The 5 Best Coffee Grinders for French Press (2024 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

As a devoted coffee aficionado with over a decade of experience in brewing my favorite cup of Joe via the French press, I’ve embarked on a relentless quest for the best coffee grinder for French press coffee. My passion for French press coffee has led me on an odyssey, and now I’m ready to share my insights into the world of coffee grinding with you.

In this article, I will provide a comprehensive review of my top five coffee grinders for French press coffee. Each one has been personally tried and tested by yours truly. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of coffee grinding and discover the perfect grinders for use alongside your French press.

Top 5 Best Coffee Grinders for French Press Coffee

1. Lido 3 Manual Coffee Grinder — Best Overall
2. Baratza Encore — Best Electric Grinder
3. Fellow Ode Brew Grinder — Best Luxury Option
4. Hario “Smart G” Ceramic Coffee Mill — Most Affordable
5. Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder — Best for Travel

1. Lido 3 Manual Coffee Grinder — Best Overall

Allow me to introduce my trusted companion, the Lido 3 Manual Coffee Grinder, crowned as the best overall grinder for French press coffee. The Lido 3 is a testament to German engineering and craftsmanship, and it consistently delivers a top-notch performance.

The Lido 3 boasts a unique stepless adjustment system, allowing you to dial in your grind size with unparalleled precision. This feature is the crowning glory of the Lido 3, as it permits you to fine-tune the grind size to achieve the perfect extraction for your French press. However, it’s worth noting that this adjustment mechanism, while technically superior, can be a bit tricky to use, requiring a learning curve.

This grinder is also super high-quality, hand crafted by the owner of the company. I’ve used mine every day for years and have never had any issue or degradation of quality and consistency. I find myself reaching for the Lido 3 almost every morning due to its exceptional performance.

2. Baratza Encore — Best Electric Grinder

For those days when you’re craving French press coffee but don’t have the energy to put in manual labor, the Baratza Encore takes the crown as the best electric grinder for French press aficionados. With its 40mm conical burrs and a powerful motor, the Baratza Encore produces a uniform grind size suitable for your French press brewing needs.

The convenience of an electric grinder, especially on those rushed mornings, is hard to beat. This grinder won’t achieve the same level of consistency as the Lido 3, but that’s to be expected of an electric grinder that’s in the same price range. It still provides outstanding quality and consistency, and it’s a true powerhouse that needs minimal maintenance.

The Baratza Encore remains my go-to choice when I’m feeling lazy but still want a delightful cup of French press coffee.

3. Fellow Ode Brew Grinder — Best Luxury Option

If you’re willing to invest heavily in your daily coffee ritual, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder stands out as the best luxury option, in my opinion. This electric grinder is a work of art, featuring 64mm flat burrs that can rival the consistency of manual grinders.

Flat burrs are a significant factor in the Fellow Ode’s exceptional performance. They grind coffee beans more uniformly, reducing the presence of fines – a critical consideration for French press enthusiasts. Fines will remain in your brewed French press because it’s unfiltered. The more fines your grinder produces, the more bitterness will seep into your cup during the secondary extraction after you press. The Fellow Ode minimizes that.

This luxury grinder doesn’t come cheap, but if you have a budget to spare and desire the pinnacle of grinding excellence, the Fellow Ode is the way to go.

4. Hario “Smart G” Ceramic Coffee Mill — Most Affordable

For those budget-conscious coffee lovers, the Hario “Smart G” Ceramic Coffee Mill is an excellent choice. This manual grinder offers a wallet-friendly option without compromising too much on grind quality.

What sets the Hario “Smart G” apart is its use of ceramic burrs, which are FAR more consistent than the typical blade grinders found in this price range but way cheaper than stainless steel burrs you’ll find in other high-quality grinders.

Ceramic burrs produce a more consistent grind, reducing the presence of fines in your French press coffee. This makes the Hario “Smart G” a smart choice for those who are just starting their French press journey or anyone looking for a cost-effective yet reliable grinder.

5. Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder — Best for Travel

For the coffee lover on the go, the Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder is a compact and reliable companion. This manual grinder may be small in size, but it offers excellent quality and consistency for your French press nee

One standout feature of the Porlex Mini is its stepped adjustment mechanism, which makes it a breeze to switch between grind sizes. It’s also super satisfying to turn the wheel and hear the clicks.

While it doesn’t offer the same variability as stepless grinders, it’s surprisingly versatile for its size. If you find yourself frequently traveling or simply need a grinder that won’t take up much space in your kitchen, the Porlex Mini is the ideal choice. I just wouldn’t recommend this if you often want to make large batches, as the bean capacity is, understandably, minimal at this size.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Coffee Grinder for French Press Coffee

Now that we’ve delved into the top coffee grinders for French press, it’s essential to understand the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect grinder for your brewing needs.

Grind Size Consistency

Grind size consistency is paramount for achieving a delicious French press coffee. Why is this so crucial? Well, consistency allows you to tweak and experiment with specific variables to attain your perfect cup of coffee. In the world of French press, this is especially important because fines, those pesky tiny coffee particles, will remain in your coffee and continue to extract after you press and pour.

This is undesirable as it can lead to bitterness and burnt flavors. A high-quality burr grinder excels in producing fewer fines, thus ensuring a more balanced and delicious cup.

Flat Burrs vs. Conical Burrs

The choice between flat burrs and conical burrs is a critical one for coffee aficionados. Flat burrs excel at producing a uniform grind size, making them ideal for French press brewing.

Conical burrs are also outstanding and tend to be much more affordable. They also produce less heat during the grinding process, so they’re better suited for espresso, where the smallest bit of heat during grinding can make big differences in your cup.

Of course, that doesn’t matter too much with French press. However, flat burrs are still better because they minimize the presence of fines, leading to a cleaner and more balanced cup of French press coffee. They just come at a higher price tag.

Steel Burrs vs. Ceramic Burrs

When it comes to burr material, steel burrs are the preferred choice for French press coffee (and every other style). They’re more durable and tend to last longer than ceramic burrs. While ceramic burrs can still do a decent job, steel burrs are known for producing a more consistent grind size for longer, and they won’t get damaged nearly as easily. However, it’s worth mentioning that steel burr grinders typically come with a higher price tag.

Stepped vs. Step-less Grind Size Adjustments

The difference between stepped and stepless grind size adjustments is a topic that often leaves coffee enthusiasts in a quandary. In theory, stepless adjustments are superior as they offer infinite grind size customization. However, in practice, most users tend to prefer stepped adjustments because they’re easier to manage.

As someone who has experienced both, I can attest that I find myself adjusting less frequently when using a manual grinder with stepless adjustment, just because of how annoying it is to do and keep track of everything. In essence, the choice between stepped and stepless adjustments depends on your preference and willingness to tinker with settings.

Manual vs. Electric Grinder

Manual and electric grinders each have their unique strengths. Manual grinders are prized for their precision and consistency, making them an excellent choice for French press coffee. They’re also higher quality at a given price point because none of the cost goes toward a motor. Manual grinders are also more portable, making them suitable for travel.

On the other hand, electric grinders offer the convenience of effortless grinding in a fraction of the time. The choice between manual and electric ultimately boils down to your brewing routine and personal preferences. If you brew large batches frequently or are lazy, go with an electric grinder. If you want ultimate precision and consistency, go with a manual grinder.

Grind Retention

Grind retention is an often overlooked factor but plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect coffee-to-water ratio. Grind retention refers to the coffee grounds that remain inside the grinder after use, usually due to static electricity. Minimizing grind retention is essential for consistently nailing the right coffee-to-water ratio and ensuring that your brew isn’t compromised by old, stale grounds.

Grind retention is inevitable, but higher-quality grinders tend to minimize retention by using specific materials in the construction of the grinder.

Grinds for Other Brewing Styles

While my primary focus in this article is on grinding for French press coffee, it’s worth noting that most grinders excel within a specific range of grind sizes that cover multiple brewing methods. Even if a grinder can handle a wider range, it may not perform optimally at all settings.

The Lido 3, for instance, excels at French press but may not be the best choice for espresso. This is because precision and variability often work in opposition to each other. The more variable the sizes a grinder can handle, the less precise it will be. Consider this if you occasionally enjoy other brewing methods like drip coffee, pour over, or espresso.

Wrapping Up: What’s the Best Coffee Grinder for French Press Coffee?

In the world of coffee, the journey is as important as the destination, and the quest for the perfect French press coffee is no different. Whether you opt for the precision of manual grinders like the Lido 3 or the convenience of electric options like the Baratza Encore, the key to success lies in achieving a consistent grind size with minimal fines to reduce bitterness and burnt flavors.

With the insights and reviews provided in this article, you’re well-equipped to embark on your own quest for the perfect cup of French press coffee. So, pick your grinder, savor your brew, and enjoy the rich, aromatic journey of coffee making.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is grind size consistency crucial for French press coffee?

Grind size consistency is paramount for French press coffee because it directly affects the quality of your brew. Inconsistent grind sizes can lead to over-extraction, resulting in bitterness and burnt flavors. With consistent grind sizes, you have more control over the extraction process, allowing you to achieve a balanced and flavorful cup of coffee. This is especially vital in French press brewing, as fines – tiny coffee particles – can’t be filtered out and continue to extract in your cup.

What’s the difference between flat and conical burrs, and why does it matter for French press coffee?

The key difference lies in the shape of the burrs and their impact on grind quality. Flat burrs produce a more uniform grind size, making them a better option, albeit at a higher price point. Conical burrs are slightly less consistent, but they’re more affordable. In the context of French press, flat burrs minimize the presence of fines, resulting in a cleaner and more balanced cup. So, for the best French press experience, opt for grinders with flat burrs. If you’re on a budget, conical burrs should suit you just fine.

Is a manual or electric grinder better for French press coffee?

Both manual and electric grinders have their merits, but manual grinders, like the Lido 3, excel in precision and consistency, making them great for French press. They’re also portable and suitable for travel. Electric grinders, such as the Baratza Encore, offer convenience and save time, though they may be slightly less consistent. The choice between them depends on your brewing routine and personal preferences. If you prioritize precision and are willing to put in a bit of manual effort, a manual grinder may be your top choice.

What’s the significance of grind retention in a coffee grinder?

Grind retention refers to the coffee grounds that remain inside the grinder after use due to static electricity. It’s essential to understand because minimizing grind retention ensures that you’re using fresh coffee grounds for every brew. Stale or old grounds can negatively affect the quality of your French press coffee. Grinders with lower grind retention are preferred because they allow you to maintain the coffee-to-water ratio consistently and ensure you only use fresh grounds, producing a more flavorful cup. So, when choosing a grinder, consider grind retention as a key factor in the brewing process to enjoy the best results.