Best espresso grinders for beginners
Heads up: some links below are Amazon affiliate links, marked "(paid link)". As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices change; check the retailer. We research and compare from maker specs and manuals; we have not hands-on tested these products.
Espresso needs a fine, adjustable, consistent grind. These are commonly recommended entry points; check current prices.
Baratza Encore ESP
Good fit for: A first espresso grinder from a brand with good parts support.
- 40 mm hardened steel conical burrs (Etzinger, Liechtenstein)
- Steps 1–20 are fine espresso micro-steps; 21–40 are for filter
- Dosing cup fits 54 mm baskets, 58 mm with included adapter; quick-release burr
- Wirecutter: "a significant upgrade from the Encore"; also covered in James Hoffmann's under-£250 grinder video
Sources: Baratza Encore ESP product sheet (PDF) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026) · James Hoffmann: The Best Espresso Grinder Under £250 (YouTube)
Fellow Opus
Good fit for: People who also brew pour-over, French press or cold brew.
- Conical burr grinder, 41 settings, anti-static (per listing)
- An all-rounder rather than an espresso specialist
Sources: Amazon listing (Fellow Opus)
DF54
Good fit for: Single-dosers who want flat burrs in a compact body.
- 54 mm stainless flat burrs; stepless adjustment; 150 W AC motor
- Plasma ionizer for static; about 20 g single-dose capacity (50 g with bellows); 58 mm dosing cup
Sources: DF54 (df64coffee.com) · Turin DF54
Step-up
DF64 Gen 2 (step-up)
Good fit for: The next step: bigger burrs and room for aftermarket burr upgrades.
- 64 mm flat burrs; stepless; 250 W AC motor; single-dose with bellows
- Compatible with aftermarket 64 mm burrs; about 15 lb
Sources: DF64 Gen 2 (df64coffee.com) · Turin DF64 Gen 2.7
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change often, so check the current price on the retailer's page. Specs come from the manufacturer and retailer sources linked on this page; we have not hands-on tested these products.