10 Best Coffee Grinders For Espresso 2025 in the United States

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820BST in Black Stainless Steel is a highly versatile coffee grinder that excels in the espresso category. One of its major strengths is the inclusion of 60 grind settings, allowing users to fine-tune their grind to perfection for various brewing methods, including espresso. This broad range of settings ensures that you can achieve the precise grind consistency needed for a rich and flavorful espresso shot. The programmable conical burr grinder also features precision digital timing, enabling you to adjust grind times in 0.2-second increments, which helps in obtaining a consistent and accurate dose each time you grind your coffee beans.

Additionally, the Smart Grinder Pro offers flexibility by allowing you to grind directly into a portafilter, container, or filter basket, which enhances convenience and ease of use. The LCD display adds to its user-friendly nature by clearly showing grind settings, grind time, and the number of shots or cups selected. Included accessories such as portafilter cradles and a cleaning brush are thoughtful additions that enhance usability.

The grinder is relatively large, with dimensions of 6 inches in length, 8.5 inches in width, and 15.5 inches in height, which might be a consideration if space is limited. While the grinder is easy to clean with the provided brush, the complexity of having numerous settings might require a bit of a learning curve for some users who are new to espresso brewing. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is ideal for those looking for a high degree of precision and customization in their coffee grinding, especially for espresso enthusiasts.

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder stands out as a solid choice for those looking to get the most out of their espresso experience. Its stainless steel conical burrs ensure that you get uniform grounds, which is crucial for optimal flavor extraction in espresso brewing. One of its notable strengths is the 15 grind size settings, along with additional microsettings, allowing for precise adjustments whether you prefer a fine grind for espresso or a coarser grind for other brewing methods like French press. This versatility makes it appealing to a range of coffee enthusiasts.

The grinder includes a large-capacity hopper that can hold up to 3/4 lb of beans, making it convenient for users who brew in larger quantities. Additionally, the UV-blocking tint is a thoughtful feature that helps protect your beans from light exposure, preserving their freshness.

Ease of use is another highlight; the one-touch start feature remembers your last grind setting, which means less hassle when you're ready for your next cup. The mess-free hopper design with a 'trap door' also adds to the user-friendly experience by containing the beans during removal, minimizing spills. For anyone dedicated to espresso or wanting a versatile grinder that accommodates various brew methods, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a commendable option. Its strengths lie in its grind consistency, ease of use, and thoughtful design, though potential buyers should consider the noise level and cleaning requirements.

The Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate espresso. One of its standout features is the dual-range adjustment system, which allows users to finely tune their grind size using micro and macro settings. This versatility is great for those who switch between espresso and other brewing methods. The quality of the grinder is underscored by its 40mm hardened alloy steel burrs, which are known for consistent grinding and durability, ensuring you get a uniform grind every time.

Ease of use is another strong point. With a simple twist of the hopper and an intuitive pulse button, you can quickly get your coffee ground. The quick-release burr design also makes cleaning a breeze, as it eliminates the need for complex disassembly, appealing to those who value convenience.

The grinder is designed with various brewing styles in mind, though it may not cater to those looking for extremely fine adjustments specifically for espresso, as some users might find the upper range less precise. Weighing in at 5.56 pounds, it is not the lightest option on the market, which may be a consideration for users needing portability. In terms of maintenance and support, Baratza offers a solid warranty and customer service, which is reassuring for buyers. The grinder's modern design fits well in most kitchens, but its size might require a dedicated space on your counter.