Best coffee grinders (2026): what the independent tests agree on
At a glance
| Model | Best for | Key specs |
|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore | drip and pour-over on a sensible budget | 40 grind settings, 40 mm conical steel burrs |
| Baratza Encore ESP | an all-rounder that also handles espresso | 40 settings (20 for espresso, 20 for brewed coffee), 40 mm conical burrs |
| Baratza Encore ESP Pro | more control for espresso | 60 settings plus stepless adjustment, timed and single-dose modes, 40 mm conical burrs |
| Fellow Opus | a quiet, good-looking all-rounder | Conical burrs, grind range from espresso to cold brew |
What to look for
- Burrs, not blades. Burr grinders produce a far more even grind than blade grinders, which is what makes coffee taste balanced.
- Espresso or not. Grinders built for drip and pour-over often can't go fine enough for espresso. If you want espresso, buy a grinder with dedicated espresso settings.
- Repairability. Parts availability means a grinder can last a decade instead of two years.
- Noise and retention. Some grinders hold back more grounds after each use, which matters if you weigh single doses.
Baratza Encore
Best for: drip and pour-over on a sensible budget
Key specs: 40 grind settings, 40 mm conical steel burrs
Wirecutter has named the Encore its top pick since 2017, citing consistent grinding and the fact that Baratza sells replacement parts so owners can repair it. Its limit is espresso: Wirecutter notes it can't grind fine enough for most espresso machines.
Baratza Encore ESP
Best for: an all-rounder that also handles espresso
Key specs: 40 settings (20 for espresso, 20 for brewed coffee), 40 mm conical burrs
WIRED's current top pick. Serious Eats describes it as a good choice for people new to espresso who also brew filter coffee.
Baratza Encore ESP Pro
Best for: more control for espresso
Key specs: 60 settings plus stepless adjustment, timed and single-dose modes, 40 mm conical burrs
Wirecutter's upgrade pick. It costs more than the ESP, and the extra settings make dialling in espresso easier.
Fellow Opus
Best for: a quiet, good-looking all-rounder
Key specs: Conical burrs, grind range from espresso to cold brew
WIRED found it among the quietest grinders it tested, about half as loud as most of its picks. Both WIRED and Wirecutter say it's harder to adjust for espresso than the Encore ESP and that it retains more grounds.
Who can skip it
If you buy pre-ground coffee and are happy with it, or only drink pods, you don't need a grinder.
Sources
- Wirecutter (The New York Times): The best coffee grinders
- WIRED: Best coffee grinders
- Serious Eats: The best Baratza coffee grinders
Sources checked 15 October 2026.
Model names and specifications vary by country. Check the listing for the exact model number, voltage and plug type for where you live.