What is a Coffee Grinder for Pour-Over Coffee?
A coffee grinder is a device for grinding entire coffee beans into a grind size suitable for brewing. The best coffee grinder for pour-over extracts high-quality taste from coffee beans. The most attractive feature of coffee makers with grinders is that they can measure, grind, and brew coffee with a single button press. While each model is unique, the procedure remains the same.
Your Pour-Over Coffee Grinder Shopping Guide
How do you find a coffee grinder that provides consistent grinding while balancing quality and cost? This buyer’s guide will lead you through the following:
Burr vs. Blade Grinders
Burr coffee grinders crush coffee beans into various grind sizes. Because pour-overs depend on water dispersion through the grounds, the grounds must be of consistent size and distribution. Otherwise, you will wind up with wildly disparate flavors.
Because of this, even freshly roasted coffee will not produce the greatest cup when ground with a blade grinder. Blade grinders cut coffee beans into fragments of varying sizes. If you were to analyze your coffee, you would notice that it contains fine and coarse particles instead of a consistent medium grind. Using a blade grinder to brew coffee leads to uneven extraction.
Conical vs. Flat Burr Grinders
Burr grinders can have flat or conical burrs and operate simultaneously. It has two cutting discs. One revolves against the other. The distance between the two determines the size of the ground coffee pieces.
A conical burr coffee bean grinder relies on a single cutting surface shaped like a cone. Because the cutting area is more significant, manual and electric burr coffee grinders can ground more coffee with every turn.
In contrast, a flat burr coffee grinder uses two rings of extremely sharp teeth that spin opposite each other to chop the coffee beans.
Conical burrs are famous for creating fine coffee, resulting in a brew with a finer texture but muddier flavors. Flat burrs produce more uniform grounds and cleaner cups. Many prefer flat burrs for pour-over and conical burrs for espresso, although this is a personal preference.
Electronic vs. Manual Grinders
There are advantages and disadvantages to both manual and electric burr grinders. Let’s examine what these are and why you might choose one over the other or why you might want both.
Why You Might Need a Manual Burr Grinder
Many manual burr grinders, have a lower price point. If you don’t want to sacrifice uniformity for affordability, a manual grinder is an excellent way to obtain freshly ground coffee beans and pour-overs that taste fantastic. They are also relatively simple and have few moving components, which can significantly reduce repair and maintenance costs.
Because manual grinders are hand-operated, their RPM is considerably lower than electric grinders. For electric grinders, the passage of heat to your coffee grounds might harm their flavor if the RPMs are too high.
Why You Might Need an Electric Grinder
Although manual burr grinders are less expensive and have fewer moving parts, grinding coffee beans for a pour-over in the morning still needs human labor. And when your schedule is already full, this additional time and effort can be tiring.
The best electric coffee grinder with a push-button will create a uniform, medium-fine ground and deliver the ideal amount of coffee for pour-overs into a catch cup. Some even offer the option of grinding coffee beans straight onto the paper filter of your pour-over dripper.
Stepped vs. Stepless Grinders
If you grind coffee daily, you can choose between a stepless and a stepped coffee grinder.
The burrs of a stepped grinder have calibration, and each turn of the adjustment knob causes the discs to move a certain distance.
These stepped coffee grinders are ideal for those just beginning their coffee journey or those who use numerous brewing methods and frequently transition between two grind sizes, such as a coarse grind for French press or espresso.
If you want to dial in the perfect pour-over, stepless adjustment is the way. In contrast to the tactile clicks of the stepped grinder, the adjustment knobs of stepless burr grinders are smooth, providing complete control over the grind size.
Capacity
You should evaluate the burr grinder’s capacity. Therefore, consider whether you will prepare coffee for family, friends, or yourself. For entertaining, a burr grinder with a 12-ounce (340.1 grams) coffee bean hopper capacity will be faster and handier than one with a one-ounce (28.3 grams) hopper.
Instead, if you have limited space or intend to travel with your grinder, a lower capacity will be more appropriate.
Settings
With more settings for your grinder, you can control the brewing process. This adaptability is essential because not every grinding session will have the same purpose. For instance, the grinds must be extremely fine while preparing espresso and a cup of French roast, a coarser grind is preferable.
As a result of the grinder’s many settings, there will be a learning curve, but once you master it, your homebrewing skills will reach a whole new level.
Jar Size
How much you can grind depends on the jar’s capacity. Ideally, the grinder will be able to hold a fairly large amount of coffee beans, eliminating the need to empty and refill them repeatedly.
Noise level
Different coffee grinders have different noise levels. You may consider which one works for you with your level of noise tolerance.
Reasons to Trust Our Reviews
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Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product Name | Best for Case | Features |
| Baratza Vario Flat Burr Coffee Grinder | Best overall coffee grinder | -The grinder has 230 different grid settings -Has a digital timer -Consists of a portaholder |
| OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder | Best high-performing coffee grinder | -It is automatic -The burrs are stainless steel -Coffee bean hopper |
| Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder | Best large capacity coffee grinder | -There are 60 grind settings -The conical burrs are stainless steel -LCD panel |
| Fellow Ode Brew Grinder - Burr Coffee Grinder Electric | Best stylish coffee grinder | -Grinder has stainless steel flat burrs -Consists of 31 grind settings -Quiet grinder |
| 1Zpresso JX S Manual Coffee Grinder | Best manual coffee grinder | -Manual grinder -Has a foldable handle -The settings are adjustable |
| TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder | Best for traveling coffee grinder | -It has a conical burr -Internal setting is adjustable -The grinder is manual |
| Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill - 'Skerton Plus' Manual Coffee Grinder | Best budget coffee grinder | -Manual grinder -Ergonomic handle -It is portable |
| Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill | Best heavy-duty coffee grinder | -Consists of a detachable hopper -There is a one-touch power bar -Has a detachable grind chamber |
| KRUPS Precision Grinder Flat Burr Coffee | Best one-touch operation coffee grinder | -The device has a removable top burr -Cleaning brush -Auto-stop at the end of a grinding session |
| KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder | Best consistent coffee grinder | -Removable stainless steel bowl -Clear top cover -One-touch control |
| Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade Black | Best hand coffee grinder | -Manual -Steel conical burrs -Sharp blades |
Reviewing the Best Coffee Grinders for Pour-Over Coffee
Baratza Vario Flat Burr Coffee Grinder : Best Overall Coffee Grinder
Brand: Baratza
Automatic: Yes
Material: Metal
Weight: 15 pounds (6.80 kilograms)
Dimensions: 5.1 x 7.1 x 14.2 inches (12.9 x 18.03 x 36.06 centimeters)
Burrs: Flat ceramic burrs
Burr size: 54 mm (2.12 inches)
Grind settings: 230
Hopper capacity: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)
About This Item
The Baratza Vario Coffee Grinder is a versatile grinder. It has different settings, which you can use with a simple knob on the front of the gadget.
The 60-second timer significantly increases the level of accuracy you may apply to the grind. Thus, the timer allows you to attend to other matters while the grinder performs flawlessly. Its subtle appearance will suit the ambiance of your kitchen.
Pros
- You save time as you can multitask while using the grinder.
Cons
- It is expensive.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder : Best High-Performing Coffee Grinder
Amazon’s Choice in Burr Coffee Grinders by OXO
Brand: OXO
Color/s: Silver
Automatic: Yes
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight: 6.58 pounds (2.98 kilograms)
Dimensions: 5.3 x 7.75 x 12.8 inches (13.46 x 19.68 x 32.5 centimeters)
Burrs: Stainless Steel conical burrs
Burr size: 40 mm (1.57 inches)
Grind settings: 15
Hopper capacity: 12 ounces (340 grams)
About This Item
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a cost-effective, high-performing choice. You still receive all the essential performance-oriented features for the price. The timer makes the grinder simple to use, while the 15-speed options allow you perfect control over the operation.
The container is small, but 12 ounces (340 grams) is sufficient for most individuals. To put this quantity in perspective, it is adequate for approximately 12 cups of coffee.
If you desire a quality grinding experience at a reasonable price, the OXO Brew is worthy of your attention.
Pros
- It is fast.
Cons
- It easily clogs with the beans.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder : Best Large Capacity Coffee Grinder
Amazon’s Choice in Burr Coffee Grinders by Breville
Brand: Breville
Color/s: Brushed stainless steel, black truffle, cranberry red, damson blue, sesame black
Automatic: Yes
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight: 5.8 pounds (2.63 kilograms)
Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 15.5 inches (21.59 x 15.24 x 39.3 centimeters)
Burrs: Stainless steel conical burrs
Grind settings: 60
Hopper capacity: 18 ounces (510.2 grams)
About This Item
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder is a hyper-precise coffee grinder ideal for novice baristas who desire maximum control over the grinding process. It is the best burr grinder for pour-over coffee.
It has 60 distinct grind settings that provide a high degree of precision. There are settings ranging from exceedingly fine to coarse and everything in between. This grinder is a convenient device. The method permits grinding directly onto a filter, making transferring your ground coffee from the Breville to your pour-over system simple.
An LCD panel on the grinder’s faceplate centralizes the enormous array of settings and choices, making the machine simple to use.
With the Breville, you can brew up to 18 ounces (510.2 grams) at once, making it ideal for large and small quantities of coffee beans. It is far more expensive than what most people like spending on coffee equipment, but if you want the best, you must be willing to pay for it.
Pros
- It is simple to use.
Cons
- It is pricey.
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder - Burr Coffee Grinder Electric : Best Stylish Coffee Grinder
Brand: Fellow
Color/s: Matte black, matte white
Automatic: Yes
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 9.9 pounds (4.5 kilograms)
Dimensions: 4.7 x 9.5 x 9.4 inches (11.9 x 24.1 x 23.8 centimeters)
Burrs: Stainless steel flat burrs
Burr size: 64 mm (2.51 inches)
Grind settings: 31
Hopper capacity: 2.8 ounces (79.3 grams)
About This Item
The most stylish coffee grinder is the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder. It would look elegant in any kitchen because of its compact size, matte black color, and simple design. Thus, it’s not just a lovely face; this coffee grinder is also excellent for pour-over brewing.
When you’re ready to brew a new pour-over, it’s ready to grind your beans with a single-dose 2.8 ounces (79.3 grams) hopper and 64 mm (2.51 inches) stainless steel flat burrs. Moreover, it has eliminated the gearbox and substituted a single-dose bean hopper for the bigger one, making the coffee brewing process significantly quieter.
Pros
- It is simple and fast.
Cons
- It is expensive.
1Zpresso JX S Manual Coffee Grinder : Best Manual Coffee Grinder
Amazon’s Choice in Manual Coffee Grinders by 1Zpresso
Brand: 1Zpresso
Automatic: No
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 1.91 pounds (0.86 kilograms)
Dimensions: 8.58 x 6.46 x 2.95 inches ( 21.7 x 16.4 x 7.49 centimeters)
Burrs: Stainless steel conical burrs
Burr size: 48 mm (1.88 inches)
Grind settings: 40
Hopper capacity: 1 ounce (28.34 grams)
About This Item
The 1Zpresso JX S Manual Coffee Grinder is a well-liked choice for anyone searching for a versatile coffee grinder with a decent mix between quality and budget. It is the best manual coffee grinder. It is one of the few in its price range with espresso and pour-over brewing capabilities.
It is a fantastic portable coffee grinder for traveling or trekking with 48 mm (1.88 inches) stainless steel conical burrs and a one-ounce bean hopper—or just utilizing it in a kitchen when countertop space is small.
Manually grinding beans for your morning pour-over is a peaceful experience made possible by the smooth operation of the hand crank, and it goes much faster than you may think. Additionally, you can get 0.76 ounces (21.5 grams) of medium-fine, light-roast coffee grind in under 25 seconds for a pour-over.
Also, this device is as accurate as an automatic coffee bean grinder, thanks to its 40-grind settings.
Pros
- It is portable.
- It is fast.
Cons
- The outer burr is hard to remove and straighten.
TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder : Best as a Traveling Coffee Grinder
Amazon’s Choice in Manual Coffee Grinders by TIMEMORE
Brand: TIMEMORE
Color/s: Black
Automatic: No
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 15.4 pounds (0.7 kilograms)
Dimensions: 7.68 x 5.59 x 2.6 inches (19.5 x 14.19 x 6.6 centimeters)
Burrs: Stainless steel conical burrs
Burr size: 38 mm (1.49 inches)
Grind settings: 36
Hopper capacity: 1 ounce (28.34 grams)
About This Item
The TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is the only manual coffee grinder you need if you want to make drip coffee and are on a budget.
It has an unusual façade with a checkerboard design. Moreover, the 38 mm (1.49 inches) stainless steel conical burrs ensure an even, constant grind. You can choose the ideal grind size for pour-overs thanks to the 36 grind settings.
Due to inbuilt ball bearings that enable the hand crank to keep turning even after you release the handle, it operates smoothly. Therefore, preparing a single dose for a pour-over coffee maker takes an average person 20 seconds.
Pros
- The grinder is best for traveling
- It is portable.
Cons
- It is not ideal for grinding fine espresso.
Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill - 'Skerton Plus' Manual Coffee Grinder : Best Budget Coffee Grinder
Brand: Hario
Color/s: Black, clear
Automatic: No
Material: Glass
Weight: 1.2 pounds (0.54 kilograms)
Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 5 inches (20.32 x 10.16 x 12.7 centimeters)
About This Item
The Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill spurs get active by rotating a lever on the grinder. Thus, speed capabilities depend on your talents.
The grinder has a more durable grind shaft and burr stabilization plate, allowing for a more precise and consistent grind. The ceramic conical burrs offer a precise, consistent grind.
Unlike blade grinders, these burrs transfer less heat and shave coffee beans rather than shattering them. Also, its ergonomically constructed crank handle detaches for easy transport and compact storage. Furthermore, it is a bed, bath, and beyond coffee grinder. You can easily move around with it.
Pros
- The tool’s ergonomic grip makes it at least reasonably comfortable to use.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- You can easily break the glass.
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill : Best Heavy-Duty Coffee Grinder
Brand: Cuisinart
Color/s: Stainless steel
Automatic: Yes
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilograms)
Dimensions: 10.75 x 7.13 x 6 inches (27.3 x 18.11 x 15.24 centimeters)
Grind settings: 18
Hopper capacity: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)
About This Item
Cuisinart DBM-8 Automatic Burr Mill delivers a uniform grind to your fresh coffee beans with its 18-position grind selector. Thus, you can adjust the dial from ultra-fine to extra-coarse to guarantee that your coffee grounds are exactly how you like them.
The bean hopper, as is the built-in grinding chamber, is detachable, providing convenience during the cleaning process.
Also, the detachable grind chamber carries enough ground coffee for 32 cups, so you won’t have to grind beans numerous times to brew coffee for the entire family.
Apart from the unit, the one-touch power bar has an electric timer that automatically switches off the machine when the grind cycle is complete. Enjoy the simplicity of cable storage and an extra scoop/cleaning brush to tidy and clean. You can also maximize counter space without sacrificing space for the motor of this heavy-duty device.
Pros
- It is automatic.
- It produces a uniform grind.
Cons
- It is pricey.
KRUPS Precision Grinder Flat Burr Coffee : Best One-Touch Operation Coffee Grinder
Brand: KRUPS
Color/s: Black
Burr or electric?: Burr
Automatic: Yes
Material: Metal
Weight: 4.6 pounds (2.08 kilograms)
Dimensions: 13.94 x 10.08 x 6.97 inches (35.4 x 25.6 x 17.7 centimeters)
Burrs: Metallic flat burr
Grind settings: 12
Hopper capacity: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)
About This Item
This device has improved performance and precision. It has a 33 percent more grinding range to offer precise grinding for all coffee brewing methods: Drip filter coffee, cold brew coffee from a French press, pour-over espresso, and more.
The metallic flat burr coffee grinder allows complete control over the grind size and consistent grinding for optimal coffee flavor extraction.
It has 12 grind settings in addition to intermediate settings for precision grinding. You can change the fineness level for any coffee, from espresso to French press.
The top burr is detachable and incorporates a cleaning brush for convenient maintenance.
It also has an on/off switch with automatic shutoff after the grinding cycle.
Pros
- It is easy to clean.
Cons
- It is expensive.
KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder : Best Consistent Coffee Grinder
Brand: KitchenAid
Color/s: Silver, red, black
Automatic: Yes
Material: Zinc
Weight: 9.9 pounds ( 4.49 kilograms)
Dimensions: 5.9 x 10 x 9.8 inches (14.9 x 25.4 x 24.8 centimeters)
Burrs: Stainless steel cutting burrs
Grind settings: 15
Hopper capacity: 7 ounces (198.4 grams)
About This Item
KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder has a variable rate grinding with 15 grind settings, enabling high grind consistency and reducing grinding heat. The cutting burrs give durability and potency.
Due to its streamlined, clean appearance, you may store it on your countertop or in a cabinet. It is easy to maintain and wipe clean. At 450 rpm, burrs rotate, limiting frictional heat and keeping the flavor.
Pros
- It is easy to clean.
- It gives a consistent grind.
Cons
- It is expensive.
Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade Black : Best Hand Coffee Grinder
Brand: Comandante
Automatic: No
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 8 ounces (226.7 grams)
Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 4 inches (20.3 x 10.16 x 10.16 centimeters)
Burrs: High-nitrogen steel conical burrs
About This Item
The Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade, with its precision-engineered conical burs, is an ideal manual burr grinder in terms of quality, use, and consistency. Everything comprises high-nitrogen martensitic steel, including the hand crank, axle, bearings, and burrs.
This specifically formed steel takes specialized equipment and skilled machinists, but it’s well worth it because these conical burrs retain their edges very well. They will keep their consistency and uniformity of grind for many years.
The MK4 features a variety of configurable choices and accessories. The removable, hand-carved oak pommel is interchangeable with numerous designs.
Pros
- This grinder has sharp and strong blades.
Cons
- It is pricey.
Some Reader Questions Answered
How to Grind Coffee for Pour-Over Drinks?
You can quickly become a master brewer with a few guidelines, tools, and a willingness to explore to discover what you love. With nearly any coffee grinder machine you select, these suggestions should lead you to the correct path.
Nevertheless, remember that the quickest learning method will be to brew, taste, tweak, and record results while you grasp your new equipment.
When you’re revising your recipe, it’s most effective to change one variable at a time. If you change too many elements too quickly, the interactions between the variables below become harder and wildly unpredictable, even for experts. Therefore, make it easy on yourself, and take your time.
Equipment
While you don’t need a lot of accessories to brew good coffee, a few are essential for consistency in taste. Pour-over brewers must have a good burr grinder, a slow-pouring kettle, and an ounce/gram scale. If you select a kettle without an integrated temperature display, use a thermometer to monitor temperature stability.
Grind
The most crucial factor in continuously producing high-quality coffee is the consistency and homogeneity of the grind. Fortunately, it’s also one of the simplest coffee issues to fix with the correct tools. The general rule is that the finer the grind, the shorter the brew’s contact time should take.
If you have a good burr grinder, it will be easier to experiment with what works for you (and vice-versa). As you fine-tune your process, this is a valid variable to test: if your coffee consistently comes out thin, weak, or sour, try a finer grind setting; if it consistently comes out bitter, harsh, or brothy, try a coarser grind setting.
Ratio
The foundation of your recipe will be your coffee brew ratio. Any brew ratio (coffee: water) between 1:15 and 1:17 will be acceptable by specialty coffee standards, but changing this ratio will significantly impact other aspects of your brew. As a result, find a ratio you like and stick with it until you are comfortable with the other elements of your brew that you can control.
The Water
High-quality water for brewing is very important. It will let your coffee shine to its maximum potential and preserve your equipment in good condition. In-line filtration won’t be necessary at home (unless you like the notion), but making your high-quality water is becoming simpler.
Temperature
There is no universally acknowledged “optimal temperature” for brewing coffee, and if you work hard enough, you can make coffee with any temperature of water you desire. The SCA recommends brewing coffee between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90.5 and 96 degrees Celsius) when water comes into contact with ground coffee.
While many Aeropress Championship recipes call for water at 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius), other experts claim that water that is just off the boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) works best.
Whatever brew temperature you select, stability is crucial; thus, it’s vital to thoroughly pre-heat your brewer to prevent excessive heat loss. This will ensure that your batches turn out consistently every time.
How Should I Clean My Grinder?
Depending on the type of grinder, there are many cleaning techniques. An automatic burr coffee grinder’s cleaning procedure might be time-consuming. To simplify the process, adhere to these steps:
- Clean the hopper first: Remove the bean hopper from the grinder and remove any coffee beans before unplugging it. Use soapy water to scrub the hopper’s interior.
- Take away every component: Remove all removable plastic and rubber components from the grinder, including the grinding chamber, and wash them in soapy water.
- Remove the internal burr: You might need a screwdriver to remove the inner burr.
- Use a brush to scrub: Use a stiff brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove coffee grounds lodged in the burrs’ crevices and nooks. For any hard-to-reach areas, use a toothpick.
- Wipe the burrs down with a towel that is just slightly damp, and clean the burrs.
- Make the coffee chute clean: Clean the chute by which the coffee beans enter the grinder from the bean hopper. A cotton swab is an effective instrument for this.
- Let it dry: Reassembling the burr grinder after completely drying out all its components will prevent corrosion.
Does the Grind Size Affect the Taste of Pour-Over Coffee?
You must process the roasted coffee beans to expand their surface area. This facilitates the extraction of the soluble components responsible for the flavors and smells in each cup.
If you place the entire beans in hot water, they will likely extract flavor over time. Unfortunately, the product would be weak and watery, devoid of coffee’s unique taste.
By reducing the size of the coffee beans and increasing their overall surface area, you can increase the amount of coffee in contact with the brewing water. This expedites the dissolution and extraction of chemicals from the water.
Nevertheless, remember that none counts unless you use fresh, high-quality coffee. If the coffee gets in contact with oxygen for an extended time, its flavors and smells will decay, resulting in a tasteless, stale cup. Extraction, and hence the grind size, affects each cup of coffee’s overall flavor and quality.
Can I Grind Other Elements in My Grinder?
If you clean the coffee grinder between usage, you can use it for other ingredients, such as spices and herbs. Remember to clean the grinder completely after using it for anything other than coffee.
Final Musings
When preparing the ideal cup of coffee, the grind takes center stage. Many believe that the grinder is the most critical piece of equipment, and if you try to get away with a subpar grinder, even the most sophisticated espresso machines will fail you. You cannot brew excellent espresso without a high-quality grinder that produces a consistently even grind.
A quality grinder prevents ground coffee from clumping, keeps coffee beans cool during the grinding process, and properly distributes coffee in the basket. In contrast, uneven grinds cause a variety of issues.
Your demands determine the optimal coffee grinder for pour-over preparation. But, the Baratza Vario Flat Burr Coffee Grinder is ideal for everyday domestic usage due to its ease, solid construction, and uniform grind.
