly with removable bean hopper and grinding chamber for straightforward cleaning. This grinder also boasts cord storage and dual safety-locking switches for added safety.
In the case of the Greater Goods Burr Coffee Grinder, it's distinguished by a built-in scale that increases brewing precision and efficiency. The high-grade conical burrs ensure precise grinding, noise reduction, and cooler operation. Its design is not only stylish, but also practical with a small footprint and UV protection in the hopper to keep beans fresher for longer.
The Gevi Burr Coffee Grinder also presents 35 precise grind settings and a large capacity, holding up to 240g of coffee beans. An automatic stop feature ensures the correct amount of grounds, and a safety design allows the grinder to rest after 3 minutes of continuous use.
Moving onto the Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, it impresses with commercial-grade, solid steel conical burrs for precision grinding. It has a wide grinding range, a slow gear reduction motor to minimize noise and static, and a large 8.8-ounce bean container. Plus, it's easy to clean with a removable upper burr.
Lastly, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder has stainless steel conical burrs that create uniform grounds, 15 grind size settings, and a large hopper capacity of up to 3/4 lb/12 oz. Its distinctive features include a UV-blocking tint to protect coffee beans from harmful rays and a stainless steel container that reduces static.
Each grinder has its own strengths to cater to different coffee brewing needs and preferences, so your choice will depend on which features align most with your coffee rituals.
The Basics of Coffee Grinding
The process of grinding coffee beans is an integral step in brewing a fantastic cup of coffee. This process begins with two primary types of grinders - burr and blade. Blade grinders function like a blender, chopping the beans with a swift spinning blade. While they are usually cheaper, they can produce an inconsistent grind, leading to an uneven extraction when brewing. Burr grinders, on the other hand, are much more precise. They crush the beans between two burrs (cylindrical or conical elements), creating uniform particles and a more balanced extraction.
Beyond the type of grinder, the grind size is equally crucial and varies with the brewing method. For instance, espresso requires a fine grind, while a French press needs a coarse one. Adjusting the grind size accordingly can dramatically improve your coffee's flavor. It's also worth noting the difference between manual and electric grinders. While manual grinders offer more control over the grinding process, electric grinders offer speed and convenience, especially when grinding large volumes of beans.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Coffee Grinder
Maximizing your coffee grinder's potential goes beyond just buying a top-notch machine; it also involves regular maintenance and correct usage. First and foremost, cleaning your grinder is essential. Coffee beans leave oils that can build up over time, altering the taste of your brew. Many grinders have removable parts, making it easy to clean out these oils and leftover grounds. Adjusting the grind settings to match your brewing method is another critical step. For instance, espresso requires a fine grind, whereas French press coffee is better with a coarser grind.
Make sure to read your grinder's manual and experiment to find the perfect setting for your brew. Lastly, always grind your beans just before brewing. Coffee grounds start to oxidize and lose flavor as soon as they're exposed to air. Grinding right before brewing ensures the freshest, most flavorful cup. By following these guidelines, you'll enhance the longevity of your grinder and the quality of your coffee.
Conclusion
The journey to finding the perfect coffee grinder under $100 can be a rewarding one. It's about finding the right balance between cost, quality, and features. With careful consideration and understanding of each product's pros and cons, you'll be on your way to enjoying the freshest, tastiest coffee every morning. Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a novice eager to improve your home brewing skills, these grinders are a solid starting point. Happy brewing!
Meet the expert
Amélie has a dual Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Literature. She wrote a Master's Thesis on the importance of blending scientific knowledge with the arts to create a healthier culture. She also has a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching Biology and Language Arts since 2016. She is happily addicted to coffee and constantly learning.