Types of Coffee Grinders

1. Blade Grinders

How they work:
Blade grinders chop beans with spinning blades — similar to a spice grinder.

Pros:

• Cheap and easy to use

Cons:

• Inconsistent grind size

• Poor flavour extraction

• Not suitable for espresso or filter brewing

Our verdict:
We don’t recommend blade grinders. They’re inconsistent, overheat your coffee, and lead to bitter or sour brews.
Skip the blade grinder — invest in a burr grinder instead.

2. Burr Grinders

How they work:
Burr grinders crush coffee beans between two burrs for a uniform grind size. They come in flat or conical burr styles.

Flat Burr Grinders

Produce ultra-consistent grind size — ideal for espresso and precision filter brewing.

Conical Burr Grinders

Quieter, easier to clean, and generate less heat. Perfect for home brewers who switch between espresso and filter methods.

Pros:

• Precise control over grind size

• Consistent particle size for better flavour

• Suitable for all brewing methods

Cons:

• More expensive than blade grinders

• Flat burrs can be pricier than conical

Best for:
Coffee lovers who care about flavour consistency and want to brew café-quality espresso or filter coffee at home.

Manual vs Electric Coffee Grinders

Manual Coffee Grinders

Perfect for filter brewers, travellers, and early risers who want a quiet, hands-on experience.

Manual grinders are compact, durable, and often more affordable. However, they’re not ideal for espresso because adjusting to a fine grind takes effort and time.

Porlex Mini II – RRP $109

If you’re after the best budget hand grinder, look no further. The Porlex Mini II is compact, consistent, and nearly indestructible. The price point makes it a terrific starting point for hand grinding.

Its ceramic burrs produce a uniform grind, ideal for AeroPress, pour-over, and travel brewing. For its price, it’s hard to beat — making it the go-to budget coffee grinder for filter coffee lovers.

Best for: Beginners, travellers, or anyone chasing quality on a budget.

Comandante C40 – RRP $479

One of the world’s most respected manual grinders. Stainless steel burrs deliver incredible grind quality, consistency and control.

While capable of espresso-level fineness, it’s best suited for pour-over, French press, or filter brewing.

Why we love it: The craftsmanship and precision make the C40 an investment that rivals electric models in performance and longevity.

Electric Coffee Grinders

For convenience, precision, and versatility, electric burr grinders are the gold standard for home brewing.

Baratza Encore – RRP $299

If you mostly brew filter coffee, the Baratza Encore is easily the best budget coffee grinder in Australia right now.

It’s simple, reliable, and uses conical burrs to produce an even grind for pour-over, AeroPress, drip, and French press. The Encore isn’t built for espresso, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants to step up from blade grinders or pre-ground coffee without spending a fortune.

Why we love it: The Encore proves that the best budget grinder can still deliver outstanding flavour and consistency.

Breville Smart Grinder Pro – RRP $449 (often on sale for $349)

Our top pick for most home brewers. The Smart Grinder Pro bridges the gap between affordability and professional performance. Suitable for a wide range of different brewing methods and great value for the price point.

With 60 grind settings, it handles everything from French press to espresso — making it one of the best value coffee grinders in Australia.

We’ve used this grinder in countless brews at Rumble — it’s reliable, precise, and perfect for anyone who wants better coffee at home without going full commercial.

Fellow Ode Gen 2 – RRP $599

Sleek, quiet, and built for filter perfection, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a standout premium home grinder.

It features large flat burrs and an improved grind range for filter brewing, delivering incredible clarity and balance in every cup. The Ode Gen 2 is optimised for pour-over, AeroPress, batch brew, and French press — but not espresso.

Why we love it: The Ode Gen 2 combines premium design, whisper-quiet operation, and café-level performance in a compact package.

Best for: Coffee connoisseurs who love filter brewing and want the most consistent, flavourful results at home.

Mahlkönig X54 – RRP $1,099

Made by the same German engineers behind the grinders used in professional cafés. The X54 combines flat burr precision, a quiet motor, and digital controls for serious home baristas.

With grind settings for espresso, Moka pot, pour-over, and French press, it’s built for those chasing café-level performance at home.

Best for: Espresso lovers who want professional results and long-term reliability.

Buying Tips: How to Choose the Right Coffee Grinder

1. Match Your Grinder to Your Brew Method

• Espresso: Flat burr, electric grinder (Breville Smart Grinder Pro, Mahlkönig X54)

• Pour-over / Drip: Manual or conical burr grinder (Porlex Mini II, Baratza Encore, Fellow Ode Gen 2)

• French Press / Cold Brew: Conical burr or manual grinder

2. Check Capacity

Small hand grinders are great for one cup. If you’re brewing for a family or entertaining, go electric.

3. Prioritise Grind Consistency

Uniform grind = even extraction = better flavour.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Look for grinders with removable burrs. And use grinder cleaner regularly — it’s quick, effective, and keeps your coffee tasting fresh.

5. Noise Level

Manual grinders are whisper-quiet. Electric grinders can be noisy, but models like the Fellow Ode Gen 2 are impressively silent.

Which Grinder is Best for You?

☕️ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best coffee grinder in Australia right now?

For most home brewers, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro offers the best balance of price, performance, and versatility. It’s affordable, precise, and handles everything from espresso to French press.

2. What’s the best budget coffee grinder?

The Baratza Encore is the best budget coffee grinder in Australia for filter brewing. It’s reliable, easy to use, and delivers consistent results for pour-over, AeroPress, and drip coffee — all for under $300.

3. What’s the difference between flat and conical burrs?

Flat burrs produce a more consistent grind and are often preferred for espresso. Conical burrs are quieter, easier to clean, and work better for filter or all-round home brewing. Both are far superior to blade grinders.

4. Do I need a different grinder for espresso and filter coffee?

Not necessarily. Grinders like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro or Mahlkönig X54 can handle both espresso and filter settings. But if you only brew filter coffee, a grinder like the Fellow Ode Gen 2 or Baratza Encore is ideal.

5. Are manual coffee grinders worth it?

Absolutely. A manual grinder like the Comandante C40 or Porlex Mini II delivers excellent grind consistency, especially for filter coffee. They’re quieter, portable, and built to last — perfect for travellers or anyone who enjoys the hands-on process.

6. How often should I clean my coffee grinder?

At least once a month if you’re brewing daily. Use a grinder cleaner or brush to remove old grounds and oils — it makes your coffee taste fresher and extends the life of your burrs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best coffee grinder for your home depends on how you brew, your budget, and how serious you are about flavour.