The Best Coffee Grinder for a French Press
Researched by Johnny Alto · last updated July 27, 2026
Short answer: The best coffee grinder for a french press is the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder. The Encore is the most widely recommended first burr grinder and it shines at the coarse end french press needs. The main things to weigh are burr not blade, coarse range, grind consistency, and serviceability.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
The Encore is the most widely recommended first burr grinder and it shines at the coarse end french press needs. It uses 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs (a true burr grinder, not a blade chopper) with 40 stepped settings, and the upper range around settings 28 to 32 gives the even, boulder-free coarse grind that keeps a french press from turning to sludge. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and Baratza parts and service support are excellent for long-term ownership. Honest caveats: it is a burr grinder but not an espresso grinder, it can be a little noisy, and at the coarsest settings you will still see a small amount of fines, far less than any blade grinder. Stepped adjustment means you cannot micro-tune between clicks.
Check price on Amazon Live price on Amazon. Representative image.French press lives and dies on grind quality: you need an even, coarse grind so the cup does not turn to sludge, and only a burr grinder (not a blade chopper) can deliver it. Look for a grinder whose top settings reach true french press coarseness, produces few fines for a cleaner cup, and offers replaceable burrs and parts support for the long haul. Electric burr grinders are the fast daily driver, while a good manual grinder trades effort for a lower price and excellent consistency.
How do the best options for coffee grinder for a french press compare?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder | The Encore is the most widely recommended first burr grinder and it shines at the coarse end french press needs. |
| Manual pick | 1Zpresso Q Manual Coffee Grinder | A compact hand grinder with a stainless conical burr and numeric clicks that hold a consistent coarse setting well above its price. The catch is manual effort, roughly 30 to 60 seconds of cranking per french press dose, and a small single-dose hopper. |
| Budget electric | SHARDOR Conical Burr Grinder Electric 2.0 | An inexpensive electric conical burr grinder with 35 settings and a 2 to 12 cup hopper, so it handles coarse french press grinds without the price of a Baratza. It is a burr grinder, but the plastic build, more static cling, and higher grind retention put it below the Encore on consistency and durability. |
What should you look for in coffee grinder for a french press?
A few things separate a good coffee grinder for a french press from a frustrating one: burr not blade, coarse range, grind consistency, and serviceability. Weigh these before you buy.
- Burr not blade: only burrs give an even coarse grind.
- Coarse range: confirm the top settings reach true french press coarseness.
- Grind consistency: fewer fines means less cup sludge.
- Serviceability: replaceable burrs and parts support extend lifespan.
How the picks compare on specs
| Spec | Baratza Encore (pick) | 1Zpresso Q | SHARDOR Electric 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Electric burr | Manual burr | Electric burr |
| Burr set | 40mm conical | Stainless conical | Conical |
| Settings | 40 stepped | 60+ clicks | 35 stepped |
| French press use | Fast daily driver | Slow but precise | Budget everyday |
What are the best alternatives?
1Zpresso Q Manual Coffee Grinder
A compact hand grinder with a stainless conical burr and numeric clicks that hold a consistent coarse setting well above its price. The catch is manual effort, roughly 30 to 60 seconds of cranking per french press dose, and a small single-dose hopper.
Check price on AmazonSHARDOR Conical Burr Grinder Electric 2.0
An inexpensive electric conical burr grinder with 35 settings and a 2 to 12 cup hopper, so it handles coarse french press grinds without the price of a Baratza. It is a burr grinder, but the plastic build, more static cling, and higher grind retention put it below the Encore on consistency and durability.
Check price on AmazonBottom line: the Baratza Encore is the easy-to-own burr grinder that nails a coarse french press grind; the 1Zpresso Q is the precise manual pick, and the SHARDOR is the budget electric burr if the Baratza is out of reach.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best coffee grinder for a french press?
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder. The Encore is the most widely recommended first burr grinder and it shines at the coarse end french press needs.
What should you look for in coffee grinder for a french press?
Focus on burr not blade, coarse range, grind consistency, and serviceability.
What is a good alternative to the Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder?
The 1Zpresso Q Manual Coffee Grinder. A compact hand grinder with a stainless conical burr and numeric clicks that hold a consistent coarse setting well above its price. The catch is manual effort, roughly 30 to 60 seconds of cranking per french press dose, and a small single-dose hopper.
Related buying guides
- Espresso Machine for Beginners
- Coffee Grinder for Espresso
- Coffee Maker with Grinder
- WDT Tool for Espresso Distribution
- Popcorn Popper for Roasting Coffee Beans
This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review; recommendations reflect community consensus and verified buyer reviews. Prices and availability are subject to change, so always confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
← All guides · How we research · About · Affiliate Disclosure · Privacy Policy · Contact