Best single-dose espresso grinders reviewed! Expert advice on top models for a perfect espresso grind every time.
What is a Single-Dose Espresso Grinder?
An espresso grinder is a vital tool for coffee lovers. A single-dose espresso grinder, specifically, is designed to grind just enough beans for one espresso shot. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor in each brew by preventing excess ground coffee from being left unused and stale.
It’s the ideal choice for home baristas or commercial settings where precision and quality are of utmost importance.
What is Single Dosing?
Single dosing is the method of measuring and grinding only enough coffee beans for one espresso shot at a time. This practice ensures optimal freshness and reduces waste by eliminating leftover grounds.
To achieve the perfect single dose, having the best grinder for espresso is crucial. It allows for consistent grind size, which is essential for extracting the complete flavor profile of the coffee. Single dosing truly revolutionizes the coffee-making process.
The Best Single-Dose Espresso Grinder in Our Opinion
When it comes to the best single-dose espresso grinders, the Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee/Espresso Grinder Type A stands out as a top choice. This high-quality grinder offers a combination of features and performance, making it the best overall option.
The device boasts a stunning polished aluminum finish, adding a touch of elegance to any coffee lover’s setup. Its electronic touchpad makes dose selection a breeze, allowing for effortless customization of the grind size.
With the stepless micrometrical grind adjustment, users have precise control over the grind size, ensuring consistent and exceptional espresso extraction. The grinder operates at a low blade speed of 1600 RPM, guaranteeing a uniform grind that maximizes flavor and aroma extraction.
Safety is also a priority, as the grinder is ETL certified. These qualities, combined with its durable construction and reliable performance, make this the best choice among single-dose espresso grinders.
Other Top Products in This Category
- Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee/Espresso Grinder Type A – Best Overall
- Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder – Best Award-Winning Espresso Grinder
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder – Best for Versatility
- Eureka Mignon Brew Pro Coffee Grinder – Best for Quiet Operation
- Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder – Best Compact Single-Dose Espresso Grinder
- Eureka Atom 75mm Espresso Grinder, Short Hopper – Best for Uniform Grinding
- Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Most Grind Settings
- Breville BCG600SIL Dose Control Pro Coffee Bean Grinder – Best for Dose Control
Our Top Picks Reviewed Below
Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee/Espresso Grinder Type A – Best Overall
Brand: Mazzer
Color/s: White
Material: Aluminum
Wattage: 250
The Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee/Espresso Grinder Type A is a high-quality espresso grinder designed for home use. Its beautiful polished aluminum finish adds an elegant touch to any kitchen.
The grinder features an electronic touchpad, allowing for easy selection of the desired dose, and a stepless micrometrical grind adjustment, providing precise control over the grind size.
Operating at a low blade speed of 1600 RPM, this grinder ensures a consistent and uniform grind for optimal espresso extraction. With a wattage of 250 watts and ETL certification for safety, this single-dose grinder is a reliable choice.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Beautiful polished aluminum finish enhances aesthetics | None advised | ||
| Electronic touchpad enables easy dose selection | |||
| Stepless micrometrical grind adjustment offers precise grinding control | |||
| Low blade speed ensures consistent and uniform grind | |||
| ETL certified for safety |
Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder – Best Award Winning Espresso Grinder
Brand: Baratza
Color/s: Black and silver
Material: Stainless steel
Designed for coffee aficionados, the Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder is a standout among the best single-dose espresso grinders on the market. With accolades from the Specialty Coffee Association, this grinder is favored by professionals and home baristas alike.
This espresso grinder provides 30 adjustable grind settings, catering to a spectrum of brewing methods, from fine espresso to coarser grinds. An integrated digital timer allows precise control, ensuring you grind just the right amount of coffee.
One of Sette 30’s prime features is its high-speed grinding capability paired with minimal retention, courtesy of a state-of-the-art straight-thru grind mechanism. Crafted with superior parts, including European-manufactured burrs, this grinder promises a consistently perfect grind and durable performance.
Baratza solidifies its commitment to quality with a one-year warranty and stellar customer support.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Specialty Coffee Association’s award-winner | International use may need an adapter or converter | ||
| Versatile grind options for espresso and beyond | Potentially noisy operation | ||
| 30 easily adjustable grind settings | The grinding chamber may require periodic cleaning to prevent clogging | ||
| Fast grinding, minimal retention | Some may find the faceplate’s design thin and less robust | ||
| Premium build, backed by Baratza’s warranty and support |
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder – Best for Versatility
Brand: Breville
Color/s:
- Black
- Stainless steel
- Red
- Blue
Material: Stainless steel
Standing strong among the best single-dose espresso grinders, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a top-notch choice for coffee connoisseurs. The stainless steel conical burrs reduce heat during grinding, preserving those precious oils in the coffee beans.
With 60 grind settings, this is one of the best espresso grinders, accommodating everything from a coarse French press to a fine espresso grind. A precision electronic timer ensures you get a consistent dose every time. The 16oz (28.34 g) bean hopper, featuring an easy lock system, makes storage and transfer a breeze. Plus, you can grind directly into a portafilter, grinds container, or various filter types.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Superior grind consistency with extensive setting options | Motor may need manual unclogging if overloaded | ||
| Precision electronic timer for reliable dosing | Operation can be a bit noisy | ||
| Versatility across all brewing methods | Upper burr adjustment knob feels less robust due to plastic build | ||
| Durability, thanks to high-quality stainless steel construction | Pricing is on the higher side for conical burr grinders | ||
| Grinds directly into multiple containers or filters | |||
| Includes useful accessories like portafilter cradles |
Eureka Mignon Brew Pro Coffee Grinder – Best for Quiet Operation
Brand: EUREKA
Color/s:
- Black
- Chrome
- Red
- White
Material: Metal
Capacity: 10 oz (283 mg)
The Eureka Mignon Brew Pro Coffee Grinder is expertly crafted, making its mark among the best grinder for espresso and drip coffee. With custom-cut, brew-specific burrs, it delivers precision grinding that elevates the coffee experience.
Featuring a tap-to-brew functionality, this espresso coffee grinder simplifies the process of getting your coffee dose just right. Its sound-insulated metal case ensures quiet operation, perfect for those peaceful early mornings. With stepless grind adjustment, it offers a wide range of brewing needs. You can set grind times for single cups, full pots, or even for continuous grinding.
Made in Italy, this grinder has garnered positive customer ratings for its exceptional flavor, sheerness, and value for money.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Precision grinding with custom-cut, brew-specific burrs | Adapter or converter needed for international use | ||
| User-friendly tap-to-brew feature | Limited delivery availability to certain locations | ||
| Quiet operation due to sound-insulated metal casing | Plastic hopper feels less sturdy and could be better | ||
| Wide range with stepless grind adjustment | Residual grounds in the channel might need extra cleaning | ||
| Versatile timed dosing options | Controls may not be visually prominent and need familiarizing | ||
| High-quality Italian craftsmanship | Potential for clumping, especially with finer grinds | ||
| Strong customer ratings for flavor, sheerness, and value |
Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder – Best Compact Single-Dose Espresso Grinder
Brand: EUREKA
Color/s:
- Black
- Chrome
- Red
- White
Material: Steel
Boasting exceptional grind consistency, the Eureka Mignon Specialita Espresso Grinder holds a respected place among the best single-dose espresso grinders. This compact electric grinder brings many convenient features to your kitchen counter.
With a sound-insulated casing, this espresso grinder operates quieter than most. It sports a touchscreen control system, allowing you to fine-tune grind times for single, double, or continuous modes. The 2.16 in (55 mm) stepless burrs deliver fast and precise grinding. A novel chute design and anti-clumping system contribute to fluffier coffee grounds.
Handbuilt in Florence, Italy, its sleek design carries a touch of modern elegance.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Quieter grind due to the sound-insulated casing | Some users report minor bean retention within the grinder | ||
| Easy grind time adjustments with backlit resistive touchscreen controls | Grinds catch container can be tricky and messy to clean | ||
| Consistent, efficient grinding with stepless burrs | Limited suitability for other brewing methods like pour-over or French press due to its espresso focus | ||
| Grind setting preservation with bottom burr adjust | |||
| Fluffier coffee grounds due to wider chute design and anti-clumping system | |||
| Quality Italian craftsmanship |
Eureka Atom 75mm Espresso Grinder, Short Hopper – Best for Uniform Grinding
Brand: EUREKA
Color/s: Chrome
Carving a niche in the home-brewing space, the Eureka Atom 75mm Espresso Grinder combines top-notch features and a user-friendly design. This best coffee grinder for espresso offers nearly silent operation thanks to sound insulation technology and sports powerful 2.95 in (75 mm) flat burrs for impressive grind times.
This espresso coffee grinder has timed dosing options for single and double-shot doses and manual grinding into your portafilter. Stepless grind adjustability gives you precise control over grind consistency.
Additionally, the unique bottom-burr adjustability facilitates easy cleaning without upsetting your grind setting. For a professional-grade grinding experience at home, this Atom Espresso Grinder is a durable, efficient choice.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Quiet operation with sound-isolating gaskets and motor mounts | On the pricier side, due to its high-end features | ||
| Rapid and uniform grinding with flat burrs | Limited shipping availability to some locations | ||
| Timed dosing for single and double-shot doses or manual portafilter grinding | US-designed grinder may require adapters or converters for international use | ||
| Infinite grind settings with stepless adjustability | |||
| Easy maintenance with bottom-burr adjustability |
Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Most Grind Settings
Brand: Baratza
Color/s: Black and silver
Material: Steel
Capacity: 14 oz (396 g)
The Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is widely regarded as the best grinder for espresso, favored by coffee professionals. With its 270 grind settings, this grinder allows for precise control over grind size, making it suitable for both exceptional espresso and manual brewing methods.
The programmable dosing buttons ensure accurate and consistent dosing, while the dual dosing options enable grinding directly into a portafilter or a grounds bin. Thanks to its innovative straight-thru grind mechanism, the grinder operates at high speed with minimal retention.
Made of durable steel, this grinder has a capacity of 14 oz (396 g) and compact dimensions. However, some customers have reported durability issues with certain components, such as the plastic hopper.
Additionally, the grinder can be noisy during operation, and achieving the desired grind consistency may require additional adjustments, like installing shims. Furthermore, the Baratza Sette 270’s price point may be higher than other coffee grinders in the market.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Preferred by coffee professionals and backed by Baratza’s support | Some customers have reported durability issues with certain components, such as the plastic hopper | ||
| Offers 270 grind settings for precise dialing in of grind size | The grinder can be noisy during operation | ||
| Capable of delivering exceptional espresso and suitable for manual brewing methods | May require additional adjustments, such as installing shims, to achieve desired grind consistency | ||
| Programmable dosing buttons for accurate and consistent dosing | The price point may be higher compared to other coffee grinders in the market | ||
| Dual dosing options: a grounds bin or grind directly into a portafilter | |||
| High-speed grinding with minimal retention | |||
| Made of durable steel | |||
| Compact size and convenient design |
Breville BCG600SIL Dose Control Pro Coffee Bean Grinder – Best for Dose Control
Brand: Breville
Color/s: Silver
Capacity: 3 lbs (1.36 kg)
The Breville BCG600SIL Dose Control Pro Coffee Bean Grinder is a versatile grinder widely regarded as one of the best espresso grinders among coffee enthusiasts. Its stainless steel conical burrs protect the essential oils in the coffee beans by minimizing grinding heat.
With 60 precise grind settings, ranging from fine espresso to coarse French press grind, this grinder offers excellent flexibility for different brewing methods. The precision electronic timer allows users to adjust the grind time in 1-second increments, ensuring consistent dosing.
The grinder features a 12oz (340 g) coffee bean capacity with a convenient locking system for easy removal, storage, and transfer of the bean hopper. It can grind directly into various containers or filters, providing added convenience.
However, there are some cons to consider. Retention issues may result in leftover grinds and require thorough cleaning. Poor bean funneling can cause beans to get stuck, requiring manual intervention.
Cleaning the grinder, especially in hard-to-reach areas, can be challenging. It may struggle with grinding oily or dark beans at espresso settings. Some users have reported clumping and clogging issues when grinding finer than a certain setting.
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Stainless steel conical burrs protect the coffee bean’s essential oils | Retention issues may cause leftover grinds and require thorough cleaning | ||
| 60 precise grind settings accommodate various brewing methods | Poor bean funneling can lead to beans getting stuck | ||
| Precision electronic timer enables consistent dosing | Difficult to clean, especially in hard-to-reach areas | ||
| Excellent coffee bean capacity with a locking system for convenience | May struggle with grinding oily or dark beans at espresso settings | ||
| Can grind directly into different containers or filters | Some users reported clumping and clogging issues when grinding finer than a certain setting |
Some Reader Questions Answered
What are the Benefits of a Single-Dose Espresso Grinder?
A single-dose espresso grinder provides several benefits. Firstly, it promotes optimal freshness, as you only grind what you need when needed. Secondly, it minimizes waste, ensuring you only use the precise amount of coffee beans for each shot.
Finally, with the best coffee grinder for espresso, you can perfect your grind consistency, crucial for a well-extracted, flavorful espresso. Thus, these grinders provide a superior coffee experience by enhancing flavor and reducing waste.
What are the Reasons for Buying a Single-Doser?
Buying a single-dose espresso grinder offers several compelling reasons. With a single-doser, you ensure the maximum freshness of your coffee as you grind only the beans you need per shot.
A high-quality espresso coffee grinder provides a consistent grind size for optimal espresso extraction. Additionally, single-dosers help minimize waste by not grinding excess beans, contributing to more economical and environmentally-friendly coffee practices. These factors make it a must-have for coffee enthusiasts.
Our Single-Dose Espresso Grinder Buyers Guide
Burr Type
The burr type in your espresso grinder significantly affects the consistency and quality of your grind. Flat burrs offer a consistent grind size, ideal for espresso, while conical burrs provide a wider range of grind sizes. Choose according to your preference, but remember that the best espresso grinders typically come with high-quality burrs.
Brewing Methods
Consider your brewing methods when choosing a grinder. Some grinders excel at producing fine grounds perfect for espresso, while others are more versatile and can accommodate different brewing methods, such as French press or pour-over. Make sure your grinder matches your brewing style.
Stepless vs. Stepped
This refers to the grinder’s adjustability. Stepless grinders allow infinite minor adjustments, giving you precise control over the grind size, ideal for espresso. In contrast, stepped grinders have preset grind settings, offering less precision but more user-friendliness. Choose based on your needs and experience level.
Grind Retention
Grind retention is the volume of coffee that remains in a grinder after grinding. Low retention is desirable in single-dose grinders to ensure all grounds go into your shot, preserving freshness and preventing waste. Top-tier espresso grinders usually have minimal grind retention.
One Last Thing to Remember
In conclusion, the Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee/Espresso Grinder Type A is undoubtedly the best choice for single-dose grinders. Its exceptional features and performance surpass the competition in delivering a superior espresso grinding experience.
The grinder’s polished aluminum finish adds a touch of elegance to your coffee setup and reflects the high-quality craftsmanship that Mazzer is known for. The electronic touchpad simplifies selecting the desired dose, ensuring convenience and ease of use.
The stepless micrometrical grind adjustment allows for precise customization of the grind size, guaranteeing consistent and optimal espresso extraction. The device ensures a uniform grind, maximizing the flavor and aroma of your espresso.
Furthermore, the ETL certification provides peace of mind in terms of safety. Considering its durable construction and reliable performance, it is clear that this grinder is the ultimate choice for those seeking the best single-dose grinding experience.
Now that you know our eight recommended single-dose espresso grinders, why not add a semi-automatic espresso machine from our review article to your purchase?
