Guide · Grinders
The best coffee grinder for cold brew
Coffee grinders that reach the coarse grind most cold brew methods need, from a hand grinder to electric burr grinders listed for cold brew, with UK prices checked 3 Oct 2026.
The best coffee grinder for cold brew is one that grinds coarse and evenly, because cold brew steeps for many hours and a fine or uneven grind turns muddy and hard to strain. Most burr grinders can reach a cafetière grind, which suits most cold brew methods, but some are listed specifically for cold brew. This guide compares six grinders sold in the UK, from a hand grinder to flat-burr electric models, 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 grind does cold brew need?
Most cold brew guides call for a coarse grind, like a cafetière grind. Starbucks at Home’s guides say the long contact time is why. Toddy’s instructions suggest the coarsest setting.
There’s one exception worth knowing: Hario’s Mizudashi cold brew pot manual recommends a medium-fine grind, because its mesh filter holds the coffee. Always check your brewer’s instructions. Our grind size for cold brew guide goes deeper, and our guide to making cold brew at home covers ratios and timing.
Who it isn’t for: anyone using only pre-ground coffee. A cafetière-grind pack works too, as covered in our coffee for cold brew guide.
Why a burr grinder suits cold brew
- Even particles strain cleanly and extract at the same rate over 12 hours or more.
- Blade grinders leave a mix of dust and chunks. The dust clouds the brew and clogs filters.
- A wide range lets you go a step finer or coarser to taste.
Large batches need a lot of coffee, too. Starbucks at Home’s ratio of 22g per 180ml works out at roughly 120g for a litre, so capacity and speed matter more than usual.
Who it isn’t for: people brewing small jars only now and then. A hand grinder is enough.
Best coffee grinder for cold brew on a budget: Hario Mini-Mill Plus
The Hario Mini-Mill Plus is £26.95 at Redber, checked 3 Oct 2026. It has ceramic burrs and holds up to about 24g at a time.
Who it isn’t for: anyone brewing a litre of cold brew. Grinding 120g by hand means several refills.
Budget electric pick: Lakeland Conical Burr
The Lakeland Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is £64.99 at Lakeland, checked 3 Oct 2026. Lakeland lists 35 settings, from espresso through to cafetière, so the coarse end covers most cold brew methods.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a grinder listed for cold brew by name. Lakeland’s listing mentions cafetière rather than cold brew.
Biggest hopper for the money: Caso BaristaChef Inox
The Caso BaristaChef Inox is £89.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026. Currys lists 48 grind settings reaching a “coarse French Press” grind, a 250g bean container and a 40-second timer.
Who it isn’t for: people short on space. A 250g hopper makes for a tall grinder.
Best for all-round use: Baratza Encore ESP
For the Baratza Encore ESP, check price at Redber. Redber says settings 21 to 40 suit filter, cafetière, AeroPress and cold brew, while the lower settings cover espresso.
Who it isn’t for: cold brew-only drinkers. Paying for espresso settings you won’t use isn’t necessary.
Best for espresso and cold brew: Fellow Opus
The Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder is £179.95 at Redber, checked 3 Oct 2026. Redber lists 40mm conical burrs and 41+ settings, and describes a range from fine espresso to coarse cold brew.
Who it isn’t for: anyone on a budget. The Lakeland and Caso cost far less.
Best for brewed coffee only: Fellow Ode Gen 2
For the Fellow Ode Gen 2, check price at Redber. Redber lists 64mm flat burrs, 31 steps and a 100g grind capacity, and says it suits pour-over and AeroPress through to cafetière and cold brew. Redber also says it isn’t suitable for espresso.
Pair any of these with a brewer from our best cold brew coffee maker guide.
Who it isn’t for: espresso drinkers, and anyone grinding big batches. At 100g per grind, a litre of cold brew takes two runs.
Downsides
- Grinding 100g or more at a time takes a while and makes noise on electric models.
- Hand grinders are hard work for large batches.
- The grinders listed for cold brew by name cost more.
- Prices can change, so check them on the day you buy.
FAQ
Can a blade grinder be used for cold brew? It can, but the grind is uneven, so expect more sediment. Strain through a paper filter as well.
How coarse should cold brew coffee be? Like a cafetière grind for most methods. Hario’s Mizudashi pot is the exception, with medium-fine.
How much coffee is needed for a litre of cold brew? About 120g, using Starbucks at Home’s 22g per 180ml ratio.
Can a cold brew grinder also do espresso? Some can. The Encore ESP and Opus are listed for both. The Ode Gen 2 isn’t.
Should coffee be ground fresh for cold brew? Grinding just before brewing keeps more aroma, but because cold brew steeps for hours, a cafetière-grind pack used soon after opening also works.
What if the cold brew won’t drain through the filter? Toddy’s instructions point to a grind that’s too fine. Go a few steps coarser next time and avoid stirring the grounds while draining.
Does grind size change cold brew strength? Yes. Finer grinds extract faster and stronger, but are harder to strain.