Guide · Grinders
The best coffee grinder for beginners
Simple, forgiving coffee grinders for people buying their first one, from a £27 hand grinder to a beginner-friendly espresso grinder, with what to look for and UK prices checked 3 Oct 2026.
The best coffee grinder for beginners is one that’s simple to set, easy to clean and matched to how you actually brew. You don’t need dozens of settings or a big hopper for your first grinder, but a burr grinder will give a more even grind than a blade one and makes it easier to learn what changing the grind does. This guide picks six beginner-friendly grinders sold in the UK, from about £27 to about £150, with prices checked 3 Oct 2026. We haven’t tested this in person. Picks are based on maker and retailer specs and current prices. Read how we compare.
What beginners should look for in a coffee grinder
- Burrs over blades. A burr grinder sets a gap between two burrs, so the same setting gives the same grind each time. A blade grinder depends on how long you hold the button.
- A clear range of settings. Numbered steps make it easy to note what works and repeat it.
- Matched to your brewer. Cafetière and filter are forgiving. Espresso needs fine, precise adjustment.
- Easy cleaning. A removable chamber or hopper makes life simpler. Our guide on how to clean a coffee grinder explains the basics.
Who it isn’t for: anyone happy with pre-ground coffee. A grinder only makes sense if you buy whole beans.
Best coffee grinder for beginners on a budget: Hario Mini-Mill Plus
The Hario Mini-Mill Plus is £26.95 at Redber, checked 3 Oct 2026. It’s a hand grinder with ceramic burrs and holds up to about 24g, enough for one or two cups.
A hand grinder is a cheap way to learn what grind size does, and it’s quiet. See more in our best manual coffee grinder guide.
Who it isn’t for: anyone making coffee for a household every morning. Hand grinding takes time and effort.
Simplest electric pick: Morphy Richards Brew & Blend
The stainless steel Morphy Richards Brew & Blend Electric Coffee Grinder is £49.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026, prices can change. Currys lists 20 grind settings, a 10-cup capacity and a removable grind chamber for cleaning.
It’s a straightforward step up from pre-ground coffee for cafetière and filter drinkers. For more cafetière advice, see our coffee grinder for French press guide.
Who it isn’t for: espresso beginners. Look at the Sage below instead.
Best for trying different brew methods: Lakeland Conical Burr
The Lakeland Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is £64.99 at Lakeland, checked 3 Oct 2026. Lakeland lists 35 grind settings, from espresso through to cafetière.
That range suits a beginner who hasn’t settled on one way of brewing yet.
Who it isn’t for: anyone wanting the fewest buttons. More settings means more to learn.
Easiest to set: Melitta Linea
The Melitta Linea is £74.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026. Currys lists 13 grind settings and a 100g bean hopper. Fewer steps can be easier for a beginner, as each one makes a clear difference.
Who it isn’t for: espresso drinkers who need fine adjustment between steps.
Best for filter beginners: Baratza Encore
The Baratza Encore is £139.95 at Redber, checked 3 Oct 2026. Redber lists 40 settings and 40mm M3 conical burrs. It’s aimed at brewed coffee, so it suits pour-over, filter machines and cafetière.
Who it isn’t for: anyone on a tight budget. It costs about twice the Lakeland and Melitta.
Best for espresso beginners: Sage The Dose Control Pro
The Sage Dose Control Pro is £149.95 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026, prices can change. Currys lists 60 grind settings, conical burrs, a 340g bean hopper and a timer adjustable in 1-second steps. That’s the fine control espresso needs, and the timer helps repeat the same dose.
Who it isn’t for: cafetière-only drinkers. It’s more grinder than a coarse grind needs.
Setting up a first grinder
A few steps make the first week easier:
- Read the manual’s starting settings. Most makers suggest a setting for each brew method.
- Grind a small test batch. Compare it with the texture your brewer needs: coarse like sea salt for a cafetière, finer like table salt for filter.
- Change one step at a time. If the coffee tastes weak or sour, go finer. If it’s harsh or bitter, go coarser.
- Write down what works. Note the setting for each bag of beans.
- Keep it clean. Brush out old grounds regularly so they don’t mix with fresh coffee.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants one setting forever. New beans often need a small change.
Downsides
- Even a beginner burr grinder costs more than a blade grinder.
- Hand grinders are slow for more than a couple of cups.
- Electric grinders make some noise and need regular brushing out.
- Prices can change.
FAQ
Is a blade grinder fine for a beginner? For a cafetière, yes. For espresso, a burr grinder is a better start.
What grind setting should a beginner start on? The maker’s suggested setting for your brewer, then adjust one step at a time.
Manual or electric for a first grinder? Manual is cheaper and quieter. Electric is quicker for several cups.
Does a beginner need a grinder with a scale? No. Kitchen scales work fine for weighing beans.
Which grinders suit beginners for under £50? The Hario Mini-Mill Plus and the Morphy Richards Brew & Blend, checked 3 Oct 2026. See our best burr grinder under £50 guide for more.