Cold brew coffee is a delightful treat, especially on a scorching summer day. However, achieving the perfect brew requires very coarse grounds, which can be challenging to find pre-ground. So, which grinder is ideal for cold brew beans?
To simplify your shopping experience and hasten your journey to a delicious glass of cold brew, this guide presents the top five cold brew coffee grinders. Through rigorous testing and comparison of price, design, grind consistency, grind settings, and size, we’ve curated detailed reviews to ensure you make an informed choice.
Dive into our rankings and comprehensive buying guide to discover the perfect cold brew grinder for your needs.
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…
Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder | |||
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder | |||
OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder | |||
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder | |||
Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder |
Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder – Top Pick
The top pick among the grinders reviewed was the Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, striking a balance with its affordable price and excellent design, consistently delivering precise grinds across various coarseness settings. Its commercial-grade steel conical burrs operate at a deliberate speed of under 450 rpm, ensuring superior coffee grounds.
Designed with a sleek piano-style grind size chart and a straightforward dial timer, the Capresso 560.01 allows for hassle-free grinding without constant monitoring. Weighing four pounds, it features an 8.8-ounce bean container and a four-ounce grounds container.
The removable upper burr simplifies cleaning, crucial for maintaining performance as some grounds tend to accumulate during grinding. Regular cleaning is recommended, facilitated by the included cleaning brush and measuring scoop. Capresso backs the grinder with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros:
Affordable price point
Consistent grind quality across all settings
Includes cleaning brush and measuring scoop
Cons:
Grounds may occasionally get stuck in burrs
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
If you’re seeking to save a bit, consider the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder, known for its excellent value and manual operation.
This lightweight grinder weighs just half a pound and includes a free bag of coffee with purchase. It boasts 18 grind settings and operates quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
Crafted from compact stainless steel, the JavaPresse grinder is both stylish and space-efficient. During testing, its manual operation proved slightly labor-intensive.
Grinding a full cup of beans requires effort, and adjusting grind settings without clear indicators can be challenging. Yet, with dedication, this grinder consistently produces a coarse grind suitable for cold brew coffee, offering substantial savings.
JavaPresse advises replacing its ceramic burrs annually, with replacements available on their website. Backed by an impressive lifetime warranty and reliable customer support, it ensures long-term satisfaction for coffee enthusiasts.
Pros:
Extremely lightweight
Backed by a lifetime warranty with excellent customer service
Features durable ceramic burrs
Cons:
Grind size adjustment is not intuitive
OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder presents itself as a solid choice with its affordable pricing and lightweight design, complemented by its sturdy stainless steel build that exudes a premium feel. Users will appreciate its remarkably quiet operation, ensuring minimal disruption for household members or roommates.
Equipped with stainless steel conical burrs and offering 15 grind settings with micro adjustments, this grinder provides versatility for various coffee brewing methods.
However, during testing, it was observed that beans may not always feed smoothly, necessitating occasional monitoring during the grinding process.
The grinder features a spacious 12-ounce plastic hopper with UV-blocking properties, though its grounds container has a limited capacity of four ounces per grind session. While concerns about long-term durability were noted, the inclusion of a generous two-year warranty adds peace of mind for potential buyers.
Pros:
Sleek stainless steel construction
Offers 15 grind settings with micro-adjustments and an adjustable timer
Spacious UV-blocking plastic hopper
Cons:
Limited capacity in the grounds container
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder stands out for those willing to invest a bit more in their coffee experience. It boasts practical features like a pulse button and straightforward on/off switch, along with a generous selection of 40 grind settings.
However, despite its price tag, the grinder’s plastic construction and less-than-stellar design may not exude the premium feel expected.
Weighing 6.83 pounds, it incorporates durable steel burrs but falls short in aesthetic appeal. During testing, occasional recalibration was necessary, although it operates quietly, which is a definite plus.
Baratza provides a solid one-year warranty along with reliable customer service, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.
Pros:
Features a convenient pulse button and on/off switch
Backed by a one-year warranty with reliable customer service
Equipped with durable steel burrs
Cons:
Higher price point compared to competitors
Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder
The Bodum Bistro Burr Grinder, a mid-range option, rounds out our selections. Weighing a manageable 4.6 pounds, it sports an elegant design with glass and silicone elements, complemented by stainless steel conical burrs. Despite its aesthetic appeal, durability is a concern, as it lacks robustness compared to others in its class.
Featuring 12 grind sizes and an adjustable timer, the Bodum Bistro can accommodate up to 7.75 ounces of beans in its hopper. The borosilicate glass container, dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, includes a handy grind size chart on its lid for quick adjustments.
However, the grinder’s plastic gears are prone to durability issues, particularly concerning for long-term reliability. While Bodum offers replacement glass containers, support for silicone parts or gears is limited. Buyers benefit from a standard one-year warranty, though customer service responsiveness has been reportedly inconsistent.
Pros:
Premium glass and silicone construction
Adjustable grind sizes and timer for precise control
Convenient grind size chart for easy adjustments
Cons:
Plastic gears are not durable
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal coffee grinder entails weighing key factors like price, durability, grind settings, and warranty. Each grinder reviewed here offers distinct features tailored to various preferences and requirements.
Whether affordability, advanced functionality, or long-lasting construction is your priority, there’s a grinder to suit. Consider the build quality and customer service reliability, as these factors impact long-term satisfaction.
Ultimately, finding the right coffee grinder involves striking a balance that ensures it meets your specific brewing needs reliably and efficiently.