A French press is the most forgiving way to make coffee, with one exception: the grind. The press steeps coffee in hot water for about four minutes and then strains it through a metal mesh, so it needs a coarse, even grind. Too many fine particles and they slip through the mesh into your cup as silt. Too many big chunks and the coffee tastes thin. A burr grinder that holds a steady coarse setting fixes both.
Our main coffee grinder guide covers grinders for every brew method, espresso included. This page is narrower: grinders that do the coarse end well, for people who mostly brew in a press. None of the seven here repeat the picks in our other grinder guides.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in a grinder for press coffee, the makers’ own specifications and the details on each Amazon listing. Brewing guidance comes from the National Coffee Association, which we cite.
Quick verdict: which grinder to buy for a French press
For most press drinkers, the best coffee grinder for French press is the Fellow Ode Gen 2: 64 mm flat burrs, 31 settings built for brewed coffee rather than espresso, and a built-in guide that points you to the French press range. On a tighter budget, the Bodum Bistro Burr Grinder comes from the company best known for French presses and has a glass grounds catcher that the maker says reduces static cling. For the least money, the Cuisinart Supreme Grind is a flat burr grinder with an extra-coarse setting for the press.
Recall note: If you own a glass Bodum French press, check this. On October 29, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 27-055, covering about 5.9 million 8-cup and 12-cup Bodum Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper and Kenya French presses with replaceable glass carafes. CPSC says the carafe can break during use if it is damaged or cracked, including by use of a metal spoon to stir the coffee, posing a risk of serious burn injuries. The remedy is a repair: stop using metal spoons or utensils to stir coffee in the glass carafe immediately, and contact Bodum at 888-879-8213 for a plastic stirring spoon and a warning label. The notice names those presses, not grinders.
Below, the five standouts side by side, then all seven grinders in full, and what the National Coffee Association says about grind and ratio for a press.
Five French press grinders compared
Our five standout grinders, one for each kind of press drinker, with the burrs and settings each maker or listing states. All seven grinders are reviewed in full below.
| Grinder | Best for | Burrs | Grind settings (stated) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fellow Ode Gen 2 Flat Burr GrinderBest overall
|
Daily press and pour-over | 64 mm flat | 31, brewed coffee only | View on Amazon |
Bodum Bistro Burr GrinderBest for Bodum press owners
|
Simple timed grinding | Stainless conical | 12 to 14+ (listing varies) | View on Amazon |
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder KCG8433Most settings
|
Fine-tuning a coarse grind | Stainless conical | 70 | View on Amazon |
OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr GrinderBest compact
|
Small kitchens, small presses | Stainless conical | 15 plus 29 micro-steps | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart Supreme Grind Burr Mill DBM-8Budget pick
|
Big pots on a small budget | Stainless flat | 18 | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Burrs, settings and capacities are as stated by each maker or Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best coffee grinder for French press
Seven grinders: six electric and one hand grinder. Every one uses burrs, which crush beans between two cutting surfaces rather than chopping them with a spinning blade, and every listing names French press or an extra-coarse setting among its uses. We left out the Baratza, Breville, OXO Brew 12-ounce, Fellow Opus, Capresso, Timemore and 1Zpresso grinders already covered in our main, hand and espresso grinder guides, so if you want one of those, start with our main grinder guide.
1. Fellow Ode Gen 2 Flat Burr Grinder – Built for Brewed Coffee
Most grinders try to cover espresso through French press, and the coarse end is often an afterthought. The Ode Gen 2 goes the other way. Fellow says it is designed specifically for brewed coffee and not for espresso, with 31 grind settings for pour-over, drip, French press and cold brew. That puts its whole range where a press drinker actually lives.
It uses 64 mm flat burrs with what Fellow calls a two-stage grinding geometry for consistent particle size and more even extraction. A quick-reference grind guide under the lid gives a starting point for French press. It is a single-dose grinder: the load bin holds 100 grams, so you weigh out the beans for one pot, press the button, and it stops on its own when the beans are gone.
Fellow lists anti-static technology, a built-in knocker and a magnetic catch cup to cut down on mess and leftover grounds, and a 2-year standard warranty. For a large 34-ounce press you will weigh beans each time rather than pour from a hopper, which some people like and some do not.
Why we like it
- Every setting is for brewed coffee, per Fellow
- Large 64 mm flat burrs
- Grind guide under the lid with a French press starting point
- Stops by itself when the beans are ground
- 2-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Ode Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Burr type | 64 mm flat, stainless steel |
| Grind settings | 31 (brewed coffee; not espresso) |
| Bean capacity | 100 g single-dose load bin |
| Dosing | Single dose, auto shut-off |
| Power | 120 V (wattage not stated) |
| Size | Not stated (fits under most cabinets, per Fellow) |
| Warranty | 2 years, extendable |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who brews by press or pour-over every day, never makes espresso, and wants a grinder built around that.
Skip it if you also want espresso from the same grinder; Fellow says the Ode is not for espresso.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Whole range aimed at brewed coffee
- 64 mm flat burrs
- Low-mess design, per Fellow
Cons
- No espresso
- No bean hopper; you dose each pot
2. Bodum Bistro Burr Grinder – From the French Press Maker
Bodum is the company behind the Chambord, the glass press most people picture when they hear “French press,” and the Bistro burr grinder is built to sit next to it. It grinds between stainless steel conical burrs, and Bodum says it goes from espresso to French press, coarse to fine.
The details are practical. A preset timer lets you set how long to grind, so once you find the time that fills your press you can repeat it every morning, and a quick-grind button covers the odd extra cup. The grounds land in a borosilicate glass container, which Bodum says reduces the static cling of coffee grounds, and a lid on the bean container keeps beans covered. A friction clutch is meant to stop the burrs from slipping, and the grinder carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
One thing to know: the Amazon title says 12 grind settings, while the listing text says over 14. Either way, this is a simpler grinder than the KitchenAid or OXO, with fewer steps to fine-tune.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel conical burrs
- Preset timer for repeatable doses
- Glass grounds catcher that Bodum says reduces static
- 2-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 10903-01US |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Stainless steel conical |
| Grind settings | 12 (title); “over 14” (listing text) |
| Bean capacity | Not stated |
| Dosing | Preset timer and quick-grind button |
| Power | Not stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a press drinker who wants a straightforward burr grinder, a timer to repeat the same dose, and a glass catcher instead of a static-prone plastic bin.
Skip it if you like to fine-tune; with 12 to 14 settings it has the fewest steps of the electric grinders here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple, repeatable timer
- Glass grounds container
- Long warranty
Cons
- Few settings
- Setting count unclear on the listing
3. KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder KCG8433 – 70 Steps From Coarse to Fine
If you want to fine-tune your press coffee, a little coarser for a light roast and a little finer for a dark one, more steps help. The KitchenAid has 70 grind settings, which the listing says run from coarse for cold brew and French press to fine for espresso, on commercial-grade stainless steel conical burrs.
Its Smart Dosing feature lets you choose a drink and the grinder produces what KitchenAid calls the ideal amount and consistency of grounds for that selection. For a press, that means picking the French press option rather than timing the grind yourself, though you can still adjust from there.
The bean hopper twists off, so you can empty it or swap beans without turning the machine upside down, which matters if you keep a decaf or a second roast for the evening. The warranty is 1 year, per the listing.
Why we like it
- 70 grind settings, French press included
- Stainless steel conical burrs
- Smart Dosing by drink type
- Removable twist-off hopper
Key specifications
| Model | KCG8433BM |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Stainless steel conical |
| Grind settings | 70 |
| Bean capacity | Not stated |
| Dosing | Smart Dosing by drink selection |
| Power | Not stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who brews several ways, mostly press, and wants enough steps to dial in each roast without guessing.
Skip it if you only ever brew one way; 70 settings is more than a press drinker needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fine control of grind size
- Dosing by drink
- Easy hopper removal
Cons
- Capacity and power not stated
- Shorter warranty than Bodum or Fellow
4. OXO Brew Compact Conical Burr Grinder – Small Footprint, Full-Size Press
This is not the 12-ounce OXO Brew grinder in our main guide; it is OXO’s smaller model. OXO gives it as 11 inches tall and 4 inches wide, narrow enough to tuck beside a kettle on a crowded counter, with stainless steel conical burrs.
The hopper holds up to 50 grams of beans, which OXO says makes up to 6 cups or 30 ounces of brewed coffee. That lines up well with the common 32- to 34-ounce press. There are 15 settings plus 29 micro-adjustments, and OXO’s own guidance is “medium to coarse” for a regular cup.
Cleaning is straightforward. OXO describes it as chuteless, with upper and lower burrs that come apart for cleaning. The grounds container has a spout for pouring straight into the press, and you wash it with soap and water.
Why we like it
- 11 x 4-inch footprint
- 50 g hopper, enough for about 30 oz of coffee, per OXO
- 15 settings plus 29 micro-adjustments
- Burrs come apart for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | 8720800 |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Stainless steel conical |
| Grind settings | 15 plus 29 micro-adjustments |
| Bean capacity | 50 g |
| Dosing | Not stated |
| Power | Not stated |
| Size | 11 in tall, 4 in wide |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small kitchen or an apartment counter, and one or two people who fill a standard press once a day.
Skip it if you brew for a crowd; the 50 g hopper covers one press at a time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small footprint
- Right-sized hopper for one press
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Small hopper
- Dosing and warranty not stated
5. Cuisinart Supreme Grind Burr Mill DBM-8 – Extra-Coarse on a Budget
The Cuisinart is the classic first step up from a blade grinder. Its stainless steel flat burrs crush rather than chop, and Cuisinart says the result is a uniform particle size that supports balanced extraction. The 18-position selector runs from ultra-fine to extra-coarse, and Cuisinart names French press and cold brew at the coarse end.
It is built for volume. An 8-ounce bean hopper sits on top, and a slide dial picks 4 to 18 cups’ worth of grounds, after which it shuts off by itself. The grind chamber holds enough for up to 32 cups, per Cuisinart, so a big press, or two, is no problem. The listing gives a 500-watt motor and a safety interlock that stops it running unless it is assembled properly.
Expect to clean it. A brush and scoop come with it, the hopper lifts off, and Cuisinart gives an 18-month limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel flat burrs
- Extra-coarse setting for French press
- 4 to 18-cup selector with auto shut-off
- 8 oz hopper and 32-cup grounds chamber
Key specifications
| Model | DBM-8P1 |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Stainless steel flat |
| Grind settings | 18 |
| Bean capacity | 8 oz hopper |
| Dosing | 4 to 18-cup selector, auto shut-off |
| Power | 500 W |
| Size | Not stated |
| Warranty | 18-month limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that makes a big press every morning and wants burrs instead of blades without spending much.
Skip it if you are particular about grind consistency; it is the entry-level burr grinder here, and the Fellow and KitchenAid give finer control.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low cost for a burr grinder
- Large capacity
- Measured, automatic dose
Cons
- Entry-level burrs
- Needs regular brushing out
6. Krups Flat Burr Coffee Grinder GX450 – Up to 20 Cups at Once
When you make coffee for a crowd, say two large presses for a family brunch, the Krups is the grinder that handles the volume. It has flat metal burrs and 18 grind settings from ultra-fine espresso to extra-coarse French press, and a cup selector that runs from 2 to 20 cups before it stops automatically.
The bean hopper and the grind chamber both come out, and a brush is included. Krups’ own tips are worth following with any grinder of this kind: grind in smaller amounts for better consistency, avoid overfilling, and tap the lid before you open it so the grounds do not scatter from static.
The listing does not give wattage, size or warranty, and it gives capacity as “9.5 oz” without saying whether that is the hopper or the grounds chamber.
Why we like it
- 2 to 20-cup selector, the widest here
- Flat metal burrs
- Extra-coarse setting for French press
- Removable hopper and grind chamber
Key specifications
| Model | GX450DU0 |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Flat metal |
| Grind settings | 18 |
| Bean capacity | 9.5 oz (part not stated) |
| Dosing | 2 to 20-cup selector, auto stop |
| Power | Not stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who regularly brews a big press, or two, for guests and wants the grinder to measure the batch.
Skip it if you only brew for one; Krups itself says smaller amounts grind more consistently, and a smaller grinder suits you better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Big batch capacity
- Automatic measured dose
- Easy to take apart
Cons
- Warranty and power not stated
- Static, per Krups’ own tips
7. 1Zpresso Q Hand Grinder with Crank Handle – All-Metal Grinder for a Small Press
A hand grinder makes sense for a press drinker: coarse grinding is the easiest work for a hand mill, and it needs no outlet, so it travels to the campsite or the office. The 1Zpresso Q is a different model from the Q Air in our hand grinder guide; 1Zpresso’s listing names drip, French press and cold brew among its uses.
It is built entirely from metal, with dual bearings and a stainless steel conical burr, and adjusts in 30 clicks per rotation. 1Zpresso says each burr is factory calibrated to reduce wobble and is built to last for 100 to 200 kg of grinding. It measures 14.5 by 17.5 by 4.6 cm, smaller than a soda can per the maker, and fits inside an AeroPress plunger.
The limit is capacity. It holds 15 to 20 grams, per the listing. Using the National Coffee Association’s ratio of 1 gram of coffee to 10 to 16 grams of water, 20 grams brews roughly 200 to 320 grams of water, a small press or one large mug. For a 34-ounce press you would grind three or four loads. The warranty is one year, limited.
Why we like it
- All-metal build with dual bearings
- 30 clicks per rotation
- No power needed, travels anywhere
- Burrs factory calibrated, per 1Zpresso
Key specifications
| Model | Q (crank handle) |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Stainless steel conical |
| Grind settings | 30 clicks per rotation |
| Bean capacity | 15 to 20 g |
| Dosing | Manual |
| Power | Hand crank |
| Size | 14.5 x 17.5 x 4.6 cm |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits one person with a small press, a traveler, or anyone who wants a quiet, unplugged grinder for the morning cup.
Skip it if you fill a large press every day; at 20 grams a load you will be grinding several times.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Solid metal build
- Portable and quiet
- Fine adjustment
Cons
- Small capacity for a press
- Hand work for big batches
Grind, ratio and steep time: what the National Coffee Association says
The National Coffee Association’s French press guide is a good starting point, and it is where the numbers in this guide come from. It recommends a burr grinder because it gives a more consistent grind, and it says a blade grinder cannot ensure a consistent grind, which affects taste.
Grind: coarse, which the NCA compares to rock salt. Start coarse and adjust from there. Ratio: 1 gram of coffee to 10 to 16 grams of water. Water: 93 degrees Celsius, plus or minus 3, which is just off the boil. Time: about four minutes of contact between coffee and water.
In practice, if your press coffee tastes bitter or muddy, go a step or two coarser. If it tastes weak or sour, go a step finer or steep a little longer. That adjustment is the whole reason to buy a grinder with steady, repeatable settings at the coarse end. A kettle with temperature control helps you hit the water temperature, too.
How to choose a grinder for French press coffee
Burrs, not blades. Every grinder here uses burrs. A blade grinder chops beans into a mix of dust and chunks, and the dust is what slips through a press filter.
Range at the coarse end. Many grinders spend most of their settings on espresso. For a press you want several usable steps at the coarse end. The Fellow Ode puts its entire range into brewed coffee; the KitchenAid has 70 steps in total.
Flat or conical. Both shapes are used in good grinders. Flat burrs, as in the Fellow, Cuisinart and Krups, and conical burrs, as in the Bodum, KitchenAid and OXO, can both grind coarse. Pay more attention to the grinder’s settings and build than to the burr shape.
Capacity for your press. A standard 32- to 34-ounce press takes roughly 60 to 100 grams of coffee at the NCA’s ratio. Check that the hopper or load bin covers your usual dose, or be ready to grind twice. The OXO Compact holds 50 g, the Fellow 100 g, and the 1Zpresso Q 15 to 20 g.
Dosing and cleanup. Timers (Bodum), cup selectors (Cuisinart, Krups) and drink-based dosing (KitchenAid) all help you repeat a dose without weighing. Removable burrs, hoppers and grounds containers make cleaning easier, and anti-static features reduce mess.
Hand or electric. A hand grinder is quiet, portable and good at coarse grinding, but slow for big batches. If you fill a large press every morning, choose electric.
How we picked these seven grinders
We started with what a press needs: a coarse, even grind, enough capacity for a full pot, and settings you can repeat every morning. We then looked for burr grinders from identifiable makers sold on Amazon in the United States whose listings name French press or an extra-coarse setting, and checked each one’s stock with Amazon’s product data before writing. We passed over grinders that were nearly sold out, back-ordered or not meant for a press, including De’Longhi’s burr grinders, the Hario Mini-Slim Plus and the Timemore Sculptor 078, which its maker says is only for pour-over. We left out grinders already picked in our other grinder guides and unbranded, Amazon-only grinders. Specifications come from each brand’s Amazon listing, and where a listing leaves a figure out, we say “not stated”. Brewing guidance comes only from the National Coffee Association. We did not use these grinders for this guide.
French press grinder questions, answered
What is the best coffee grinder for a French press?
For most people, a burr grinder with several steady coarse settings. Our pick is the Fellow Ode Gen 2, which is built for brewed coffee only, with the Bodum Bistro and Cuisinart Supreme Grind as less expensive options.
What grind size do I need for French press coffee?
Coarse. The National Coffee Association describes it as like rock salt, and suggests starting coarse and adjusting to taste.
Can I use a blade grinder for a French press?
You can, but the NCA says a blade grinder cannot ensure a consistent grind, which affects taste. Uneven grounds with a lot of dust tend to leave more silt in the cup.
Is a hand grinder good enough for French press coffee?
Yes, for small batches. Coarse grinding is easy work for a hand grinder, but capacity is the limit: the 1Zpresso Q holds 15 to 20 grams, so filling a big press takes several loads. Our hand grinder guide includes larger-capacity models.
Are the top coffee grinders for French press also good for espresso?
Not always. The Fellow Ode is not for espresso at all. If you also make espresso, see our espresso grinder guide.
Our grinder for French press coffee
Buy the Fellow Ode Gen 2 if you brew press or pour-over every day and never make espresso. Choose the Bodum Bistro for a simple, timed burr grinder from the French press company, the KitchenAid for the most settings, the OXO Compact for a small kitchen, the Cuisinart on a budget, the Krups for a crowd, or the 1Zpresso Q for a small press on the go. Pair it with a press from our French press guide, and for other grinders, go back to our main coffee grinder guide.
And if you would rather someone else made the coffee, see our drinks and menu, or call to order.