For those coffee lovers who want to start their morning with freshly ground coffee without spending too much, you’ll need one of the best budget coffee grinders. Great reliable units that cost less than $100 (and even $25) do exist, and there are plenty of high-quality mills out there that can help you get the grounds worthy of a French press or Turkish coffee while keeping your budget intact — if you know where to look.
When you’re shopping around for a budget coffee grinder, it’s important to be aware of the different types and features that are available. First, you’ll need to choose between a burr and blade grinder. Burr grinders use two rotating surfaces to grind beans to a consistent size and create a more rounded flavor. They are also a slightly more expensive option. This type of grinder often features various grind setting options too, for making pour over or drip depending on your needs of the moment.
On the other hand, blade grinders quickly chop grounds into slightly irregular sizes giving the coffee a bolder, sometimes harsher, taste. However, they’re also usually much more affordable and can even double as a spice or grains grinder after a thorough sweeping. They also tend to take up less space on your counter, all of which makes them a great choice for people who don't plan on grinding a whole lot of coffee at home but like the option.
To help make finding a coffee grinder easier, here’s my roundup of the best budget coffee grinders on Amazon from most expensive to least. All of these top-rated burr and blade grinders have the features you need for a great cup of joe, but for a lot less that you thought.