If you want better coffee without spending much, a grinder usually does more for the cup than a new coffee maker. Whole beans keep their flavor far longer than pre-ground coffee, and grinding just before you brew is the cheapest real improvement most kitchens can make. You do not need a premium grinder to get there; you need to know what the cheaper ones give up.
This guide looks at the entry tier of each maker’s grinder range: electric burr grinders from Baratza, Capresso, KRUPS, Hamilton Beach and Mr. Coffee, two hand grinders from Hario and KINGrinder, and two blade grinders from Bodum and BLACK+DECKER. We do not quote prices, which change daily. Instead we explain what you get for the money, what you give up compared with the grinders in our main best coffee grinder guide, and what each maker’s warranty and parts support look like.
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Quick verdict: the best coffee grinder on a budget
If you can stretch to it, the best coffee grinder for a budget is the Baratza Encore, Baratza’s entry model: 40 mm conical steel burrs, 40 settings and, according to America’s Test Kitchen, replacement parts sold on Baratza’s website, so it can be repaired rather than thrown away. For less, the KRUPS Precision Burr Grinder gives you flat metal burrs, 12 settings and an automatic stop for 2 to 12 cups. If you are happy to grind by hand, the Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Slim is the simplest way to get burr-ground coffee for very little.
The table compares the five standouts, one for each kind of coffee drinker. All nine grinders are reviewed in full below.
Five budget coffee grinders compared
Grind type, settings and power source for our five standout picks, as each maker or Amazon listing gives them.
| Grinder | Best for | Grind type & settings | Power | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder, WhiteBest overall
|
Drip to French press, repairable | 40 mm conical steel; 40 settings | Electric | View on Amazon |
KRUPS Precision Burr Coffee GrinderBest value electric
|
Drip, measured by the cup | Flat metal burrs; 12 settings | Electric, auto-stop | View on Amazon |
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr GrinderBest for fine grinds
|
Turkish to drip | Conical steel; 16 settings | Electric, gear-reduction motor | View on Amazon |
Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill SlimBest hand grinder
|
One or two cups, no plug | Ceramic burr; adjustable | Hand crank | View on Amazon |
Bodum Bistro Adjustable Blade GrinderBest blade grinder
|
Lowest outlay, occasional use | Steel blade; 5 grind settings | Electric | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Burr and setting figures are as each maker or listing states them.
Our picks for the best coffee grinder budget buyers can trust
These nine grinders cover the three ways to save money on grinding: an entry-level electric burr grinder, a hand grinder that puts burrs in your hands for less, and a blade grinder for the lowest outlay. Each pick ends with one honest reason to skip it.
1. Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder, White – Repairable Entry-Level Burrs
Baratza calls the Encore its “go-to entry level grinder,” and it is the first step in Baratza’s range. It uses 40 mm hardened alloy steel conical burrs, which Baratza says are made in Liechtenstein, driven by a DC motor, with 40 grind settings that the listing says cover espresso, AeroPress, V60, Chemex, French press and automatic brewers.
Operation is an ON/OFF switch and a front pulse button for grinding straight into a portafilter or a small dose. There is no timer or digital display; you grind until you have enough.
The real argument for the Encore on a budget is how long it can last. America’s Test Kitchen noted that the original Encore still works and that its parts are for sale on Baratza’s website, even though Baratza hopes to phase this model out in favor of the newer Encore ESP over the coming years. A grinder you can repair for the cost of a part is better value over years than a cheaper one you replace. Our main grinder guide lists the black version of this same machine; we include the white model here because it is Baratza’s entry tier, so if you prefer black, buy that one. Baratza states a one-year warranty.
Why we like it
- 40 mm conical steel burrs and 40 settings, per Baratza
- Replacement parts sold by Baratza, per ATK
- Simple switch plus front pulse button
- Small footprint
Key specifications
| Model | ZCG484WHT |
|---|---|
| Grind type | 40 mm conical steel burrs |
| Grind settings | 40 |
| Bean capacity | Not stated in listing |
| Dosing | Manual; on/off switch and pulse button |
| Power source | Electric, DC motor |
| Cleaning | Not stated in listing |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants one burr grinder for drip, pour-over and French press that can be repaired for years.
Skip it if you mainly want espresso; Baratza’s Encore ESP in our espresso grinder guide has finer steps for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Repairable, with parts sold by the maker
- Wide range of settings
- Easy to use
Cons
- The costliest grinder on this page
- No timer or cup selector
- Only a one-year warranty
2. KRUPS Precision Burr Coffee Grinder – Auto-Stop by the Cup
KRUPS’s Precision Burr Grinder is the maker’s simpler burr model, below the flat burr GX450 in our French press grinder guide. It uses flat metal burrs and has 12 settings from coarse to fine. You set how many cups you want, from 2 to 12, and it stops automatically when it has ground that amount.
The hopper holds 8 ounces of beans. The top burr and the grind chamber both come out for cleaning, and KRUPS suggests tapping the chamber before opening the lid to reduce static. KRUPS is candid about espresso: it says to use the two finest settings with freshly roasted beans for best results, which tells you espresso is at the edge of its range rather than its strength.
For drip, pour-over, French press and cold brew it covers the ground a budget kitchen needs, and the cup selector means you do not need a scale to get a consistent dose.
Why we like it
- Flat metal burrs, 12 settings
- 2–12 cup selector with automatic stop
- 8-ounce bean hopper
- Removable top burr and grind chamber
Key specifications
| Model | GX550850 |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Flat metal burrs |
| Grind settings | 12 |
| Bean capacity | 8 oz |
| Dosing | 2–12 cups, auto-stop |
| Power source | Electric, 110 W |
| Cleaning | Removable top burr and chamber |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a drip coffee household that wants burr-ground coffee measured by the cup with one button.
Skip it if you want fine control for espresso; KRUPS itself says espresso works only at the two finest settings.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Automatic dosing by cup count
- Burr grinding for less
- Easy to take apart for cleaning
Cons
- Only 12 settings
- Static can cling, per KRUPS’s own tip
- Warranty term not given in the listing
3. Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder – Slow Motor, Fine Range
The original Infinity, model 560.04, is the plainer version of the Infinity Plus in our main guide. It uses commercial-grade solid steel conical burrs, and Capresso says its gear-reduction motor grinds slowly, with reduced noise and little static. Retail listings for this model describe 16 settings in four groups (extra fine, fine, regular and coarse), and the Amazon listing says the range runs from ultrafine Turkish to French press coarse.
The bean container holds 8.8 ounces and the grounds container 4 ounces. The upper burr lifts out for cleaning. The housing is ABS plastic with a stainless finish, not metal.
Two cautions. America’s Test Kitchen recommended the Capresso Infinity with reservations because stray grounds flew onto the counter, and some reviewers report that the coarsest setting is not very coarse, so French press drinkers may want a different pick. Capresso states a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Steel conical burrs
- Gear-reduction motor, per Capresso
- Range reaches Turkish fine
- Removable upper burr
Key specifications
| Model | 560.04 |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Steel conical burrs |
| Grind settings | 16 (retailer listings) |
| Bean capacity | 8.8 oz |
| Dosing | Not stated in listing |
| Power source | Electric, gear-reduction motor |
| Cleaning | Removable upper burr |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who brews drip, pour-over or Turkish-style coffee and wants a quieter, slower conical burr grinder.
Skip it if you brew mostly French press or hate wiping up stray grounds.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Conical steel burrs
- Reaches very fine grinds
- Big bean container
Cons
- Messy, per ATK
- Coarse end may not suit French press
- Plastic housing
4. Hamilton Beach Electric Burr Coffee Grinder – Big Hopper, 18 Settings
Hamilton Beach’s burr grinder holds 16 ounces of beans, the most on this page, and has 18 grind settings from extra-fine to coarse. A cup selector lets you grind for 2 to 14 cups, and the grinder shuts off by itself when it is done.
The top burr comes out with a few turns for cleaning and a soft brush is included. The bean hopper and grounds container, with their lids, are dishwasher safe, and the grounds container has a snap-on lid for pouring into a brew basket without spilling.
Hamilton Beach does not say in the listing whether the burrs are flat or conical, so we list that as not stated. It is a good choice for a household that brews a big pot every day and wants to keep a day or two of beans in the hopper.
Why we like it
- 16-ounce bean hopper
- 18 settings and a 2–14 cup selector
- Automatic shutoff
- Dishwasher-safe containers and lids
Key specifications
| Model | 80385 |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Burr (type not stated) |
| Grind settings | 18 |
| Bean capacity | 16 oz |
| Dosing | 2–14 cups, auto shutoff |
| Power source | Electric |
| Cleaning | Removable top burr; brush; dishwasher-safe containers |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you brew a full pot every morning and want to fill the hopper once and forget it.
Skip it if you want burr details; the listing does not describe the burr type or size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest hopper here
- Spill-resistant grounds container
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- Burr type not stated
- Beans stale faster sitting in a hopper
- Warranty term not given in the listing
5. Mr. Coffee Burr Coffee Grinder – 18 Presets, Up to 18 Cups
Mr. Coffee’s automatic burr grinder uses flat burr plates and offers 18 grind presets from coarse to ultra-fine. Its cup selector goes from 2 to 18 cups, the widest range here, which suits anyone who brews for a crowd or fills a large thermal carafe.
The removable bean hopper holds up to 8 ounces, the grind chamber is removable and dishwasher safe, and a cleaning brush comes in the box. It shuts off automatically when it finishes grinding. The stainless finish suits a counter full of steel appliances.
Mr. Coffee says the presets reach espresso, but like most entry grinders, it is best kept to drip, pour-over and French press.
Why we like it
- Flat burr plates, 18 presets
- 2–18 cup selector
- Dishwasher-safe removable grind chamber
- Automatic shutoff
Key specifications
| Model | BVMC-BMG25 |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Flat burr plates |
| Grind settings | 18 presets |
| Bean capacity | 8 oz |
| Dosing | 2–18 cups, auto shutoff |
| Power source | Electric |
| Cleaning | Removable hopper; dishwasher-safe chamber; brush |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household or small office that brews large pots and wants burr grinding for the lowest outlay.
Skip it if you only brew a mug or two; a hand grinder is smaller and cheaper for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest cup range here
- Dishwasher-safe chamber
- Many presets
Cons
- Burr size not stated
- Warranty term not given in the listing
- Espresso is a stretch
6. Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Slim – Burr Grinding Without a Plug
Hario’s Slim is one of the simplest hand grinders sold, and it is a cheap way to get burr-ground rather than blade-chopped coffee. It has ceramic burrs that Hario says do not rust, a slim body that stores easily and a handle that comes off for storage.
Capacity is about 24 grams of grounds, roughly two cups, and the mill weighs 400 grams (14.1 ounces). Hario lists the materials as methacrylic resin, ceramic, polypropylene and stainless steel, made in China. The grind is adjustable, but Hario does not publish a number of settings.
Grinding by hand takes some cranking for every brew, so it is best for one or two people. Our hand coffee grinder guide covers the stronger metal-bodied grinders if you want to grind more, faster.
Why we like it
- Ceramic burrs that do not rust, per Hario
- No electricity needed
- Slim, light and easy to store
- Removable handle
Key specifications
| Model | MSS-1B |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Ceramic burrs |
| Grind settings | Adjustable; number not stated |
| Bean capacity | About 24 g (2 cups) |
| Dosing | Manual |
| Power source | Hand crank |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean, per Hario |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a single coffee drinker, a traveler or anyone who wants burr grinding for the least money.
Skip it if you brew a full pot each morning; cranking enough for 10 cups takes a while.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Burr grinding at a low outlay
- Silent and portable
- Rust-free burrs
Cons
- Small capacity
- Unmarked grind adjustment
- Plastic body
7. KINGrinder P2 Manual Coffee Grinder – Steel Burr, Marked Clicks
The P2 is the lightweight entry model in KINGrinder’s hand grinder line, below the K6 in our hand grinder guide. It pairs an ABS plastic body with a stainless steel (SUS420) conical burr, which KINGrinder recommends for drip coffee.
Adjustment is the main step up from the Hario: KINGrinder says there are 30 clicks per rotation, each moving the burr about 0.033 mm, so you can return to a setting you liked. It holds up to 20 grams of beans and weighs 330 grams. It comes apart without tools and a cleaning brush is included.
KINGrinder states a one-year warranty, but notes that you may have to pay shipping on replacement parts depending on the case. KINGrinder is a smaller brand than the others here, so check who the seller is before buying.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel conical burr
- 30 numbered clicks per turn
- Tool-free disassembly, brush included
- Light enough to travel, at 330 g
Key specifications
| Model | P2 (2BP2001-BK) |
|---|---|
| Grind type | SUS420 steel conical burr |
| Grind settings | 30 clicks per rotation |
| Bean capacity | 20 g |
| Dosing | Manual |
| Power source | Hand crank |
| Cleaning | Tool-free disassembly; brush |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a pour-over or AeroPress drinker who wants repeatable hand-grinder settings on a small budget.
Skip it if you want espresso or a metal body; KINGrinder recommends this model for drip.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steel burr and fine adjustment
- Easy to clean
- Light and portable
Cons
- 20 g holds one or two cups
- Plastic body
- Parts shipping may cost extra under warranty
8. Bodum Bistro Adjustable Blade Grinder – Five Settings, Two-Year Warranty
Most blade grinders have one button and leave the grind to how long you hold it. This Bodum Bistro adds five grind settings from fine to coarse and four cup settings, so it times the grind for you and gives more repeatable results than a plain push-button model.
It holds 3 ounces of beans, which Bodum says is enough for 51 ounces of coffee, and uses a stainless steel blade. The lid is clear so you can watch the grounds, and the grinder will not run unless the lid is secured. Bodum states a two-year warranty.
A blade still chops rather than grinds, so particle sizes are less even than from any burr grinder here. America’s Test Kitchen notes that blade grinders produce more fines, which can taste bitter, though it also reports that most coffee experts in its taste tests could not tell burr-ground from blade-ground coffee. For a spice-and-coffee grinder, see our spice grinder guide.
Why we like it
- Five grind settings and four cup settings
- 3-ounce capacity
- Lid safety lock
- Two-year warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 12041-01US |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Stainless steel blade |
| Grind settings | 5 |
| Bean capacity | 3 oz |
| Dosing | 4 cup settings |
| Power source | Electric |
| Cleaning | Not stated in listing |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits an occasional coffee drinker who wants fresh grounds for the lowest outlay with a bit more control than a one-button grinder.
Skip it if you brew pour-over every day; a burr grinder’s even grind matters more there.
Pros and cons
Pros
- More control than a plain blade grinder
- Long stated warranty
- Compact
Cons
- Uneven grind compared with burrs
- Cleaning method not stated in the listing
- Small capacity
9. BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder – Simple Blade, Lid Lock
This is the most basic grinder on the page: a stainless steel blade in a stainless steel bowl, a single push button and a 150-watt motor. It holds two-thirds of a cup of beans, and you control the grind by how long you press the button, from coarse to fine.
BLACK+DECKER builds in a lid lock, so the blades only turn when the lid is secured. It also grinds spices, herbs and grains, which makes it a useful second grinder for toasted cumin or dried chiles if you keep it separate from your coffee one. The listing states a two-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- One-touch push button
- Lid-locking safety feature
- Stainless steel blades and bowl
- Two-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | CBG110S |
|---|---|
| Grind type | Stainless steel blade |
| Grind settings | None; push-button control |
| Bean capacity | 2/3 cup |
| Dosing | Manual |
| Power source | Electric, 150 W |
| Cleaning | Not stated in listing |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want the lowest-cost way to grind whole beans, or a second grinder for spices.
Skip it if you care about an even grind; every burr grinder here does better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- As simple as grinders get
- Doubles as a spice grinder
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- No grind settings
- Uneven grind
- Grind depends on how long you press
How to judge value in an inexpensive coffee grinder
“Inexpensive” is only good value if the grinder makes a grind you can brew with and lasts long enough to pay for itself. These are the points that separate a smart budget grinder from a false economy.
Burr or blade
Burr grinders crush beans between two surfaces set a fixed distance apart, so the particles come out a similar size. Blade grinders chop until you stop, leaving a mix of dust and chunks. America’s Test Kitchen notes that blade grinders produce more fines, which can make coffee bitter. If your budget allows a burr grinder, buy one; if it does not, a blade grinder with fresh beans still beats stale pre-ground coffee for most drip brewing.
Electric or hand
For the same outlay, a hand grinder usually gets you better burrs than an electric one, because there is no motor to pay for. The trade-off is time and capacity: the Hario and KINGrinder here suit one or two cups, not a 12-cup pot.
Parts and repairs
Burrs wear and motors fail. Baratza sells replacement parts for the Encore, which is why it can last longer than cheaper grinders. For other brands, check before you buy whether replacement burrs are sold for that model. If they are not, the grinder is effectively disposable when the burrs dull.
Warranty
Bodum and BLACK+DECKER state two years for their blade grinders, Baratza and Capresso one year, and KINGrinder one year with possible shipping costs. Where a listing does not give a term, we say so.
What you actually brew
Most budget grinders are built for drip, pour-over and French press. Espresso needs very fine, very even grounds and small adjustments, which is where cheaper grinders struggle. If espresso is the goal, start with our espresso grinder guide instead.
What you give up compared with premium grinders
Premium grinders in our main guide, such as the Fellow Opus 2 and Breville Smart Grinder Pro, add finer steps for espresso, timers or dose control, larger or better-aligned burrs, less retained coffee and sturdier housings. The entry grinders on this page give up most of that, but they still give you control over grind size, which is the big step up from pre-ground. You can make up some of the difference by weighing your beans, grinding just before brewing and cleaning the burrs regularly so old oils do not build up.
Grinding for café de olla and Mexican coffee
Café de olla is simmered in a pot with piloncillo and cinnamon, then strained, so it calls for a medium-coarse grind, much like French press. Any burr grinder here can do that, and a coarse grind keeps the cup from turning muddy. Grind the coffee fresh and add it at the end so it steeps briefly rather than boiling. If you are buying mainly for French press, our French press coffee grinder guide goes further.
How we chose these nine budget grinders
We started from each well-known maker’s grinder range and picked its entry or basic model, then confirmed each was in stock on Amazon when we wrote this. Specifications come from the makers’ Amazon listings, and for the Capresso Infinity, from retail listings of the maker’s specifications. We read America’s Test Kitchen’s burr grinder review for its findings on the Encore, the Capresso Infinity and blade grinders. We left out grinders already featured in our main and related grinder guides, except the Baratza Encore, which appears here in white as Baratza’s entry model. We did not grind coffee with these grinders for this guide, and we do not quote prices, which change constantly.
Budget coffee grinder questions, answered
What is the best inexpensive coffee grinder?
For burr grinding at a low outlay, the KRUPS Precision Burr Grinder or the hand-cranked Hario Slim. If you can spend a little more, the Baratza Encore is the one to keep for years because Baratza sells its parts.
Is a cheap burr grinder better than a blade grinder?
For even grounds, yes. Burrs set the particle size; blades leave a mix of fines and chunks. For occasional drip coffee, a blade grinder with fresh beans is still an improvement over pre-ground.
Is a hand grinder good value?
Yes, if you brew one or two cups at a time. Without a motor to pay for, a hand grinder can put burrs in your kitchen for less, at the cost of some cranking.
What is the best coffee grinder for the money if I brew drip?
The KRUPS Precision Burr Grinder, because its cup selector doses for 2 to 12 cups and stops on its own. The Hamilton Beach and Mr. Coffee burr grinders do the same for bigger pots.
Can a budget grinder make espresso?
Not well. KRUPS says its grinder works for espresso only at its two finest settings with fresh beans. For espresso, look at a grinder made for it.
How long does an inexpensive grinder last?
It depends on use and whether you can replace the burrs. A grinder whose maker sells parts, like the Baratza Encore, can be repaired; others are usually replaced when the burrs or motor wear out.
Our final pick for grinding on a budget
Buy the Baratza Encore if you can stretch to a grinder you can repair for years. Choose the KRUPS Precision Burr for automatic, cup-measured burr grinding at a lower outlay, the Capresso Infinity for fine grinds, the Hario Slim or KINGrinder P2 to grind by hand, and the Bodum Bistro if you only want a blade grinder. For the premium end of the range, see our full best coffee grinder guide.
Related guide: Best blade coffee grinder.
Related guide: Best conical burr coffee grinder under 100.
And when you would rather someone else make the coffee and breakfast, see Julia’s menu or call to order.