best coffee grinders for French Press (Coarse Settings!)

The perfect French Press brew begins long before hot water meets coffee grounds—it starts with precision grinding.

In this guide, I’ll share the best coffee grinders for French Press that deliver uniform grounds, preserve essential oils, and ensure a full-bodied extraction. From manual precision to electric power, these grinders are engineered to unlock the full potential of your favorite beans.

1. Baratza Encore Conical
(Best Burr Grinder For French Press)

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder is a highly-rated grinder for home or office use, designed to provide the perfect grind every time. If budget is not the issue and you want the best of the best then you should definitely go with Baratza Encore.

I have used Baratza Encore for many years and it always delivers perfectly sized coarse grounds. You can switch between 10 different settings in the coarse range according to your taste and preference.

Baratza coffee grinders are trusted by Baristas and coffee professionals from all over the World. It has also been awarded by the National Coffee Association for making World-class coffee grinders.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

• Consistency is the key to coffee grinds, and with Baratza Encore, you will get the most consistent coffee grounds in size.

• This coffee grinder is straightforward to use with a simple ON/OFF button.

• Baratza encore offers 40 different grind settings from ultra-fine to very coarse. So, you can easily find the coarse grind settings for French Press.

• This coffee grinder has a portable design with very small footprints. So, it doesn’t take up much space on your kitchen counter.

• The best thing about the Baratza grinder is that its parts are easily serviceable and replaceable. As we know, moving parts in coffee grinders wear very quickly, and they become junk after a year of use. But if you buy Baratza grinders, you don’t have to worry about that; you can easily replace the parts and use them for years. 

2. Fellow Ode Brew
(The most precise Flat Burr Coffee Grinder)

Fellow Ode is the most precise and consistent grinder on the list (Expensive too!). If you are a coffee fanatic and can’t compromise on the consistency of your grind this is the best choice for you! It is a powerful, precise, and quiet grinder with flat burrs.

What makes the Fellow Ode a game-changer? Here’s my top three: a magnetic catch that snaps on for effortless setup, a grind knocker that keeps grounds where they belong, and easy pour fins for a seamless transition into your brewer.

  KEY SPECIFICATIONS

• This machine has 11 different settings with 31 steps to grind the beans for any coffee you want. To find the perfect taste of French Press coffee, you can easily do the A/B testing with different grind settings.

• The best thing about this grinder is that it doesn’t make too much noise like other coffee grinders. It has a smooth and quiet operation.

• This grinder comes in a matte black color and has a modern and decent design.

• This machine has 64mm flat burrs and is designed for ultimate consistency and quick operation.

• This machine has an auto-stop feature that stops the machine right after the last coffee beans passes through the burr. This makes the machine more reliable and energy-efficient.

3. Breville BCG820BSS Electric
(Smart Grinder with Panel Display)

The Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro features a unique 60-setting conical burr grinder that can grind coffee beans to the perfect consistency for any brewing method, from espresso to French press. This is certainly the most user-friendly option on the list and is perfect for you if you value convenience.

 KEY SPECIFICATION

The most user friendly feature I love about Breville BCG820BSS is special IQ technology; with this technology, you just have to select the shots of Espresso or cups of French press you want, and it will grind just the right amount needed for it. (So you don’t have to remember to coffee water ratios for different brewing methods)

• Breville Smart grinder has specially designed conical burrs which minimize the grinding heat and protect the essential coffee oils from burning.

• This grinder has 60 different grind settings, from fine for Espresso to coarse for French press and cold brew.

• The special thing about this grinder is that it has a Smart LCD panel display where you can easily adjust the grind settings and the shots/cups for espresso/French press.

4. JavaPresse Manual
(Best Hand Coffee Grinder For French Press)

The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is the perfect way to experience the true flavor of coffee while traveling. If you are looking for a portable option that you can easily take with you anywhere then JavaPresse will be the best choice for you.

Javaprese hand crank grinder ticks all the boxes – it’s convenient, portable, and best of all, virtually silent. Plus, you can bring it anywhere and grind fresh beans on the go.

 KEY SPECIFICATION

• With over 18 manual grind settings, the Manual Coffee Grinder by JavaPresse Coffee Company ensures that you can grind your coffee with 100% precision and control. It is perfect for any coffee brewing method, whether it’s French Press, Espresso, or Pour-over.

• This grinder requires no electricity, which makes it perfect for travel and camping.

• This grinder features a conical ceramic burr to provide a consistent grind every time.

• This grinder features a patented ceramic burr assembly that the manufacturers claim will last five times longer than competing grinders.

5. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
(Quick and Easy)

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is an ideal essential tool that allows you to make the perfect cup of coffee every time. It’s the best choice for you if you are looking for something under 100 bucks without compromising on the quality.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

The feature I love about Oxo Brew is that its timer remembers your last settings, and you just have to push one button, and your grounds will be ready.

• This machine has 15 different grind settings with three steps among each, from very fine to coarse. You can easily get the perfect coarse grounds required for French Press coffee.

• Oxo has 40mm conical burrs, giving you the most from the coffee grounds without losing any flavor.

• It is very easy to use and has a simple one-touch start.

6. 1Zpresso Q2 S Manual
(Best Small Coffee Grinder for French Press)

The 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder is a compact manual grinder that will significantly cut down on your space and electricity consumption. The sturdy metal construction makes this little guy almost indestructible. This grinder will be your perfect partner for camping or hiking trips.

What do I love most about my 1Zpresso? It’s a featherweight under 450g, fits snugly in my bag, and boasts a comfy grip for effortless grinding. Bonus points: it nestles perfectly inside my French Press for on-the-go coffee adventures!

• This grinder is fixed with dual bearings and triaxial design for increased stability and consistency; and has 60 clicks for the grind setting.

• The portable and lightweight design makes it perfect for traveling and camping trips.

• It can easily be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned.

7. Chefman Coffee Grinder Electric Burr Mill (Most Affordable Choice)

The Chefman Electric Burr Mill coffee grinder is an excellent and budget friendly grinder for French press. It’s easy to use and makes coffee that’s freshly ground every time. It’s certainly the best option for you if you are not willing to spend too much on a grinder and want something affordable.

I’m not saying Chefman is the best grinder out there. It’s definitely not for the super picky coffee folks; the grind size isn’t always perfect. But for under $50, it’s a steal! If you just want to enjoy freshly ground coffee without breaking the bank and don’t mind the occasional inconsistency, Chefman is a great option.

• This grinder has 17 different grind settings, with 17 being the finest for Turkish coffee or Espresso and 1 being the coarsest for French press or cold brew.

• This grinder has a single-touch operation; just adjust the grind settings and push the start button, and your grounds will be ready quickly.

• Its burr grinding disc and container is easily removable for easy cleaning.

• It’s a cheaper option among all the burr grinders available in the market.

Why do you need a coffee grinder for French Press?

A coffee grinder is your trusty equipment on the quest for the perfect French Press brew.

• Firstly, the aroma and full flavors of coffee lie in its freshness, and pre-ground beans often lose their freshness over time. Grinding your beans just before brewing releases a flavor explosion that pre-ground coffee simply can’t match.
• Secondly, French Press coffee requires a coarse grind, but pre-ground coffees often come in fine or medium grinds. This can lead to a sludgy, over-extracted mess. Inconsistent grind sizes can also make your coffee taste less than optimal.

If you use pre-ground coffee to make French Press, I bet you will notice a significant difference in the taste when you brew coffee with freshly ground beans.

A good coffee grinder isn’t just a luxury for aficionados; it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your French Press experience.

Blade vs Burr coffee grinder for French Press? | Which you should choose?

Never make the mistake of choosing a blade grinder for grinding coffee beans as they are highly unsuitable for this purpose.

Blade grinders are also extensively available and are much cheaper than burr grinders. But there are two main reasons I will never recommend blade grinders.

The first one is you can’t select the grind settings in Blade Grinder. The blade grinder will always give you the same size of ground which is somewhat coarse and very inconsistent in size.

Although coarse grounds are recommended for the French Press coffee maker, but the grind size you get with blade grinders is very far from being consistent. 

The second reason is that the blades produce too much heat during the grinding process, which burns the essential oil present inside the coffee beans, and the flavor of the coffee will get burnt.

On the other hand, in burr grinders, coffee beans pass through two gears or burrs of similar size, which produces a consistent grind size. And you can easily change the grind settings by adjusting the spacing of gears.

If you are going to buy a grinder for yourself, you are definitely looking for the most flavorful and consistent taste. But investing in a blade grinder will ruin your experience.

After buying a coffee grinder you definitely want a guide on different grind sizes. Here’s: Ultimate guide on coffee grind size with a chart.

Manual vs Electric | What Grinder is Best for French Press?

Both Manual and Electric Coffee grinders can produce a quality coarse grind and each have pros and cons for French press.

Manual grinders have the advantage of being highly portable and virtually noiseless, making them an excellent choice for those who value quiet mornings or need a coffee companion on their travels.

The con is they do require physical effort and can be slower and not perfect for grinding in larger quantities.

Electric grinders offer speed and convenience, effortlessly delivering a consistent grind size in no time. They’re ideal for those seeking efficiency and convenience.

The con is they tend to be noisier, and bulkier and often come at a higher cost.

How to use a Coffee Grinder for French Press?

Here is a step-by-step guide on using a coffee grinder for the French press

Step 1: Measure Your Coffee Beans: Determine the amount of coffee you want to brew. For a standard 8-ounce cup, a common ratio is 15 grams or 2 to 3 tablespoons of coffee.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Grinder: Make sure the grinder is clean and free of any residual coffee grounds that may affect the flavor of your brew.

Step 3: Select a Coarse Grind Setting: Set your coffee grinder to a coarse grind. French Press requires a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction and sediment in your cup.

Step 4: Grind the Coffee: Start the grinder and feed the measured coffee beans into the hopper.

Does grind size matter for French press?

The best grind size for French Press is coarse or medium coarse and if you deviate from this you will surely ruin your French Press coffee expereince.

If you use fine grounds with the French press coffee maker, the fine grounds will make their way through the strainer of the French Press, and your French press coffee will taste muddy.

And if you are using too coarse grounds, the grounds will remain under-extracted, and your coffee will taste watery or weak

You can test different grind settings in the range of medium-coarse to coarse and select the settings for yourself at which you experience the best taste.

How to Choose the Best coffee grinder for French Press?

Grind settings

You must check the grind settings of the grinder you are going to buy. Almost all the burr grinders have grind settings from extra fine to extra coarse.

As discussed above, for French Press, a medium-coarse setting is the best. If you buy a burr grinder with, say, 40 different settings, you can test 6-7 different settings in the coarse region and select the grind settings that suit your taste the best.

Blade grinders don’t offer the luxury of different grind settings, and you’ll always get a very inconsistent coarse grinds.

Consistency

Consistency of the grind size is the key to getting the most flavorful cup of coffee.

If the grinder you have produces uneven grind size, some grounds will be too fine, and some will be too coarse. The fine grinds will get over-extracted while the coarse grounds will remain under-extracted, resulting in an inconsistent cup of coffee.

Burr grinders produce fairly consistent grinds. There are further two types of burrs i-e flat and conical.

Flat burr grinders are more expensive than conical burr grinders, and they produce the most consistent grounds.

If you are a coffee enthusiast and can afford the price, then I recommend you to go with Fellow Ode Brew Grinder, it will give you the most consistent grind possible.

Cleaning and maintenance

It is important to choose a coffee grinder that is easy to clean. If the grinder is not cleaned properly, old coffee grounds can make their way into your French press, which can affect the taste of your coffee.

Moving parts of coffee grinders wear very quickly, and if they are not properly maintained, they become junk within a few years. Consider buying a grinder with replacement parts so that you can easily use the grinder for years.

That’s why Baratza Encore is my favorite grinder. All the moving parts of this machine are replaceable and available at economical prices, so you can easily use your grinder for years.

Price

When choosing between two similar things, it’s always wise to take the cheaper alternative.

Fellow Ode and Baratza Encore are undoubtedly the best choices and deliver the most perfect grind size, however, they are expensive.

But if you have to choose between a blade grinder or a burr grinder. Don’t go for a cheaper choice; buy a burr grinder. There are also cheaper options available in burr grinders.

Oxo Brew and Chefman Coffee Grinder are the best choices for you if you are looking for economical coffee grinders.

Capacity

The capacity of a coffee grinder is essential for determining how many coffee beans you can grind in a single batch.

Electric grinders typically offer capacities ranging from 100 to 150 grams, which is sufficient for brewing approximately 10 cups of coffee.

For those who require larger quantities, the Breville BCG820BSS and Fellow Ode stand out with an impressive 150-gram capacity, making it suitable for coffee enthusiasts and hosts alike.

Manual grinders typically have smaller 20-25 gram capacities only suitable for 1-2 servings.

Final thoughts

With a good coffee grinder, you can unleash the full potential of your coffee beans and take your morning cup of joe to new heights.

This guide features all the best coffee grinders for French Press, from affordable to expensive and from electric to manual.

I hope you have found this guide helpful and now you can easily choose the best grinder for the French press easily!

So, go ahead and grind it like it’s hot! Your taste buds will thank you for it.

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