The 10 Best Coffee Grinders For French Presses

Editor's Notes

September 23, 2020:

If you prefer the freshness of whole beans rather than pre-ground coffee for your French press, you’ll want a reliable grinder that gives your grounds just the right consistency. We added in several tried-and-true models today in a range of prices to suit most budgets. Although there’s a higher end model available from the manufacturer, the Baratza Encore is hard to beat when it comes to its simplicity and capabilities. Just insert the beans, rotate the hopper to your desired setting, and press the pulse button on its front. It can accommodate up to 8 ounces of beans, and features a small footprint that will fit nicely in many kitchen cabinets. It boasts an efficient DC motor and is available in your choice of black or white to match your kitchen decor. We also added in the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, which is well suited and worth the investment for anyone who prefers plenty of high-tech, thoughtfully designed features. It’s adjustable in minute increments of 0.2 seconds, so you can determine and stick with the precise size of grounds you prefer. Its large LCD shows your current settings, including grind time, number of shots or cups selected, and the grind size. These are easy to program with the lighted buttons situated underneath the screen. It’s made with steel conical burrs that help minimize the grinding heat and preserve the essential oils present in the beans. You can choose a finish of brushed stainless steel, sesame black, or cranberry red.

For an affordable model that provides a lot of bang for your buck, check out the Oxo Conical, which grinds quickly, with even results every time. It’s got a sleek, shiny stainless steel finish and runs a lot more quietly than some others, so disturbing others in the house will be less of a concern. It’s easy to use and starts with just one touch once you have your presets dialed in. The tinted hopper blocks UV rays, since light can negatively impact the quality of the oils in coffee beans. If you’re partial to a manual coffee grinder, you might find your best bet is the Porlex Mini Mill, which takes up very little storage space in your cabinet or when packed along with your camping gear, and it’s a nice size for one-person use. Its rugged stainless steel build means it should survive drops or bangs and remain intact, and high-quality ceramic burrs also help ensure its longevity. These models replace several that are unavailable or discontinued, including the Vremi Bump N' Grind, the QcoQce Mini, the Handground Precision, and the Trimm Burr Mill.

December 20, 2018:

Included the Shardor Electric for its time-dependent operation, lid-activated safety switch, and convenient cord storage that's located underneath its base. The JavaPresse Manual offers a compact design and a choice of up to 15 grind settings, so it's a great option for use at parties. Also added the Chefman Electric Burr due to its ability to store enough ground coffee to make up to 12 cups. Included the Bodum Bistro for its extra-large hopper, sturdy lid, and static-free glass container, all of which promote whole bean freshness. Finally, the Krups Auto Dose was worthy of inclusion, thanks to its auto-closing trap doors and graduated measurement scale.