Best Conical Burr Coffee Grinders
It is possible to make your morning coffee more enjoyable by grinding your own beans. There are a lot of different grinders on the market.
This OXO grinder features conical burrs which produce an ideal grind for French press espresso, drip and French press coffee. Hardcore coffee geeks may want more precision from this grinder, but it's a fantastic option for people who are new to the world of coffee.
OXO Brew
If you make your own coffee that a high-quality grinder is essential to get the best flavor. However, a high-quality burr grinder can cost upward of $200, which could be a bit expensive for those who aren't sure if they'll use regularly or not. The OXO Brew is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy freshly ground coffee without having to spend hundreds of pounds.
The design of the OXO Brew isn't flashy but it looks solid. Its stainless steel body is fitted with a permanent water tank in the back and an insulated thermal carafe in the front. The carafe and tanks are designed in such a way that the body can fit comfortably into smaller kitchens. The controls are hidden beneath the carafe, which reduces the clutter. There is also a light to let you know when it's heating or brewing.
Oxo consistently brewed well during our tests. The water temperature was within a narrow range--197.4 F to 205 F--for the entire test run which was measured by thermocouples in the grounds basket and the water tank. Its brewing time was also very close to what the Specialty Coffee Association recommends for the best drip.
The OXO Brew also comes with a single-serve feature that allows you to brew coffee directly into your cup. This feature isn't present in other models that are more expensive. It can be an advantage for those who wish to make individual servings of their coffee but don't want the hassle of brewing the entire carafe.
The only drawback to the OXO is that there is no clock or an automatic start time. This could be a problem if are on a strict timeframe. Furthermore the water tank can be tricky to remove due to its lid that has to be removed to access the reservoir. It does have an inbuilt descaler, which assists in preventing mineral deposits from accumulating inside the machine.
Baratza Encore ESP
The Baratza Encore is a top burr mill available for coffee lovers. This version of the original Encore was revamped to include upgrades that make it more compatible with a greater variety of brewing techniques and offer more versatility than ever before. It's designed for beginners in home baristas as well as anyone who wants to keep their options for brewing open by using a single grinder. It features an adjustable stepped grind and simple controls for novice baristas and also labeled and notched settings for consistency. The M2 Burrs guarantee uniform grinding, and the hopper has an easy-to-clean quick release feature.
The ESP utilizes an non electric coffee grinder motor with high-torque and gear reduction, similar to the original Encore. However, it runs at lower speeds in order to reduce static charge and heat. It's also quieter than the classic Encore and comes with a metal plate that increases burr stability and consistency. It is equipped with conical burrs of 40 millimeters similar to those that are found in the more expensive Virtuoso plus. This helps to get a better size of grind distribution and more consistent shots.
Each step of the ESP's grind adjustment is 9 microns, which gives excellent resolution when dialing in espresso and more precise grinding for pour over. The new dosing cups are compatible with both 58mm and 54mm portafilters. This improves the ergonomics for manual vs electric coffee grinder dosing. The grinder can also be used with traditional grounds bins for those who prefer the hopper-based method of working.
One downside of the ESP is its inconsistency during back-to-back consistency tests though it still performs better than many other grinders in this price range. The settings for stepped grinding can also be inconsistent, making it hard to find the perfect setting for your style of brewing. However the ESP is ideally suited to various brewing methods and offers a great value for its versatility.
The Encore ESP is also a bit more expensive than some of the other models on this list, but it's worth the extra cost for its impressive flexibility. It can grind for filter or espresso coffee brews. The included shims will optimize its performance for Pour Over brewing.
Baratza DF64
The Baratza DF64 grinder is a excellent one that is suitable for espresso and pour-over brewing. The burrs can be upgraded to increase performance, and the hopper is able to accommodate various grind sizes. The DF64 has few moving parts, making it easy to maintain and operate. This is a great option for anyone who wants a top-quality, budget-friendly grinder.
The DF64 Gen 2 is a significant improvement over the previous model and should be hard to beat by other grinder within the same price range. The new model is more appealing to the eye. It has a simple, flat-rounded base that can support up to 20 grams of beans at a single time and a single dose cradle. It also comes with a bellows made of rubber that is able to push air through the grinder when you take your dose to force out the excess grinds and decrease retention.
One of the major problems with the original DF64 was popcorning, which is when coffee beans bounce upward out of the burrs instead of grinding down. This is a common problem with hopper-based grinders that can affect the consistency of your grind. The new DF64 has a much-improved anti-popcorning system that eliminates this problem.
Other issues with the DF64 included a poor quality build, a loose design that caused gaps around the edges of the hopper, a heavyweight, a mandatory use of bellows, regular alignment challenges, a plastic adjust collar that mis-threaded easily, vinyl wrap instead of powder coating, and the all-but-mandatory need for two aftermarket upgrades (anti-popcorning, declumper). The DF64 Gen 2 addresses these issues and many more.
The DF64 has a powerful 250W motor that spins the burrs at about 1,400 RPM. This is a little faster than the Encore ESP, but it’s still slower than other popular burr grinders like the Mahlkönig EK43. The DF64 is also less noisy than the Encore ESP, making it easier to work with in a busy cafe environment.
The DF64 has an easy-to-read, step-by-step adjustment system that allows you to fine-tune your grind size for different brewing methods. It also comes with a wide selection of burrs, which makes it possible to experiment and find the perfect grind for your particular coffee bean. The DF64 also has a convenient dosing system, which allows you to direct the ground coffee directly into your portafilter or mug.
Fellow Ode
A popular maker of home coffee equipment, Fellow makes some seriously aesthetically appealing gear. Their kettles, French presses, and other home coffee brewing machines have an elegant and modern matte finish that suits any kitchen aesthetic. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that their grinders look equally as good. The Ode is a sleek and compact grinder with a number of easy-to-use features designed for precise, single-dose brewing.
The Ode is unique among coffee grinders because it uses flat burrs, rather than conical ones. Usually, you only see flat burrs on professional or commercial Grinder grinders organic coffee beans due to their ability to reduce grind time and heat generation and improve grind particle consistency. The 64mm flat burrs in the Ode also give it a much smoother grind than you would find in a typical home appliance grinder. And they are designed with single-dosing in mind, meaning that the grinder shuts off as soon as the hopper is empty. This helps to prevent over-grinding, which can rob your brews of flavor and aroma.
The hopper itself holds 100 grams, which is enough for one large pour-over or two small cups of espresso. The Ode has a variety of other neat features, including a built-in scale and a cool grind size chart that is mapped out on the underside of the lid. This shows the brewing methods that each setting is most suitable for, with pour-over and cold brews on the fine end of the range, and French press on the coarse end.
Another great feature of the Ode is that it has a quiet, almost purr-like sound during operation and is very fast. The grinder has a high-force spring that knocks excess ground beans and chaff into the catch, which helps to reduce grind retention and make clean-up a breeze. It’s also very easy to disassemble and is compatible with coffee tablet cleaners.
Despite some minor hiccups in the initial launch, the Ode is still a top contender for those looking for an excellent and aesthetically pleasing conical burr grinder. Fortunately, the company is committed to improving the product and recently released the Gen 2 version, which addresses some of the issues with the original. However, for those who want a better-suited grinder for espresso, the Baratza DF64 is an excellent alternative that is both visually and functionally superior to the Fellow Ode.
It is possible to make your morning coffee more enjoyable by grinding your own beans. There are a lot of different grinders on the market.
This OXO grinder features conical burrs which produce an ideal grind for French press espresso, drip and French press coffee. Hardcore coffee geeks may want more precision from this grinder, but it's a fantastic option for people who are new to the world of coffee.OXO Brew
If you make your own coffee that a high-quality grinder is essential to get the best flavor. However, a high-quality burr grinder can cost upward of $200, which could be a bit expensive for those who aren't sure if they'll use regularly or not. The OXO Brew is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy freshly ground coffee without having to spend hundreds of pounds.
The design of the OXO Brew isn't flashy but it looks solid. Its stainless steel body is fitted with a permanent water tank in the back and an insulated thermal carafe in the front. The carafe and tanks are designed in such a way that the body can fit comfortably into smaller kitchens. The controls are hidden beneath the carafe, which reduces the clutter. There is also a light to let you know when it's heating or brewing.
Oxo consistently brewed well during our tests. The water temperature was within a narrow range--197.4 F to 205 F--for the entire test run which was measured by thermocouples in the grounds basket and the water tank. Its brewing time was also very close to what the Specialty Coffee Association recommends for the best drip.
The OXO Brew also comes with a single-serve feature that allows you to brew coffee directly into your cup. This feature isn't present in other models that are more expensive. It can be an advantage for those who wish to make individual servings of their coffee but don't want the hassle of brewing the entire carafe.
The only drawback to the OXO is that there is no clock or an automatic start time. This could be a problem if are on a strict timeframe. Furthermore the water tank can be tricky to remove due to its lid that has to be removed to access the reservoir. It does have an inbuilt descaler, which assists in preventing mineral deposits from accumulating inside the machine.
Baratza Encore ESP
The Baratza Encore is a top burr mill available for coffee lovers. This version of the original Encore was revamped to include upgrades that make it more compatible with a greater variety of brewing techniques and offer more versatility than ever before. It's designed for beginners in home baristas as well as anyone who wants to keep their options for brewing open by using a single grinder. It features an adjustable stepped grind and simple controls for novice baristas and also labeled and notched settings for consistency. The M2 Burrs guarantee uniform grinding, and the hopper has an easy-to-clean quick release feature.
The ESP utilizes an non electric coffee grinder motor with high-torque and gear reduction, similar to the original Encore. However, it runs at lower speeds in order to reduce static charge and heat. It's also quieter than the classic Encore and comes with a metal plate that increases burr stability and consistency. It is equipped with conical burrs of 40 millimeters similar to those that are found in the more expensive Virtuoso plus. This helps to get a better size of grind distribution and more consistent shots.
Each step of the ESP's grind adjustment is 9 microns, which gives excellent resolution when dialing in espresso and more precise grinding for pour over. The new dosing cups are compatible with both 58mm and 54mm portafilters. This improves the ergonomics for manual vs electric coffee grinder dosing. The grinder can also be used with traditional grounds bins for those who prefer the hopper-based method of working.
One downside of the ESP is its inconsistency during back-to-back consistency tests though it still performs better than many other grinders in this price range. The settings for stepped grinding can also be inconsistent, making it hard to find the perfect setting for your style of brewing. However the ESP is ideally suited to various brewing methods and offers a great value for its versatility.
The Encore ESP is also a bit more expensive than some of the other models on this list, but it's worth the extra cost for its impressive flexibility. It can grind for filter or espresso coffee brews. The included shims will optimize its performance for Pour Over brewing.
Baratza DF64
The Baratza DF64 grinder is a excellent one that is suitable for espresso and pour-over brewing. The burrs can be upgraded to increase performance, and the hopper is able to accommodate various grind sizes. The DF64 has few moving parts, making it easy to maintain and operate. This is a great option for anyone who wants a top-quality, budget-friendly grinder.
The DF64 Gen 2 is a significant improvement over the previous model and should be hard to beat by other grinder within the same price range. The new model is more appealing to the eye. It has a simple, flat-rounded base that can support up to 20 grams of beans at a single time and a single dose cradle. It also comes with a bellows made of rubber that is able to push air through the grinder when you take your dose to force out the excess grinds and decrease retention.
One of the major problems with the original DF64 was popcorning, which is when coffee beans bounce upward out of the burrs instead of grinding down. This is a common problem with hopper-based grinders that can affect the consistency of your grind. The new DF64 has a much-improved anti-popcorning system that eliminates this problem.
Other issues with the DF64 included a poor quality build, a loose design that caused gaps around the edges of the hopper, a heavyweight, a mandatory use of bellows, regular alignment challenges, a plastic adjust collar that mis-threaded easily, vinyl wrap instead of powder coating, and the all-but-mandatory need for two aftermarket upgrades (anti-popcorning, declumper). The DF64 Gen 2 addresses these issues and many more.
The DF64 has a powerful 250W motor that spins the burrs at about 1,400 RPM. This is a little faster than the Encore ESP, but it’s still slower than other popular burr grinders like the Mahlkönig EK43. The DF64 is also less noisy than the Encore ESP, making it easier to work with in a busy cafe environment.
The DF64 has an easy-to-read, step-by-step adjustment system that allows you to fine-tune your grind size for different brewing methods. It also comes with a wide selection of burrs, which makes it possible to experiment and find the perfect grind for your particular coffee bean. The DF64 also has a convenient dosing system, which allows you to direct the ground coffee directly into your portafilter or mug.
Fellow Ode
A popular maker of home coffee equipment, Fellow makes some seriously aesthetically appealing gear. Their kettles, French presses, and other home coffee brewing machines have an elegant and modern matte finish that suits any kitchen aesthetic. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that their grinders look equally as good. The Ode is a sleek and compact grinder with a number of easy-to-use features designed for precise, single-dose brewing.
The Ode is unique among coffee grinders because it uses flat burrs, rather than conical ones. Usually, you only see flat burrs on professional or commercial Grinder grinders organic coffee beans due to their ability to reduce grind time and heat generation and improve grind particle consistency. The 64mm flat burrs in the Ode also give it a much smoother grind than you would find in a typical home appliance grinder. And they are designed with single-dosing in mind, meaning that the grinder shuts off as soon as the hopper is empty. This helps to prevent over-grinding, which can rob your brews of flavor and aroma.
The hopper itself holds 100 grams, which is enough for one large pour-over or two small cups of espresso. The Ode has a variety of other neat features, including a built-in scale and a cool grind size chart that is mapped out on the underside of the lid. This shows the brewing methods that each setting is most suitable for, with pour-over and cold brews on the fine end of the range, and French press on the coarse end.
Another great feature of the Ode is that it has a quiet, almost purr-like sound during operation and is very fast. The grinder has a high-force spring that knocks excess ground beans and chaff into the catch, which helps to reduce grind retention and make clean-up a breeze. It’s also very easy to disassemble and is compatible with coffee tablet cleaners.
Despite some minor hiccups in the initial launch, the Ode is still a top contender for those looking for an excellent and aesthetically pleasing conical burr grinder. Fortunately, the company is committed to improving the product and recently released the Gen 2 version, which addresses some of the issues with the original. However, for those who want a better-suited grinder for espresso, the Baratza DF64 is an excellent alternative that is both visually and functionally superior to the Fellow Ode.