Prima Coffee sells over 30 home grinders, both manual and electric, dedicated to pour over and immersion brewing methods. We have spent time with all of them. Some, such as those from Baratza, we have known for years; others, like the Fellow Ode and Orphan Espresso Apex, are relatively new to us. Each has its own charms and advantages, so it is hard to pick a favorite. Perhaps more than anyone, then, we understand the difficulty that comes with choosing just one grinder from such a rich offering, which is why we have decided to provide a little guidance.

IF YOU'RE ON A BUDGET

Sometimes a home barista wants to save a little money without sacrificing quality. The following grinders, which all retail for under $170, deliver the quality expected of a specialty coffee burr grinder but lack the conveniences or materials found in higher priced models.

Hario Skerton and Slim Series

Hario, now known for its V60 dripper, was at the forefront of the manual grinder movement with entry-level ceramic burr grinders called Skerton and Slim. Since then, it has released updated versions of both grinders. For the Skerton series, Hario updated the burr stabilization with the Plus and the materials and grind adjustment scheme with the Pro. For the Slim series, Hario updated the crank arm with the Plus and the materials with the Pro. Remarkably, all four grinders retail for under $60. The grind quality on each is much more reliable than on a blade grinder but lacks the uniformity produced by higher-end grinders. All in all, Hario is a good place to begin your specialty coffee journey.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Timemore Grinders

Timemore burst on the coffee scene in 2020 with their Chestnut series, a lineup of affordable, high-quality hand grinders. More recently they released the second iteration of these beloved hand grinders including the the C2 Max, Slim Plus, and Nano Plus. The C2 Max features an increased capacity of 25-30 grams and upgraded guild quality, while the Slim Plus comes equipped with Timemore’s exclusive E&B (espresso and brew) burrs, providing a full grind range.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Timemore Grinder Go Advanced

The Timemore Grinder Go takes everything we love about Timemore manual grinders and neatly packages it into a battery operated, compact, electric grinder. It's equipped with Timemore's newly designed titanium-coated E&B burrs that produce greater particle uniformity and a longer-life span than standard stainless steel burrs. Priced at a reasonable price point and stored neatly into a carrying case, the Grinder Go Advanced is a great option for someone looking for an electric grinder on a budget.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Baratza Encore

The Encore is the best-selling home grinder in our catalog and for good reason. It is reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable. Plus, Baratza’s customer support is unmatched in the industry, so if something were to go wrong, which is highly unlikely, it will be addressed in days, not weeks. The Encore has 40mm conical steel burrs, 40 grind settings, and a simple on/off switch (or a pulse button) for operation. Nothing fancy here (hence the price). The grind quality is best for mid-range brews, but the Encore is capable of grinding fine enough for moka pot and coarse enough for Chemex.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

IF YOU WANT A LITTLE CONVENIENCE WITH YOUR COFFEE

Sometimes a home barista just wants a little convenience, especially at 6am. Nothing wrong with that. The following grinders have built-in electronics or features that take some of the guesswork out of the morning (or afternoon, or evening) routine.

Baratza Virtuoso+

At first glance, the Virtuoso+ is not much different from the Encore: it has 40mm conical steel burrs, 40 grind settings, and a similar overall shape. Visually, it is similar, too, though some of the plastic has been replaced with stainless steel. However, the Virtuoso+ comes with a few conveniences not available on the Encore—an on/off button on the face, programmable dosing (in seconds), and speedier grinding times (~2g/s)—, which explains the price bump.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Baratza Vario W+

With each step up in Baratza’s line, the grinders gain more features or bigger burrs, or both. The Vario W+ comes with same 54mm flat stainless steel burrs, a dizzying 230 adjustment steps, built-in scale that is accurate within two tenths of a gram, and now also features a convenient backlit LCD display and new metal adjustment arms. The simple interface includes three programmable weight-dosing buttons and the up/down buttons to adjust them in addition to controls for taring and for manually starting and stopping doses.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Baratza Forte BG

The Forte is the top of the Baratza line. It includes all the bells and whistles of the Vario—the scale, screen, programmability, and closeable hopper—in a more robust package. Compared to its predecessor, the Forte has a more powerful motor (by 70%), more grind settings (260 instead of 230), and more steel, which is why it weighs 13 lbs. The BG model comes with stainless steel burrs made by Ditting that excel at the medium grinds necessary for V60 and drip, and coarser. The Forte is a home grinder with commercial capabilities.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

1zpresso Grinders

1zpresso has taken the hand grinder market by storm with their innovative and user-friendly designs that combine noteable grind uniformity with unmatached ease. The combination of their impressive 48 mm conical burr sets that make for hassle-free grinding and the external grind adjustment ring, the 1zpressos provide a hassle-free grinding experience ideal for the coffee lover who is looking for ease and simplicity.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Mazzer Omega

Mazzer has dominated the industry for the last decade and is now making its way into the home market with the Omega hand grinder. A flawless combination of performance and ease (so-much-so that it would easily fit into the "If you love the EK43" category), Mazzer checked every box. Equipped with an external grind adjustment ring and true zero calibration, finding the true zero starting point and making minor adjustments is a nearly effortless task. Additionally, its 48 mm conical burrs produce phenomenal particle uniformity from Turkish to French Press applications.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

IF YOU LOVE THE EK43

Sometimes a home barista wants an EK43 but can’t bear to dish out $2,700 to have one lording over a toaster on the kitchen counter. The following grinders, after years of R and D by their manufacturers, have finally landed on the right components, especially the burrs, to bring that EK quality home.

Comandante

Perhaps no other manual grinder has a following quite like the Comandante and for good reason. Made in Germany of premium materials, including wood from the country’s beloved Black Forest, and boasting a record of reliability, the Comandante’s 39mm high-nitrogen martensitic steel burrs, more than the burrs on any other hand grinder, are capable of consistent grind quality for all brewing methods, including espresso. Because of its stepped adjustment wheel, though, it is especially suited for pour-over, drip, and immersion.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Fellow Ode

Fellow, known for its modern aesthetic in thoughtful coffee gear, released its first grinder this year: The Ode, an homage to the EK43. Like its inspiration, the Ode features a top-loading hopper, vertically mounted flat burrs (64mm in this case), a large adjustment dial on the face, and a knocker to clear the chute of grounds. Ode-only touches include the magnetic grinds-catch, smart motor, and kitchen-friendly footprint (9.4” x 4.2” x 9.5”). At this price point, the grind-size uniformity is impressive, but the range is limited to medium-fine and up.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Fellow Opus

Fellow’s Opus grinder is a triumph for the sub $200 grinder category, offering multi-purpose functionality, superb anti-static technology, and a 6 blade 40mm conical burr set for outstanding performance. Featuring 41 macro grind settings + some internal micro adjust capability, the Opus has a few usable espresso settings for espresso, plus everything you’d ever need for moka pot, aeropress, pour over and well beyond. One issue that plagues every grinder, but particularly cheap grinders, is a static problem that makes it difficult to keep the grinder clean. Fellow’s deionizing technology almost completely mitigates the mess, making the grinder even more of a joy to use. The Opus is the ideal grinder for those seeking a true multi-purpose grinder under $500

Flatt Burrs

Connical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Orphan Espresso Apex

The Apex is the first and only manual grinder with flat burrs. Moreover, it is the only grinder on this list with ghost tooth burrs, which chew coffee beans to incredibly uniform particles, and a four-to-one planetary gear drive, which means much less work to achieve the recommended 500 RPM. The Apex has a stepped adjustment system on the collar with 20 grind settings from medium-fine through coarse, and it cannot be calibrated to go any finer than the factory default. In our tests, the Apex produced the best grind quality in this category and an overall grind uniformity on par with the EK43.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Mählkoing X54

The Mählkonig EK43 set the industry standard for filter grinding, and now that quality of grinding is available in your own home with the X54. Capable of a full grind range and equipped with removable assemblies like its magnetic grounds tray, metal dosing cup, and portafilter fork, the X54 is suitable for all brew methods. Its appearance, performance and price bring a cafe quality grinder to your countertop.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Lagom Mini

Option-O's Lagom Mini takes many of the features of the highly sought-after Lagom P64 and presents them in a much smaller and economically-friendly package. With a footprint of only 3.7” x 2.6,” it's likely one of the smallest electric grinders on the market, and is also available in two burr options, Moonshine and Obsydian. The Moonshine Burrs are optimized for brew and produce a cleaner cup with noteable clarity and acidity.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

IF YOU'RE ALWAYS ON THE GO

Some home baristas prefer life on the road and life includes—nay, life necessitates!—coffee. The following grinders, all manual and in some fashion foldable, have the features and the accessories for portable coffee adventures.

Timemore NANO

Like the other Timemore models, the NANO models are affordable and could probably fit in the budget category. However, the NANO’s purpose is portability. It is under 5 inches tall, about 3 inches wide, and has an innovative collapsible crank arm and removable pommel that fits in the grinds-catch. What’s more, the NANO includes the same 38mm stainless steel burrs, stainless steel axle, and bearings as its fellow Timemores, while the NANO Plus is equipped with the E&B burrs found in the Plus series.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Knock Aergrind

So popular is the Aergrind for minimalists that it rarely stays in stock for long. Its most defining feature is its size: a perfect fit inside the plunger of an AeroPress (hence its name). In addition, it has 38mm conical steel burrs, fully metal body, a stepless grind adjustment system, and a silicone band for grip and to secure the handle for travel. It stands just under 6 inches, weighs only 445 grams, and has a hopper capacity of about 25-grams, making it most appropriate for small brews like, well, AeroPress.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Knock Feldgrind

The Knock Feldgrind returned from a several year hiatus loaded with great new features. It received impressive new cosmetic upgrades including a longer crank arm and a new, walnut pommel. Beyond the surface, the Feldgrind is equipped with 38mm titanium nitride burrs that make for smoother, faster grinding. Its slim, lightweight profile and removeable crank arm make it great for travel.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing

Orphan Espresso Fixie

If your traveling style necessitates near weightlessness, the Fixie is for you. It is the lightest grinder we carry—a mere 330 grams—because of its ultralight materials: carbon fiber body and handle, aluminum axle, and titanium grinds-catch. It comes with a Tyvek bag and a grind adjustment system of plastic and teflon spacers. The idea is simple: fix the grind before you hit the trail and leave all the unnecessary weight behind.

Flat Burrs

Conical Burrs

38mm

39mm

40mm

47mm

48mm

54mm

64mm

75/78mm

Electric	Manual
Storage Hopper	Single-dose Hopper
Full grind range (espresso through French Press)	Limited grind range
Stepless or micro-stepped grind adjustment settings	Stepped grind adjustment settings
Automatic (weight- or time-based) dosing	Manual dosing