Best Cheap Coffee Grinders
If you enjoy a good cup of coffee, making an investment in a coffee grinder is a small price to pay for fresh coffee at its best, brewed at home or in the office. Coffee is most flavorful when the beans are ground just before brewing: Once exposed to oxidation through the grinding process, coffee beans begin to lose flavor. High-end versions of this countertop appliance can set you back a few hundred dollars, but we sifted through expert commentary and user reviews to find several costing $30 or less that are more than adequate for this simple task.
Our Top Pick
![KitchenAid BCG111](https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/KitchenAid_BCG111.max-270x270.jpg)
![KitchenAid BCG111](https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/KitchenAid_BCG111.max-270x270.jpg)
KitchenAid BCG111 Review
Pros:
- Removable and dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl with marks for measurement.
- Slightly larger bowl (4 oz.) than most.
- Easy to use, easy to clean.
- Reasonably consistent grind.
- Choice of colors.
Cons:
- Grind may not be fine enough for espresso.
- Less effective when grinding spices, according to users; grindings may fly out of bowl into plastic lid.
- Very fine grindings may collect between lid and housing.
Takeaway: Pouring grinds into a coffee filter, not to mention cleanup, is easy with the KitchenAid BCG111's signature feature: a removable stainless steel grinding bowl. Some users say the look is a bit clunky, but the overall package (including performance) wins over the vast majority. There are experts who say this blade grinder works better than some costlier burr grinders.
![Krups F2034251](https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/Krups_F2034251.max-270x270.jpg)
Krups F2034251 Review
Pros:
- Reliable, durable, and long lasting.
- Easy to use, easy to clean.
- Powerful 200-watt motor; quick and efficient.
- Grinds coffee to even consistency; suits pour-over, automatic drip, and French press.
- Small footprint, tight-fitting lid.
Cons:
- Lid can be difficult to remove after grinding, according to reviews.
- Said to be less effective when grinding spices.
Takeaway: Users appreciate the low price point, ease, simplicity, and solid performance of the Krups F2034251 grinder. Many longtime owners come back for more when a well-worn unit finally gives out.
![Bodum Bistro 11160](https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/Bodum_Bistro_11160.max-270x270.jpg)
Bodum Bistro 11160 Review
Pros:
- Several color choices; outer casing easy to grip.
- Cord storage in base.
- Fast; gets to fine grind quickly.
- Suitable for small amounts of coffee.
Cons:
- Poor seal between lid and body, so some grinds may escape.
- Grinds may cling to plastic lid.
- Push-button start mechanism seems flimsy to some users.
Takeaway: A coffee grinder that's attractive enough to leave on the counter, the Bodum Bistro 11160 delivers what users want: a grind to their specification, whether fine or coarse. Small but powerful is its calling card.
![Mr. Coffee IDS57/55](https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/Mr._Coffee_IDS57.max-270x270.jpg)
Mr. Coffee IDS57/55 Review
Pros:
- Straightforward and user-friendly.
- Works quickly, produces consistent grinds; best suited for drip coffee.
- Most effective when grinding chamber is full.
- Good job on seeds and spices.
Cons:
- Users say static cling on plastic lid can make emptying grinds a mess.
- Hard to clean.
Takeaway: The Mr. Coffee IDS57/55 (black/white) blade grinder is a simple machine with a high quality-to-price ratio. Some users choose it for the iconic brand name, some laud its lifespan, and many praise its convenience.
![Black+Decker Smartgrind CBG100S](https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/CBG100S.max-270x270.jpg)
Black+Decker Smartgrind CBG100S Review
Pros:
- Grinds coffee and spices fairly well.
- Easy to use.
- Cord storage under base.
Cons:
- Limited durability, many users report; components seem fragile.
- Grinds stick to plastic lid.
- Hard to get consistent grind, especially fine, owner say.
Takeaway: The biggest drawback to the Black+Decker Smartgrind CBG100S, according to reviews, is its short lifespan. Otherwise, it puts in an acceptable, though lackluster, performance. There are much more capable options in this price range.