If you’re in a hurry and want to know the best coffee grinder for pour-over, our top pick is the Baratza Forte BG.
Are you looking for the perfect grinder for your pour-over brew? Look no further! I’ve compiled a list of the top seven grinders on the market, whether you’re searching for an electric or manual option. Come with us as we explore each and discover how they can help create that delicious cup catered to your desired brewing routine and style.
So grab your favorite mug, sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
The Best Burr Coffee Grinders for Pour-Over Coffee Brewing
Image | Grinder | Key Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Our top pick | Baratza Forte BG Coffee Grinder
| 8.6 | Check on Amazon |
Best domestic grinder | Fellow Ode Gen 2 Brew Grinder
| 8.5 | Check on Amazon |
Best for price | Baratza Virtuoso Plus
| 8 | Check on Amazon |
Best hand grinder | 1ZPresso K-Ultra Hand Grinder
| 8 | Check on Amazon |
Best entry level grinder | Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
| 7.9 | Check on Amazon |
Runner up in hand grinders | 1Zpresso JX S Manual Coffee Grinder
| 7.7 | Check on Amazon |
Best budget | Timemore Chestnut C3 PRO Hand Grinder
| 7.4 | Check on Amazon |
The Best Coffee Grinders for Pour-Over Coffee Brewing
A good grinder will help you achieve the perfect grind size and consistency for your favorite beans.
Find below our top 7 picks for the best coffee grinders for pour-over. From the majestic Baratza Forté BG with its high-end features to the Timemore C3 Pro, remarkably portable and affordable.
Baratza Forté BG (Brew Grinder) Flat Steel Burr Commercial Coffee Grinder – Our Top Pick
Pros
- Huge range to adjust grind size – 10 macro steps combined with 26 micro-adjustments for a whopping range of 260 steps. I love this feature because it lets you find the perfect grind size for each brewing method. The slow-speed motor also helps keep static and heat buildup to a minimum. It ensures that you get consistent grounds every time.
- Outstanding grind size distribution for clean and sharp taste and aroma profiles. This is awesome because you’ll get consistent and flavorful coffee with every brew.
- 1-year warranty provided by the manufacturer. A good warranty is an excellent feature because it gives you peace of mind that your purchase is safe.
- Dose by weight with a tiny 0.2 g error margin. It’s hard to explain how spectacular this feature is, not just for pour-over but any brewing method. Dosing by weight takes the coffee brewing workflow to another level, simplifying the steps and allowing for a more consistent and better-tasting coffee reliably and in a repeatable way.
- Commercial-grade construction and design for excellent performance and durability. This is great because it means this grinder will last for years. It isn’t a mere coincidence that it has ten years on the market after winning the 2013 SCAA -now SCA- Best New Product Award.
Cons
- Price is more suitable for businesses or enthusiasts with deep pockets. By far, it’s the most expensive on our list, costing more than double the Fellow Ode Gen 2, an already expensive grinder.
- Slower than high-end domestic grinders (1.2 g/sec – 2.4 g/sec). This can be surprising, but it’s a bummer for some users.
- Antiquated hopper design produces some issues with coffee grounds retention. The Baratza Forté BG missed recent developments in single dosing and dealing with the popcorning effect.
- Micro adjustment levers need replacement from time to time. Some users claim it’s its Achilles’ heel because they have had to replace it a few times over several years without repairing anything else.
Fellow Ode Gen 2 Brew Grinder – Runner-up
Pros
- Jaw-dropping minimalistic design. Everybody loves a beautiful object, and this grinder is among the most appealing appliances I’ve ever seen.
- Outstanding performance for home use. This grinder can grind up to 1.8 g/sec with a commercial-grade 64mm burr set and a PID-controlled 140W motor, allowing superior consistency.
- Smooth workflow and user experience. I’m impressed by how intuitive it is to use the Fellow Ode Gen 2.
- Compact and convenient for most counter spaces. Even though it’s a full-size grinder, it’s surprisingly close and fits nicely even in smaller kitchens.
- Anti-static technology reduces grinding messiness. I love this one because it makes it easier to keep the kitchen -or coffee bar- cleaner and more organized.
Cons
- Pricey in comparison to similar domestic coffee grinders. For instance, it costs more than double the price of the Baratza Encore. Moreover, the Fellow Ode Gen 1 is a great grinder, and has a substantially lower price.
- Some users claim the hopper design works poorly when grinding more than 40 g at once. Arguably, it can’t crush a relatively large amount of coffee in a single run without jamming or having consistency issues.
- A few users claim it needs deep cleaning twice weekly to avoid jams and grind retention problems.
Do you like how this grinder looks but would love to save money? Check our Fellow Ode Gen 1 review.
1ZPresso K-Ultra Hand Grinder – Best hand grinder
Pros
- Excellent construction. The look and feel of high-end 1zpresso grinders is that they’re almost indestructible. Every part is well-made, and every detail counts here. Everything exudes a high-quality build, from the body to the burrs and the foldable handle. And the 1Zpresso K-Ultra is an excellent example of it.
- Outstanding versatility. It can grind for all brewing methods and devices, from French press to espresso. Indeed, the 1Zpresso J-Max allows more control over grind sizes for espresso –at 8 microns per click– yet the 1Zpresso K-Ultra is still an excellent option –at 20 microns per click– producing fewer fines and making it the best hand grinder for pour-over coffee brewing.
- Intuitive adjustment dial. Dialing in any grind setting is as easy as turning the external adjustment ring. The mechanism works smoothly, and it takes no time to master.
- Foldable handle. Although it’s a heavy grinder, the foldable handle adds to the 1Zpresso portability, making it easy to pack for travel.
- Easy to clean, maintain, and calibrate. It is practical to disassemble the 1Zpresso K-Ultra, making the maintenance and cleaning experience smooth. I love this feature because electric grinders can be a pain to calibrate. I love this feature because electric grinders can be a pain to calibrate.
Cons
- Pricey for a hand grinder. Sitting just below the $300 mark makes many people scream and run around waving their arms in scandal. Surely, home baristas used to Comandante pricing won’t find the 1Zpresso K-Ultra that expensive, but most people don’t expect hand grinders to cost this much.
- Extremely heavy. The 1Zpresso K-Ultra doesn’t fit a traveling light lifestyle nicely. At 700 g -or 1.5 lb- grinding coffee with it isn’t for everybody. Lightweight options like the TIMEMORE C3 are a lot better for people who prefer a smoother morning workout 😉
Baratza Virtuoso Plus – Best for price
Pros
- Precise and fast. The Baratza Virtuoso Plus burr coffee grinder produces a consistent grind, thanks to its Etzinger M2 conical steel burr set. Furthermore, the Baratza Virtuoso can grind up to 2g per second, superior to most grinders in our list.
- Solid and durable. Baratza is well-known for its durable, easy-to-fix grinders. The Baratza Virtuoso Plus isn’t an exception. Although the design isn’t as appealing as newer grinders, the case combines metal and plastic for superior resilience.
- Easy to clean and maintain. The Baratza Virtuoso Plus is a straightforward grinder to clean. All you need is a brush or vacuum, and it’s ready for your next brew. Furthermore, the 40mm burrs are easily replaceable in case of damage or dulling. Moreover, Baratza has been replenishing its spare parts inventory for this grinder for years, and I expect it to be like that in the future.
- Best value for the money in its category. Perhaps only the Fellow Ode Gen 1 can be a match for the price of the Baratza Virtuoso Plus. Still, durability-wise, the Virtuoso Plus is the best choice for this kind of money.
Cons
- It’s less appealing than more modern grinders. As much as I like the Baratza Virtuoso Plus for its durability and performance, it wouldn’t win against newer grinders in any beauty contest. The design is a bit outdated, and the overall plastic construction doesn’t make it any better.
Still unsure about the Baratza Virtuoso Plus? Check our Baratza Virtuoso Plus Review.
1Zpresso JX S Manual Coffee Grinder – Best hand grinder for versatility
Pros
- Great construction. With a stainless steel body and conical burrs, the 1Zpresso JX can withstand many brews. Furthermore, the design is ergonomic and appealing, leaving a great impression.
- Good value. If you are looking for a top-notch grinder for under 200$, the 1Zpresso JX S is the best option. Although it’s a hand grinder, it performs better than other affordable electric grinders in our selection, such as the Baratza Encore, and it’s usually more affordable (remember that pricing changes seasonally).
- Versatile and precise. I love this feature because the 1Zpresso JX S performs better grinding fine grounds than most competitors, even electric ones in this price range.
- Fast and smooth grinding. Nobody wants to crank coffee grounds for minutes. That’s what a workout is for! The 1Zpresso takes some strength to operate, but nothing that is out of reach for most people.
- Foldable handle for superior portability. The 1Zpresso JX S has a foldable handle, making it easier to pack in a bag and travel with.
Cons
- Heavy: at around 600 g, the 1Zpresso JX S can be a burden when trekking or walking long distances. t can take up some crucial weight when packing for travel.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Affordable electric grinder
Pros
- Durable and reliable. The Baratza Encore is well-known for its outstanding build quality and superior durability, making it an excellent investment that will last many years without problems.
- Easy to use and maintain. The user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone to use and clean. Moreover, its 40mm conical burrs are easily removable in case of damage or wear.
- Incredible value for the money. Perhaps the best feature of the Baratza Encore is its price. It’s the most affordable electric grinder on our list and one of the best value-for-money grinders available.
Cons
- Noisy and not pretty. The Baratza Encore isn’t the best-looking grinder out there, and it can be a bit loud when running. Other than that, I find no major drawbacks in this affordable gem.
Looking for more information about the Baratza Encore? Check our Baratza Encore Review.
Timemore Chestnut C3 Hand Grinder – Best value
Pros
- Most affordable among good quality grinders with steel burrs. The Timemore Chestnut C3 is one of the most affordable, good-quality hand grinders with steel burrs. It’s an excellent choice for those who want an affordable grinder to handle pour-over and French press coffee brewing.
- Light and durable body. The Timemore Chestnut C3 is made of aluminum and weighs only 400 g. It’s lightweight and durable, making it easy to carry with you.
- Intuitive adjustments. The Timemore Chestnut C3 has a click adjustment system that makes it easy to adjust the grind size.
- Foldable handle. Like the 1Zpresso grinders on our list, this grinder has a foldable handle, making it easy to pack in a bag and travel with.
- Great performance for medium fine to medium coarse grinds. This grinder can produce various grind sizes, from medium fine to medium coarse, with excellent consistency.
Cons
- Limited adjustments at finer settings. The click adjustment system is great but limits the options at finer grind settings. So if you need a grinder that can produce espresso-level fineness, this might not be your best option.
- Slightly slower than competitors. The Timemore Chestnut C3 isn’t the fastest hand grinder, but it gets the job done in minutes. It’s great for those who don’t mind taking their time with coffee grinding. Curiously enough, the Timemore Chestnut C2 is faster.
What To Look For In Coffee Grinders For Pour-Over Coffee
Picking a coffee grinder isn’t easy, especially now that dozens of great grinders are on the market. A few years ago, finding a decent grinder for less than $400 was impossible. Now, most of the best coffee grinders for pour-over coffee brewing are around $200 and 400$.
The price can be hugely important if you have a limited budget. But that’s not everything when looking at products that have similar prices yet are designed for different users.
So, let’s drill down the most valuable features and benefits coffee grinders for pour-over brewing can offer.
Hand Grinder Vs. Electric Grinder
Choosing between a hand grinder and an electric one must consider a few things:
- Energy vs. Physical capacity: hand grinders are the most reliable for places without a reliable power supply or for people who want to grind coffee outdoors without much hassle. On the other hand, an electric grinder is very convenient for users without a strong grip or with some health conditions like arthritis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which may transform a manual coffee grinding experience into a nightmare.
- Noise vs. Smooth operation: all electric grinders produce noise. The most affordable, the worst. Those with plastic construction, like the Baratza Encore, can be loud for some users. This isn’t great for parents with small children or sensitive adults inside the house. Especially early in the morning. Hand grinders are better in these cases because they’re generally almost silent.
- Burr set quality: high-end hand grinders brands like 1Zpresso and Comandante have superior burr sets compared to electric grinders in their price range because they cut costs at construction and motor and dedicate all the quality to the burr set, the adjustment system, and the body. For this reason, it’s impossible to find an electric grinder below $300 that can compete with the best hand grinders on our list.
- Maintenance: hand grinders are easy to disassemble and reassemble. Deep cleaning requires half an hour, even slowly taking all the steps. On the other hand, serving an electric grinder requires more skills and time, and replacing a few parts over time is expected.
Blade Grinder Vs. Burr Grinders
The difference between blade and burr grinders is simple yet crucial. Blade grinders can’t offer the same consistency as burr grinders. And this makes a dramatic difference!
Using a blade grinder for coffee is like chopping beans randomly. Coffee grounds will have various sizes and cuts, providing an uneven extraction. As a result, you’ll find bitter and sour flavors in your coffee without the exquisite aromas you can find using a burr grinder.
Moreover, blade grinders chop coffee beans extremely fast, heating a bit and burning fines, adding undesirable bitterness to the brew.
On the other hand, burr grinders crush coffee beans with relative uniformity, providing a more uniform grind size distribution, having fewer boulders and fines, and allowing you to extract the best aromas and flavors from your coffee beans.
Conical Vs. Flat Burr Grinders
There is little hard evidence against conical or flat burr grinders. Both offer great performance for domestic use.
Experts’ opinions tend to point out that conical burr grinders are known for being quieter and allowing for more precision and control over your grind. They’re great for those who want to experiment with different coarseness levels and get the most out of their beans. Plus, they don’t retain as much heat as flat burr grinders.
Flat burr grinders, on the other hand, are easier to use since they produce a consistent grind right from the start. However, they do tend to retain more heat than conical burr grinders. Manufacturers know about this, though, so it’s common that good flat burr grinders have advanced technologies -such as a PID controller- to manage grinding speed and reduce the negative impact of heat retention.
Burrs Material & Grind Size
While stainless steel blades are cheaper and sharper, ceramic blades stay sharp longer. Some coffee experts claim that high-quality ceramic burrs produce a fuller-bodied taste, but I’ve found little scientific evidence to back that claim. On the other hand, ceramic blades can be brittle if something other than coffee beans ends up in the machine.
Besides materials, more recent advancements in coffee grinders technology include sophisticated coatings to improve accuracy and durability. In most cases, good steel burrs are more than enough, but for the pickiest ones among us, titanium-coated burrs are an excellent choice. However, in my experience and after checking with dozens of coffee lovers, it’s hard to discern the difference between coated and non-coated burrs when the base quality is top-notch.
Another important factor is grind size. The appropriate grind size will depend on your preferred brewing method. For example, a Chemex calls for a medium-coarse grind, while cone-shaped pour-over brewers do best with a medium or medium-fine grind. Consistency is key when grinding your beans for pour-over coffee, so ensure your chosen grinder can achieve the right range of grind sizes.
Ease of Cleaning
Let’s be real. Nobody wants to spend hours cleaning their coffee grinder. That’s why choosing a model that is easy to clean is important.
Manual grinders, overall, are easier to clean and maintain. They have a simpler construction, and the best among them are well-designed.
On the other hand, electric grinders require more sophisticated design decisions to be easy to disassemble, clean, and calibrate. As a result, the best electric grinders are pricier, and a well-designed grinder like the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a good example.
Grinders with removable burrs are easier to clean deeply from time to time. Low coffee grounds retention is a good thing here, which is considerably better in more modern grinders.
But what about those metal burrs that can’t be washed with water? Don’t worry, a simple brush will do the trick. Just remove all the coffee oils and particles that build up inside the grinder over time.
Cleaning your coffee grinder may not be the most exciting task, but it’s crucial for maintaining its quality and ensuring a delicious cup of pour-over coffee every time. So don’t overlook this step and invest in a grinder that makes cleaning easy.
Capacity
Coffee grounds retention reduction and grinding on demand are commonplace now. Yet, you’ll have to decide if you’ll single-dose your coffee brewing or prefer to have a full-hopper ready for work.
Our favorite, the Baratza Forté BG, can’t adapt to a single-dose hopper like the Baratza Encore and the Virtuoso Plus. Yet, as a commercial-grade grinder, it’s an excellent choice for heavy use.
In other words, a smaller grinder will do just fine if you only make coffee for yourself. But if you have family or friends who enjoy a cup of joe, you might want to invest in a larger model.
Manual grinders are typically small and can make enough grounds for just a few cups of coffee. However, electric grinders come in all sizes and can grind enough beans for multiple servings.
Keep in mind that using freshly ground coffee is always the best option. So, if you’re making coffee for multiple people, it’s better to grind your beans right before brewing instead of making a large batch ahead of time.
Ultimately, the size of your grinder depends on your personal needs and how much coffee you plan on making at once. So think about how many cups you’ll be brewing and choose a grinder that fits your needs.
The Verdict: Best Grinder for Pour-Over Coffee Brewing
After considering all the factors, we chose the Baratza Forté BG as our top pick for an electric grinder and the 1Zpresso K-Ultra as our favorite manual coffee grinder. These grinders offer excellent performance, with burrs capable of producing consistent results across a wide range of grind sizes. The Baratza Forté is also well-designed and easy to use, offering commercial-grade quality with an accurate grind-by-weight feature. The runner-up is the Fellow Ode Gen 2, with a more affordable price and an excellent features combination for domestic use.
As for manual grinders, the 1Zpresso K-Ultra offers incredible value and reliable grinding capabilities in a small package, making it perfect for single servings or smaller batches.
No matter your needs for pour-over brewing, you can trust either of these models to provide delicious cups every time!
Curious about grinders for other brewing methods? Check our review of the best coffee grinders for French press to learn about other alternatives. Furthermore, if you’re passionate about manual grinders, read our article about the best manual coffee grinders.