In the world of pour-over coffee brewing, the Chemex stands as an iconic symbol of simplicity, elegance, and exceptional taste.
To truly elevate your Chemex brewing experience, a high-quality grinder is essential. But with numerous options available, selecting the best grinder can be a daunting task.
Fear not, as we have curated a list of the top 6 grinders that you might say are specifically tailored for Chemex Brewing.
Whether you prioritize precision, consistency, or convenience, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect grinder to unlock the full potential of your Chemex brews.
Let’s dive into the top contenders and explore the unique features that make them exceptional choices for your Chemex coffee journey.
Best Grinders For Chemex Brewing: At A Glance
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Overall
- Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder: Best Value For Money
- JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder: Best Manual Coffee Grinder
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder: Best For Grind Settings
- Fellow Ode Brew Grinder: Best Build Quality
- Cuisinart DBM-8 Electric Burr Coffee Grinder: Best Budget Option
In-Depth Analysis of the 6 Best Grinders for Chemex
Now that we’ve identified the top 6 grinders for Chemex Brewing, it’s time to delve into their unique features and capabilities.
In this section, we will provide a detailed analysis of each grinder, considering factors such as grind consistency, grind size versatility, durability, and ease of use.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Best Overall
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro takes the crown as the best grinder for Chemex brewing, and for good reason. This exceptional coffee grinder offers a multitude of features and settings, enabling you to achieve the perfect grind for your cherished cup of joe.
With its programmable conical burr grinder boasting an impressive 60 unique settings, the Smart Grinder Pro empowers you to extract the utmost flavor and aroma from your coffee beans.
One standout feature of the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is its robust construction, incorporating stainless steel materials that ensure durability and longevity.
Equipped with a spacious 18-ounce coffee bean capacity, this grinder allows you to effortlessly grind large quantities of beans for your brewing needs.
The Smart Grinder Pro’s attention to detail is further exemplified by its large LCD screen, which conveniently displays the selected grind setting, grind time, and the number of shots or cups chosen.
This user-friendly interface provides a seamless and intuitive experience, making it easy to fine-tune your grinding preferences.
When it comes to grind consistency, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro truly shines. Our rigorous testing has shown that this grinder delivers an exceptional level of grind uniformity, guaranteeing a remarkable cup of coffee with each brew.
Furthermore, its operation is impressively quiet, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable coffee preparation process.
An especially notable feature of the Smart Grinder Pro is its ability to grind directly into a portafilter. This added convenience saves you valuable time and minimizes the mess typically associated with transferring grounds.
However, it’s worth noting that the Breville Smart Grinder Pro does come with a higher price tag, as one would expect from a professional-level grinder.
Nevertheless, considering its remarkable performance and array of features, this investment is well worth it for coffee enthusiasts who seek precision and consistency in their brewing process.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro stands as a solid and efficient grinder that offers a wealth of features and settings to help you achieve the perfect grind for your Chemex brewing.
Pros
- Versatile Range of Adjustable Options: The Breville Smart Grinder Pro offers an extensive selection of adjustable settings, catering to both beginners and professionals.
- User-Friendly Experience: Operating the Smart Grinder Pro is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design and streamlined functionality.
- Consistent Grind Quality: With the Smart Grinder Pro, you can expect exceptional grind consistency, ensuring optimal extraction regardless of your chosen brewing method.
- Quiet Operation: The grinder operates at a relatively low noise level, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable coffee grinding experience.
- Durable Construction: Crafted with a sturdy stainless steel construction, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro guarantees durability and longevity.
- Convenient LCD Screen: Equipped with an LCD screen, the Smart Grinder Pro provides a clear and informative display of grind settings, grind time, and selected quantity.
Cons
- Higher Price Tag: Compared to some other grinders available in the market, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro does come with a relatively higher price tag.
- Regular Cleaning Required: To prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance, the Smart Grinder Pro requires regular cleaning.
- Potential Motor Wear: Some users have reported that the motor of the Smart Grinder Pro may wear out relatively quickly over time.
Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder: Best Value For Money
Another noteworthy contender in our search for the best grinder for Chemex brewing is the Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder.
This grinder offers exceptional value for money, making it an attractive choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a reliable upgrade from blade grinders to burr grinders.
The Capresso impresses with its wide range of grinding options, accommodating various coffee preparations.
Whether you prefer ultrafine Turkish coffee or a coarser grind, this grinder has you covered. Equipped with commercial-grade solid conical steel burrs featuring an advanced cutting design, it ensures precise and consistent grinding results.
Ease of use is a standout feature of the Capresso 560 Infinity. Despite its lightweight construction, this grinder maintains a sturdy build, guaranteeing durability over time.
The intuitive interface and clearly marked 16 fineness settings, with four levels for each (extra fine, fine, regular, and coarse), make it effortless to achieve your desired grind size.
The gear reduction motor operates at a slower speed, resulting in reduced noise levels and minimal static build-up.
Additionally, the grinder boasts a generous 8.8-ounce bean hopper capacity, allowing you to grind a significant amount of coffee in one session.
Convenience is further enhanced by the inclusion of a timer function, which automatically switches off the grinder once the grinding is complete.
The Capresso showcases quality craftsmanship, with stainless steel conical burrs and a zinc die-cast housing. These materials contribute to its durability and longevity, ensuring a reliable coffee grinding experience.
However, one potential issue with this grinder is its susceptibility to clogging if not regularly cleaned.
Fortunately, a cleaning brush is included, and we recommend cleaning the grinder after each use to prevent any obstructions and maintain optimal performance.
Available in black, stainless steel, and stainless finish, the Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder offers an entry-level option for coffee enthusiasts looking to upgrade their grinding capabilities.
While it may not provide the level of customization found in higher-end models, it delivers reliability, precision, and value for money.
Pros
- Affordability: The Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder provides excellent value for its price, making it a budget-friendly option for coffee enthusiasts.
- Compact Design: With its compact and space-saving design, this grinder is ideal for kitchens with limited countertop space.
- Uniform Grind Size: The steel conical burrs of the Capresso 560 Infinity ensure a consistent grind size, preserving the rich flavors and enticing aromas of the coffee beans.
- Versatile Grinding Options: Offering 16 grinder settings, including the fine grind required for Turkish coffee, this grinder accommodates a wide range of brewing methods and coffee preferences.
- User-Friendly: The intuitive design and straightforward operation make the Capresso 560 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder incredibly easy to use, and suitable for both novice and experienced coffee enthusiasts.
- Durability and Quality Materials: Built to last, this grinder is constructed with durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliable performance over time.
- Automatic Shut-off: The automatic shut-off feature of the Capresso 560 Infinity ensures that the grinder switches off once the grinding process is complete.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Experienced Coffee Enthusiasts: While the Capresso Infinity is a reliable and affordable option, it may not provide the advanced customization features desired by more experienced coffee connoisseurs.
- Prone to Clogging: Without regular cleaning, the grinder can be susceptible to clogging.
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder: Best Manual Coffee Grinder
The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is a compact and affordable option that delivers consistent grinds for various brewing methods while ensuring minimal noise during operation.
Featuring a professional-grade ceramic conical burr, this grinder is designed to enhance the flavors of even the most exquisite coffees available. With 18 adjustable grind settings, it allows you to fine-tune your grind size to suit your preferred brewing style.
Designed with portability in mind, the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is perfect for coffee lovers on the go. It’s compact size and lightweight construction make it a convenient travel companion, easily fitting into your bag or luggage.
Additionally, the detachable hand crank adds to its slim profile, making it even more travel-friendly.
However, it’s important to note that this grinder requires manual labor, which may not be ideal for those seeking the convenience of an electric grinder. While it excels in portability, grinding your coffee beans will require some physical effort.
Additionally, the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder has a relatively small capacity, accommodating only about five tablespoons of beans at a time.
This may not be sufficient for users who wish to grind larger quantities in one go.
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder offers excellent value for its affordable price, making it accessible to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts.
- Quality Ceramic Burrs: With professional-grade ceramic burrs, this grinder ensures a consistent grind that enhances the flavors of your coffee beans, allowing you to enjoy a more satisfying cup of coffee.
- Portable and Travel-Friendly: Designed for on-the-go brewing, this grinder’s compact size and lightweight nature make it easy to travel with.
- High-Quality Stainless Steel Build: The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is crafted with high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity even during frequent use.
- Quieter Operation: Unlike electric grinders, this manual grinder operates quietly, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable coffee grinding experience.
- Detachable Hand Crank: The detachable hand crank adds to the grinder’s convenience and portability, allowing for a slimmer profile when traveling.
- Adjustable Grind Selector: Equipped with an adjustable grind selector featuring 18 grind settings, this grinder provides versatility and customization.
Cons
- Requires Manual Labor: As a manual grinder, the JavaPresse requires some physical effort and may not be suitable for those who prefer the convenience of electric grinders.
- Limited Capacity: This grinder has a smaller capacity and may not be ideal for grinding large quantities of coffee beans at once, best suited for single or small servings.
- Potential for Crank Detachment: During the grinding process, there is a possibility of the grind crank detaching, which can be frustrating.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder: Best For Grind Settings
The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is a highly regarded entry-level grinder known for its consistent grind quality, user-friendly design, and affordable price point.
With its 40 grind settings, this grinder offers a wide range of options, allowing you to achieve the perfect grind for various brewing methods, including pour-over, drip coffee, and cold brew.
Designed with simplicity in mind, the Baratza Encore is easy to use and maintain. Its easy-access burrs facilitate convenient cleaning, while the straightforward pulse or switch operation ensures hassle-free grinding.
The grinder is equipped with a powerful, high-torque motor that operates quietly and maintains cool temperatures during extended use.
Featuring a steel conical burr, the Baratza Encore delivers exceptionally consistent grinds, ensuring optimal extraction and flavor in every cup. The transparent hopper can hold up to 8 ounces of coffee beans, while the grounds bin has a capacity of 5 ounces.
Additionally, the grinder includes an automatic thermal overload cut-off feature that provides added safety by shutting off the machine in case of overheating.
Built to last, the Baratza Encore is a durable and reliable grinder that demonstrates excellent engineering.
It is backed by Baratza’s renowned reputation for customer care, and replacement parts are readily available, further ensuring its longevity and continued performance.
Pros
- Quality and Consistency: The Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder offers excellent grind quality and consistency, delivering satisfying results that elevate your coffee brewing experience, especially considering its affordable price point.
- Durability and Longevity: Built to last, this grinder is designed with durability in mind, ensuring it withstands regular use over an extended period.
- Affordable: The Baratza Encore provides great value for its price, making it an accessible option for those looking for a reliable and consistent grinder without breaking the bank.
- Versatility: With its 40 grind settings, this grinder offers versatility, allowing you to achieve the desired grind size for various brewing methods.
- Quiet Operation: The Baratza Encore operates quietly, creating a peaceful environment while grinding your coffee beans.
- User-Friendly: Designed with ease of use in mind, this grinder features a straightforward interface, ensuring a hassle-free grinding process.
- Excellent Customer Service: Baratza is known for its top-notch customer service, providing reliable support and assistance whenever needed.
Cons
- Unattractive Plastic Case: The appearance of the grinder may not be visually appealing to some users, as it is constructed primarily with plastic materials, lacking a premium aesthetic.
- No Dose Controlling Features: The Baratza Encore does not include dose controlling features, limiting the ability to precisely measure or adjust the amount of coffee being ground.
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder: Best Build Quality
The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is an electric burr coffee grinder specifically designed for various brewed coffee methods, including AeroPress, pour-over, electric coffee makers, French press, and cold brew.
With its impressive features and sleek aesthetics, this grinder offers a unique combination of functionality and style.
Equipped with 64mm professional-grade flat burrs and 31 grind settings, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder ensures precise and consistent grinding for a customized brewing experience.
The grinder’s 100g single-dose hopper allows you to grind the perfect amount of coffee beans for each brew, preserving their freshness and flavor.
Not only does the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder deliver excellent performance, but it also stands out with its compact and minimalist design. Perfect for those with limited counter space, this grinder adds a touch of modern sophistication to any kitchen.
Its sleek and contemporary appearance sets it apart from other home grinders, making it an eye-catching addition to your coffee setup.
Behind its stylish exterior, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder boasts high-quality construction. The stainless steel flat burrs ensure consistent and precise grinding, elevating the overall quality of your coffee extraction.
Furthermore, this grinder operates with remarkably low noise levels compared to other flat burr grinders, providing a more peaceful coffee preparation experience.
An additional advantage of the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is its dosage functionality. By weighing your coffee beans before grinding and using the small and discreet hopper, you can maintain the peak freshness of your beans, enhancing the flavor and aroma of your brewed coffee.
It is important to note that some users have reported issues with grind consistency and static when using the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder.
However, the combination of its stylish design, precise grinding capabilities, reduced noise levels, and dosage functionality makes it an attractive choice for coffee enthusiasts who value both performance and aesthetics in their brewing equipment.
Pros
- User-Friendly: The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is extremely simple to use, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts.
- Noise-Dampening Technologies: This grinder is equipped with innovative noise-dampening technologies, ensuring quiet operation while grinding your coffee beans.
- Single-Dose Loading: The grinder features a convenient single-dose loading system, allowing you to grind the perfect amount of coffee beans for each brew.
- Stylish and Sleek Design: With its stylish and sleek design, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder adds a touch of elegance to your coffee setup.
- Compact and Space-Saving: The compact body of the grinder ensures it easily fits on any countertop, even in kitchens with limited space.
Cons
- Expensive: It’s worth noting that the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder comes with a higher price point compared to some other home grinders on the market.
- Efficiency of Grind Knocker: While the grinder includes a sleek magnetic grind knocker intended to assist in dislodging excess grinds, some users have reported that it may not be as efficient as expected.
Cuisinart DBM-8 Electric Burr Coffee Grinder: Best Budget Option
The Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill is a budget-friendly electric burr coffee grinder that offers convenience and versatility. With its sleek stainless steel finish and classic design, it adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
The grinder features an 18-position grind selector, allowing you to choose the perfect grind size for your preferred brewing method, ensuring a consistent and flavorful cup of coffee.
It also offers a generous bean hopper capacity of 8 ounces and a grind chamber that can accommodate enough grounds for 4 to 18 cups of coffee.
One notable feature of the Cuisinart DBM-8 is its ability to grind a specific amount of beans based on the number of cups you desire, automatically turning off once the grinding cycle is complete.
However, despite these convenient features, the mill tends to produce inconsistent grind sizes, leading to frequent clogging.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this grinder can be quite noisy and has a slower grinding process, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quick and quiet morning routine.
Despite these drawbacks, the Cuisinart DBM-8 is a great budget option for someone who makes coffee at home but doesn’t need the most precise machine. It is perfect for the coffee lover new to brewing at home, and it offers versatility, ease of use, and solid performance.
Pros
- User-Friendly: The Cuisinart DBM-8 Electric Burr Coffee Grinder is straightforward to use, making it suitable for coffee enthusiasts of all levels.
- Affordable Price: This grinder offers excellent value for money, with an unbelievably low price point compared to other electric burr grinders on the market.
- Versatile Grind Settings: With 18 adjustable grind settings, ranging from fine to coarse, you have the flexibility to achieve the perfect grind consistency for your preferred brewing method.
- Automatic Shut-Off: The electric timer feature automatically shuts off the grinder once the grind cycle is complete, providing convenience and preventing over-grinding.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Finish: The grinder’s attractive stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen and complements various interior styles.
- Customized Coffee Amount: The grinder automatically grinds the precise amount of coffee needed per cup, ensuring optimal freshness and reducing waste.
Cons
- Inconsistent Grinds: Some users have reported issues with inconsistent grind sizes, which can impact the overall brewing experience and result in uneven extraction.
- Mostly Plastic Build: The grinder’s construction primarily consists of plastic materials, which may not offer the same durability and longevity as models with more robust builds.
- Noisiness: The Cuisinart DBM-8 grinder can produce noticeable noise during operation, which may be a concern for those seeking a quieter coffee grinding experience.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Grinder for Chemex Coffee
If you want to make the perfect cup of Chemex coffee, having a reliable and quality burr grinder is essential. Here is a guide on how to find the best grinder for Chemex:
Consider the Type of Grinder
When choosing a grinder for Chemex, opt for a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder. Burr grinders provide uniformly sliced coffee beans, resulting in a smooth and flavorful coffee.
Blade grinders, on the other hand, can produce unevenly smashed coffee pieces that may negatively impact the taste.
Decide on Manual or Electric
Choose between a manual or electric burr grinder based on your preferences and budget.
Manual grinders are more affordable and portable, making them suitable for on-the-go brewing. Electric grinders, on the other hand, offer convenience and faster grinding.
Check the Grind Settings
Consistency in grind size is crucial for Chemex coffee. Look for a grinder that consistently delivers the desired grind size, preferably a medium-coarse grind.
Additionally, ensure that the grinder offers a range of grind settings, including a medium-coarse setting. This versatility allows you to adjust the grind size to match the Chemex brewing method.
Consider Hopper Size and Durability
Evaluate the hopper size to ensure it can accommodate the amount of coffee beans you typically grind. Additionally, consider the durability of the grinder to ensure it will withstand regular use.
Read Reviews
Before making a purchase, read reviews from other Chemex coffee enthusiasts to gain insights into their experiences with different grinders. Their recommendations can help you make an informed decision.
Ease of Cleaning
Consider the ease of cleaning the grinder. Opt for a model that can be easily disassembled and cleaned, ensuring optimal hygiene and maintenance.
Extra Features
Some grinders may offer additional features such as electronic timers, LCD screens, or automatic shut-off mechanisms. Assess whether these features align with your brewing preferences and convenience.
Consider the Price
Burr grinders vary in price range, typically ranging from $50 to $500. Determine your budget and seek a grinder that fits within that range while still meeting your desired features and quality.
Invest in Quality
Remember that a quality burr grinder is an investment in your daily coffee enjoyment. While it may require a higher upfront cost, it will provide consistent and delicious coffee for years to come, making it a worthwhile investment.
By considering these factors and taking your personal preferences into account, you can select the best grinder for Chemex coffee that suits your needs and helps you achieve a delightful brewing experience.
FAQ’s
Do you need a grinder for a Chemex?
Yes, a grinder is essential for Chemex coffee brewing. It allows you to grind fresh coffee beans to the desired size, ensuring optimal flavor extraction and a superior coffee experience.
What ratio and grind size is recommended for Chemex?
The recommended coffee-to-water ratio for Chemex is 1:15 to 1:17, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15 to 17 grams of water. As for the grind size, a medium-coarse consistency, similar to coarse sea salt, is typically ideal for Chemex brewing.
How do you grind coffee for Chemex?
To grind coffee for Chemex, set your grinder to a medium-coarse setting. Measure the desired amount of whole coffee beans and grind them using a burr grinder. Aim for a consistent grind size to ensure even extraction during brewing.
Why does coffee taste better in a Chemex?
Coffee brewed in a Chemex often tastes better due to its unique design and brewing process. The Chemex’s thick paper filters remove more oils and sediment from the coffee, resulting in a clean and smooth cup with heightened clarity of flavors and aromas.
What else do I need with a Chemex?
Along with a Chemex brewer and grinder, you will need Chemex paper filters that fit the specific size of your Chemex model.
Additionally, a gooseneck kettle is recommended for precise pouring control.
A digital scale for accurate coffee and water measurement, a timer to ensure consistency, and a long-handled spoon for stirring are also useful accessories to enhance your Chemex brewing experience.
