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The best coffee grinder

Best coffee grinder: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder. Why it wins: The long-running default for drip and pour-over, with replaceable parts so it lasts. Also see best budget: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder; best premium: Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder.

If you only upgrade one thing, upgrade the grinder. Our pick is the Baratza Encore: consistent grounds for drip, pour-over and French press, and repairable parts. The OXO Brew Conical Burr is the budget pick. If you want espresso-fine grinding too, the Fellow Opus is the premium choice.

By AlexUpdated 4 sources citedHow we choose

Based on Specialty Coffee Association · Baratza · OXO +1 more

black coffee maker
Photo: Crew / Unsplash

Which one should you buy?

Best overall

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

The long-running default for drip and pour-over, with replaceable parts so it lasts.

  • 40 settings
  • 40 mm conical steel burrs
  • Repairable
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓
Best budget

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Conical burrs and a handy timer dial for less than the Encore.

  • 15 settings + micro
  • 40 mm conical
  • 12 oz hopper
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓
Best premium

Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder

One grinder from espresso to cold brew, with anti-static design and a compact footprint.

  • 41 settings
  • Espresso capable
  • Anti-static
Check price on AmazonRead why ↓

We don't list prices because they change daily; Amazon shows the current price and stock when you click. We earn a commission on purchases, which never decides a pick. How we choose.

The short answer: Baratza Encore for drip and pour-over; OXO Brew to save money; Fellow Opus if you also want to grind for espresso.

How do the top coffee grinders compare?

Swipe the table sideways to see all three →

SpecBest overallBaratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderBest budgetOXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee GrinderBest premiumFellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder
Burrs40 mm conical steel40 mm conical stainless40 mm conical stainless
Settings4015 (+ micro)41 (+ inner ring)
Grind rangeDrip to French pressDrip to French pressEspresso to cold brew
EspressoNo (use Encore ESP)NoYes
RepairabilityParts soldLimitedSome parts
Best forDrip & pour-overBudget dripOne grinder for everything
Price & stockCheck priceCheck priceCheck price
Best overall

Why pick Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder?

Even grounds extract evenly, which is why a burr grinder improves coffee more than a new brewer. The Encore’s 40 mm conical steel burrs produce consistent particles across drip, pour-over and French press settings.

Baratza sells replacement burrs and parts and publishes repair guides, so a worn part doesn’t mean a new grinder. That longevity is a big part of why we pick it.

Great if you
  • Brew drip, pour-over or French press
  • Want a grinder that can be repaired
  • Like simple, one-dial controls
Skip it if you
  • Want espresso; get the Encore ESP or Opus
  • Want a timer or dosing scale
  • Need the cheapest option

Key specs

Burrs
40 mm conical steel
Grind settings
40
Hopper
Removable
Controls
Pulse button and on/off switch
Model
ZCG485BLK
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon
Best budget

Why pick OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder?

The OXO Brew uses the same size of conical burrs as the Encore and adds a one-touch timer, so you can set it and walk away. Grind consistency is good for drip and pour-over.

It has fewer main settings and less repair support, which is the tradeoff for the lower price.

Great if you
  • Want a burr grinder on a budget
  • Like a timer for repeatable doses
  • Brew drip most mornings
Skip it if you
  • Want espresso
  • Plan to keep it a decade
  • Want fine control over settings

Key specs

Burrs
40 mm conical stainless steel
Settings
15 plus micro-adjustments
Hopper
12 oz
Controls
One-touch timer
Colors
Silver, matte black
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon
Best premium

Why pick Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder?

The Opus covers the full range from espresso to cold brew with 41 main settings plus fine adjustment, which most grinders at this level can’t do. Its anti-static design reduces the chaff and grounds that cling to the catch cup.

If you only make drip, you won’t use most of the range; the Encore is simpler. Pick the Opus if espresso is on your list now or later.

Great if you
  • Make espresso and filter coffee
  • Want less static mess
  • Like a compact, modern design
Skip it if you
  • Only brew drip
  • Want the simplest controls
  • Need a black finish in stock (check availability)

Key specs

Burrs
40 mm conical stainless steel
Settings
41 plus fine adjustment
Range
Espresso to cold brew
Design
Anti-static
Color
Matte white (black often unavailable)
Fellow Opus Conical Burr GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon

What should you look for in coffee grinders?

Burr, not blade

Blade grinders chop unevenly, so some grounds over-extract (bitter) and some under-extract (sour). Any burr grinder is a big step up.

Match the range to your brewer

Espresso needs very fine, very adjustable grinding. Drip and pour-over don’t. Don’t pay for range you won’t use.

Consider repairability

Grinders have motors and wear parts. Brands that sell burrs and parts save you money over time.

Static and mess

Fine grounds cling to plastic. Anti-static designs, or a drop of water on beans before grinding, reduce mess.

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee GrinderOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon

Frequently asked questions about coffee grinders

Is a burr grinder really worth it?

Yes. Uneven grounds are the most common cause of bitter or sour coffee at home. A burr grinder is the biggest single improvement.

Can the Baratza Encore grind for espresso?

Not well for most machines. Baratza makes a separate Encore ESP for espresso; the Fellow Opus also handles espresso.

How fine should I grind for pour-over?

Medium-fine, like table salt. Adjust by taste: sour and fast means grind finer; bitter and slow means grind coarser.

How often should I clean a grinder?

Brush out the burrs every few weeks, and use grinder-cleaning tablets occasionally. Never use rice; it can strain the motor.

Should I buy pre-ground coffee instead?

Pre-ground coffee goes stale fast once opened. Grinding right before brewing keeps the aromatics you’re paying for.

How did we pick these coffee grinders?

We compared burr type and size, number and range of settings, espresso capability, controls and repair support from manufacturer specifications and support documentation.

We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.

What sources did we use?

  1. Baratza: Encore product and support pages (accessed October 23, 2026)
  2. OXO: official site (accessed October 23, 2026)
  3. Fellow: Opus grinder (accessed October 23, 2026)
  4. Specialty Coffee Association (accessed October 23, 2026)

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