The grinder market has improved dramatically over the last five years. Where previously you had to spend $200+ to get a genuinely good burr grinder, there are now solid options at every price point. Here’s what I’d actually recommend in 2026.
Under $50: Manual Grinders
At this price point, manual burr grinders beat electric options. The Timemore C2 ($60) and 1Zpresso JX ($75) both offer burr quality that outperforms electric grinders at twice the price. The catch: you grind by hand, which takes 1–2 minutes per cup.
If you primarily make one cup of pour-over each morning and don’t mind the process, these are excellent value. If you’re making coffee for multiple people or want a faster morning, move to electric.
Electric Under $150: The Baratza Encore
The Baratza Encore ($175, frequently on sale) has been the standard recommendation for home brewers for good reason. It produces consistent grinds across a wide range of settings, works well for pour-over through French press, and Baratza’s customer service and repair availability is unusually good.
It’s not ideal for espresso (the grind steps are too wide for precise espresso dialing), but for everything else it’s reliable and affordable.
For Espresso: Breville Smart Grinder Pro
If espresso is your focus, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro ($200) has more adjustment granularity than the Baratza Encore and is purpose-built for espresso range grinding. It’s the most commonly recommended entry espresso grinder that won’t break the bank.
What to Avoid
Blade grinders at any price. “Coffee and spice grinders” that combine both functions. Budget electric burr grinders under $40 that use lower-quality burr material — these wear out quickly and the grind consistency isn’t much better than blade grinders.
The Upgrade Mentality
Buy the best grinder you can afford right now, even if it means a cheaper brewing device to compensate. Your grinder is the single piece of equipment that most affects every cup you make. Other gear can be upgraded over time; the grinder is the foundation.
