The 3 best coffee grinders of 2024, tested by experts
The ideal coffee grinder produces ground particles of a consistent and correct size. By this we mean that the particle size of ground coffee must match the coarseness setting of the grinder, fine or not. The size of the sludge produced should also be appropriate for the intended brewing method as indicated in the product manual.
To test each grinder for our coffee grinder reviews, we first hand wash and dry all parts as recommended by the manufacturer. We then set each machine to the appropriate grind level for drip coffee or automatic coffee makers (again, as specified in the manual). Sometimes the manual lacks specific instructions. In this case, we choose the medium coarse coffee grind setting, then increase it by one more coarse level (from a fine grind, such as espresso, to a coarse grind). For example, if the grinder has a total of 16 coarse grind settings (assuming 16 is the coarsest grind option and 1 is fine), we’ll set it to a coarse level of 9.
Watch this: Five things you should know before buying a coffee grinder
Then we weigh 10 grams of whole coffee beans for grinding. By default, our test beans are Kirkland Columbia Roast. These are the same beans we use for our coffee machine tests. (No judgments, please.) When you grind as much coffee and espresso as we do, it pays to be frugal.
We then run our sample beans through the mill. We also note how long it takes the grinder to grind coffee beans. Then we carefully collect the sediment, then sift it with a double sieve for 60 seconds. That’s what we use Kruve Sifter System. Our original Kruve Two unit comes with two mesh screens of different mesh sizes (800 and 400 microns). This step allows us to measure the grind size and grind consistency of our sample. The Screw base now replaces the Kruve Two and offers five mesh screens (300, 500, 800, 1100 and 1400 microns).
We used a Kruve coffee sieve system to confirm grind size consistency.
A superior electric coffee grinder or manual grinder will produce grounds, preferably with stainless steel blades, that are mostly between 400 and 800 microns in particle size (at our chosen grind settings). Finally, we weigh the sediment that collects between the two screens (800 microns on top, 400 microns on the bottom).
A bad grinder will grind particles of various sizes, from large to small. Grinders are notorious for this problem. Unlike a blade grinder, a grinder with steel or ceramic rims usually produces grounds that are much more uniform in grind size.
We additionally grind at least two more times. From there we can record the average optimum yield for each mill.
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