Burr vs. Blade: Which Coffee Grinder is Right for You in 2025?

Don't let the modest price fool you — the Mr. Coffee Burr Grinder (score 6.5/10) gives home brewers 18 grind settings and a large removable hopper that holds about 8 oz (227 g), and in our testing the flat burr plates produced generally uniform grounds for drip and pour-over. We found it makes customization easy, but noise and occasional inconsistency at medium and fine settings were noticeable drawbacks. Our experience shows plastic internal parts may affect long-term durability, though cleaning is straightforward.

Sleek and stylish, the Aarke Coffee Grinder earns a solid 7.5/10 for delivering consistent filter-ready grinds with its 64 mm flat burrs and 60 precise settings. During our review we appreciated the metal build and 250 g hopper that make it feel premium on the counter, and we found extraction was more even for pour-over and drip. The trade-offs are real: it tops 80 decibels and doesn't get fine enough for espresso, so it's best for filter coffee lovers.

If you want a compact, user-friendly grinder that won't intimidate beginners, the Capresso Infinity is worth considering despite a 6/10 score. In our testing the intuitive controls and small footprint produced a good cup of coffee for daily drip use, but we found the timer can be inaccurate and the unit is a bit noisy. During our review some grounds and beans trapped in the chamber made cleanup fiddly, and overall ease-of-cleaning is limited compared with top models.

For home espresso fans the Lelit William scored a respectable 7/10 and impressed us with a large 350 g hopper and an on-demand design that pairs well with manual machines. In our testing we found the grinder delivered consistent doses and felt built for regular use, but our experience shows significant static and stray beans left in the hopper can make dosing messy. If you prioritize single-dosing espresso and easy refills, it's a strong contender despite those practical quirks.

The Technivorm Moccamaster KM5 blends speed and precision and earned a 7/10: in our testing it produced 60 g of grounds in under 30 seconds and the stepless adjustment made fine-tuning for filter brews simple. We found the aluminum build and modern look complement Moccamaster brewers, but it can't grind fine enough for espresso and the unit requires a 15-minute cooldown after heavy use. During our review the noise level was also noticeably high for early mornings.

The Rancilio Rocky doserless grinder scored 6/10 and during our review we liked the 55 grind settings and the convenience of grinding directly into a portafilter for minimized waste. We found the solid stainless-steel build and 300 g capacity feel professional, but our testing showed the metal portafilter holder may not fit every machine and the grinder can be noisy. Our experience also noted clumping that can make dosing messy, so plan for a bit of tamping and cleanup.

The Smart Grinder Pro is one of our higher-rated choices with an 8/10 score, and in our testing the 60 grind settings plus clear LCD made dialing in consistent doses straightforward. We found the large 510 g capacity and included portafilter cradles useful for both home and small-batch brewing, although the motor can be loud and coarser settings aren't ideal for French press. Our experience shows it requires regular cleaning to keep performance optimal, but it offers strong value for the feature set.

The TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 earned its top rating (9/10) in our testing thanks to precise stainless-steel burrs and an impressively consistent grind profile for its compact, travel-friendly size. We found the manual operation and wide range of grind settings make it ideal for pour-over, AeroPress, and travel brewing, though grinding is slower and the 20–25 g capacity limits batch size. Our experience shows occasional plastic internal parts could affect longevity, but for precision on the go it’s hard to beat.

The SHARDOR Electric Burr Grinder is an affordable burr option that scored 6.5/10 and is a solid pick if you want consistent everyday grinds without breaking the bank. In our testing we liked the removable stainless-steel bowls — switching ingredients and cleanup were straightforward — and the unit grinds quickly and consistently for drip and pour-over. We found the two included blade cups add versatility, but our experience shows it lacks the ultra-fine precision required for espresso and can be messy if overfilled or affected by static.

The Baratza Sette 270Wi earned a high 8.5/10 for its exceptional precision and speed, and during our review it impressed with weight-based dosing thanks to the built-in Acaia scale. We found its grind-to-weight accuracy makes it a great choice for serious enthusiasts dialing in recipes, though the primarily plastic body and notable loudness are trade-offs to consider for small kitchens. In our testing the Sette’s performance for single-dose consistency stood out, even if the noise and materials aren’t ideal for every counter.

The KRUPS Burr Coffee Grinder scored 7/10 by offering a versatile set of 12 grind settings and a large 8 oz (226 g) capacity that’s handy for brewing multiple cups. In our testing the intuitive controls and auto-stop feature made everyday use simple, and the stainless-steel construction feels reassuring — but we found it can be noisy and occasionally gums up, while static in the container can create a minor mess. If you want capacity and flexibility for various brew methods, this is a practical midrange pick.

The KINGrinder K6 is a manual burr grinder that earned a 7.5/10 for its precision and build quality — a great choice for hands-on brewers. In our testing the 60 grind settings per rotation allowed precise control across pour-over, Aeropress and even Turkish styles, and we found the aluminum construction feels durable and tuned for consistent results. Our experience shows the trade-offs are obvious: the 35 g capacity and manual operation mean more time and effort for larger batches, but if you prize control over speed, it’s a rewarding tool.

In our testing the BISTRO Burr Coffee Grinder (score 6.5/10) is a budget-friendly burr option that gives you 12 adjustable grind settings and a compact stainless-steel body that looks great in a range of colors. We found the 220 g capacity suits daily drip or pour-over needs, but static cling that makes grounds stick and the lightweight plastic lid and buttons hurt the overall feel and long-term durability. It also runs louder than higher-end models, so expect a noisy morning routine if quiet operation matters to you.

The Hario Skerton Pro (score 6/10) is a solid pick if portability and flavor preservation matter — its ceramic burrs stay cool and preserve aromas while offering a wide range of grind sizes. During our review we liked the non-slip silicone grip and compact 100 g capacity for travel, but we found adjusting grind size is cumbersome without clear markings and producing consistent coarse grinds was hit-or-miss. Manual operation also takes time and effort for very fine settings, so plan accordingly for espresso-level grinds.

In our testing the Eureka Mignon Notte (score 7.5/10) stood out for precise, stepless grind adjustment that’s great for serious espresso and dialling in extraction, and its solid aluminum build and 340 g capacity feel durable. We found its stepless control makes small changes easy, but its higher price places it toward the premium end and the unit can be quite loud during operation. If precise espresso control is your priority, our experience shows this grinder delivers performance, albeit at a cost and some noise.

During our review the Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (score 7/10) proved to be a dependable everyday grinder with consistent, clump-free medium and coarse grinds and a roomy 340 g hopper that’s removable even with beans inside. We found the unit holds up well over years of use, but fine settings tended to clump and the grounds container doesn’t lock into place, so it can shift during grinding and make dosing messy. For reliable filter and batch brewing it’s a strong midrange choice, just be mindful with very fine settings.

While not the highest scorer (6/10), this BISTRO Burr Coffee Grinder aims to combine style and function with a compact stainless-steel body and 220 g capacity that’s handy for small kitchens. In our testing we liked the device’s look and basic grind customization across coarse, medium and fine settings, but our experience shows persistent static cling and several plastic components that may need replacement after a couple of years. If you want an attractive counter piece at a modest price, it works — just expect trade-offs in durability.

The EXAGRIND (score 8/10) impressed us in testing as a travel-ready grinder with a compact, robust build and precise 60-step adjustment that covers everything from Turkish to coarse brews using 38 mm steel burrs. We found the 20 g capacity suits single-dose routines and on-the-go brewing, though our experience shows the lack of a visual indicator means you have to count clicks to repeat settings and the silicone sleeve can slide during use. If you prioritize grind precision and portability, this grinder punches well above its size.

The Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 earned an 8.5/10 in our testing for near-silent operation, precise control across 31 grind settings, and upgraded burrs that deliver excellent filter-ready grounds. We found the quiet motor and automatic shutoff make it a joy for early mornings, but our experience shows it isn’t suitable for espresso and the catch cup design can trap grounds and make pouring fiddly. For anyone focused on pour-over or drip coffee who values a calm kitchen, this is one of our top-rated non-espresso choices.

In our testing the Baratza Encore (score 7/10) proved to be a very versatile everyday grinder with 40 settings that cover everything from French press to drip and generally consistent grind quality. We found the user-friendly controls and 227 g capacity make routine brewing simple, though our experience shows it’s not ideal for espresso without upgrades and the unit can be louder than expected while static buildup can make cleanup messy. For most home brewers wanting reliable filter and drip grinds, Encore remains a solid midrange pick.

The Opus Conical Burr Grinder is a solid midrange burr option (7.5/10) if quiet mornings matter — in our testing its low-noise motor made early brewing much more pleasant. We appreciated the range from coarse to Turkish for flexibility and the 110 g capacity is handy for daily use, but our experience shows the plastic body feels less premium than competitors and the lack of a portafilter holder makes espresso prep less convenient. During our review cleaning was not as straightforward, so factor that into the value equation.

The 1Zpresso JX (7/10) is a workhorse manual grinder that impressed us in testing with its durable 48 mm steel burrs and faster-than-typical handgrinding speed. We found no-tool disassembly made cleaning genuinely easy and the stainless-steel/aluminum build feels sturdy for travel or countertop use, but our experience shows it doesn’t quite hit espresso-level fineness and the larger footprint may not suit minimal packers. If you want a reliable manual that balances speed and durability, the JX is a very practical choice.

Baratza’s Virtuoso+ earned a respectable 7/10 for being a versatile everyday grinder — in our testing the 40 adjustable settings covered everything from espresso-adjacent fines to coarse French press. We liked how easy it is to disassemble for burr cleaning and the 227 g hopper is great for batch brewing, but we found it can get loud (90–95 dB) and suffers popcorning when the hopper runs low, which prolongs grind time. If you prioritize range and straightforward maintenance, it’s a dependable midrange pick.

The Infinity Plus Burr Grinder scored 6.5/10 and in our testing delivered generally consistent, quiet grinding that’s user-friendly for daily brew routines. During our review we noticed static cling makes cleanup fiddly and the plastic grounds container seems to exacerbate sticking, while some users reported inconsistent particle size at the very finest and coarsest settings. If you want a calm, easy-to-use machine for filter and drip coffee it’s reasonable value, but plan on extra effort to manage static and thorough cleaning.

The Eureka Mignon Zero is a precision-minded grinder that earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing thanks to stepless micrometric adjustment — we found it excellent for dialing in small changes. Its metal-and-plastic build feels durable and the grind longevity is noticeable, but our experience shows the 45 g hopper capacity is small for anyone who wants to grind larger batches without refilling. If pinpoint grind control and compactness for espresso sessions are your priority, the Zero is a strong contender with that one practical caveat.

The Turin SD40S stood out in our review as a top-value grinder (8.5/10) thanks to quiet operation and very good grind quality for the price — we found it competitive with pricier models. It’s easy to clean and the aluminum build feels solid, but our experience shows some retention and static issues can affect dosing; RDT’ing your beans helps mitigate that. Note a quirky power-button behavior that sometimes needs a long press, but overall it’s an excellent choice if you want performance without breaking the bank.

If budget and simplicity are your priorities, the Hamilton Beach blade grinder is a no-frills option that scored 5.5/10 in our testing. We found the removable grinding chamber makes cleaning a breeze and the compact stainless-steel body saves counter space, but it only offers a coarse setting, is loud, and some users reported durability issues. During our review it delivered an inexpensive way to chop beans for drip coffee, but it lacks the grind control and consistency of burr alternatives.

The Mr. Coffee Coffee Grinder is a budget-friendly blade model that scored 6/10 and offers basic customization with five grind settings and a removable chamber. During our review we appreciated the low price and easy cleaning, but we found uneven grinding and a noisy motor made it less reliable for consistent extraction — some beans needed multiple passes. Our experience shows it’s fine for casual drip coffee or spice use, but if you want even particle size and quiet operation, look higher up the list.

The Sound Shield Coffee Grinder is an inexpensive, quieter blade grinder that earned a 6/10 and aims to reduce kitchen racket without sacrificing speed. During our review we found its moderate noise level and sturdy base make it comfortable for early mornings, and it grinds a few cups’ worth in 10–15 seconds — handy when you’re in a rush. Our experience shows the design suffers from lid and spillage issues, though, as grounds can fall out when removing the lid, which lowers practical convenience.

The BLACK+DECKER Coffee Grinder is an ultra-compact blade grinder that scored 5.5/10 and works well if counter space and simplicity are priorities. In our testing the one-touch operation is delightfully easy and the unit does double duty on herbs and spices, but we found the small 2/3-cup capacity limits batch size and the grind consistency can be uneven. Our experience shows cleaning is more tedious because the bowl isn’t removable, so it’s best as a lightweight, occasional-use option.

This KitchenAid Coffee Grinder scored 5.5/10 and delivers one-touch convenience and rapid grinding with a powerful stainless-steel blade, making it tempting for busy mornings. During our review we liked the measurement markings that help portion beans, but we found practical issues like a wobbly lid and grinds that can fly out of the cup, creating a mess. Our experience shows it’s fine for quick, single-cup grinding, yet those fit-and-finish quirks mean it’s not the cleanest daily driver for precise brewing.

The Krups F203 is an affordable, compact blade grinder that scored 6/10 and is a sensible budget choice for small kitchens and occasional use. During our review we appreciated its versatility for coffee and spices and the small footprint, but we found the lack of preset settings forces manual timing to hit your desired grind and the unit is fairly loud. Our experience shows cleaning can be fiddly because the grinding chamber isn’t removable, so it’s best suited to those who value price and size over precision.

The Grind Central from Cuisinart scored 6/10 as a practical blade grinder with a roomy 90 g capacity and a removable grinding cup for easier transfer and cleanup. In our testing the compact design saved counter space and handled multi-cup jobs well, but we found units can run hot and some users report durability concerns and occasional spillover if overfilled. Our experience shows it’s a decent everyday appliance for casual brews, though longevity and heat buildup are important caveats to consider.

During our review the Mueller Austria HyperGrind (score 5.5/10) impressed with versatility — it tackles beans, spices, nuts and grains quickly thanks to a powerful motor — but it revealed concerning durability and consistency issues. We found the unit runs relatively quietly and handles small jobs fast, yet our experience shows some units fail after a few uses and non-removable parts make cleaning difficult, with grinds sometimes invading the motor. If budget and multi-use appeal to you, it’s tempting, but expect trade-offs in longevity and coarse grind consistency.

The KRUPS Coffee Grinder (score 6.5/10) offers practical features like 12 grind settings, a big 8-ounce (226 g) hopper, and flat metallic burrs that produce reasonably consistent grounds for daily brewing. During our review we liked the capacity and straightforward controls, but we found the side-mounted grind selector can be inconvenient if the unit sits against a wall and the grinder is louder than higher-end models. Our experience shows static in the chute makes cleaning fiddly, so expect a bit of cleanup after use.

The De'Longhi Dedica Deluxe is a compact espresso machine that earned a 6.5/10 in our testing by delivering quality shots in small kitchens without taking up much counter space. During our review we liked the user-friendly interface and adjustable settings that make dialing in a shot straightforward, but we found the milk frother can be loud and tricky for beginners and the machine may overheat after multiple brews. Our experience shows programming and temperature tweaks aren't always intuitive.