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At the top of the list for being one of the best aromas to wake up to on a Sunday morning (or any morning, for that matter) is the comforting, nutty, yet sweet smell of freshly ground coffee beans.
No matter what your morning coffee ritual consists of – whether it’s a frothy milk coffee made with a manual coffee machine or you’re more inclined to the peaceful art of drip filter coffee, one thing for sure is that having freshly ground coffee for your morning cuppa makes a world of difference.
Lucky for you, grinding your coffee beans at home isn’t as complicated as you may think. With a high-quality coffee grinder, you can make cafe-quality coffees in the comfort of your own home.
What are the different types of coffee grinders available?
First things first. Choosing the type of coffee grinder you’d like to invest in. Depending on your budget and preference, there is a coffee grinder that is most well-suited to you and your needs.
Blade grinders
Blade grinders use a propeller mechanism that ‘chops’ the coffee beans – similar to a blender or food processor. Depending on how fine or coarse you’d like your grind to be, this is determined entirely by how long you let your beans stay in the grinder. The longer they are in a blade grinder, the finer the blend will be.
The downfall of blade grinders, however, is the fact the final grind is often inconsistent. Moreover, most blade grinders will naturally pick up a static charge when in use, which can be a headache to clean up. These points are worth considering if you want to choose a blade grinder.
Burr grinders
Burr grinders, on the other hand, are the most common type of coffee grinder on the market – and with good reason. They use burrs within the grinder that grinds the beans to a uniform size, which is vital for espresso-enjoyers. Burr coffee grinders feature two burrs – one stationary and one motorised – the beans are crushed between the two burrs (hence, the uniform size of the grind).
Automatic vs. manual grinders
If you find yourself running out of time in the morning, an automatic coffee grinder is a no-brainer. With a simple touch of a button, you’ll have freshly ground coffee to be used asap.
As for manual grinders, you can watch your coffee beans become the perfect grind for your morning coffee. The end grind between the two types is identical, however. It’s all up to your personal preference and whether you enjoy partaking in the start-to-end coffee experience every morning.
The best coffee grinders in Australia 2023
So, if you’re keen to up your at-home coffee experience (who isn’t), read on for our top picks of the best home coffee grinders that will elevate your morning routine.
Smeg 50s Retro Style Coffee Grinder in Red, $324 at Appliances Online
Smeg’s iconic retro-style range of kitchen appliances adds a touch of fun to your kitchen countertop. This coffee grinder is no exception – in a striking red hue, it’s the perfect companion to the Smeg Espresso coffee machine.
Key features:
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Stainless steel conical burr grinder
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Grind at 30 different levels of coarseness
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Built-in anti-static system, so you never have to worry about instability when using
Breville Smart Grinder Pro, $299 (usually $429) at Myer
The Smart Grinder Pro by Breville is a highly-rated automatic coffee grinder worth considering. Featuring 60 unique settings, this programmable conical burr grinder will make the perfect grind whether you’re a French Press aficionado or an espresso fan.
Key features:
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LCD display for ease-of-use
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Pre-programmed settings for the perfect grind, every time
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60 unique grind settings
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Dosing IQ allows you to adjust and program grind time in 0.2 second increments
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Stainless steel conical burrs
1Zpresso JX-Pro Coffee Grinder, $254.85 at Catch
If you lean towards a coffee-connoiseur then you may be in the market for a manual coffee grinder. This one by 1Zpresso is a high-quality manual coffee grinder and is one of the best in the market.
Key features:
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48mm conical stainless steel burrs
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A wide range of grind sizes available
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Durable aluminium-alloy body
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Silicone grip for comfort
Sunbeam Cafe Series Conical Burr Grinder in Black, $229 at Myer
Create your favourite cuppa with this sleek automatic grinder by Sunbeam. In a modern black finish, adaptable grind settings and precision grinding technology, you’ll have cafe-quality coffee at the touch of a button.
Key features:
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Grind direct to handle, so you’ll only grind what you need (and nothing more)
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24 grind settings
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Stainless steel conical burrs
HARIO Skerton Pro Ceramic Manual Coffee Grinder, $76.31 at Amazon
Another great manual coffee grinder is the Skerton Pro by HARIO – it’s been a long-time favourite amongst coffee lovers. This coffee grinder features ceramic conical burrs and creates consistent and uniform grounds, no matter how fine (or coarse) of a grind you’re looking for.
Key features:
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Ceramic conical burrs
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Refined grind shaft and lower spring for improved burr stability
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Solid cast handle
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Non-slip base
Delonghi Dedica Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder, $429 at Myer
Fill your home with the inviting aromas of freshly ground coffee with the Dedica stainless steel coffee grinder by Delonghi. With multiple grind options to choose from, it’s versatile and incredibly easy to use.
Key features:
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18 grind settings
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Easy-to-use LCD display
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Grind directly in filer holder or ground container
