Guide · Grinders
The best electric coffee grinder in the UK
Six electric coffee grinders sold in the UK, from a budget blade grinder to burr grinders with timers and built-in scales, compared on settings, capacity and current prices checked 3 Oct 2026.
The best electric coffee grinder UK shops sell depends on how you brew. A blade grinder is cheap and fine for a cafetière, but a burr grinder gives a more even grind and lets you dial in espresso, filter or cold brew properly. This guide compares six electric grinders available on 3 Oct 2026, from about £25 to about £150, on grind settings, capacity and price. We haven’t tested this in person. Picks are based on maker and retailer specs and prices checked on 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
Blade vs burr: which electric grinder type?
- Blade grinders chop beans with a spinning blade. You control fineness by how long you grind. They’re cheap and small, but the grind is uneven, which matters most for espresso.
- Burr grinders crush beans between two burrs set a fixed distance apart, so you pick a setting and get a more consistent size each time. Conical and flat burrs both work well at home.
If you mainly brew espresso, go burr. Our guide to the best coffee grinder for espresso goes deeper.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who only drinks instant or pods. A grinder only helps with whole beans.
Best electric coffee grinder UK: how to choose
Four things decide which grinder suits you:
- How you brew. Espresso needs a fine, adjustable burr grinder. Cafetière, filter and cold brew are more forgiving.
- How many settings. More steps mean finer control. Around 15 to 20 is enough for brewed coffee. Espresso benefits from 30 or more.
- Capacity. A big hopper suits households grinding for a filter jug each morning. Single-cup drinkers can grind straight from the bag.
- Extras. A timer or built-in scale makes it easier to grind the same amount each time.
Browse all our grinder guides on the coffee grinders hub.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who already knows they want a manual grinder. The same points apply, but turn to the manual guide instead.
Budget electric pick: Salter EK6136
The Salter EK6136 is a blade grinder at £24.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026, prices can change. Currys lists a 70g capacity.
It’s the simplest way to grind fresh beans for a cafetière, a moka pot at a push, or filter. Press, hold and shake gently for a more even result.
Who it isn’t for: espresso drinkers. A blade grinder can’t give a consistent fine grind.
Budget burr pick: Krups Expert Burr GVX23140
The Krups Expert Burr Grinder is £62.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026. Currys lists 17 grind settings, a 225g bean capacity and a selector for 1 to 12 cups, so it grinds the right amount for a filter jug.
Who it isn’t for: people who need fine espresso adjustment. With 17 steps, it’s best for filter, cafetière and moka pot.
Most settings for the money: 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 wide range suits a household that brews more than one way. For more options under £100, see our best burr grinder under £100 guide.
Who it isn’t for: anyone wanting a scale or timer. Lakeland’s listing doesn’t mention one.
Built-in scale pick: Melitta Calibra
The Melitta Calibra is £98.99 at Currys, checked 3 Oct 2026, prices can change. Currys lists 39 grind settings, a 375g bean container and a built-in scale with tare, so you can weigh the dose as you grind.
Who it isn’t for: people with little counter space. A 375g hopper makes for a taller grinder.
Best for filter and cafetière: Baratza Encore
The Baratza Encore is £139.95 at Redber, checked 3 Oct 2026. Redber lists 40 settings and 40mm M3 conical burrs. Its 40 steps cover filter, pour-over and cafetière grinds, and it’s aimed at brewed coffee rather than espresso.
Who it isn’t for: espresso drinkers. Baratza sells a separate Encore ESP for that.
Best for espresso: 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 grind timer adjustable in 1-second steps.
Sixty settings give fine control for espresso, and the timer helps repeat the same dose.
Who it isn’t for: anyone brewing only cafetière. That’s more grinder than a coarse grind needs.
Downsides
- Blade grinders give an uneven grind and can’t be set to a size.
- Burr grinders cost more, take more space and need regular cleaning. Our guide on how to clean a coffee grinder explains how.
- Every electric grinder makes some noise. None of these listings gives a noise figure.
- Prices can change, so check before you buy.
FAQ
Is a burr grinder worth it over a blade grinder? For espresso, yes. For cafetière, a blade grinder is often enough.
What grind setting suits a cafetière? One of the coarsest settings on a burr grinder. Start coarse and adjust to taste.
Can one electric grinder do both espresso and filter? Yes, if it has a wide range, like the Lakeland’s 35 settings or the Sage’s 60.
Are electric grinders better than manual ones? They’re quicker and easier for large amounts. Manual grinders are quieter and need no power, but take effort. See our best manual coffee grinder guide.
How often should a grinder be cleaned? Follow the maker’s manual. Many suggest a regular brush-out of the burrs and chute.