Invented in 2005 by American inventor Alan Adler, the Aeropress has enjoyed unmatched popularity over the last decade, and for good reason.
When paired with a good coffee grinder, the Aeropress delivers a delicious, smooth-tasting, and rich cup of coffee that you’ve likely ever tasted before.
For best results, it is recommended that you consider using a good quality coffee grinder specifically designed to be used for Aeropress.
In this article, we’re going to share the results of hours of experimenting and testing (different coffee grinders) in an effort to identify what’s the best coffee grinder for Aeropress and share some of our top picks with you.
Our Top Picks Compared
Last update on 2021-05-09 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Overall – Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Who is it for?
If you’ve been on the lookout for a reliable and affordable entry-level coffee grinder that’s easy to use and doesn’t take up much of your counter space, then you should definitely consider the Baratza Encore as our hours of testing has proved that it is indeed the best coffee-grinder for Aeropress.
The Encore is ideal for every day (at home) use because of its small footprint.
Key Features
Manual On-Off Switch
The Encore has an easy-to-use and intuitive On-Off switch that activates the motor for a continuous grind. Our tests showed that you may rotate the switch from any position (clockwise or counterclockwise) without damaging it.
Front Mounted Pulse Button
Alternatively, you can opt to use the large pulse button located conveniently at the front-end of the grinder. To grind, push, and hold the pulse button until you’re done then release the button to stop the grinding. This is ideal for short duration grinding.
Grind Adjustment
The Baratza Encore features 40 individual grind adjustment settings meaning you can quickly adjust from fine to coarse with a simple turn of the hopper.
Precision Conical Burrs
The Encore bears a 40mm conical burr grinder that’s exceptional at producing an even grind from very fine to very coarse and everything in between. For an Aeropress, this will probably be between a medium to fine grind.
Efficient Motor
The Baratza Encore bears a powerful DC motor specifically built to handle long-duty cycles. It also features a thermal safety device that safeguards the motor from overheating.
How to Use the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder for Aeropress
Before Use
Before your first use, ensure that you wash the ground coffee bin and bean hopper in warm soapy water and properly rinse with clean running water.
Initial Setup
Place the Encore on a flat surface (preferably a countertop or table) and plug it into an AC outlet with the correct voltage.
Carefully lift off the lid from the hopper and pour the desired amount of roasted whole coffee beans (up to a max of 8 oz.) and return the lid.
Ensure that the ground coffee bin is properly inserted.
Grind Control
Gently rotate the bean hopper to align the indicator on the bean hopper with the desired number setting on the grind scale, depending on the brew method you are using.
Note: Turning the hopper clockwise (as a clock’s hand) produces smaller particle size and counterclockwise produces larger particle size.
The ideal setting for Aeropress based on our hours of experiment is between 8-11. However, other factors such as type of bean, freshness, degree of roast, humidity, oil content, etc. might cause a slight variance in the actual grind size for a particular setting.
With multiple uses, you’ll quickly determine the setting that is ideal for Aeropress based on the factors highlighted above.
After Use
Removing the Bean Hopper
Ensure that all the beans have been removed from the hopper then gently press the pulse button to run any residues through the grinder. Next, remove the plug from the outlet. Rotate the hopper counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it off of the grinder housing.
Removing the Ring Burr
Lift the ring burr straight up out of the grinder by the lifting tabs.
Cleaning
Thoroughly wash the ground bin, hopper, and hopper lid in warm soapy water, then rinse with clean running water and leave to dry. The burr shouldn’t be washed with water. Tablets (used while automatic cleaning) or a stiff brush should be used instead.
Proper and frequent cleaning of these accessories enables you to maintain the desired flavor of your ground coffee.
Note: Strictly hand wash!
For detailed instructions and directions on how to set-up, use, and clean your grinder. Read more here
Best Budget – OXO Brew Conical Coffee Grinder
Key Features
15 Grind Size Settings
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder comes along with 15 grind size settings making it exceptionally easy to use for Aeropress.
Large Capacity Hopper
The OXO comes with a large-sized hopper perfect to hold up to 16 oz. of coffee beans at a time.
Stainless Steel
The popularity of stainless steel grinders among coffee fanatics is on the rise, and for good reason – stainless steel is corrosion resistant. Hence, making it more durable compared to other non-stainless steel grinders.
Once you’ve identified your perfect grind setting, simply turn the dial to the desired time and push the OXO button to grind. The dial will automatically remain at the set time for a quick one-touch start.
UV-Blocking Tint
This handy feature keeps harmful UV rays away from your coffee beans while in the hopper making it fresher for longer.
Meet Your OXO Brew Conical Coffee Grinder – What’s in the Box?
- Grinder body
- Upper burr
- Bean hopper
- Bean hopper lid
- Stainless steel grounds container
- Grounds container lid
- Coffee scoop
How to Use
- Remove the lid and fill whole roasted beans into the hopper then replace the lid.
- Properly grip the hopper from the top and slowly rotate to adjust the grind size settings based on your brewing method (1=Fine; 15=Coarse).
- Slide the ground container onto the base until it clicks into place.
- Turn the dial to the desired time and press the OXO button to grind.
For Aeropress grind setting of between 6-10 is recommended.
Note: There is some structural inconsistency in some of this product such that some models have a ground container that clicks into place while others don’t.
Runner Up – Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
Key Features
Conical Ceramic Burrs
The Porlex Mini Grinder features a conical ceramic burr that doesn’t rust and is exceptionally easy to clean while also staying sharp for longer. This ensures that this grinder produces a consistent grind every time you use it.
Stainless Steel Housing
This grinder is resilient and durable due to its solid stainless steel body.
Who is this for?
For travelers and camping aficionados, a Porlex Mini is your best bet. Its compact design and sturdy build make it easy to carry around wherever the journey leads you. The Porlex Mini’s ability to perfectly fit into the chamber of an Aeropress makes it the best hand coffee grinder for Aeropress.
How to Use
The Porlex Mini is a good old-fashioned hand coffee grinder that anyone can operate with relative ease. It features a long steel handle that solidly connects to the grinder for a swift grind.
All you need to do is adjust your grind settings for Aeropress (using an accessible locking nut), add your coffee beans, turn the handle and grind.
No timers, knobs and dials, and all the other stuff you have to master with an electric grinder.
Alternative 1 – Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
While the Capresso Infinity is a decent and affordable entry-level electric grinder with good construction quality, it doesn’t offer perfect grind consistency especially when it comes to more coarse settings.
Alternative 2 – Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill-Original
The Hario Ceramic is a little manual coffee grinder that comes at a very affordable price. It features a slim, sleek design that perfectly fits into an Aeropress chamber, and bears quality ceramic burrs for a more consistent grind.
However, it is only ideal if you prefer dark roasted coffee and horrible if you prefer lightly roasted coffee like me.
Recommended Accessories
The following accessories are recommended for use with your Aeropress coffee grinder:
Pour-Over Glass
A Pour-Over Glass allows coffee to be covered and stored for later use without the coffee losing its distinct flavor and taste.
Electric Kettle
If you love your coffee hot, then an Electric Kettle is exactly what you need. An electric kettle heats water to your desired temperature when you’re preparing your pour-over coffee.
Coffee Scale
Measure your coffee accurately and time your brew to perfection using this Coffee Scale with Timer (Batteries Included) for a consistent taste in your cup of coffee.
Buyer’s Guide
With all the different options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which coffee grinder is right for you – should you go for an electric or manual grinder, are burr grinders better than blade grinders, is steel better than ceramic, etc.
Not to fear. In this section, I’m going to break down some of the key elements you need to know when determining which coffee grinder is best for your unique needs.
Consistency
Burr grinders produce coffee of a much more consistent quality compared to the cheaper blade grinders that produce uneven grounds.
While blade grinders randomly slice coffee beans, burr grinders are designed to methodically crush them in a consistent manner resulting in a cup of coffee with a much more consistent taste and feel to it.
Durability
Most domestic burr grinders are made using ceramic for a couple of reasons.
First, ceramic burr grinders have high-strength blades which are more durable compared to steel burr grinders.
Second, ceramic burr grinders tend to maintain their sharpness almost indefinitely.
Also, steel burr grinders are poor conductors of electricity, hence, more prone to changing temperatures significantly affecting the durability.
Portability
Due to its need for electricity supply, electric grinders are less ideal for use when traveling or camping compared to manual grinders. Most manual grinders are compact (and easily fit into an Aeropress chamber) making them ideal for use on the go.
These are the three most important considerations you should take into account when making the decision of buying a coffee grinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Grind of Coffee is Best for Aeropress?
Drip or espresso grind.
How Many Cups of Coffee Does an Aeropress Make?
Up to two cups of coffee.
Can You Use Ground Coffee in Aeropress?
You can use pre ground drip coffee from the grocery store but you may want to use slightly more coffee or let it steep for a little more time to reach the same strength it would reach using a finer grind.
How Long Does Aeropress Last?
3-years if properly maintained.
How Many Times Can You Use an Aeropress Filter?
Depends on how many cups of coffee you drink in a day.
How Much Coffee Do You Put in An Aeropress Scoop?
A level scoop holds 11.5 grams of coffee or about 2.5 tablespoons. A heaping (rounded) scoop of coffee holds 14 grams or 3 tablespoons.
Conclusion
When choosing the best coffee grinder for Aeropress, you should consider a number of factors such as compatibility and ease-of-use.
Based on my extensive research with various different coffee grinders out there, I’ve come to love the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder.
It is without a doubt the best electric coffee grinder for Aeropress.
However, if you are a bit tight on cash and would prefer a budget-friendly grinder instead then I would recommend you consider the OXO Brew Conical Coffee Grinder. It is a great budget alternative to the Baratza Encore.
While both the Baratza Encore and OXO are designed for the kitchen, the Porlex Mini Grinder is designed to be your travel and camping companion. Its compact design and sturdy built make it ideal for travel and camping.
Best Selling Coffee Grinders for Aeropress
Last update on 2021-05-09 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Further Reading
- Why Aeropress? Aeropress Official Website
- Pre-ground Aeropress Recipe Atlas Coffee Club
- When was Aeropress Invented? Wikipedia
- Further FAQS? Aeropress Official Website