This Grinder Is My Secret to a Great Cup of Coffee Every Time

There are a lot of steps, from picking quality beans to deciding on the right brewer, that go into making a great cup of coffee. But, most coffee experts would argue that little matters if you’re not grinding your beans evenly and at the correct coarseness. Every type of brewed coffee, from French press and espresso to pour-over and cold brew, requires a specific level of coarseness to the bean’s grind, and an uneven or incorrect grind will almost certainly affect the flavor of your coffee. This makes a burr grinder, which grinds coffee between two abrasive surfaces, a coffee-lover's essential. For an elevated, consistently delicious cup of coffee, we swear by this conical burr grinder from OXO.

The Difference Between Burr and Blade Grinders

Before going into the details of this grinder, it’s important to explain why you need a burr grinder in the first place. When we talked to Giorgio Milos, the U.S.-based master barista for illy, about what to look for when picking a quality espresso machine, he reinforced the need for a flat or conical burr grinder. Compared to a blade grinder, which resembles the function of a blender and chops beans at an inconsistent rate, burr grinders run the beans through the two abrasive surfaces (burrs), easily controlling the coarseness of your grind and resulting in even coffee grounds.

It’s Perfect for Daily Drip-Coffee

So far, I’ve used this OXO burr grinder to grind beans for cold-brew coffee, which typically requires a coarser grind, and drip-coffee, which are best at a medium grind. The rotating dial makes it easy to switch between, and the grounds have come out even each time. The attached hopper holds roughly .75 pounds of coffee beans, so you don’t have to worry about refilling it every morning before grinding your coffee for the day. Plus, the timer stays at the previous setting, so you don’t have to reset it to your perfect amount every time.

The first time I used it to brew a pot of coffee, I immediately noticed the difference. Before, I was playing a guessing game when grinding coffee and eyeballing when I thought the beans were evenly ground to a medium setting. Now, all I have to do is quickly press the timer when I wake up and know that I am ensured the ideal amount of correctly ground beans for my pot of coffee.

After brewing, the result is a rich, smooth and velvety cup of coffee — every time.

It Takes Up Some Space

Compared to grinders I’ve used in the past, this one does take up a little more space on my countertop. Unlike smaller blade grinders, this one has a hopper to hold beans and a container to hold the dispensed grounds. Personally, I enjoy the process of grinding my beans fresh every morning for a fresh pot of coffee, so it feels like a good use of the space to me.

Who Is this Great For?

Even if you view coffee as fuel to get your morning started, making the small change to a better grinder can quickly elevate your coffee with no additional work — I saw immediate results in my standard pot of drip coffee. This grinder is also great for anyone looking to experiment with different types of brewers. Before you can start brewing in a French press, Toddy or espresso machine, you need beans ground at the right coarseness. This one piece of equipment can be your first step into a whole new world of delicious coffee.

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