The 10 Best Budget Coffee Grinders of 2021
Photo: Kalita
A good coffee grinder can dramatically increase the quality and taste of your coffee. And the good news is that you do not need to spend a lot to get one as there are many budget coffee grinders out there.
With the best budget coffee grinders, you get to enjoy fresh and flavorful coffee without having to spend a fortune. Which is because despite the affordable price tag these coffee grinders still grind perfectly.
The term budget is more subjective when it comes to coffee grinders because for some people a cheap coffee grinder is one that retails for under $50 while for others something under $200 is still affordable enough.
But, regardless of your school of thought and opinion, this piece is for you as we review 10 top rated budget coffee grinders in under $50, under $100 and under $200 categories. And we also highlight the factors to consider when shopping to help you find that perfect cheap coffee grinder for you.
10 Best Budget Coffee Grinders – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Kalita KH-3 (Contemporary Performance Meets Vintage Style) | ||
 | 2. Krups F203 (Versatile One Touch Grinder) | ||
 | 3. Chefman Electric Burr Coffee Grinder (Amazingly Precise) | ||
 | 4. Cuisinart DBM-8 (Great Value) | ||
 | 5. Porlex JP-30 (Consistent, Highly Efficient & Super Quiet Grinding) | ||
 | 6. Hario MSCS-2DTB (Top Product by a Reputable Brand) | ||
 | 7. Bellemain Electric Coffee Grinder (Best under $100) | ||
 | 8. Breville BCG820 (Best Budget) | ||
 | 9. Capresso 560.01 (User-Friendly with a Decent Capacity) | ||
 | 10. Bodum 10903-01US-3 (Burr Grinding at Its Best) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Kalita KH-3 (Contemporary Performance Meets Vintage Style)  |
2. Krups F203 (Versatile One Touch Grinder) |
3. Chefman Electric Burr Coffee Grinder (Amazingly Precise) |
4. Cuisinart DBM-8 (Great Value) |
5. Porlex JP-30 (Consistent, Highly Efficient & Super Quiet Grinding) |
6. Hario MSCS-2DTB (Top Product by a Reputable Brand) |
7. Bellemain Electric Coffee Grinder (Best under $100) |
8. Breville BCG820 (Best Budget) |
9. Capresso 560.01 (User-Friendly with a Decent Capacity) |
10. Bodum 10903-01US-3 (Burr Grinding at Its Best) |
Under $50
1. Kalita KH-3 – Contemporary Performance Meets Vintage Style
Photo: Kalita
- Capacity: 140 grams
- Grind Settings: Several
- Burr/Blade Material: Steel
Looks are not always the main selling point of a coffee grinder, but the charm and elegance of the retro-looking Kalita KH-3 is impossible to ignore.
But, besides the look, this top-rated budget coffee grinder is also well-built with a solid wood grounds holder and cast iron top that also includes some high-performing steel burrs.
There is also a long and ergonomic handle that is meant to ensure maximum user comfort when grinding and to help make the grinder easier to hold.
The 140-gram capacity should be enough to grind coffee beans for making several cups of coffee, and you also get to choose from several grind settings to ensure you have the perfect grounds for your brew.
Cleaning the grinder is also made easy by its simple design that allows easy access to the burrs and because the top and bottom parts fit snugly, the machine will not shake when grinding and it also ensures maximum flavor retention.
The cast iron at the top is still quite prone to rust but if you keep the grinder clean and dry it will be a long time before you need to worry about rust.
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2. Krups F203 – Versatile One Touch Grinder
Photo: Krups
- Capacity: 85 grams
- Burr/Blade Material: Stainless steel
Making coffee might be your main reason for buying a grinder but it is always a great idea to have a versatile one like this model from Krups that can also grind nuts, grains, and spices.
This versatile coffee grinder is also one of the fastest out there as it will grind in as little as 10 seconds. And all you need to do is push a single button and wait for your grounds.
Although it is a blade grinder, the stainless steel blade works with the oval design of the grinder to ensure that you always get more uniform grounds.
Being the cheapest model among our budget coffee grinder reviews, it will be an even better choice for coffee lovers shopping on a super tight budget.
This compact coffee grinder can generate a lot of heat (which is typical of blade grinder) but this should be an easy problem to solve with some innovation.
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3. Chefman Electric Burr Coffee Grinder – An Amazingly Precise Grinder
Photo: Chefman
- Capacity: 227 grams
- Grind Settings: 17
- Burr/Blade Material: Ceramic
If consistency and even grinding are your top priority, this is the perfect coffee grinder for you as it uses some top quality ceramic burrs to deliver an amazingly precise grinding.
The coffee grinder is also designed to avoid overheating the coffee beans which ensures that you always get full-bodied flavors and great tasting coffee.
Also, choosing your preferred grind setting is a straightforward process as you only need to rotate the clearly labeled grind adjustment wheel. And this is also generally an easy to use coffee grinder thanks to its one-touch operation.
Clean up after use will not take up a lot of effort as the discs and containers are removable and dishwasher-safe for quick and effortless cleaning.
Some of the instructions seem a little off but this is a non-issue for most users as this coffee grinder does not take a lot of effort to figure out.
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4. Cuisinart DBM-8 – Great Value Coffee Grinder
Photo: Cuisinart
- Capacity: 227 grams
- Grind Settings: 18
- Burr/Blade Material: Stainless steel
Cuisinart DBM-8 is one of the best value coffee grinders not only in our list but also in the market because at its price tag it is hard to get anything that performs better or with better features.
The coffee grinder uses some superior quality stainless steel burr grinding mechanism that will ensure you get uniform grinding for optimal coffee flavors.
Operating the grinder is also made super easy by the simple grind setting selectors that are clearly labeled and a separate one-touch power bar.
With this coffee grinder, you also don’t have to keep your eyes on it while it is grinding as it has a convenient electric timer that will switch it off automatically when the cycle is complete.
The bean hopper capacity is still not the largest on our list, but it is a good size and it can easily hold enough beans for making more than two dozen coffee cups, and this is also a compact machine that takes up little space.
This can be quite a loud coffee grinder but this is typical of most electric grinders, and although cleaning could be easier, you should not have any difficulties once you get used to the machine.
More detailed: click here
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Under $100
5. Porlex JP-30 – Consistent, Highly Efficient and Super Quiet Grinding
Photo: Porlex
- Capacity: 30 grams
- Grind Settings: 12
- Burr/Blade Material: Ceramic
Porlex makes their JP-30 manual coffee grinder with consistency and efficiency in mind, and so you can be confident it will be a perfect machine for you regardless of the type of coffee you take.
Also, it is a super quiet grinder that will ensure you do not have to disturb everybody in the house when making your early morning cup of coffee.
You can use this burr grinder both indoors and outdoors as it does not require any electricity, and it comes in a compact and portable design.
Also, the burrs are easy to access for quick and easy cleaning, and their ceramic material makes them rust-free for many years of service.
Another key element that makes it one of the best budget burr coffee grinders is the fact that it comes with a durable and static-free stainless steel body.
The 30-gram capacity is the smallest in our list, but for a portable coffee grinder, it is still good as you can still make grounds for brewing at least a couple of cups of coffee at a go.
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6. Hario MSCS-2DTB – Top Product by a Reputable Brand
Photo: Hario
- Capacity: 100 grams
- Grind Settings: Several
- Burr/Blade Material: Ceramic
For the many coffee aficionados that are more comfortable with using a grinder from a reputable brand and are shopping on a budget, this manual one by Hario is a perfect choice.
The top quality manual coffee grinder features a stronger grind shaft that works with a burr stabilizing plate to ensure a more even grinding. Also, with the ceramic conical burrs, you can be sure of precise and uniform coffee grounds.
Using the machine is also made easier by the nonslip base that keeps it stable on any surface and the ergonomically design handle.
The handle also detaches easily to make the coffee grinder easier to transport and store. Its compact and lightweight design also enhances portability.
With this coffee grinder, you need to take it apart to adjust the grind settings and while at first, this might seem tedious, it will be a super quick process once you get used to it.
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7. Bellemain Electric Coffee Grinder – Simply the Best for under $100
Photo: Bellemain
- Capacity: 198 grams
- Grind Settings: 17
- Burr/Blade Material: Stainless steel
The design, construction, and performance of this Bellamain grinder combine to make it the best coffee grinder under $100 as it is hard to get a better model at the same price range.
One of its key highlights is the automatic shut off function that eliminates the need to keep watch of the machine during the grind. While this is a typical feature of high-end electric grinders, few others in the $100 price range have it.
This coffee grinder also has some high-performing and durable stainless steel burrs that are designed to provide fast and more consistent grinding.
The grinder is also straightforward to use thanks to its simple controls and with the removable bean and grounds containers, this is also an easy machine to clean. And although it still produces some noise when grinding, it is quieter than most other electric grinders.
The grind settings that come from the factory do not seem very accurate, but it is possible to fine-tune them.
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Under $200
8. Breville BCG820 – Smartest Budget Coffee Grinder
Photo: Breville
- Capacity: 510 grams
- Grind Settings: 60
- Burr/Blade Material: Stainless steel
For a budget coffee grinder, the Breville BCG820 is as smart as it can get. With its dosing IQ, this grinder will allow users to adjust the grind time more precisely at 0.2-second increments to ensure you always have total control.
Its 510-gram hopper capacity is the highest on our list, and it is designed to make it easy to grind coffee for making dozens of cups.
Also, the 60 grind settings allow you to fine-tune the size of the particle to suit your preferences and any type of coffee that you like. And so if you are on the market for the best budget espresso grinder or even something for French press brewing this will be perfect.
The LCD display makes this a more user-friendly device as it is bright and clear to make it easy to select grind settings and adjust grind time. Generally, this is also one of the fastest budget grinders out there and you can always be sure of uniform grinding.
When compared to other budget coffee grinders on our list, this model is a little pricier and it can also be quite loud. However, these are not deal breakers as the benefits that you get from it outweigh the minor shortcomings.
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9. Capresso 560.01 – User-Friendly Grinder with a Decent Capacity
Photo: Capresso
- Capacity: 249 grams
- Grind Settings: 16
- Burr/Blade Material: Steel
With a more user-friendly grinder like the Infinity by Capresso, making coffee will be both an easy and fun process that you will always look forward to every morning.
The coffee grinder also has a relatively larger bean capacity which makes it perfect for making coffee for larger groups and for heavy drinkers.
You can choose from a total of 16 grind setting that ranges from extra fine to course which makes this a perfect machine for everything from pour over to French press brewing. And there are clear markings on the grinder for easy grind setting adjustment
Because it has a gear reduction motor that grinds slow with minimal noise and less heat build-up, you get to preserve most of the aroma and flavor.
Like many other grinders, it can be a little messy as it retains some fine grounds on the chamber. However, given the quality of the grounds that you get, a little extra clean up is a small price to pay.
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10. Bodum 10903-01US-3 – Burr Grinding at Its Best
Photo: Bodum
- Capacity: 220 grams
- Grind Settings: 14
- Burr/Blade Material: Stainless steel
When shopping for the best affordable coffee grinder, you can almost never go wrong if you pick something with some top quality conical stainless steel burr as it always ensures consistent grinding and maximum flavor preservation.
This Bodum grinder is a perfect example of this but there is still way more to it besides its highly efficient and consistent burrs.
It also has a convenient pre-set timer that you can use to ensure you will always have freshly ground coffee beans when you need them.
Because it uses a borosilicate glass catcher to hold then grounds, static will almost never be an issue for you when using this grinder.
The controls and grind settings are also easy to use and adjust, and the 14 settings will allow you to make everything from a typical espresso to French press.
The 5 minute wait time between grinds can be a little longer for some coffee aficionados, but if you are making a few cups of coffee, the machine has enough capacity to grind the beans you need all at once.
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How to Buy the Best Budget Coffee Grinders
Photo: Capresso
Buying an inexpensive coffee grinder might seem like a straightforward task but once you start shopping for one, the number of options in the market can be overwhelming.
However, with the right information in mind beforehand it should be easier for you to make up your mind on what to choose. Here are some of the most crucial elements to consider when picking a budget coffee grinder.
1. Budget
While it is true you have already decided that you want a cheap coffee grinder, it is still important to make sure that you know how much you are willing to spend.
Do you want to go for a cheap under $50 manual grinder or are you ready to spend a little more to get a more feature-rich and faster electric grinder?
To make sure that you make the right decision, it is important to note that spending a little extra cash on your grinder means that you will get something with more grind settings and more durable construction.
However, also keep in mind that the price might not always be a reflection of the quality because some brands are known to be more expensive even if their products are not necessarily better quality.
Hence, the right idea is to come up with a budget and choose the best product within that budget.
2. Burr vs. Blade Coffee Grinder
Whether you are buying an expensive coffee grinder or shopping for the best cheap coffee grinder, one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether to buy a model that uses burr or blade grinding mechanism.
Burr Coffee Grinder
The burr coffee grinders are the most popular types because they offer more consistent results and are also not as noisy as the blade grinders. These grinders use metal or ceramic burrs that grind the coffee beans when they fall between them.
Also, burr grinders come in conical and flat options but most inexpensive entry-level models will have a conical burr grinder.
Blade Coffee Grinder
Blade grinders will work more like food processors or blenders using blades to chop the coffee beans into tiny pieces.
Although blade grinders can still produce grounds that are good enough to make nice coffee, their biggest problem is inconsistent particle sizes that can cause under and over-extraction. Also, they tend to be noisier.
Buying Advice: Burr coffee grinders are by far the best option among the two types. Unless you are shopping on a super tight budget, always go for a grinder with a burr system.
3. Manual or Electric Coffee Grinder
You also need to decide whether you want a manual coffee grinder or a more efficient electric one. The two can still provide consistent coffee grounds but they will be ideal for different situations and different types of coffee drinkers.
Manual Coffee Grinder
Manual coffee grinders are the more affordable option of the two, and they are the types that will require some elbow grease to grind the beans.
With these grinders, you need to pour the beans on the hopper and then use the crank handle to grind. The process is relatively slower than what you get with electric ones and you can only grind a small batch of beans at a go.
However, these coffee grinders will give you a more hands-on approach to coffee making and will also not produce as much noise like the electric grinders.
Electric Coffee Grinder
With the electric coffee grinders, you only need to pour the beans on the hopper and then push a button and the grounds will be ready in a few minutes if not seconds.
These coffee grinders will not require any elbow grease and will deliver more consistent grounds. And they will in most instances have more grind settings and a larger grinds capacity.
But, electric grinders can be quite noisy and most are larger and bulky which makes them less portable. Also, the fact that they need electricity limits their portability.
Buying Advice: A manual grinder is your best choice if you are looking for more control over the grinding process and something quieter. But, if you want more grind settings and want to grind lots of beans without having to put in a lot of effort, go for the electric grinders.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is the key to getting the best inexpensive coffee grinder. Unless you want to stick to just one type of brew or coffee making method, you need a grinder that will be flexible.
Also, flexibility in the grinding style and settings means that you can use the machine to grind different roasts when you want to.
Brewing with then wrong grind can ruin your coffee, and so a good machine should give you room to alter the grinds to suit your needs.
5. Grind Settings
The more the grind settings the more flexible the coffee grinder will be when it comes to making different kinds of coffee brews.
Electric grinders tend to have more grind settings than the manual ones. However, there are also many manual models that will be infinitely adjustable to ensure that you can choose almost any grind size you can think of.
Because most inexpensive coffee grinders are mostly manual, you should make sure that you get a model with at least 10 grind settings.
Besides going for a coffee maker with many grind settings, it should also be easy to adjust the settings and also have a mechanism to let you know easily which setting you choose.
Conclusion
A coffee grinder is a must-have if you want a truly hands-on approach to coffee brewing and also want to enjoy the rich and bold flavor that comes with using fresh grounds to brew.
Finding the best budget coffee grinder for those shopping on a tight budget should never be a stressful and tedious task as this piece highlights the crucial things to watch out for when shopping.
Lastly, when buying a cheap coffee grinder, it is important to take extra precaution and make sure that you only buy from a reputable brand that stands by their products. But, you should be okay regardless of the model you choose from our budget coffee grinder reviews above.
