Best Coffee Grinder for French Press 2021 (Guide & Reviews)

The French press brewing method is popular with coffee lovers all over the world. You don’t need to be in France to enjoy the bold flavor of French press coffee.

Do you want to try French press coffee for the first time? Or have you been using this brewing method for years?

Either way, you’ll get the best results from freshly ground coffee beans with a medium-to-coarse grind texture.

Using the best coffee grinder for French press, you can produce the perfect grind texture for full flavor extraction in the French press brewing process.

Starting with pre-ground coffee results in a gritty residue at the bottom of your cup, and the flavor extraction leaves something to be desired. A coarse grind of fresh coffee beans delivers the most flavorful brew in a French press.

That’s why it is crucial to start by grinding your beans immediately before brewing.

To learn more, read my top-10 list of excellent coffee grinders that will produce the perfect grind for French press brewing.

Top Rated French Press Coffee Grinder

Recommended 10 Best Coffee Grinder for French Press Reviews

French press coffee is rich, aromatic, and indulgent. Depending on how long the ground coffee steeps in the hot water, it can be quite strong and flavorful. To enjoy this coffee indulgence, you’ll want to purchase one of the best French press coffee grinders on the market. Read on for more information about 10 favorite choices.

1.Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Do you want to be assured of prizewinning quality when you invest in a coffee grinder? The Baratza Encore grinder is a winner of the Specialty Coffee Association award.

This grinder is versatile and hard working with an intuitive design that makes it easy to operate. Even if you’re groggy in the early morning, you can turn out the perfect grind for your wake-up cup of joe.

Easy to Operate –

Baratza calls this grinder a “work horse.” Clearly marked operating buttons are conveniently placed on the front and side of the machine. A simple on/off button starts continuous grinding while a pulse button allows you to fine-tune your grind. A simple dial at the base of the hopper is clearly marked to facilitate selection of grind settings.

Versatile Grind Settings –

Although French press might be your favorite coffee brewing method, you can enjoy other coffee applications, too. The Baratza Encore allows you to choose from 40 grind settings to brew perfect coffee by other methods such as espresso, Aeropress, and automatic drip. Stainless steel, conical burrs produce the right grind every time.

Quality Materials and Warranty –

As a home barista, you’re interested in commercial-grade quality for your grinder. Baratza manufactures its 40 mm hardened steel burrs in Lichtenstein, Europe. They provide a 1-year warranty and back up their products with support for repairs and parts replacement. In a world where small appliances wear out quickly, Baratza stands out for quality and manufacturer’s support.

Dimensions and Capacity –

One of the advantages of this grinder is that it has a small footprint on your kitchen counter. It takes up only 4.7 x 6.3 inches and stands 13.8 inches tall. The grinder weighs 6.83 pounds, so it is easy to move and store. The hopper holds 8 ounces of whole beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Does this have metal or ceramic blades?

Answer: It doesn’t have blades. The conical burrs are made of hardened steel.

2. Question: Does it have a timer for grinding?

Answer: No. You can see through the clear receptacle and hopper when the beans have been ground.

2. OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Do you frequently brew large amounts of coffee? If so, you’ll be interested in this large-capacity burr grinder from OXO. It will produce enough ground coffee for 12 cups. Additionally, you can fine-tune your grind texture to meet any of your coffee brewing needs. Micro settings allow you to personalize your grind choices.

High Quality Burrs –

Conical burrs produce the most consistent ground coffee. This means that the individual particles are uniform in size, resulting in the most complete flavor extraction during the brewing process. The conical burrs in this OXO grinder are high quality, 40 mm stainless steel. They will give you a consistent, uniform grind every time.

Grind Settings –

Choose from among 15 grind settings to achieve the right texture for various coffee brewing methods. If that is not enough, you can fine-tune your grind choices with micro settings. This way, you’ll get the uniform, precision grind texture that you want for any coffee application.

One-Touch Operation –

After you have found the perfect grind setting for your needs, the timer mechanism on this grinder allows you to adjust and save your favorite setting. By doing this, you can start the next batch with only one touch and know that you’ll achieve the perfect grind. This feature provides convenience and ease of operation.

Dimensions and Capacity –

The OXO grinder features a large capacity hopper and ground coffee receptacle, but the machine does not take up a lot of countertop space. The footprint is 7.4 x 5.25 inches, and the grinder is 11.75 inches tall. It weighs only 4.5 pounds. Despite its small footprint and light weight, this grinder handles a large quantity of coffee beans. The hopper holds .75 pounds (12 ounces) of coffee beans, and the ground coffee receptacle holds enough grounds for 12 cups of coffee. Voltage is 120V/60Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: How loud is this grinder?

Answer: It is much quieter than a blade grinder and also quieter than some other burr grinders.

2. Question: Is static cling a problem with this grinder?

Answer: With this grinder, there is little or no static buildup.

3. Breville BCG820BSSXL The Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder

Here’s a sophisticated grinder that brings the coffeehouse into your kitchen. If you appreciate high-tech convenience and versatility in a coffee grinder, this programmable, smart grinder might be right for you. For multiple coffee applications from espresso to French press, you’ll find the perfect grind among the 60 available grind settings on this Breville machine. Program your preferred grind for optimal convenience.

Programmable, Smart Technology –

Enjoy the convenience of 21st century, smart technology with this grinder. You can program the electronic timer precisely in 0.2 second increments to achieve the perfect dose every time. This is important because variations in grind size require adjustments in grinding time. With “Dosing iQ,” 60 grind settings, and readable LCD display, Breville provides ultimate precision and convenience to make the grinding experience easy and the results perfect.

Conical Burrs and Multiple Ground Coffee Receptacles –

Conical, stainless-steel burrs ensure the best quality grinding. They produce minimal heat so that your ground coffee retains flavorful oils. Choose “cups” or “shots” to grind coffee beans for French press, drip, or espresso methods. Depending on how you’re going to brew your coffee, you can grind directly into 1 of 4 included receptacles: (1) portafilter for espresso, (2) airtight grinds container, (3) gold tone filter basket, or (4) paper filter.

60 Grind Choices –

Fine-tuning your desired grind texture is super-easy. With the Breville grinder, you can create a super-fine grind for espresso, a coarse grind for French press, and everything in-between. Simply turn a dial and watch the read-out on the LCD display to set the precise grind that you select from among 60 choices.

Dimensions and Capacity –

The footprint of this machine 12.5 x 8.5 inches, and the height is 16.3 inches. It weighs 6.4 pounds. The see-through, large-capacity hopper will hold up to 18 ounces of coffee beans. Voltage = 110/120 volts. Power = 165 watts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Is there a problem with buildup of dark coffee bean oil?

Answer: Not a big problem. The included cleaning brush does a good job of cleaning. You might also try a commercial grinder-cleaning product.

2. Question: Does this grinder produce a fine enough grind for espresso?

Answer: Yes. It will produce an ultra-fine grind.

4. Breville BCG600SIL The Dose Control Pro Coffee Bean Grinder

This machine is similar to the previous item (also made by Breville), but it’s a bit smaller in size and weight with a slightly smaller bean hopper capacity. Otherwise, it boasts the same programmable, smart technology features to make your life easier. The extensive array of grind choices and the ability to grind directly into a portafilter for espresso allow you to achieve precision grinding easily and automatically for multiple coffee applications.

60 Grind Choices –

With this machine, you can grind coffee beans for any coffee brewing method. You can select your preferred grind texture from among 60 settings. Simply turn a dial at the base of the hopper to select your desired grind texture. This machine makes it easy for you to achieve precision grinding results.

Programmable Timer –

Smart technology allows you to program the grind timer in 1-second increments. Adjust the timer and program it to deliver the perfect dose every time, depending on the amount and texture of ground coffee needed for various coffee applications.

Versatile Ground Coffee Receptacles –

With other grinders, you have only one choice: the coffee grounds flow into a container that you remove from the grinder to pour ground coffee into your coffeemaker. With the Breville machines, you have 4 choices. You can grind directly into a portafilter for espresso. For all other brewing methods, grind into one of 3 choice containers: (1) a gold tone filter basket, (2) a paper filter, (3) a grinds container seals with an airtight seal. The convenience of grinding directly into a filter means that you can skip a step and make coffee-brewing easier.

Dimensions and Capacity –

Weighing in at 4.5 pounds, the Breville Dose Control Pro takes up 8 x 6 inches of counter space and stands 13.5 inches high. The bean hopper will hold 12 ounces of whole beans. This machine includes an interchangeable razor to trim the puck at just the right level. It adjusts for 50 mm, 54 mm, and 58 mm portafilter baskets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Does this machine perform at the same level with only a small quantity of beans in the hopper?

Answer: Yes. The grind quality is just as good. Be sure to adjust the timer for a smaller quantity of beans.

2. Question: Is this machine good for espresso?

Answer: Yes. It produces a very fine grind all the way up to a coarse grind.

5. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Setting

Technology is wonderful, but you might not need or want a fancy, large-capacity electrical appliance for grinding your favorite beans. The JavaPresse manual coffee grinder combines simplicity with high-quality materials and ergonomic design. With this non-electrical grinder, you can grind fresh beans outdoors or at your work desk. You still get to choose precise grind textures, and clean-up is a breeze.

18 Grind Texture Choices –

A built-in grind selector allows you to choose your desired texture from among 18 choices. Grind beans for drip, pour-over, Chemex, espresso, cold brew, French press, and more. Simply turn the selector dial and it “clicks” to move from one setting to another. A chart is included to tell you how many “clicks” for various grind textures. With this simple, manual machine, you have amazing control over the resulting texture of your ground coffee.

Long-Lasting Ceramic Burrs –

JavaPresse makes this coffee grinder with the same attention to detail as traditional Japanese cookware. They include ceramic combo burrs that have been professionally inspected and shown to last 5 times longer than stainless-steel blades. An advantage of ceramic burrs is that they do not conduct heat; therefore, they do not deplete your beans of flavor and oils.

Quiet and Portable –

Some electrical coffee grinders are known to wake up everyone in the household (including apartment neighbors) because they’re so noisy. You will never have that problem with the JavaPresse manual grinder. It’s very quiet. Additionally, you can enjoy freshly ground coffee on a hike or camping trip. You can even quietly grind beans at your work desk to enjoy an excellent brew without bothering your co-workers.

Dimensions and Capacity –

Compared to larger, electric grinders, the JavaPresse manual grinder is extremely small and lightweight. You can easily take it with you when you travel or commute. The dimensions are 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches, and it weighs only 9.4 ounces. The hand crank is removable for convenience in packing or storing the grinder.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Does it come with a chart to tell you how many clicks of the dial correspond to various grind textures?

Answer: Yes. Every grinder comes with a detailed chart showing you how many clicks to turn the dial for any one of 18 grind choices from fine to coarse.

2. Question: How much does it hold, and how long does it take to grind the beans.

Answer: The grinder holds ½ cup of coffee beans, and it takes about 8 minutes to grind them.

6. Porlex 345-12541 Jp-30 Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder, Silver

Here’s a slim, compact, manual grinder made by Porlex, a Japanese company that specializes in high-quality food grinders. The design is sleek and easy to operate. You won’t need electricity to use this manual grinder, and its small size and light weight mean that you can easily take it with you anywhere you go.

Quality Materials and Adjustable Grind –

High-quality materials and construction ensure smooth operation of this compact, manual grinder. The body of this grinder is made of stainless steel, and the burrs are ceramic. A wingnut on the bottom of the grinding chamber is adjustable to deliver various grind textures (from fine to coarse). Tighten the wingnut for a fine grind or loosen it for medium or coarse texture. You will feel the wingnut “click,” allowing you to fine-tune your grind selection.

No Heat – No Static –

Because this grinder is manual and operates with ceramic burrs, there is no heat buildup during grinding. Heat can rob your coffee beans of oils and flavor, so the absence of heat is an advantage. Additionally, the stainless-steel body prevents the buildup of coffee dust due to static electricity from grinding. Clean-up is a breeze without annoying, static coffee dust.

Green Design – No Electricity Required –

In an effort to go “green,” it’s nice to grind coffee beans without electricity. Manual grinding is quiet, too. With its sleek design and sturdy stainless-steel exterior, you can throw this grinder into your backpack for your next outdoor adventure or toss it into your briefcase to quietly grind beans at your work desk.

Dimensions and Capacity –

This small grinder will hold 30 grams of beans. It measures 1.9 x 1.9 x 7.6 inches and weighs only 2.4 ounces. The best way to enjoy delicious coffee is to grind your beans immediately before every brew. The Porlex grinder allows you to grind the amount you need for the freshest coffee experience possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: How long does it take to grind?

Answer: About 90 seconds to get 2 tbsp. of ground beans. Or, about 6-7 minutes to grind a full chamber of beans.

2. Question: Does it grind fine enough for espresso or Turkish coffee?

Answer: Yes. By tightening the screw, you can get a very fine grind.

7. Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill – “Skerton”

Grinding coffee doesn’t get much simpler or more straightforward than it does with this manual coffee mill by Hario. Hearken back to the days of simple kitchen tools with this classic design. The glass bowl lets you see how much ground coffee you have, and the included screw-on lid keeps your ground coffee fresh.

Materials –

Hario is a Japanese company founded in 1921 and dedicated to producing high-quality, glass materials for home and commercial use. The ground coffee container in this grinder is made in the Hario tradition of quality glassware. Conical, ceramic burrs deliver a uniform grind without heat buildup.

Grind Texture Selection –

This grinder allows you to adjust the distance between the two ceramic burrs for finer or coarser grind textures. This is accomplished with a small knob that can be adjusted to move the burrs and allow more of less space between them. If the burrs are closer together, you’ll get a finer grind. If there is more of a gap between the burrs, the grind will be coarser.

Sturdy, Functional Design –

The crank handle is ergonomically designed for ease of operation. It’s removable for storage, too. The top grinding chamber detaches from the glass bowl and an included screw-on top can be attached for storing ground coffee. To keep the grinder stable on a work surface, a non-slip, rubber base covers the bottom part of the glass bowl.

Dimensions and Capacity –

The glass bowl holds about 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of ground coffee. Dimensions (with attached crank handle) = 16 x 11 x 13 inches. For extra convenience, the grinding apparatus screws on to any standard size Mason jar (not a wide-mouth jar).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Will it make a grind for French press?

Answer: Yes, but the grind is more consistent at the finer end of the scale (such as espresso).

2. Question: How long does it take to grind beans for a cup of coffee.

Answer: It varies because grinding a fine texture takes a bit longer than grinding a coarse texture. But, grinding 60 beans (enough for 2 cups) takes about 40 seconds.

8. Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, Black

If you like the idea of fast, automatic operation with user-friendly features, then check out this grinder by Capresso. Operating procedures are laid right out in front of you. Grind settings are clearly marked on the front of the machine along with an easy-to-adjust, automatic timer button. The hopper and ground coffee container are both see-through so there’s no guessing involved.

Materials and Construction –

The conical burrs in this grinder are made of solid, commercial-grade steel. They feature an advanced cutting design to ensure high-precision grinding. Although the grinder delivers ground coffee fast, it has a gear-reduction motor for slower grinding speed. This provides the advantage of less friction and less heat buildup which can deplete coffee beans of oils and flavor during the grinding process.

Automatic Timer –

Operation is simple with the clearly marked timer dial on the front of the grinder. Set the timer for anywhere from 5 to 60 seconds. It will shut off automatically. Your morning routine just became easier due to the user-friendly design of this grinder.

16 Grind Selections –

A dial at the base of the hopper adjusts to one of 16 settings to select your preferred grind texture. These are grouped into 4 categories: extra-fine, fine, medium, and coarse. Within each category, you can fine-tune to 1 of 4 choices. Get exactly the right grind for your preferred brewing method: anything from extra-fine for Turkish or espresso up to coarse for cold brew or French press.

Dimensions and Capacity –

The footprint of this machine is 7.75 x 5 inches, and its height is 10.5 inches. The see-through hopper will hold 8.8 ounces of coffee beans, and the see-through ground coffee container holds 4 ounces of ground coffee. Electrical requirements include the following: 100 watts, 120 Volts, 60 Hertz.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Does this machine produce static electricity while grinding?

Answer: Yes. Most electric grinders do produce static electricity.

2. Question: Does it do a good job of grinding coarse for French press?

Answer: Yes. The coarsely-ground coffee from this machine is perfect for French press.

9. Baratza Virtuoso – Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

If you want an elegant appliance to enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen décor, then the Baratza Virtuoso grinder might be the best one for you. The sculpted metal top and base of this machine provide a sleek, stylish vibe for your kitchen counter or coffee bar. An extensive choice of grind settings and an automatic timer add to the convenience of this grinder.

40 Grind Choices –

A dial at the base of the hopper allows you to easily set the perfect grind for your preferred brewing method. Choose one of 40 settings for Aeropress, Chemex, French press, espresso, and more. Set the dial for the brewing method you plan to use and change it easily for alternative coffee applications.

Quality Materials and Construction –

The burrs in this grinder are made of high-carbon steel engineered in Lichenstein, Europe. You don’t need to be concerned about the steel burrs conducting heat because Baratza provides an efficient gear-reduction DC motor that reduces the burr action to 450 RPM. This gear reduction results in smooth operation which minimizes noise, heat, and static buildup.

Auto Timer or Pulse –

You can set an automatic timer for precise grinding up to 60 seconds. This allows you to replicate an ideal grind every time. If you prefer, you can use the pulse button conveniently located on the front of the machine. Using the pulse button allows you to grind directly into a filter.

Dimensions and Capacity –

With its small footprint, the Baratza Virtuoso fits conveniently on your countertop. It takes up only 4.7 x 6.4 inches of space and stands 13.8 inches tall. The machine weighs 7.15 pounds. Although it has a small footprint, this grinder boasts an ample bean hopper holds up to 10 ounces of coffee beans. This allows you to grind beans for a large quantity of coffee at one time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Does it come with a warranty?

Answer: Yes. It comes with a 1-year warranty.

2. Question: Does it produce a coarse grind for French press?

Answer: Yes. It’s good for French press, even when it is not on the coarsest grind setting.

10. Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

Do you need to brew large quantities of coffee at a time? If so, this Cuisinart model might be right for you. The removable grind chamber holds enough ground coffee for 32 cups! The clear plastic hopper and grind chamber are BPA-free and provide visibility for user-friendly operating. Automatic controls add to the convenience of this model.

18-Position Grind Selector –

Choose from among 18 grinds from ultra-fine to extra-coarse. A slide dial allows you to set the grinder for enough beans to brew 4-to-18 cups. The grind selector dial is conveniently located at the base of the hopper and clearly marked so that you know exactly how to set your selection.

Auto Timer and Pulse Bar –

Set the timer, and it will shut off automatically when your beans are ground. Alternatively, if you’re grinding only a small quantity of beans, you can move the slider to the “off” position when the hopper is empty. Additionally, you can use the separate one-touch power bar. The heavy-duty motor will deliver a smooth, consistent grind every time.

Materials and Construction –

The exterior of this Cuisinart grinder is brushed stainless steel for elegant styling that will look attractive on your kitchen counter or coffee bar. The burrs are flat disc burrs (as opposed to conical burrs). Plastic parts, such as the large-capacity hopper and ground coffee container are made of see-through plastic that is BPA free.

Dimensions and Capacity –

Cuisinart fits a large-capacity hopper and ground coffee container into a machine that doesn’t have a large footprint. It takes up 6 x 7.13 inches of counter space, stands 10.75 inches tall, and weighs 4.5 pounds. The hopper holds 10 ounces of beans, and the removable ground coffee receptacle holds enough for 32 cups of coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Can you grind only a small amount of beans if you want to?

Answer: Yes. You can grind any amount. If you don’t want to use the auto timer, just move the slider to the “off” position when the beans are ground. (You can see through the clear plastic hopper).

2. Question: Does it make a mess with lots of coffee dust?

Answer: No. Especially with a medium or coarse grind, there is minimal coffee dust.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a French Press Coffee Grinder

As with any purchase, you want to research the quality and function of products before you make a choice. When you’re shopping for a coffee grinder that will function well for French press coffee brewing, you will want to consider several factors. Read on to learn more about relevant options.

Types of Coffee Grinders

Several types of coffee grinders are available on the market, so you have some choices to make. Do you want to operate your grinder manually, or do you want it to be electric? Will you need to grind a large quantity of beans to brew 10-12 cups of coffee, or will you grind only enough beans for 1-2 cups at a time? If you go with an electric grinder, do you want it to be high-tech and programmable, or would you be satisfied with a simpler machine? You will find a type of coffee grinder for every need.

Manual or Electric

If want to avoid using electricity, you might want a manual grinder. You will need to exert some physical energy, however, and it will take a longer to grind your beans. With an electric grinder, the process is faster and grind selection is easier to adjust. Some electric grinders are noisy, and manual grinders are quieter. An additional advantage of manual grinders is that they produce less static coffee dust than electric models. That being said, it’s hard to beat the convenience of electric grinders, especially the smart, programmable models.

Blade or Burr Grinders

Consensus of opinion among coffee aficionados is that burr grinders are superior to blade grinders. Burr grinders are quieter and do not produce as much heat as blade grinders do. They produce a more uniform, consistent grind, too.  However, burr grinders are generally more expensive than blade grinders.

Number of Grind Settings

If you’re picky about the exact ground coffee texture you want for specific coffee brewing methods, you will want to purchase a grinder with lots of grind settings. Electric models in this review offer anywhere from 15 to 60 grind settings. Manual models provide fewer settings that are adjusted by turning a knob or screw-type mechanism.

Grind Size Adjustment

For convenience, look for a grinder that offers an accessible and clearly marked dial for adjusting the grind size. Some machines show grind settings on an LCD display. Others rely on a dial with incremental markings. Manual models provide fewer grind size settings that are adjusted by turning a knob or screw-type mechanism. This adjustment is not as easy on a manual grinder as it is on an electric model

Grind Consistency

Grind consistency and uniformity refer to whether the individual particles in the ground coffee are consistent in size. For example, you don’t want to have a coarse grind for French press with a few fine particles mixed in. (You’ll get some grounds at the bottom of your cup). Look for a grinder with well-made burrs that remain stable when they are adjusted for grind size.

Bean Hopper Size

The whole point of grinding your own beans is to do it immediately before brewing so that your ground coffee is as fresh as possible. Your choice of bean hopper size will depend on your coffee brewing needs. If you brew large amounts of coffee for several people, look for a machine with a large bean hopper capacity. If you brew only about 2-4 cups at any given time, you will not need a large-capacity bean hopper.

Noise Level

Electric burr grinders are not as noisy as blade grinders. Manual grinders are much quieter than electric grinders with either burrs or blades. If noise level is a concern, you might want to consider whether you will need to grind beans in the early morning while family members or close neighbors are sleeping.

Warranty

Manufacturers’ warranties vary from one manufacturer to the next. Check out warranties before deciding to purchase a grinder that’s just right for you. Keep your receipt and the paperwork that comes with your grinder in case you need to return the grinder. Some manufacturers state that they are committed to parts replacement or repair. It’s always recommended to read the information about warranties before you buy.

Final Verdict

Knowing that serious coffee lovers prefer burr grinders over blade grinders, this review focuses on burr grinders. We’ve included burr grinders to suit various needs, preferences, and budgets.

From this review, we hope you’ll find one to meet your own personal expectations. Having found the best grinder for French press coffee, you’ll be equipped to skip the coffeehouse and create your own heavenly moments of coffee-drinking bliss.