Coffee Grinders: Reviews

Reviews say the Krups Fast Touch is a simple, reliable grinder for automatic-drip coffeemakers and French presses. Owners say that their Krups grinders are still going strong after many years of use. The compact Krups… coffee grinder has a lid that fits snugly into the base, and owners report that a damp paper towel is all it takes to remove residual grounds. The Fast Touch can hold 12 tablespoons of beans -- enough for about 1½ pots of automatic-drip coffee. If you prefer richer drip coffee or you have an espresso machine, reviews say you need a more expensive burr grinder.

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If you aren't too picky about grind consistency, reviews say the Capresso Infinity is the best budget burr grinder (burr models grind coffee beans between metal discs for a finer grind). Not only does it grind coffee… finely enough for pump espresso machines, but it can also work for drip coffee makers, especially if you like stronger coffee. Owners appreciate the Capresso's timer and say it's relatively quiet. The Infinity grinds slowly, reducing static, and users say that a weekly brushing-out is all it needs. The Infinity can hold as much as 8 tablespoons of ground coffee. A stainless steel model, the 565.05 (*est. $140), is also available.

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This coffee grinder weighs 10 pounds, so it's best left out on a countertop, but owners say it's so attractive you'll want to show it off regardless. Unlike most coffee grinders, which are made of plastic, the KitchenAid… is made of metal and glass, and reviews say it's built to last. Performance-wise, it strikes a balance between budget burr grinders and professional machines. It grinds coffee finely and consistently enough for most espresso fans, but the pickiest might want to consider a pro model.

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Reviews say that the time-tested Rancilio Rocky is among the best espresso grinders available. Users say that the relatively quiet Rocky allows them to exercise a great deal of control over the fineness of the grind. The… only downsides, say owners, are Rocky's bulk and high price tag, but nearly all agree that it's leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. The doserless version allows you to grind beans directly into the portafilter. The regular Rancilio Rocky (*est. $320) comes with a doser receptacle.

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The 10-cup Melitta Mill & Brew auto-drip coffee maker has a blade grinder built right in. You can program how many cups you want brewed, along with the fineness of the grind. Owners say it's quieter than other "grind 'n'… brew" models, grinds relatively evenly, and holds up well over time. They also appreciate the convenience of programming the coffeemaker up to 24 hours in advance and waking up to coffee brewed from freshly ground beans.

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