Entry Level Burr Grinder Recommendations

[Snargle]

I've been using a blade-type electric grinder for years with OK results, but nothing fantastic. Since it's time to replace the old drip coffee maker (Capresso 440), I thought I might upgrade the grinder at the same time.

I'm looking for a burr grinder but I really don't want to pay more than $50-$60. Is there anything decent out there in this price range? I generally brew a full pot (10 cups) of coffee in the morning, and also espresso in the evening, so I need something that can handle both a drip grind and an espresso grind.

Any specific recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[takeshi]

AFAIK not really unless you're going for a hand operated mill.

[JPDyson]

There are some in that range (cheapo Kitchenaid, Cuisinart, etc) but they'll end up costing you more when they don't last a year. Buy a Baratza, and it'll last much longer and pay you back (you can get a Maestro for $130, or the new Encore for $150). Alternatively, the Capresso Infinity (~$80) is fairly good.

[Everett529]

I got myself a Bodum Bistro burr grinder locally for around $100, though I'm sure I could have had it cheaper if I ordered it online. I'm not much for espresso, seeing as I only have a cheap Breville, but it does seem to me to grind fine enough, but that's a debatable point. It does excellent for my Aeropress, pourover, and pretty much anything else I throw at it. Ive heard good about the Maestro too though, so if you have the means to get into that, I'd grab it.

[Sullybob]

There are some in that range (cheapo Kitchenaid, Cuisinart, etc) but they'll end up costing you more when they don't last a year. Buy a Baratza, and it'll last much longer and pay you back (you can get a Maestro for $130, or the new Encore for $150). Alternatively, the Capresso Infinity (~$80) is fairly good.

+1. I picked up a refurbished Baratza nearly two years ago and haven't had one problem with it.

[The Nid Hog]

I use a Porlex (tall) hand mill that I picked up a couple of years ago for about $50. I'm quite happy with it for daily use with my vacuum or French press.

[Jasonian]

At that budget, there is no single grinder that will do what you want it to do that isn't hand-powered.

My advice would be to stick with what you have long enough to save up for what you really want.

[xraygun]

My Bodum bistro has held up well since March, with no signs of slowing down. I think I got if from Amazon Warehouse for $60. Nice glass receptacle. Easy to clean. I go back and forth from drip to French press, occasional espresso. I don't think it would hold up long as a dedicated espresso grinder.

Personally, I think getting a grinder set right for espresso requires a dedicated machine. The idea of going back and forth on the same machine each day doesn't sound like you'd get good results.

Take Jason's advice. He knows his coffee, and boy is it Good! Hey I better order some!

[garyg]

At that budget, there is no single grinder that will do what you want it to do that isn't hand-powered.

My advice would be to stick with what you have long enough to save up for what you really want.

Which hand grinder would fulfill those requirements? I am intererested in upgrading from a $17 chopper, & have no problem with something that doesn't require more electricity? Is the Porlex the one - I'm more on the French Press end right now, but versatility is good ..

[Fortitudo Dei]

Which hand grinder would fulfill those requirements? I am intererested in upgrading from a $17 chopper, & have no problem with something that doesn't require more electricity? Is the Porlex the one - I'm more on the French Press end right now, but versatility is good ..

A used Spong grinder. These regularly turn up on Ebay and in 2nd-hand & antique stores and flea markets. I have a Spong #2 which is probably close to 50 years old and it puts modern hand-grinders (and most cheaper electric burr grinders) to shame. They are fantastic for French Press and filter. They can grind fine enough to do espresso IF your machine uses a pressurized portafilter (i.e. most entry-level machines). However I find that a Spong can't offer the degree of precision in the grind adjustment which is required for a proper non-pressurized espresso machine (e.g. Rancilio Silvia and upwards) but anyone with one of those is unlikely to use a hand-grinder anyway.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/at-e...ee-grind-41796

http://www.home-barista.com/grinders...ry-t16165.html

[professorchaos]

Best bang for your buck is the Hario Skerton. It is manual so espresso grinds may take some time. But it works quite well.

[StillShaving]

A good lineup of widely available hand grinders can be seen at Sweet Maria's (a good retailer, but there are other good retailers as well, so don't take this post a promo). http://www.sweetmarias.com/sweetmari...-grinders.html

You can use a single grinder for your morning drip and evening espresso, but if using one of these hand grinders you may find it a chore to adjust twice each day.

[The Nid Hog]

Which hand grinder would fulfill those requirements? I am intererested in upgrading from a $17 chopper, & have no problem with something that doesn't require more electricity? Is the Porlex the one - I'm more on the French Press end right now, but versatility is good ..

I don't think you can go wrong with either of the Porlexs on Sweet Maria's site. As I said, I have the tall one. It's easy to adjust and the grind isn't onerous at all. Give me something to do while the tea kettle is doing its thing.

[Jasonian]

Which hand grinder would fulfill those requirements? I am intererested in upgrading from a $17 chopper, & have no problem with something that doesn't require more electricity? Is the Porlex the one - I'm more on the French Press end right now, but versatility is good ..

I'd go with the Hario Mini-Mill (or Kyocera.. whichever you find.. it's the same thing). Same ceramic burr set as the Skerton, but more consistent at coarser grinds. I have a Skerton, fwiw. The Mini-Mill wasn't out yet at the time.

[JPDyson]

The mini has a smaller hopper and receptacle, so you might have to grind in batches.

[garyg]

Thanks all for the suggestions - is there a downside to the manual grinders that a novice wouldn't realize? I'd be grinding at the maximum 4 to 5 scoops at a time, so would presume I won't need the capacity provided by a power tool .. as long as the grind can be completed while waiting for the water to boil it would be fine

Thanks

[adam25557]

Don't know that it has crossed your mind or not but when you go to purchase a grinder I would sign up for bed bath and beyond e-mail, after making sure they have the one you want, they will send a 20% off on-line or in store coupon which really helps especially when you're looking for something such as a coffee grinder or electric kettle. Good Luck!!!

[Snargle]

Well, thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I ended up ordering the Capresso Infinity electric grinder the other day and should have it in a few days. I suspect it's going to be a huge improvement over the cheap chopper I've been using.

[garyg]

Well, thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I ended up ordering the Capresso Infinity electric grinder the other day and should have it in a few days. I suspect it's going to be a huge improvement over the cheap chopper I've been using.

Hi, sorry if I co-opted your thread. Let us know when you get the grinder?

[JPDyson]

Well, thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I ended up ordering the Capresso Infinity electric grinder the other day and should have it in a few days. I suspect it's going to be a huge improvement over the cheap chopper I've been using.

A fine selection; I think you'll be well pleased.