Does a grinder really make that much difference?

Yes — a quality burr grinder is the single most impactful upgrade for any coffee setup. Pre-ground coffee begins going stale within minutes of grinding as volatile aromatic compounds dissipate. Within 2 weeks, pre-ground coffee has lost most of its flavor complexity. Grinding fresh beans immediately before brewing preserves these compounds. Combined with a burr grinder's consistent particle size (enabling even extraction), the flavor improvement is dramatic and immediately noticeable — even to casual coffee drinkers.

How much should I spend on a coffee grinder?

For drip and pour over coffee: $50-100 buys an excellent burr grinder (Baratza Encore, OXO Brew) that will serve you for years. For espresso: you need finer, more consistent grinds — budget $150-300 for a capable espresso grinder. The general rule: spend as much on your grinder as your brewer. A $30 pour over dripper paired with a $100 grinder produces better coffee than a $200 brewer with a $20 blade grinder. The grinder is the foundation of coffee quality.

Best Coffee Bean Grinders Under $100 2026