10 Best Espresso Grinders 2026 in the United States

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro in Olive Tapenade is an advanced and versatile espresso grinder that caters to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts. It boasts 60 unique grind settings, which makes it perfect for various brewing methods from espresso to French press. The conical burr design ensures consistent grind size, which is crucial for achieving the best flavor from your coffee beans. The precision digital timer allows you to customize grind times in 0.2-second increments, giving you more control over your coffee-making process and ensuring a perfect dose every time.

Additionally, the grinder offers flexibility in dosing by allowing you to grind directly into different types of containers, such as a portafilter, airtight container, or paper filter. The clear LCD display makes it easy to select and monitor your grind settings and times, which adds to its user-friendly nature. Build quality is another strong point, as it comes with a solid construction and useful accessories like portafilter cradles and a cleaning brush.

However, it’s worth noting that this grinder, while advanced, may be more than what a casual coffee drinker needs and could be seen as a bit complex or pricey for those just starting. Its build is relatively heavy at 10.08 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users. Still, for those who value precision and variety in their grinding options, the Smart Grinder Pro is a top-notch choice backed by a 2-year warranty.

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is designed to cater to coffee lovers who appreciate a good espresso. With its stainless steel conical burrs, it delivers a uniform grind that enhances the flavor of your coffee, which is crucial for espresso preparation. The grinder features 15 grind size settings, along with additional microsettings, allowing for precise adjustments from fine grinds for espresso to coarser grinds for French press. This versatility makes it suitable for various brewing methods, appealing to both espresso aficionados and those who enjoy other styles of coffee.

One of its standout features is the one-touch start functionality that remembers your last grind setting, making it user-friendly. The large-capacity hopper can hold up to 12 oz of coffee beans, reducing the need for frequent refills—a convenience for those who brew multiple cups. Additionally, the UV-blocking tint protects the beans from light, helping to maintain freshness.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the grinder is effective in producing a consistent grind, some users may find that the grind speed could be a bit slow when producing finer settings, which might not suit everyone’s patience. Also, while the static-fighting container helps minimize mess, it may still produce some static cling, which could be frustrating for users who prefer a completely tidy workspace. In terms of build quality, the OXO grinder appears sturdy and well-made, though it’s important to note that the dimensions might take up more counter space than some compact models. If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for a reliable grinder that excels at espresso while offering the flexibility for other brew types, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a solid choice.

The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder shines as an entry-level option for those starting their coffee grinding journey at home. With 40 grind size settings, it offers a wide array of choices suitable for various brewing methods, including espresso, French Press, and automatic brewers. This makes it versatile for users exploring different coffee styles. The commercial-grade conical burrs ensure relatively consistent grind size, which is crucial for achieving a balanced flavor in your coffee. The DC motor and 40mm hardened alloy steel burrs contribute to its durability, promising long-term use backed by a one-year warranty and strong customer support.

While the Encore does offer a solid build quality with its engineered parts from Liechtenstein, it does not have advanced dosing options, which might be a limitation if you need precise measurements for your coffee. It's operated by a simple ON/OFF switch and a pulse button, which some might find lacks the precision or automation found in more advanced models. The grind speed is adequate for home use but might not meet the demands of a high-volume setting. At 5.58 pounds, it has a small footprint, making it suitable for limited counter space.

This grinder is highly recommended for coffee enthusiasts who are new to grinding at home and appreciate a simple, user-friendly interface without the need for professional-level precision.