Moka pot coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor and unique brewing process, and the right coffee grinder can significantly enhance your coffee experience.
We’ve carefully selected and reviewed the 10 best coffee grinders on the market, taking into consideration factors like grind consistency, grind size options, ease of use, and overall performance.
10 Best Coffee Grinders For Moka Pot Brewing: At A Glance
- Baratza Encore ESP: Best Overall
- Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder: Runner Up
- Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade: Best Manual Coffee Grinder
- OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder: Best For Ease Of Use
- Baratza Sette 270Wi: Best For Adjustability
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Value For Money
- Krups Precision Flat Burr Coffee Grinder: Best Budget Option
- Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2: Best For Silent Grinding
- Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder: Best For Beginners
- KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder: Best-Looking Design
What Grind Is Best For Moka Pot Brewing?
For Moka pot brewing, a medium grind is typically the best choice.
This grind size falls between the finer grind used for espresso and the coarser grind used for methods like French press or cold brew.
Opting for a medium grind ensures a balanced and even extraction, resulting in a delightful Moka pot coffee.
However, personal preferences vary, so if you have your grinder, don’t hesitate to experiment with different settings until you discover your ideal grind.
It’s worth mentioning that not all grinders are created equal.
Lower-quality grinders may struggle to achieve a fine grind, so if you’re aiming for Moka pot coffee, consider setting your grinder to a finer or espresso range.
Does A Moka Pot Make Better Coffee?
Moka pots provide a distinctive brewing experience that yields fuller-bodied and bolder coffee when compared to drip coffee machines.
The resulting coffee from a Moka pot is notably stronger and more concentrated, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a robust cup.
It’s essential to recognize that, even though Moka pots are sometimes marketed as “stovetop espresso makers,” they don’t produce genuine espresso.
The Moka pot method is more hands-on, demanding manual oversight during the brewing process to prevent boiling over.
1. Baratza Encore ESP: Best Overall
Our top pick for a Moka pot coffee grinder is the Baratza Encore ESP.
It combines great value and performance, making it an ideal choice for Moka pot brewing.
This grinder is designed to provide precise grinding, ensuring you get the right consistency for creamy espresso shots.
The Baratza Encore ESP is an upgraded version of the original Encore, specifically addressing one of its major drawbacks – the inability to achieve fine espresso grinds.
This improved model comes with two distinct grind resolution settings, essentially giving you two grinders in one.
It’s versatile too, suitable for various coffee preparations, including espresso.
The grinder comes with a convenient 24g dosing cup that fits neatly into a portafilter, making transferring grounds a breeze.
While it’s a bit pricier than the original Encore, the $50 extra is well worth the upgrade.
However, it’s worth noting that like its predecessor, the Encore ESP can be a bit noisy, so if you’re brewing in a quiet environment, you might want to consider other options.
Pros
- Affordable and effective, perfect for entry-level espresso grinders
- Suitable for all preparation methods (espresso, moka pot, AeroPress, pour-over, and drip machines)
- Compact footprint for small spaces
- Durable construction for longevity
- Precise grind with easy adjustments, ideal for espresso enthusiasts
- Improved with a metal top burr plate compared to the original Encore
Cons
- The dosing system is rather confusing
- Noisy operation
2. Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder: Runner Up
Choosing between the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder and the Encore ESP for the top spot was a tough call, but the Virtuoso+ is a little more expensive, which is why we had to move it down to the runner-up spot.
This high-quality coffee grinder is a favorite among coffee pros and comes with top-notch Baratza support.
The Virtuoso+ is a compact powerhouse that simplifies your coffee routine in style.
With a sleek metal top and base, it adds a modern touch to your coffee corner.
Its high-precision conical burr set operates at a cool 550 RPM, ensuring consistent grinds for various brew methods, including Moka pot brewing.
You get 40 grind settings and a digital timer, making dosing easy and repeatable for serious coffee enthusiasts.
This grinder offers accurate fine to coarse grinds for all popular brewing methods, grinding at a brisk 2g per second.
Plus, it’s super efficient with minimal grounds retention, just 1.5 grams when you’re ready to clean it.
The Baratza Virtuoso+ is an all-around performer that truly shines when handling larger volumes of coffee.
It’s an excellent choice for large families, small offices, or any situation where you need to grind a significant amount of coffee.
Pros
- Consistent grind across all settings
- 40 grind options
- Efficient, with minimal grinds left behind
- User-friendly and durable
- Compact design, saving counter space
- Features a thermal cutoff switch
Cons
- Higher price compared to Encore ESP
- Occasional overheating
- Beans may “popcorn” as the hopper empties
3. Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade: Best Manual Coffee Grinder
The Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade is a top-tier manual coffee grinder, highly regarded as one of the best available.
Its advanced burr design ensures remarkable consistency and excellent grind quality.
Crafted from high-quality materials like stainless steel and real wood veneer, it boasts an attractive design.
The Nitro Blade burr set, a product of extensive research and development, is made from patented high-nitrogen stainless steel, delivering toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention.
This grinder is versatile, capable of grinding fine for Turkish coffee and coarse for a French press, making it an ideal choice if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort for your Moka pot brew.
Using the Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade is straightforward, and it offers a solid grip, although those with smaller hands may find it a tad large.
While it takes a bit longer to grind compared to some other models, the difference is typically just a few seconds.
The main drawback is its price – this manual coffee grinder falls on the expensive side.
If it doesn’t fit your budget, there are more affordable options on the market, but they might not match the quality this grinder offers.
Pros
- Robust, long-lasting performance
- Consistently uniform grind
- Elegant, high-quality design
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Advanced burr made of high-nitrogen stainless steel
- Available in various finishes
Cons
- It’s pretty expensive
- Slightly slower grinding than some manual grinders
- A wider build may not suit those with small hands
4. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder: Best For Ease Of Use
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder comes highly recommended by coffee experts and enthusiasts for its versatility and affordability.
It’s all about simplicity with this grinder.
Just a single touch starts it, and it remembers your last setting.
With 15 grind size options, from fine for espresso to coarse for French press or cold brew, it consistently produces even grounds at different sizes.
This grinder features an uncomplicated design with an adjustment collar for coarser or finer grinding and a built-in timer that stops grinding after a set time.
The roomy hopper can hold up to 3/4 lb (12 oz) of coffee beans, and it includes a UV-blocking tint to protect your beans from harmful rays.
Plus, it has a “trap door” in the hopper to prevent bean spills during removal.
To reduce static, the stainless steel container is a great feature, and the powerful DC motor ensures your beans won’t overheat, preserving their flavor.
If you’re transitioning from a spinning blade grinder to a burr grinder, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is an excellent choice.
It’s user-friendly and comes at a reasonable price of under $100.
However, one drawback is that dark, oily beans can sometimes clog the burrs.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Compact design with a small footprint
- User-friendly and easy to operate and clean
- Sleek appearance
- 15 grind settings
- Consistent grind quality
Cons
- Clogging potential with dark, oily beans
- The grounds container may vibrate loose during use
- Durability concerns due to lightweight materials
5. Baratza Sette 270Wi: Best For Adjustability
The Baratza Sette 270Wi is all about precision and convenience, especially for espresso enthusiasts.
It’s equipped with high-quality steel Etzinger burrs, a redesigned motor mount, and an integrated Acaia scale, which allows you to dose coffee directly into your portafilter with accuracy down to the tenth of a gram.
With 40mm conical steel burrs by Etzinger, it offers a whopping 270 grind sizes, with macro settings further divided into precise micro-adjustments.
Cleaning is a breeze, and you can customize your grind range effortlessly thanks to the removable adjustment ring and included shims.
Compared to the Baratza Sette 270, the 270Wi has an active weighing unit that constantly checks the dose during grinding, a first among espresso grinders.
This makes it a top choice for those looking to experiment with various grind sizes for their Moka pot brewing adventures.
Unfortunately, the Baratza Sette 270Wi shares a common drawback with the Baratza Encore – it can be quite noisy, which might be annoying for some users.
Additionally, it comes with a higher price tag, so it may not be worth the investment if you’re not using it primarily for espresso.
Pros
- Active weighing unit for precise dosing
- High grinding speed (3.5 – 5.5 g/s)
- Low retention, ideal for single dosing
- Smart technology at a reasonable price
- Wide range of settings for various brewing methods
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Noisy operation
- Best suited for espresso use
- Relatively high price
6. Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Value For Money
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is our next pick for Moka pot brewing, delivering fantastic value with a wide range of features.
This programmable conical burr grinder offers an impressive 60 settings to enhance your coffee experience.
It’s equipped with Dosing iQ® technology, ensuring intelligent settings that yield perfect results, no matter how fine or coarse you prefer your beans.
The Precision Digital Time feature lets you fine-tune your grind time in 0.2-second increments, giving you precise control for a perfect dose every time.
You can grind directly into a portafilter, airtight container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter, offering flexibility for your brewing method.
The grinder features a clear and easy-to-read LCD screen displaying grind settings, time, and the number of shots or cups you’ve chosen.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a well-crafted and versatile machine that delivers excellent performance and thoughtful design.
It operates quietly and provides exceptional value for your money.
Capable of grinding finely enough for espresso, it’s user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
However, newer users might require some time to become familiar with operating this machine, as certain functions can be a bit puzzling at first.
Essentially, it might be a bit too smart for its own good.
Additionally, there is a bit too much plastic used in this machine for our liking.
Pros
- Excellent grind consistency
- 60 grind sizes
- Relatively quiet operation
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and burr adjustments
- Large LCD display
- Versatile and well-engineered
Cons
- Produces more fine coffee dust at coarser settings
- Predominantly plastic construction
- Complexity may overwhelm some users
7. Krups Precision Flat Burr Coffee Grinder: Best Budget Option
If you’re watching your budget, the Krups Precision Flat Burr Coffee Grinder is a wallet-friendly choice and happens to be the most affordable one on our list for Moka pot brewing.
It’s an electric coffee grinder with a metal flat burr grinder for consistent results.
This grinder ensures precision performance, delivering delicious freshly ground coffee in a compact design that fits nicely in any kitchen.
It caters to various coffee types, offering 12 grind sizes with micro-adjustments to extract the beans’ flavors perfectly for any brewing method.
With an 8-ounce coffee bean hopper and a removable grounds container, it can grind enough for 30-32 cups of coffee, whether you’re brewing for one or a group.
It has 2 to 12-cup quantity settings and an auto-stop feature to grind just the right amount.
The grinder comes in plastic and stainless steel options and offers grind settings for drip, French press, Moka pot, espresso, pour-over, and cold brew.
It provides over 45 fineness options, catering to coffee lovers who enjoy different brews.
It’s easy to use, with an on/off button featuring an auto-stop feature and a removable top burr with an integrated cleaning brush for easy maintenance.
However, there are a few downsides to consider.
It can produce an inconsistent grind with small particles, leading to bitter coffee.
Additionally, it generates fine coffee dust that can cling to the inside of the grind container, requiring some effort to remove.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that this grinder can be quite loud.
Overall, the Krups Precision Grinder is well-designed, affordable, and versatile, suitable for various coffee types.
If you’re on a budget and don’t need all the fancy bells and whistles of other grinders mentioned in this list, this grinder would be a great choice.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Consistent grind for various coffee types
- Wide range of grind size options
- Suitable for most brewing methods
- Large capacity for multiple cups
- Easy to clean and maintain
- User-friendly operation
Cons
- Inconsistent grind may lead to some bitterness
- Fine coffee dust can be challenging to clean
- Noisy operation
8. Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2: Best For Silent Grinding
The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 caters to both home baristas and coffee experts.
It’s equipped with upgraded 64mm stainless steel burrs that deliver finer and more precise grinding, resulting in a balanced and complex coffee with a clear origin profile.
Thanks to its in-house designed two-stage grinding geometry, it’s adept at grinding coffee beans much finer, particularly beneficial for lighter roasts.
This grinder offers 31 grind settings, making it versatile for various brewing methods.
It also incorporates anti-static technology to minimize mess and includes a magnetic grounds bin.
In terms of usability, it’s user-friendly and keeps noise to a minimum due to its insulated metal casing.
The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 is an exceptional coffee grinder, producing consistent and clear flavors.
Its compact and attractive design will complement any kitchen counter.
It prioritizes quiet operation, so you won’t disturb your roommates or household.
However, it comes at a premium price, being the most expensive non-espresso grinder for home use in the market.
While it offers usability and aesthetic improvements, it doesn’t necessarily outperform our other favorite models from Baratza and OXO.
Additionally, it’s prone to jamming if the grind cup isn’t aligned correctly, which can be a bit inconvenient.
Pros
- Excellent grind consistency and flavor clarity
- Extremely quiet operation
- V2 burr set for finer grinding of lighter roasts
- Sleek and modern design
- Compact and space-saving
- User-friendly features like magnetic grind cup, volume markings, auto-shutoff, and anti-static properties
Cons
- Highest-priced non-espresso home grinder on the market
- Potential jamming issues if the grind cup isn’t aligned correctly
- Emphasizes usability and aesthetics over performance
9. Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder: Best For Beginners
The Capresso Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder is designed for precise coffee grinding using commercial-grade solid steel conical burrs.
These burrs are meticulously crafted in Switzerland as matched pairs to ensure a precise fit.
The grinder’s multiple-gear motor operates at a slow pace, generating less than 450 rpm for highly accurate grinding across a wide spectrum, from Turkish fine to percolator coarse.
It caters to various brewing methods, including Turkish, espresso, drip coffee, French press, pour-over, and cold brew.
You can choose between a stainless steel or black ABS plastic housing.
The stainless steel model weighs 7 lbs, while the black model is lighter at 4 lbs.
The grinder comes with a cleaning brush and measuring scoop, along with a 1-year limited warranty for household use.
This machine is user-friendly and an excellent choice for beginners or first-time coffee grinder buyers.
However, it’s worth noting that it can be a bit noisy, and it may not perform at its best with very fine grounds.
If you’re primarily focused on making pour-over coffee, there might be more suitable options available.
Pros
- Commercial-grade steel conical burrs for precision
- Multiple-gear motor with slow grinding action
- Suitable for various brewing methods
- Comes with a cleaning brush and measuring scoop
- User-friendly and ideal for beginners
Cons:
- Can be noisy during operation
- Performance may be less optimal for very fine grounds
- Not the prettiest coffee grinder
10. KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder: Best-Looking Design
The KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder is a top-notch choice, known for its quality grind consistency, lower grinding temperatures, and overall durability.
With 15 grind settings, it ensures both excellent consistency and minimal heat build-up, as the burrs operate at a low 450 rpm, preserving the coffee’s flavor.
The stainless steel cutting burrs contribute to its durability and high performance.
The grinder also boasts a glass bean hopper and grind jar, which effectively reduces static cling when dealing with coffee grinds.
The bean hopper can hold up to seven ounces of whole beans, making it versatile for various coffee types, including French Press, automatic drip, and espresso.
Built like a tank, the KitchenAid is solid, heavy, and robust.
Its sleek design easily fits under cabinets or on any countertop.
Constructed from die-cast metal, it’s both durable and simple to clean.
The primary drawback of this coffee grinder is its relatively high price, making it less suitable for those on a budget.
Additionally, it has some issues with grounds retention, static, and noise in different usage scenarios.
Pros
- Quality materials and solid build
- Easy operation and consistent grind size
- Low RPM operation preserves coffee’s flavor
- 15 precise grind size settings
- Durable and easy to clean
Cons
- It’s on the pricey side
- Potential for high grounds retention
- Noisy operation
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Coffee Grinder for Moka Pot Brewing
When it comes to brewing a delicious cup of coffee using a Moka pot, one of the most critical factors that can impact the final flavor and aroma is the consistency and precision of your coffee grind.
To achieve the best results, it’s essential to select the right coffee grinder.
Here’s a detailed buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best coffee grinder for Moka pot brewing:
Grind Consistency and Size
The primary consideration for a Moka pot is grind consistency.
Look for a grinder that can produce a uniform grind size, as this ensures an even extraction when brewing. Moka pots typically require a medium-fine grind, resembling table salt.
The ability to adjust the grind size to your preference is crucial.
Burr grinders are generally preferred for their precise control over grind size.
Burr Grinder vs. Blade Grinder
Burr grinders are the preferred choice for Moka pot brewing.
They offer consistent grind size and minimal heat generation during grinding, which preserves the delicate flavors of your coffee.
Blade grinders, on the other hand, can produce uneven grinds, impacting the quality of your brew.
Speed and Temperature
Choose a grinder with a low-speed operation to prevent heat buildup during grinding.
Heat can lead to burnt or bitter flavors in your coffee.
Low RPM (revolutions per minute) grinders are ideal for maintaining the optimal temperature of the ground coffee.
Grind Settings
Ensure your coffee grinder offers a variety of grind settings.
Moka pot brewing may require a specific grind size, but having the flexibility to adjust for other brewing methods is a valuable feature.
Look for a grinder with settings that cover the full spectrum, from extra-fine to coarse.
Build Quality and Durability
A sturdy and durable coffee grinder is a long-term investment.
Look for models made from quality materials such as stainless steel or high-grade plastics.
A well-built grinder not only lasts longer but also ensures consistent performance over time.
Noise Level
Consider the noise level of the grinder, especially if you’re an early-morning coffee enthusiast sharing a living space.
While coffee grinders are generally noisy, some models are quieter than others.
Choose a grinder that aligns with your noise tolerance.
Retention of Grounds
Some grinders may retain a significant amount of ground coffee within the machine after grinding.
This can affect the consistency of your brew, especially if you switch between different grind sizes.
Look for grinders with minimal ground retention to avoid wastage and maintain freshness.
Static Electricity
Static electricity can cause coffee grounds to stick to the grinder’s components and create a mess.
Models with anti-static features can significantly reduce this issue, making cleanup easier.
Size and Design
Consider the physical dimensions of the grinder and whether it fits within your kitchen space.
Additionally, think about the design and aesthetics that match your kitchen decor.
Price and Budget
Lastly, determine your budget. High-quality coffee grinders vary in price.
While it’s tempting to opt for the most expensive model, there are excellent options available at different price points.
Consider your budget and weigh it against the features and performance you require.
What Is The Best Coffee Grinder For Moka Pots?
We chose the Baratza Encore ESP as the best coffee grinder for Moka pot brewing due to its exceptional grind precision, versatile capabilities, and affordable price.
It offers a wide range of grind settings, making it perfect for Moka pot enthusiasts.
The runner-up, the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, narrowly missed the top spot due to its slightly higher price, but it offers outstanding quality and a sleek design, making it a strong choice for Moka pot lovers seeking premium performance.
FAQ’s
Should I use a filter or espresso grind for Moka pot?
When preparing coffee with a Moka pot, it’s advisable to opt for a medium-fine grind, a consensus among coffee aficionados.
This grind strikes a balance, preventing filter clogs while enabling smooth water flow and even extraction.
To achieve a medium-fine grind, it’s essential to employ a high-quality grinder with adjustable settings, with burr grinders being the preferred choice for their consistency and precision.
When adjusting the grinder, target a texture resembling granulated sugar or fine sand for ideal Moka pot brewing results.
What is the key difference between a Moka pot coffee and espresso?
Moka pot coffee is strong and concentrated, but it’s not true espresso.
Espresso is brewed under higher pressure, resulting in a distinct flavor and crema that Moka pot coffee does not possess.
Are there any specific care and maintenance tips for Moka pots?
To keep your Moka pot in top condition, ensure you clean it thoroughly after each use, paying special attention to the gasket and safety valve.
Also, avoid overfilling with coffee grounds and use a medium heat setting when brewing to prevent overheating and potential damage.
Is it necessary to use a burr grinder for Moka pot brewing?
While a burr grinder is recommended for the most consistent results, you can use a blade grinder if that’s what you have available.
However, be aware that blade grinders may produce a less uniform grind.
Is Moka pot weaker than espresso?
Yes, Moka pot coffee is typically weaker than espresso.
Espresso is brewed under higher pressure and results in a more concentrated and intense flavor, often with a layer of crema on top.
Moka pot coffee is strong and rich, but it doesn’t achieve the same level of pressure or flavor concentration as true espresso.
