Can a single grinder do both espresso and filter?

Yes, as long as you pick a single-dose model with large burrs (DF64, Niche Zero). Small conical-burr espresso grinders disappoint on filter.

Flat or conical burrs?

Flat 64 mm burrs give a very clean extraction, ideal on filter and very good on espresso. Conical burrs give a rounder profile and switch easily between methods.

Do you need a single-dose grinder?

For freshness and to swap between coffees easily, yes. A hopper is fine if you always drink the same coffee in quantity.

Is my espresso machine’s built-in grinder enough?

To get started, yes, but it is often the first thing to upgrade, and it does not do filter. An external 64 mm grinder clearly improves your espresso.

Guide · 2026 edition

Which coffee grinder should you buy in 2026?

By Maxime DehayePublished: 23 August 2026

If I could only tell you to improve one thing about your coffee at home, it would be the grind, no hesitation. Before the machine, before the beans, the grinder is what decides the consistency of the extraction and what actually ends up in your cup. I made the mistake of dealing with it last, so let me save you the detour.

Where to start

Find your profile in 10 seconds

It all comes down to one thing: your brew method. Espresso demands a very fine grind and micron-level adjustment, filter a coarser and very consistent grind. Few grinders do both excellently, and the price climbs fast once you go looking for it. So start by placing yourself, and the rest follows on its own.

Do you only make espresso?Head to the Espresso only section. Priority on fine adjustment and precision.

Do you only make filter (V60, Chemex, French press, AeroPress)?The Filter only section. Goal: a clean, even grind with few fines.

Do you switch between espresso and filter?The Mixed section. The most common case, and the trickiest: you need a grinder that covers the whole range.

Profile 1

Espresso only

Espresso is the harshest judge: a few microns of grind change everything, and a setting slightly off sends the whole cup sideways. Aim for a fine adjustment, ideally stepless (continuous), and burrs that go fine enough. A small confession from experience: we started with an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder, and it quickly became the weak link. It is almost always the first upgrade you wish you had made sooner.

Our pick

Eureka Mignon Specialita

~$440–490

The espresso benchmark at this price: stepless adjustment, very quiet, gorgeous Italian build and plenty of colours.

Flat burrs, 55 mmHopperEspressoFilter

Baratza Sette 270

~$430–450

Excellent for straight espresso, near-zero retention. Utilitarian look and mediocre on filter: keep it for all-espresso.

Conical burrs, 40 mmSingle-doseEspressoFilter

Profile 2

Filter only

Here the goal is a clean, even grind with as few fines as possible. Flat 64 mm burrs are the safe bet. Good news: a dedicated filter grinder is far easier to live with day to day (guided settings, a single button), often quieter, and honestly more relaxing than an espresso grinder you keep re-dialling.

Our pick

Fellow Ode Gen 2

~$345

The best balance of design and performance: 64 mm burrs, single-dose, very quiet, a genuine kitchen object with its grind guide.

Flat burrs, 64 mmSingle-doseEspressoFilter

Timemore Sculptor 064S

to be confirmed

Ferocious value, single-dose. Price swings a lot depending on the burr version: check before buying.

64 mm burrsSingle-doseEspressoFilter

Wilfa Uniform

~$300

Understated Scandinavian look, stepless adjustment, quiet. A lovely hopper-fed filter grinder.

Flat burrs, 58 mmHopperEspressoFilter

Profile 3

Mixed / all-round

This is by far the most common case, and it is mine: espresso one day, V60 the next depending on the mood. The classic trap, the one almost everyone falls into once, is buying a cheap conical-burr espresso grinder and ending up disappointed on filter. The right approach: a single-dose grinder with large flat burrs (64 mm) or 63 mm conical, which covers the whole range without flinching.

A tip if you already have an espresso machine with a built-in grinder: an external DF64 kills two birds with one stone, it opens up filter and improves your espresso compared to the stock grinder.

Our pick

DF64 Gen 2

~$399

The best all-round entry point: 64 mm burrs, single-dose, low retention. Switch from espresso to filter by turning a screw. A little technical (dial in by taste).

Flat burrs, 64 mmSingle-doseEspressoFilter

Niche Zero

~$750

The king of the espresso-to-filter switch, near-zero retention, aluminium and oak. Above the beginner budget and long lead times.

Conical burrs, 63 mmSingle-doseEspressoFilter

Fellow Opus

~$195–225

The budget all-rounder: decent on filter, capable on espresso. Plastic body and switching between methods is a bit tedious.

Conical burrs, 48 mmSingle-doseEspressoFilter

At a glance

The recap

Profile	Recommended model	Ballpark budget	Strengths
Espresso only	Eureka Mignon Specialita	~$440–490	Precision, quiet, design
Filter only	Fellow Ode Gen 2	~$345	Best design / performance balance
Filter value	Timemore Sculptor 064S	to be confirmed	Value for money
Mixed	DF64 Gen 2	~$399	All-round, single-dose, upgradable
Mixed premium	Niche Zero	~$750	Perfect espresso / filter switch

Check prices at US retailers (Prima Coffee Equipment, Clive Coffee, Seattle Coffee Gear, Whole Latte Love): they move around and depend on the burr version.

How much to spend

What budget should you plan for?

Under $275: Fellow Opus as an all-rounder, or a high-end manual grinder if you accept the effort.
$325 to $500 : the sweet spot for a first serious grinder (Ode, DF64, Eureka, Wilfa).
Above $550: the no-compromise all-rounder (Niche Zero) or premium burrs.

Where to try it in Paris

Paris spots that sell gear

Before buying, nothing beats seeing a grinder in person: feel the size, hear the noise, ask your questions. These spots from our guide sell gear and can advise you.

In short

Filter only: Fellow Ode Gen 2. Espresso only: Eureka Mignon Specialita. Both: DF64 Gen 2, the best all-round entry point in 2026, especially if you are coming from an espresso machine with a built-in grinder.

Where to drink great coffee in Paris?

Explore our full guide to specialty coffee shops: ratings, prices, machines and roasters, shop by shop.