Pour-over is the brew method that shows a grinder’s flaws most plainly. Water runs through a bed of grounds in a few minutes, and the grind decides how fast it drains. Too many fines and the bed clogs, the brew runs long and turns bitter; too many large pieces and water rushes through, leaving the cup sour and thin. A good conical burr grinder gives an even grind and small, repeatable steps, so you can move one notch at a time until the cup is right.
This guide covers conical burr grinders for pour-over, electric and hand. Our main coffee grinder guide covers every brew method. None of the seven grinders here repeat its picks, and only two, the OXO and the Capresso, are different colors of grinders on that guide.
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, product specifications and verified buyer reports. Brewing guidance comes from the National Coffee Association, which we cite.
Quick verdict: which pour-over grinder to buy
The best conical burr grinder for pour over for most people is the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder: 40 mm stainless conical burrs, 15 settings with 43 micro-adjustments between them, and one-touch grinding at your last setting. If you prefer to grind by hand, the Timemore C5 Pro has 42 mm conical burrs, 0.031 mm clicks and an all-metal body. For grinding on the road, the VSSL Java G45 clips to a pack.
Below are the five standouts side by side, then all seven grinders in full, what the National Coffee Association says about grind, ratio and timing for pour-over, and how to choose.
Five pour-over grinders compared
Our five standout grinders, one for each kind of pour-over drinker, with the burrs and adjustment each maker or listing states. All seven are reviewed in full below.
| Grinder | Best for | Burrs | Adjustment | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, Storm BlueBest overall
|
Daily pour-over, electric | 40 mm conical steel | 15 settings plus 43 micro-steps | View on Amazon |
Smeg CGF11 Conical Burr GrinderBest-looking electric
|
A matching retro counter | Stainless conical | 30 settings | View on Amazon |
Timemore C5 Pro Manual Coffee GrinderBest hand grinder
|
Precise hand grinding | 42 mm conical steel | 0.031 mm clicks | View on Amazon |
KINGrinder K7 Manual Coffee GrinderEasiest to adjust
|
Switching beans often | 7-angle conical steel | Top dial | View on Amazon |
VSSL Java G45 Manual Coffee GrinderBest for travel
|
Camping and travel | High-carbon steel conical | 50 settings | 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 conical burr grinder for pour over
Every grinder here uses conical steel burrs and was in stock on Amazon when we checked. Three are electric and four are hand grinders, because many pour-over drinkers brew one or two cups at a time, which a hand grinder handles well.
1. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, Storm Blue – Micro-Steps and One-Touch Start
OXO’s Brew Conical Burr Grinder is the silver pick on our main coffee grinder guide; this is the Storm Blue listing of the same grinder, included because its adjustment suits pour-over well. OXO lists 15 grind settings plus 43 micro-adjustments, so between the main numbers you can make small moves, which is what pour-over calls for when a brew runs a little fast or slow.
It grinds on stainless steel conical burrs that OXO says produce uniform grounds; OXO gives the 40 mm size on its silver and matte black listings of this grinder. The grinder remembers your last setting, so on a normal morning you press one button and it grinds the way it did yesterday. The removable hopper holds up to 12 ounces of beans and has a UV-blocking tint to shield beans in a sunny kitchen.
The listing does not state the warranty, the grounds container size or the wattage, though it does describe a static-fighting stainless steel grounds container. Its range runs from fine for espresso to coarse for French press and cold brew, so pour-over sits in the middle with micro-steps on either side.
Why we like it
- 40 mm stainless conical burrs, per OXO
- 15 settings plus 43 micro-adjustments
- Remembers the last setting
- 12 oz hopper with UV-blocking tint
Key specifications
| Model | 8726200 (Storm Blue) |
|---|---|
| Burrs | 40 mm conical, stainless steel |
| Grind adjustment | 15 settings plus 43 micro-adjustments |
| Bean capacity | 12 oz hopper |
| Power | Electric (wattage not stated) |
| Body | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that brews pour-over every day and wants an electric grinder with small steps and one-button repeat grinding.
Skip it if you want the warranty terms on the listing; OXO does not state them there.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fine steps between settings
- One-touch start at the last setting
- Big hopper
Cons
- Warranty not stated on the listing
- Grounds container size not stated
- Same grinder as our main guide’s pick, different color
2. Smeg CGF11 Conical Burr Grinder – 30 Settings in a Retro Body
Smeg’s CGF11 is the electric choice for a coffee corner where looks count. Under the 1950s-style body are stainless steel conical burrs with 30 grind settings, which Smeg says cover fine espresso, medium drip and coarse French press. Pour-over sits in the medium range, so you have a good spread of steps to work with.
Controls are a dial and a button, with manual or timed grinding. The hopper is removable, and grounds land in an anti-static Tritan container that Smeg says reduces static cling and mess. A built-in adapter lets it grind straight into a portafilter if you also make espresso.
The listing gives dimensions of about 6.14 inches wide, 8.46 deep and 17.32 tall, and Smeg says it fits under standard cabinets. Hopper capacity and burr size are not stated, and the warranty is one year.
Why we like it
- Stainless conical burrs
- 30 grind settings
- Anti-static Tritan grounds container
- Timed or manual grinding
Key specifications
| Model | CGF11 (CGF11RDUS, Red) |
|---|---|
| Burrs | Conical, stainless steel |
| Grind adjustment | 30 settings |
| Bean capacity | Not stated (removable hopper) |
| Power | Electric |
| Body | 6.14 x 8.46 x 17.32 in |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants an electric conical grinder that matches a Smeg kettle or toaster and makes pour-over most mornings.
Skip it if you need the burr size or hopper capacity before buying; neither is stated.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Anti-static container
- Timed and manual modes
- Fits under cabinets, per Smeg
Cons
- One-year warranty
- Hopper and burr size not stated
- Tall body
3. Timemore C5 Pro Manual Coffee Grinder – Fine Clicks in an All-Metal Body
Timemore makes a wide range of hand grinders, and the C5 Pro is a filter-and-all-round model, not the espresso-focused C5 ESP Pro on our espresso grinder guide. It uses Timemore’s 42 mm S2C-042-III stainless steel conical burrs, which the listing says are CNC-machined, with double bearings to keep the shaft centered for an even grind.
Adjustment is internal, at 0.031 mm per click across approximately 48 levels, so you can move a pour-over a little finer or coarser without jumping too far. The body is all metal and one piece, 53 mm across so it is easy to grip, and the handle folds for storage. Timemore says a built-in bearing keeps the handle turning briefly after you let go.
Capacity is 30 grams, enough for one large mug or two small cups, and the grinder weighs 663 grams, per the listing. A brush is included. The warranty is not stated.
Why we like it
- 42 mm S2C stainless conical burrs
- 0.031 mm per click, per Timemore
- All-metal body with double bearings
- Folding handle
Key specifications
| Model | C5 Pro |
|---|---|
| Burrs | 42 mm conical, stainless steel (S2C-042-III) |
| Grind adjustment | About 48 internal clicks, 0.031 mm each |
| Bean capacity | 30 g |
| Power | Hand crank |
| Body | All metal, 663 g |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a one- or two-cup pour-over drinker who wants precise steps without paying for an electric grinder.
Skip it if you brew a full carafe for several people; 30 grams means grinding twice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fine, repeatable steps
- Solid metal body
- Small enough to travel
Cons
- Internal dial is slower to change than an outside one
- Warranty not stated
- 30 g capacity
4. KINGrinder K7 Manual Coffee Grinder – Top Dial Made for Pour-Over
KINGrinder pitches the K7 at pour-over drinkers. Its listing calls the top adjustment dial, with a wide grinding range and fine micro-adjustments, an ideal choice for professional pour-over enthusiasts. Because the dial is on top, you change the grind without taking the grinder apart, which helps when you are switching beans often.
It grinds on what KINGrinder calls an upgraded 7-angle stainless steel conical burr, which the listing says improves cutting and gives more consistent particle size. Triple bearing support keeps the central shaft steady, and the body is aluminium alloy with stainless steel parts. The catch cup is magnetic with a locking mechanism, so it stays put while you crank and comes off cleanly.
KINGrinder recommends cleaning it regularly with a blower and brush, and it comes apart for that. The Amazon listing does not state the burr size, bean capacity or warranty; retailer listings we found disagree on capacity, so we do not give a figure.
Why we like it
- Top dial for quick changes
- Aimed at pour-over by its maker
- Triple bearing support
- Magnetic locking catch cup
Key specifications
| Model | K7 (bent handle, Iron Gray) |
|---|---|
| Burrs | 7-angle conical, stainless steel |
| Grind adjustment | Top dial with micro-adjustments |
| Bean capacity | Not stated |
| Power | Hand crank |
| Body | Aluminium alloy and stainless steel, 5.5 x 19 cm |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a pour-over hobbyist who changes beans and recipes often and wants to adjust from the top.
Skip it if you want stated capacity and warranty terms on the listing; neither is given.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Outside, top-mounted dial
- Stable triple-bearing shaft
- Secure catch cup
Cons
- Capacity not stated
- Warranty not stated
- Newer model with fewer published details
5. Timemore Chestnut C3S MAX Manual Coffee Grinder – Room for Two Cups
The C3S MAX is Timemore’s larger-capacity version of its Chestnut C3S. Timemore says it raises capacity from 20 to 25 grams on the C3S Pro to 30 to 35 grams, enough for a full 500 ml pour-over or two cups, while still weighing about a pound (585 grams). It is a different model from the standard C3S on our main grinder guide, with a taller all-metal body.
It grinds on Timemore’s S2C stainless steel conical burrs, with dual bearings for a more uniform grind. The body is aluminium alloy with no plastic parts inside, per the listing, and the crank handle folds for storage.
One thing to check: this listing describes stepless adjustment, while Timemore’s other C3S MAX listing describes about 36 levels. Either way, adjustment is internal, under the burr. The warranty is not stated.
Why we like it
- 30 to 35 g capacity, per Timemore
- S2C stainless conical burrs
- All-metal body, no plastic inside
- Folding handle
Key specifications
| Model | Chestnut C3S MAX (TM39-US) |
|---|---|
| Burrs | Conical, stainless steel (S2C) |
| Grind adjustment | Internal (stepless per this listing; about 36 levels per another) |
| Bean capacity | 30 to 35 g |
| Power | Hand crank |
| Body | Aluminium alloy, 585 g |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who makes pour-over for two most mornings and wants one grind, not two.
Skip it if you want an outside dial; adjustment is internal.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bigger capacity than most hand grinders
- Light for its size
- All-metal build
Cons
- Listings disagree on adjustment type
- Warranty not stated
- Internal adjustment
6. VSSL Java G45 Manual Coffee Grinder – Built for the Trail
VSSL builds outdoor gear, and the Java G45 is a hand grinder meant for camping, hiking and travel pour-over. The listing describes high-carbon stainless steel conical burrs, 50 grind settings, and dual ball bearings that VSSL says eliminate burr wobble for a uniform grind.
The handle extends for grinding and then locks into a carabiner-style loop, so you can clip the grinder to a pack. An aluminium cap locks the beans in and pops off with a push button. VSSL says it weighs under a pound and grinds in under a minute.
Capacity is unclear: the listing’s bullets and size field say 45 grams, while its title says 20 grams. We go with 45 grams from the features, but check before you buy. The warranty is not stated on the listing.
Why we like it
- 50 grind settings
- Dual ball bearings
- Clip-on handle loop
- Under a pound, per VSSL
Key specifications
| Model | Java G45 (51550, Black) |
|---|---|
| Burrs | Conical, high-carbon stainless steel |
| Grind adjustment | 50 settings |
| Bean capacity | 45 g (title says 20 g) |
| Power | Hand crank |
| Body | Aluminium cap, under 1 lb |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who brews pour-over at a campsite, a cabin or a hotel room and wants a burr grinder built for a pack.
Skip it if it would only sit on a kitchen counter; the travel features add nothing there.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made for travel
- Many settings
- Secure cap
Cons
- Capacity conflict on the listing
- Warranty not stated
- Burr size not stated
7. Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder, White – Slow Gear Motor, Stated Capacities
The Capresso Infinity Plus is a pick in a different finish on our main coffee grinder guide; this is the white listing (model 570.02). It is here as a third electric choice because its listing is unusually clear about what it holds and how it grinds. Capresso says it uses commercial-grade solid steel conical burrs with an advanced cutting design.
The motor is a gear-reduction type, which Capresso says creates less friction and heat to preserve flavor and aroma. It has 16 grind settings, from extra fine for Turkish coffee to very coarse for percolators and cold brew, so pour-over falls in the middle of the dial.
The see-through bean container holds 11 ounces, and the removable grounds container holds up to 4 ounces, enough for a large pour-over carafe. Capresso states a one-year manufacturer warranty. Unlike the OXO, it has no micro-adjustments between its 16 settings, and it has fewer settings than the Smeg.
Why we like it
- Solid steel conical burrs, per Capresso
- Gear-reduction motor for less friction and heat
- 11 oz bean container
- 4 oz removable grounds container
Key specifications
| Model | Infinity Plus 570.02 (White) |
|---|---|
| Burrs | Conical, solid steel |
| Grind adjustment | 16 settings |
| Bean capacity | 11 oz |
| Power | Electric, gear-reduction motor |
| Body | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a simple electric conical grinder with clearly stated capacities for a daily pour-over carafe.
Skip it if you want fine steps in the medium range; 16 settings with no micro-adjustments is coarser than the OXO or Smeg.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear capacities
- Low-friction motor, per Capresso
- See-through bean container
Cons
- 16 settings
- One-year warranty
- Same grinder as our main guide’s pick, different color
Grind, ratio and timing for pour-over: what the National Coffee Association says
The National Coffee Association’s pour-over guide says to start with a medium grind and adjust as needed. It suggests 1 gram of coffee to 13 to 16 grams of water, water at 93 ± 3 °C (let boiled water rest about a minute), and 2 to 4 minutes of contact between coffee and water.
It gives two rules of thumb that explain why small steps matter. The longer the coffee is in contact with water, the coarser the grind should be. And if the coffee tastes bitter or sour, it may be ground too fine, so try a coarser grind. A pour-over is adjusted one setting at a time, so a grinder with many steps in the medium range, or a stepless one, makes that easier. The NCA recommends a burr grinder because it makes a more consistent grind, and it advises grinding as close as possible to when you brew.
For a single 350-gram mug, that ratio works out to roughly 22 to 27 grams of coffee, which fits in every hand grinder here with a stated capacity. A two-cup brew of about 500 grams needs 31 to 38 grams, which is where the larger C3S MAX or an electric grinder helps.
How to choose a conical burr grinder for pour-over
Electric or hand
An electric grinder, like the OXO, Smeg or Capresso, grinds a carafe’s worth in seconds and lives on the counter. A hand grinder needs cranking for every cup (VSSL says the Java G45 takes under a minute), but it needs no outlet, is quieter and travels. If you brew one cup at a time, a hand grinder is a sensible choice; for a household, electric saves time.
Steps and how you change them
Look at how finely the grinder steps in the medium range: the Timemore C5 Pro states 0.031 mm per click, and the OXO adds 43 micro-adjustments to its 15 settings. Also look at where the dial is. An outside or top dial, like the KINGrinder K7’s, is quicker to change than an internal one under the burr.
Burr size and build
Check the burr material and size where the maker states them: all seven here use steel conical burrs; the OXO’s are 40 mm and the Timemore C5 Pro’s 42 mm. Bearings above and below the burr keep the shaft from wobbling; the K7’s triple bearings and the Timemore and VSSL dual bearings are there for that reason, per their makers.
Capacity
Most hand grinders hold enough for one large mug. If you regularly brew for two, pick one that holds 30 grams or more, or go electric.
Why conical and not flat
Flat burr grinders such as the Fellow Ode Gen 2 are also popular for pour-over; we cover it on our French press grinder guide. This page sticks to conical burrs, which are what nearly every hand grinder uses and what most mid-range electric grinders use.
How we chose these seven grinders
We looked for conical burr grinders that their makers or listings describe as suited to pour-over, from identifiable brands, in stock on Amazon. We left out every grinder already on our other grinder guides, including the hand grinder guide, except the OXO and the Capresso, which appear here in different colors because their adjustment and capacities suit pour-over. Specs come from the makers’ Amazon listings, and brewing guidance from the National Coffee Association. We have not used these grinders ourselves and make no performance claims beyond what their makers state; where a listing contradicts itself or leaves something out, we say so.
Pour-over grinder questions, answered
What is the best conical burr grinder for pour over?
For most people, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder, for its 40 mm conical steel burrs and micro-adjustments between settings. For hand grinding, the Timemore C5 Pro.
What grind size is right for pour-over?
Start at medium, as the National Coffee Association advises, and adjust. Brew time is the clue: the NCA suggests 2 to 4 minutes of contact, and a longer brew calls for a coarser grind.
Is a hand grinder good enough for pour-over?
For one or two cups, yes. Hand grinders like the Timemore C5 Pro and KINGrinder K7 use steel conical burrs held steady by bearings, per their makers. What you give up is speed and convenience: every cup means cranking, and a carafe for a group may need two loads.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle too?
It helps you pour slowly and evenly, which pour-over relies on. Our gooseneck kettle guide covers them.
Can I use these grinders for espresso?
The OXO and Smeg CGF11 list espresso settings, and the Timemore C5 Pro lists espresso among its uses. For a dedicated espresso grinder, see our espresso grinder guide.
The pour-over grinder we would start with
Buy the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder if you want an electric grinder with small steps and one-touch grinding. Choose the Smeg CGF11 for a retro electric, the Timemore C5 Pro for precise hand grinding, the KINGrinder K7 for a top dial, the Timemore C3S MAX for two cups by hand, the VSSL Java G45 for travel, or the Capresso Infinity Plus for clearly stated capacities. Pair it with a dripper from our pour-over coffee maker guide, and for grinders for other brew methods, 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.