Excellent coffee always starts with good coffee beans. But the next vital step is to grind the beans fresh with a high quality coffee grinder.

Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a casual coffee drinker, the quality of your grind will make or break your brew. The single best thing you can do to improve your brewing is to make the switch from pre-ground coffee to freshly ground coffee beans.

But with such a wide range available in Australia, choosing the best coffee grinders can be tricky. That’s why we’re here to breakdown the types of coffee grinders and cover some of our favourites at different prices.

Types of Coffee Grinders

There are two main types of coffee grinders: blade grinders and burr grinders.

1. Blade Grinders

How they work:

Blade grinders use a spinning blade to chop the coffee beans into smaller pieces. Think of a spice grinder you might use in the kitchen.

Pros:

Inexpensive and simple to use.

Cons:

Blade grinders chop the coffee rather than grind it, leading to an inconsistent grind size. That means they don’t work well for any brew method.

Our verdict:

We don’t recommend blade grinders for anyone. They might be cheap, but their inconsistent grind size leads to terrible coffee.

Blade grinders suck and we do not recommend them.

Get a burr grinder.

2. Burr Grinders

How they work:

Burr grinders crush the coffee beans between two burrs creating a consistent grind size. There are two main types of burr you can get, flat or conical.

Flat Grinders:

These grind the coffee between two parallel discs, producing a more uniform grind size. They are the most popular commercial option and

These have two parallel discs that grind the coffee, producing a more uniform particle size. They tend to produce a more precise grind, making them popular in commercial settings or for espresso enthusiasts who demand consistency.

Conical Burrs:

These burrs have a cone-shaped design and are often quieter, more affordable, and easier to clean. They also produce less heat during grinding, which can preserve the coffee’s flavour. Conical burrs are great for a range of brewing methods and are commonly used in home grinders.

Pros:

More control over grind size, essential for espresso or pour-over methods. Both flat and conical burrs provide much more consistency than blade grinders, though flat burrs offer even finer precision.

Cons:

Burr grinders are more expensive than blade grinders, and flat burr models can be more costly than conical ones.

Best for:

Coffee enthusiasts who want precision and consistency. Flat burr grinders are ideal for espresso lovers, while conical burrs are excellent for a wide range of brewing methods, including French press and pour-over.

Manual vs Electric Coffee Grinders

Manual Coffee Grinders

Manual (or hand) coffee grinders are a fantastic starting option for filter coffee drinkers. They’re compact, portable, and more affordable than electric burr grinders. Although manual grinding requires some effort, they offer excellent grind quality and portability.

But... hand grinders are not a good choice if you have an espresso machine. They simply do not grind fine enough or have the ease of changing the grind that you need if you have an espresso machine.

Another prominent feature of manual grinders is the noise level. Hand grinders are quiet. The perfect option for those of us who are first up and want fresh coffee to start the day but don’t want to wake the house while doing it.

Two manual coffee grinders we recommend are the Porlex Mini II and the Comandante C40.

Porlex Mini II - RRP $109

The most popular entry-level choice for travelers and minimalists due to its compact size. Its ceramic burrs provide a consistent grind amking it ideal for those who enjoy making coffee on the go or want a reliable manual grinder for brewing methods like AeroPress, pour-over or drip coffee.

Comandante C40 - RRP $479

The C40 is one of the best manual grinders on the market. It’s high-quality stainless steel burrs deliver exceptional grind consistency, even for espresso. (While it is possible to use the C40 as an espresso grinder, we do not recommend it. It takes too long to adjust and the grind time is too long. Most people will not be bothered)

But the craftsmanship, precision, and durability of the C40 make it a top choice for serious coffee enthusiasts who prioritize grind control and flavour extraction.

Though more expensive than the Porlex Mini II, the Comandante C40 is an investment for those who want a premium manual grinder that rivals electric models in performance.

Electric Coffee Grinders

Here are some of the most popular electric coffee grinder available in Australia, some of them we sell but all of them we like and recommend.

Breville Smart Grinder Pro - RRP $449 (Available today at $349)

Known for its precision and ease of use, this burr grinder has 60 grind settings, making it perfect for everything from French press to espresso.

We’ve been selling the Breville Smart Grinder at Rumble Coffee for years and have used them to brew delicious coffee for well over a decade. They are versatile and functional and offer the most bang for your buck of any electric coffee grinder.

Mahlkonig X54

The Mahlkönig X54 is a high-end burr grinder from the German masters of coffee grinders. Most of the commercial grinders we use at Rumble these days come from Mahlkonig.

The X54 has a vast range of grind settings letting you brew everything from espresso to Moka pot to French Press.

The flat burrs, quiet motor and digital display are just like their commercial options and make this the grinder of choice for the serious home barista.

Buying Tips for Coffee Grinders

There are a few things to think about when choosing a home coffee grinder.

Your brewing method:

This is the most important factor. How do you make coffee at home and are you looking to expand your range of coffee makers in the future?

Each brew method needs different grind sizes, from a fine grind for espresso to much coarser for French Press or cold brew.

Capacity:

If you’re making filter coffee for one, a small hand grinder is fine. But if you are making multiple espresso shots for a large family, then you need something with more power.

Grind consistency:

Flat burr grinders are the most consistent, especially for espresso. Inconsistent grinds make life hard, coffee extract unevenly and taste bad.

Ease of cleaning:

You need to clean your grinder regularly. See which grinders seem easy to clean and have burrs that are easy to remove.

And use grinder cleaner! This stuff is magic. It cleans your grinder burrs in moments and will extend the life of the burrs and make your coffee more tasty.

Noise levels:

Electric grinders can be loud. If you want to make stealthy, early morning brews then look into a manual grinder.

Recommendations for Different Coffee Drinkers

For Beginners:

If you are just starting out in coffee, then the Porlex Mini II is hard to beat for filter coffee drinkers. It’s cheap, easy to use and provides a sweet little workout.

For Espresso Lovers:

If you’re making espresso, then you need a grinder that can grind fine enough. We love the Breville Smart Grinder Pro to get started as the price point is low while the quality is high.

For the Connoisseur:

If you have a higher budget and a higher-end home espresso machine, then you need a top of the line burr coffee grinder, and that is the Mahlkonig X54.

Choosing a grinder depends on how you brew your coffee, your level of experience and, of course, your budget. But there’s a grinder out there to suit all levels and price ranges.