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Investing in a coffee grinder can make a huge difference to your home brewing set up. Whether you’re new to the world of speciality coffee, or looking to elevate your equipment, a quality grinder will ensure every cup is as vibrant and delicious as possible.
A quality grinder is the foundation of great coffee for two main reasons. Firstly, grinding coffee fresh at the point of brewing preserves the delicate aromas and oils that dissipate rapidly after grinding, maximising the potential of depth of flavour in your cup. Secondly, grind consistency is crucial for optimal extraction; directly influencing flavour, balance, and body. Whether you're crafting a bold espresso or a delicate filter brew, the right grinder can make a significant difference in the depth and clarity of your cup.
There are two main types of coffee grinders: blade and burr. When choosing your grinder, the main differences to consider between blade and burr models are control, consistency, and quality.
Blade grinders use a fast-spinning blade to essentially chop the coffee, which can result in uneven particle sizes. While blade grinders are typically more compact and budget-friendly, this inconsistency can lead to unpredictable and inconsistent extraction, and a less balanced flavour in your final cup.
Burr grinders, by contrast, crush coffee between two flat or conical burrs, which produces a far more uniform grind. This consistency is essential for balanced extraction and repeatable results across all brew methods. Burr grinders also allow for more precise grind size adjustments, enabling users to tailor their grind to the brewing method and specific coffee type, and dial in recipes. While these grinders can have a higher price point, they’re often favoured for their greater grind consistency and control.
Where possible, we recommend choosing a burr grinder. The greater control over flavour development helps unlock the full potential of your coffee, bringing out the best in every brew.
One of the first decisions you’ll make when choosing a grinder is whether to go manual or electric. Each has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, brewing habits, and budget.
Manual, or hand grinders, like the Timemore C3S Pro and Comandante C40 MK4, are compact, portable, and budget-friendly. Starting from around £50, they’re ideal for travel, camping, or a slow and tactile home brewing experience. With precision burrs and adjustable grind settings, these hand grinders offer excellent control without sacrificing quality. They also have a small footprint, are quiet and don’t require electricity, ideal for brewing off-grid or on the go.
Electric grinders, such as the Fellow Opus, Wilfa Svart Aroma, and Mahlkönig X54, bring speed and consistency to your coffee routine. With programmable settings and powerful motors, they deliver predictable, uniform grinding, suitable for every brew method from espresso to cold brew. These models are best suited for home brewing setups and offer unmatched convenience and repeatability. Prices start from around £135 and go up depending on features and build quality.
Beyond these considerations, we’ve pinpointed a few other key features worth keeping in mind before choosing a grinder.
Your preferred brewing method should be one of the first things you consider when choosing a grinder. Different brew methods require different grind sizes; espresso demands a fine, consistent grind, while filter or cold brew methods require a much coarser texture. A grinder that offers a wide range of grind settings will give you the flexibility to experiment and dial in your settings to your specific needs. Stepped grinders come with predefined settings, making them ideal for beginners who want a straightforward, repeatable experience. Stepless grinders, on the other hand, allow for infinite micro-adjustments, which is perfect for espresso enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their recipes.
Coffee oils and fine particles can build up quickly in a grinder, affecting taste and hygiene. A grinder with removable burrs or accessible chambers, or tool-free disassembly can make regular maintenance more straightforward.
Compact grinders are ideal for small countertops or minimalist setups, while larger models may require more room. If portability is important or kitchen space is limited, look for lightweight manual grinders or slim electric options.
Grinders can be surprisingly loud, so if you’re in a shared space, an early riser, or simply value the quiet, you might want to consider opting for a manual grinder. Despite their compact size, hand grinders are carefully engineered to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Stainless steel burrs and metal casings typically last longer and perform better than plastic components. High-quality materials also contribute to grind consistency and overall longevity, meaning that investing in a well-built grinder from a reputable brand can save you money in the long run.
Fellow Opus Grinder A sleek, all-rounder electric burr grinder designed for versatility. With 41 precision grind settings, it is perfectly suited for switching from your morning espresso to your afternoon pourover. Its anti-static technology, volumetric dosing lid, and compact design make it ideal for home brewers who want both performance and style.
Best for: All brew methods, experimental brewers. Key features: Multi-purpose burr system, 41 precision settings, considered design.
Wilfa Svart Aroma Grinder A reliable entry-level electric burr grinder. It offers 5 adjustable grind settings, an approachable interface and a compact footprint. A slower grinding speed minimises heat buildup, preserving the aroma and flavour of your coffee. The Aroma model is known for its ease of use and consistent grind, making it well-suited for filter brewing methods.
Best for: Filter coffee, beginners. Key features: Simple functionality, slow grinding speed, stainless steel burrs.
Mahlkönig X54 Home Grinder A premium grinder for the seasoned home barista. A digital display, programmable settings, and 54mm flat burrs deliver exceptional grind consistency and control across espresso and filter brewing methods. The quiet motor and professional-grade build make it a standout for those who want café-quality results at home.
Best for: Espresso and experienced brewers. Key features: Precise custom programming, 54mm burrs, quiet operation.
Hario Mini Mill Slim Plus Grinder Hario's most popular hand grinder, the Mini Mill Plus is a compact and sturdy manual hand grinder that is ideal for travel or small kitchens. It features ceramic burrs that can achieve a consistent, quality grind despite its size, and simple disassembly makes cleaning easy.
Best for: Travel, small spaces, low price point. Key features: Lightweight, affordable, easy to clean.
Different methods require different grind sizes to ensure proper extraction: too fine, and your coffee may taste bitter; too coarse, and it could cause it to become weak or sour. Here’s a quick guide to help you match your grind size to your brew method:
Fine Grind
Best for: Espresso Machine, Moka Pot. Finely ground coffee grinds have a texture similar to flour or table salt. This size is optimal for brewing methods that use pressure and short extraction times. The fine particles allow hot water to extract flavour quickly and efficiently, and the increased surface area allows for maximum extraction in a short time.
Medium Grind
Best for: Pour Over (e.g. V60, Kalita Wave), AeroPress. Medium grinds resemble grains of sand, and are versatile enough for most filter brewing methods. Without the pressure of an espresso machine, this grind size allows for a slower, balanced extraction.
Coarse Grind
Best for: Cafetière (French Press), Drip Filter. Coarse grinds are similar in texture to coarse sea salt. These are best for immersion methods or brewers with longer contact times. The larger particles slow down extraction, helping to avoid bitterness and over-extraction in slower brews.
For a deeper dive into grind sizes and technique, read our full guide: How to Grind Coffee at Home.
Every grinder in our collection is carefully selected by our coffee professionals to meet the standards we uphold across every part of our sourcing and brewing process. Whether you’re just starting or refining your setup, we offer grinders from some of the best brands in the industry that deliver on consistency, durability, and performance.
When you buy a grinder from Origin, you’ll receive a free 3-month coffee subscription, giving you access to our freshly roasted, seasonal speciality coffee delivered straight to your door. It’s the perfect way to get the most out of your new equipment from day one.
With over two decades of experience in sourcing, roasting, and brewing, we understand what makes a great grinder. Our team is here to help you choose the right one for your brew method, lifestyle, and taste preferences, so you can grind with confidence and brew better coffee at home.