Mark MorphewIt doesn’t get much simpler than the AeroPress when it comes to making coffee on the go. Whether at your desk, on a road trip, or sitting around a campfire, this pocket-sized coffee brewer can churn out some great-tasting coffee with ease.
However, just like other coffee brewing methods, the quality of the grind plays a vital role, and using the wrong grind size can make or break your AeroPress experience.
A medium to fine coffee grind will be the sweet spot for fantastic tasting coffee. Though at a push, you could use a regular medium coffee grind. To make sure you’re grinding even uniform grounds, you need to invest in a decent coffee grinder.
Our Top Pick: Best Value
In this article, we have researched and assembled a list of six recommended grinders for the AeroPress. Depending on how much work you want to put into grinding your coffee, we have included both electric and manual grinders.
Do You Need A Special Grinder For The AeroPress?
You can use any good quality burr grinder, but if you want the best grinder for AeroPress, there are a few options that work exceptionally well and some that even fit inside your AeroPress, perfect for when you hit the road.
Like any coffee brewing process, you need to grind coffee into particles of uniform size, which is only possible with a burr grinder. Forget about using a blade type of grinder; they will never grind consistently.
Since the AeroPress only requires between 15 to 20 grams of coffee per serving, a smaller compact manual coffee grinder that produces smaller amounts is perfect.
6 Best Grinders For Aeropress
Below we have handpicked a section of coffee grinders that are perfect for use alongside the AeroPress.
Most of the best manual grinders will fit inside the AeroPress, but we have also included a couple of larger kitchen counter electric grinders that are also suitable for other coffee brewing methods.
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, investing in a more versatile grinder might be a better choice.
1Zpresso Q2 Mini Manual Coffee Grinder
Our first recommendation is a great little grinder that pairs well with the AeroPress. The 1Zpresso Q2 packs a punch when it comes to grinding, and with the fixed dual bearings, triaxial design, and 38mm stainless steel burrs, you can churn out an even more consistent grind in a matter of minutes.
With the 60 grind settings, you can grind coffee beans for a whole range of different brewing methods, making this pocket-sized grinder an excellent investment.
Despite its mini size, the 1Zpresso Q2 can grind up to 20g of coffee beans each time, which is more than enough for AeroPress coffee. It takes up little space and weighs under 400g, perfect for taking with you when you’re brewing coffee away from home.
For comparison, the 1Zpresso Q2 is smaller than a can of soft drink and Just the right size to fit in the plunger of your AeroPress.
We can’t recommend the 1Zpresso Q2 Mini Coffee Grinder enough, and it’s one of our favorites here at Bean Ground – a great investment!
What We Love
- Wide range of coffee grind settings.
- Solid build and high-quality grinding mechanism.
- The small compact design makes it great for traveling.
Take Note
- The logo on the outside might be off-putting for some.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Maybe a manual coffee grinder isn’t what you’re looking for. If that’s the case, feast your eyes on the Baratza Encore.
The Encore is a robust premium grinder with an attractive price point, and it’s perfect for amateur baristas looking to invest in their first “proper” coffee grinder.
With 40 grind settings and 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs, you’ll be able to produce consistent and even ground coffee for all brewing methods; the medium to fine setting is perfect for the AeroPress.
Operating the Baratza Encore isn’t intimidating, even with the grind settings. In fact, the grinder is super easy to use, and with a few turns of the adjustable knob and a press of a button, you’re all set.
Baratza is an award-winning company known for using high-end parts (which are imported from Europe) in their grinders and other coffee paraphernalia. So you can sleep easy knowing that your investment will keep on grinding for years to come.
If you want to invest in a good coffee grinder for not just the AeroPress but other coffee brewing styles such as espresso, Hario V60, Chemex, French Press, pour-over, and automatic drip brewers, look no further than the Baratza Encore.
What We Love
- Perfect for any aspiring home barista who wants a versatile electric coffee grinder.
- Premium European parts and durable build.
- 40 grind settings and 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs.
Take Note
- The tinted plastic ground collection bin makes it difficult to see how much coffee has been ground.
Hario ‘Mini-Slim Plus’ Manual Coffee Grinder
Another pocket-sized coffee grinder to make our list is the Hario’ Mini-Slim Plus’. Over the years, the Japanese-designed mini Hario grinder has undergone a few changes in its design; the Mini Slim Plus is their latest offering.
As the name suggests, the Hario mini is small enough to fit snugly in the palm of your hand. The slightly contoured design of the grinder’s body ensures a firm grip, even with wet or damp hands.
Inside the grinding mechanism, you will find a set of ceramic conical burrs that produce a uniform and precise grind. Why ceramic? The ceramic burr produces less heat than stainless steel. Excessive heat can affect the flavor of your brewed coffee; you want the coffee oils to land in your cup, not scorched in the grinder.
A great little coffee grinder for both beginners and pros! Its slim, compact design makes it perfect for home and traveling.
The only downside with this hand grinder is it doesn’t fit inside the plunger of the AeroPress – this could be a deal-breaker for some.
? Like the look of the Hario Mini Mill? Take a look at our Hario Mini Mill review.
What We Love
- A contoured body offers an excellent firm grip.
- Easy to take apart to clean and maintain.
- Grinds 25g in a few minutes.
Take Note
- This manual grinder does Not fit inside the AeroPress.
JavaPresse Manual Burr Grinder For AeroPress
If your primary coffee brewing device is the AeroPress, the JavaPresse manual coffee grinder makes for the perfect partner. This ideal partnership is mainly because the JavaPress fits inside the AeroPress, making it super portable and great for traveling.
Even for its compact size, the JavaPresse comes with 18 grind settings, and with a few clicks of the internal dial, you have precise control. Everything from ultra-fine espresso grind all the way through to a more coarse French press grind, the JavaPresse has you covered.
The durable brushed stainless steel body can handle a few knocks and drops, so taking it with you on a hike or camping trip out in the wilderness won’t be a problem.
It’s also worth noting that this grinder is highly affordable, so if you’re looking for a budget option, this could be a great buy.
However, in exchange for a lower price, you’ll have to do the grinding yourself, but this might not be a big concern if you’re mainly using the AeroPress and grinder while away from home.
Also, the JavaPresse is somewhat challenging to clean due to its very narrow and slim design. But putting the two small things aside, it’s a great little manual hand grinder that works well alongside the AeroPress.
? Make sure you take a look at our JavaPresse Grinder review.
What We Love
- Fits perfectly inside the plunging tube of the AeroPress.
- Ceramic grinding burrs reduce heat caused by friction.
- A good selection of grind settings catering to many different coffee styles.
Take Note
- Struggles with a uniform grind the more coarse you go.
Fellow Ode Brew Electric AeroPress Grinder
Another electric coffee grinder making the list is the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder. The San Francisco-based company Fellow was born on Kickstarter in 2013. Since their conception, they have been producing an extensive range of premium-grade coffee gear combined with a sleek modern design.
The Ode coffee grinder is the latest offering in their grinder range, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Aside from its modern, clean aesthetics, the Ode comes loaded with 64mm professional-grade flat burrs that make light work of any whole coffee bean. And with 32 grind settings, you’ll have no problem dialing in a grind for your favorite brewing method.
If you only use the AeroPress and nothing else, this electric grinder might be a bit too much in terms of price and functionality, and you might be better off buying a smaller manual hand grinder.
But, If you’re serious about your coffee, investing in a grinder such as the Fellow Ode is definitely worthwhile. The quality of the craftsmanship and the premium parts will ensure that you’ll have a grinder that will last many years.
What We Love
- Excellent craftsmanship and premium build.
- 32 grind settings and 64mm professional-grade flat burrs.
- Very quiet operation – one of the quietest we have come across.
Take Note
- The high price point might be a bit too much for just AeroPress coffee brewing.
Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
Our final recommended grinder for the AeroPress is the Porlex Mini. The Porlex is the grinder that others have modeled themselves on, it’s been around for many years, and some would say it is the original in this class.
In that time, it has undergone many upgrades and improvements, and today it is renowned by many as one of the best grinders for the AeroPress.
Like some others, the Porlex also conveniently fits directly in the AeroPress. It comes equipped with a set of ceramic conical burrs and can easily handle most grinds from a coarser grind to fine – so it’s versatile enough to fit the needs of most users.
Although the Prolex can achieve a wide range of ground coffee sizes, it excels at the medium to fine range. However, we find that it does struggle the coarser you go, and the grind isn’t as consistent or uniform as some of the other grinders.
If you aren’t bothered about other brew methods such as the French Press, which call for a more coarse grind, and you’ll primarily use the Porlex for AeroPress brewing, it’s a great buy, and we think you won’t be disappointed.
What We Love
- Fits perfectly inside of the AeroPress.
- A wide range of grind settings and features ceramic burrs.
- The original “OG” of AeroPress coffee grinders.
Take Note
- Perfect for the AeroPress but might be too small for everyday use.
FAQs
It’s fine. Is it 100% ideal? Of course not. If you want a blade grinder, don’t expect anything exceptional.
Although it is possible to use a blade grinder with the AeroPress, we don’t recommend it. A blade grinder will “smash” the coffee beans rather than grind.
Also, your grind won’t be consistent or have uniform coffee grounds, adversely affecting your brewed coffee.
And lastly, you have no control, and you will have to rely on guesswork to determine if your coffee is ground adequately.
Spend a few more dollars and invest in a budget burr grinder – they don’t actually cost that much more than a blade type.
The best grind for the AeroPress is a medium to fine grind. However, coffee is personal, and you may prefer a slightly finer or more coarse grind.
We recommend that you experiment and settle on what you prefer and use the recommended medium-fine grind as a starting point.
Although the AeroPress is very forgiving when brewing coffee and can take almost any grid size, we suggest sticking with the reckoned medium-fine grind.
If your grind is too fine, you will struggle to push down on the plunger. Too coarse, and you will have a watery tasting cup of coffee.
When he's not fiddling around with a new coffee gadget, you'll find him busy doing DIY projects around the home and taking his German Shepherd for a walk, who funnily enough is called Kona!
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Since the creation of the Bean Ground coffee blog in 2014, Mark and a small circle of coffee hobbyists have rigorously tested, reviewed, and researched coffee gear. In most cases, they have purchased the items themselves with the sole intention of rating and evaluating.
In that time, they have built up a list of quality points to look for and what makes specific equipment better than others. They cut through the noise and marketing hype that often surrounds products to give you their unbiased opinions so you can make clear decisions on your next purchase.
