Burr vs blade coffee grinder
Grinding your own beans is the biggest single upgrade to home coffee. Which grinder you use decides how big an upgrade it is.
Last updated: September 2026
ℹ Some links are affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices update hourly from Amazon UK.
The short answer
Burr grinders crush beans to an even size you can set, which is essential for espresso and makes filter coffee noticeably better. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, which is fine for a cafetière on a budget but not for espresso.
Side by side
| Blade grinder | Burr grinder | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Spinning blade chops beans | Two burrs crush beans to a set size |
| Grind consistency | Uneven (dust and chunks) | Even |
| Grind size control | By how long you run it | Set with a dial |
| Good for espresso? | No | Yes (espresso-capable models) |
| Price | About £20–£40 | About £40 to £200+ |
| Best for | Cafetière, spices | Every brew method |
A blade grinder is fine if…
- You only use a cafetière
- Budget is tight
- You also want to grind spices
Get a burr grinder if…
- You make espresso
- You brew pour-over or filter
- You want repeatable results
The machines
- 200W
- 75g capacity
A cheap, simple blade grinder for cafetière coffee or spices.
£27.37
- 60g capacity
- Stainless blade
Bodum's classic blade grinder; pairs naturally with a Bodum cafetière.
£25.95
- Burr grinder
- Adjustable grind
An affordable electric burr grinder for filter and cafetière.
£51.98
- Ceramic burrs
- No electricity
A hand burr grinder: slower, but even grounds for very little money.
£40
- 60 grind settings
- Timed dosing
Fine enough for espresso and flexible for everything else.
£189Frequently asked questions
Is a burr grinder really better than a blade grinder?
Yes for most coffee. Even particle size means even extraction, so less bitterness and sourness in the same cup.
Can I use a blade grinder for espresso?
No. It can't grind finely or evenly enough; you'll get sour, fast shots and clogged baskets.
What's the cheapest good grinder?
A hand burr grinder like the Hario Skerton gives even grounds for little money if you don't mind grinding by hand.
Related guides
Best coffee grinders · How to dial in espresso · Clean a coffee grinder · Best coffee beans
How we write these: we don’t lab-test machines. Guides are based on manufacturer manuals and published specifications, and picks on specs, brand reputation and UK availability. How we choose.