As you surely know not all coffee grinders are worth their weight and not all of them deserve to grind your coffee. The best coffee grinders use burrs to actually grind your coffee beans into usable grounds. The cheap blade grinders simply shred beans apart leaving many irregularly shaped bits including larger grind as well as powder.
Even in the burr grinder category however there are lots of different styles of grinders and many different price points. Not all burr grinders are alike either.
Some burr grinders use steel burrs while others are ceramic. Some burrs are sharp while others are dull. You can also choose between conical burr grinders and flat burr grinders. The options are pretty wide when you start analyzing the details.
Further complicating the purchasing process is the hard to detect build quality component. One seemingly great grinder that ticks off all the boxes may have burrs that “slip” leaving you with grind that is inconsistent in size. This is hard to identify without using the model for some time. Others may have electronic components that won’t last long. Other units may be louder than you may like. In my home volume is a big deal. The first cheap burr grinder I brought into the kitchen quickly got moved to the garage because it made so much noise.
Other features that make some burr grinders better than others have to do with secondary features like electric automation. Automatic grinders simply cost more than manual versions and those electric grinders that are easy to clean and maintain can be even pricier.
Some of the best grinders have seamless and simplistic settings that make it easy to transition from French press coarse grind to espresso fine and everything in between.
If you are on a tight budget however you don’t have to spend a fortune. Below I’ve featured some of the best inexpensive burr grinders. These aren’t going to win any awards or be touted as the best of all but they are going to be decent low end burr grinders and will be better for your coffee than the low end blade grinders.
- TRU Burr Coffee Grinder – For the price point I like the the Tru grinder primarily for it’s heavy duty grinding stone. The unit itself isn’t very fancy beyond that. It does still have an easy grind size selection wheel but I wouldn’t buy it for anything other than the burr quality from this pricing point.
- Hario Coffee Mill Skerton – The Skerton is a manual burr grinder that performs as well as many mid-range electric model but at a fraction of the price. The grind size can be dialed up or down but it’s a tricky process. I own one of these and I tend to set the size and never move it.
- Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Grinder – If you are really looking for the lowest price possible this model will be right up your alley. This is the first burr grinder I ever owned and I first stopped liking it due to it’s volume and then due to the inconsistent grind size it output. I only would get this as a backup model or as an entry level burr grinder for people who can’t afford to pay a lot out of pocket.
- Cuisinart DBM-8AMZ Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill – For just a little bit more money than the Mr. Coffee model listed above I would recommend this model from Cuisinart as your low-end model of choice. The quality of grind is a bit better, it’s slightly quieter, and it has extra features like automatic grind quantity selection so you can push a button and walk away.
Not sure which grinder is right for you? See this post on manual coffee grinders vs electric or see this post on whether you even need a burr grinder in the first place.
If you are short of time however I still recommend all my readers who are shopping within a small budget to opt for the Hario Skerton manual coffee grinder. It’s much cheaper than many entry level electric burr grinders and the unit will perform to a much higher standard too. You’d have to spend 3-4 times as much on an electric model to start out performing it.
For most people grinding coffee you’ll probably be using either a medium grind for drip, pour-over, or for a moka pot or a coarse grind for french press or for possibly a percolator. For either of these grind sizes make sure you buy the coarse grind upgrade kit for the Skerton and prepare yourself for a couple minutes of hand grinding coffee every morning.
If however you are planning on grinding fine for espresso machines then it might be worth opting for an electric model listed above because hand grinding fine for espresso takes wicked long. It’s no fun hand grinding coffee beans every morning for 5-10 minutes straight!
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The Cheapest Burr Coffee Grinders
You will never appreciate the efficiency and convenience of having a coffee grinder unless you have one in your kitchen. Many people think that coffee grinders are expensive. Well, there are expensive ones in the market. But ,it does not mean you have to buy it and suffer.
There are so many options for burr coffee grinders. Last time I checked, there are over 170 coffee grinders available in the market. Whew! That’s a lot of options.
Here are important factors you can consider before buying a coffee grinder.
Burr grinder buying guide
It helps to know what coffee grinders are available. Here is a quick rundown of the basic types of coffee grinders and the unique features of each one.
Disc vs Conical Burr
Flat disc burr can be found in mid-range to high-end appliances. Flat burr grinders help shed heat quickly due to its large diameter.
Conical burr are commonly used in bargain grinders. It has a large surface area that can shed heat quickly than flat disc.
Both are good, but if you are on a budget, you will find a conical burr grinder for your need.
Steel vs Ceramic Burr
Burr grinders are either made from stainless steel or ceramic. Both materials are durable. Steel is more affordable than ceramic but it wears off in time. Ceramic is more durable in this case. If you opt for an espresso grinder, choose a ceramic type.
You will notice that most machine grinders are made from steel, while handheld or manual grinders tend to be ceramic.
Semi-automatic vs Fully Automatic
There are push button grinders but you need to hold it until the beans are done. Fully automatic has a switch that ticks off when the grinding is completed. For single serve or up to 3 cups, a semi automatic is ok. But if you will grind beans for a 12-cup pot, consider getting a fully automatic burr grinder.
Bean hopper size
Some prefers a larger storage area for coffee beans. This is really convenient. But, remember that coffee beans have a shelf life of four weeks. Longer than that, beans become stale. It becomes a matter of freshness vs convenience.
Cheapest burr grinders
After considering these factors, it still boils down to your budget and preference. Let’s take a look at the cheapest burr grinders and see their best features.
The Hario Skerton
Coffee craft enthusiasts love the sleek, hour-glass design of the Hario Skerton. The top is made of plastic while the container body is 100% glass. This is a perfect holding jar for ground coffee, especially if you are grinding for espresso.
Pros
- An elegant design that adds character to your kitchen countertop
- Easy to clean, non-stick and anti-static material
- Container body has a twist top that transforms into an easy, airtight storage
Cons
- Glass carafe can easily break, so take extra care
- The top crank loosens after several grinding and requires constant re-tightening
The Capresso Infinity
For the price, this is one workhorse of a grinder. The burr is made of stainless steel and built to endure coffee grinding. It can churn uniform coffee grounds perfect for espresso, Aeropress and drip machines.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting components, provide great value for money
- Relatively quiet for an electric burr grinder
- Suitable coffee ground output for various drip brewing methods
Cons
- Grinding chamber easily collects coffee grounds, may be difficult to clean in the long run
- Can only grind medium to fine ground. Not suitable for French press
- In a list of cheap burr grinders, this is the most expensive
The Bodum Bistro Burr Grinder
The Bodum brand is known for its impressive French press models. As such, it is safe to think that their burr grinders will work well with French press coffee maker. However, a closer look at the Bodum Bistro and its output will show that it makes the same grind as the Infinity. The burr grinder is made from steel but the gears are plastic. Some give and take when it comes to convenience and durability.
Pros
- Modern and elegant design, classic Bodum brand
- Glass carafe is static-proof, can double as a separate coffee ground storage
Cons
- Plastic parts can easily wear over time
- Yields same grind as Infinity, with little variations in between
- Maximum output in one grind is good for four cups of coffee
The Porlex JP-30
The simple, ergonomic and practical design of the Porlex is an instant hit with travelers. It will easily fit in your spice countertop. Moreover, you can bring it anywhere you go and is a perfect companion of your Aeropress and portable French press mug.
Pros
- Has a portable and simple, yet elegant design
- Sturdy and durable stainless steel body
- Ceramic burr grinder for easy cleaning
Cons
- Small reservoir, about half the capacity of the Hario
- Few grind settings
The Kalita Retro One
The smallest and cheapest grinder in the list. Vintage looking but the frame and body are sturdy and durable. You get a better than blade grinder, without breaking your budget.
Pros
- Value for money
- Vintage look
- Durable stainless steel body
Cons
- Burrs are not very sharp, expect some inconsistency with the coffee ground
- There is no lid to keep the beans in place. Need extra care to avoid getting the beans flying around your kitchen
The Best Coffee Grinders Under $50
The very first coffee grinder I ever owned was a super cheap electric blade grinder that cost me somewhere around $15 or so. I bought the thing somewhere around 2002 when I moved into my first apartment.
I knew nothing about grinders at the time but I was buying whole bean coffee every now and then and this was all I could afford.
Since then I’ve grown up a lot.
I know a lot more about coffee and I know a lot more about grinders. And even though that first grinder still works I’ll never be using it on coffee beans again – it shreds them and does very little good to fresh whole coffee beans.
Since I started drinking good coffee at home this year I’ve come to realize just how expensive coffee grinders can get. I don’t have that kind of money and even though I love coffee I’m still not a nut enough to buy one of those machines. Maybe I’ll do so if I get my hands on a proper dual boiler espresso machine but I don’t see that happening any time soon.
In the mean time I’ve found that there are plenty of really good grinders that are still affordable.
The Best Coffee Grinders Under $50
Brewing coffee at home is an art form in itself. While brewing coffee does not take rocket science, there are important elements that come into play in order to make a good cup of coffee. For coffee aficionados, they have perfected that art of coffee brewing that they can confidently tell the world how they can make better coffee than your favorite coffee shop.
Coffee experts mention four important elements to make an excellent cup of brewed coffee:
- use good arabica beans,
- Use a fresh roast,
- grind immediately before making coffee,
- and get the water temperature and brew time right.
For espresso, there’s another key element – pressure.
When combined, these elements come together and give you that aromatic morning drink loved by more than 1 billion of people around the world.
You can never enjoy coffee beans, unless its ground and extracted. To be able to this, you need to have a reliable coffee grinder to help you achieve your gourmet coffee dream.
Most of the “good enough” grinders priced less that $50 tend to be manual but there are some decent electric grinders in this price range too.
Below you’ll see my picks for best sub $50 coffee grinders. Other people’s opinions may differ but these are the one’s I’d tell my mother about.
Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Grinder with 18 Custom Grinds, Silver
Main Features:
- 18 Custom Grind Settings
- Removable Bean Hopper
- Holds up to 1/2 Pound of Coffee Beans
- Removable Grinding Chamber ; Watts: 160
- Cord Storage. Dual safety-locking switches
- Install the Bean Hopper onto the unit and turn clockwise (several rotations-will hear clicking as unit gets tighter) until it stops with the grind size indicator on Fine.
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
Main Features:
- Removable grind chamber holds enough ground coffee for 32 cups
- Electric timer automatically shuts off when grind cycle is complete
- 18-position grind selector; 4- to 18-cup slide dial
- Removable grind chamber holds enough ground coffee for 32 cups; Separate one-touch power bar, heavy-duty motor and scoop/cleaning Brush
Mli>Removable 8 oz. bean hopper. Includes scoop and cleaning brush
EZE Hand Burr Coffee Grinder Most Consistent Hand Press, Ceramic Burr Manual Coffee Grinder
Main Features:
- Professional grade burr grinder – constructed of high-quality rust-free stainless steel with a heavy duty reinforced extra long hand crank
- Easiest to travel with, take it anywhere you go, Great for camping since it was designed for the aero press (not included)
- Manual ceramic conical have been proven to allow for the most consistent grind every time
- New & improved plastic burr component constructed of stronger and more malleable plastic
KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades, 3-Ounce
Main Features:
- Coffee and spice grinder with 200-watt motor provides fast grinding
- Large grinding capacity yields up to 12 cups of coffee
- Grinds up to 3 ounces of coffee beans in seconds
- Oval design and stainless-steel blades ensure uniform grinding
- Stainless Steel blades that can grind beans but also spices, herbs, nuts, grains and more; Lid activated safety switch for ease of use; 2-year warranty
Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder
Main Features:
- Removable grinding chamber for easy filling and dishwasher cleanup
- Great for coffee and spices
- Hands-free grinding- Refer manual and use and care guide for any assistance.
- Precise cup & fineness settings for perfect results
- Hidden cord storage
Grocery Art Electric Coffee Grinder Blade Mill – Small & Compact Simple Touch Automatic Grinding Tool
Main Features:
- Designed to grind whole coffee beans to perfection in a matter of just 20 seconds or less & with the simple touch of a button
- Made out of premium materials & outfitted with hidden grinding blades, the grinder machine safely grinds with impressive speed.
- Complete with a domed compartment that intercepts fine grinds, the no-mess coffee grinder is also unbelievably clean. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it free of debris.
Chefman Coffee Grinder Powerful 250 Watt Electric Mill
Main Features:
- Clear lid allows you to monitor the grinding process for a customizable grind. Stainless Steel Cup and Blade monitor the grinding process.
- 250 Watt motor for a quick, efficient and consistent grind
- Cup is removable for easy pouring.
- Dishwasher safe
Nuovoware Coffee Grinder, Automatic Premium Electric Spice & Coffee Grinder
Main Features:
- The outer layer of this coffee grinder is made of high quality PP material, and the inside layer is made of premium 304 stainless steel, it is highly durable and safe for daily use with a long life span motor.
- With a transparent lid, you can watch what’s going on inside this coffee grinder, providing you with a clear view and convenient for you to control the coarseness easily.
- The lid is easy to open, and the blades pulverize with precision from whole to coarse or fine in seconds
Ohh yeah, don’t forget about these awesome manual models which probably make better grind but require more manual labor:
Hope this helps in your quest to find an affordable coffee grinder.
Here’s My General Coffee Grinder Buying Guide
Here is an easy to follow buying guide if you want to invest on a coffee grinder.
- Able to adjust amount of ground coffee. You’ll need to be precise when you’re grinding for different cup-sized pots and single vs. double espressos.
- Size and capacity. You’ll want to be able to conveniently store your grinder and grind enough coffee in one batch to suit your needs.
- Evenness of grind. Evenly ground coffee gives more flavorful and consistent results with less bitterness and acidity.
- Clear grind settings. An easy way to adjust the grind from fine to coarse that works well and can be set consistently each time.
- Price. Make sure of a price tag that works with your budget and planned amount of use.
- Cleaning. How easy it is to clean out the grinder and whether it creates a mess on the counter.
You may also want to see the following post if you are unsure whether to get a manual or electric grinder.