A burr grinder is the single most impactful upgrade in home coffee. We’ve tested electric and manual grinders for espresso, filter and both, across all price points from £40 to £800.
At a glance — our top three picks
Top Pick
Baratza Encore ESP
The updated Encore with a tighter espresso adjustment range. Our benchmark grinder for filter and espresso alike.
Runner-up
Sage Smart Grinder Pro
Built-in scales, 60 grind settings and a slick LCD. The best grinder under £200 if you prioritise espresso.
Budget
Timemore C2 Manual Grinder
Hand grinder with stainless conical burrs that beats electric grinders twice its price on consistency.
Our top picks compared
| Product | Best for | Rating | Price | Jump to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore ESP | Overall best buy | ★★★★★ | £££ | Read review ↓ |
| Sage Smart Grinder Pro | Enthusiast upgrade | ★★★★½ | ££££ | Read review ↓ |
| Timemore C2 Manual Grinder | Best under budget | ★★★★ | £ | Read review ↓ |
Top Pick: Baratza Encore ESP
The updated Encore with a tighter espresso adjustment range. Our benchmark grinder for filter and espresso alike.
Pros
- ✅ 40mm conical burrs
- ✅ Great UK parts and service support
- ✅ Clear espresso-fine settings
Cons
- ❌ Single hopper, no dosing control
- ❌ Louder than flat-burr grinders
Runner-up: Sage Smart Grinder Pro
Built-in scales, 60 grind settings and a slick LCD. The best grinder under £200 if you prioritise espresso.
Pros
- ✅ Digital timed dosing
- ✅ Fits both portafilters and bags
- ✅ Good grind-retention
Cons
- ❌ Plastic hopper browns with oily beans
- ❌ Stepped adjustments only
Budget: Timemore C2 Manual Grinder
Hand grinder with stainless conical burrs that beats electric grinders twice its price on consistency.
Pros
- ✅ Under £80
- ✅ Travels well
- ✅ Premium stainless burrs
Cons
- ❌ Hand-crank is slow for daily espresso
- ❌ Single-dose workflow only
Buying guide
Conical vs flat burrs
Conical burrs are quieter, cheaper and forgiving — great for filter. Flat burrs produce a more uniform grind, preferred for espresso at higher budgets.
Stepped vs stepless
Stepped grinders have fixed settings. Stepless grinders (Niche Zero, Eureka Mignon Specialita) allow micro-adjustment — essential for dialling in espresso.
Manual grinders
1Zpresso J-Max, JE-Plus and Timemore Chestnut C3 are the standout manual grinders. Excellent for travel and perfectly capable for daily home use.
Retention
Grinder retention matters more than spec sheets suggest. The Niche Zero is famous for near-zero retention; many cheaper grinders hold 2–5g of stale coffee between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate grinder for espresso?
Is the Niche Zero worth the money?
What about blade grinders?
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