5 best coffee grinders in UAE, for 2024

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1) Best Overall: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

Pros 

Cons

Dubai-based Chandan Arora treasures his OXO brew coffee-grinder: It's clean, looks good and gets the work done. "That's all I need," he says. As he and Lee explain, for coffee lovers seeking barista-level precision without the complexity or hefty price tag of high-end grinders, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder delivers an impressive blend of performance, simplicity, and value. Equipped with 40mm stainless steel conical burrs, it produces consistently uniform grounds that unlock rich, balanced flavours in every brew. With 15 primary grind settings and micro-adjustments, it supports a variety of brewing methods, from French press and drip coffee to espresso. Not just does it look good in the kitchen, it ensures a hassle-free experience. The built-in one-touch timer lets you set and save your preferred grind duration for consistent results every time, perfect for those who value precision without the fuss of constant manual adjustments. Meanwhile, the anti-static grounds container eliminates mess, capturing nearly all the coffee you grind and preventing grounds from clinging to the sides. While it’s a highly commendable choice for most brewing styles, serious espresso enthusiasts may find its precision slightly lacking, and it doesn’t offer programmable dosing. Even so, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder shines as an affordable, reliable option for coffee drinkers who prioritise convenience and consistent performance. Whether you’re a casual brewer exploring different methods or simply want a no-fuss upgrade to elevate your daily coffee, this grinder ticks all the right boxes.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh50.67 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year warranty of Dh40 and two-year warranty of Dh57.

2) Best for Beginners: Baratza Encore Grinder

Pros

Cons

Fast, convenient, and easy to maintain—what’s not to love about the Baratza Encore Grinder? It has been around for ages as Lee says, and just hasn't gone out of style, owing to its durability.  Equipped with 40mm conical burrs and 40 distinct grind settings, it’s a go-to option for home baristas seeking consistency and versatility. Whether you’re brewing French press, drip coffee, or espresso, the grinder delivers uniform grounds for optimal flavor extraction. Its compact and durable design fits seamlessly on countertops, while its beginner-friendly operation and removable burrs make maintenance a breeze. For grinding directly into your portafilter, you’ll need to position it carefully under the grind outlet, hold it steady, and press the pulse button until it’s full. While this may cause slight spillage initially, it becomes manageable with practice. For larger quantities, such as for a coffee maker, the included grounds container offers a mess-free solution. Thoughtfully designed to minimise static, the container ensures you collect nearly all the coffee you grind. However, the grinder does have some limitations. It lacks the precision required by serious espresso enthusiasts and doesn’t feature advanced options like timers or dose settings. Its plastic construction, while sturdy, doesn’t have a premium feel, and the smaller hopper isn’t ideal for large batches. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Baratza Encore’s consistent performance, reliability, and ease of use make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their home coffee experience.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh46.12 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year warranty of Dh35 and two-year warranty of Dh49.

3) Best Blades Grinder: Kitchenaid Blade Coffee And Spice Grinder Combo Pack

Pros

Cons

Grind whole coffee beans effortlessly for up to 12 cups of coffee with the KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder, delivering a quick and convenient way to elevate your brewing experience. Its one-touch operation, stainless steel blade, on-bowl measurement markings, and clear cover make grinding a breeze. Simply press down on the cover to begin grinding and release to stop. The transparent lid allows you to monitor the beans as you grind, ensuring you achieve your desired consistency. The 4 oz. stainless steel coffee bowl includes markings for 4, 8, 10, or 12 cups, making it easy to measure the exact amount needed and reducing waste. The bowl is removable for transferring to your coffee maker and is dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup. The grinder also includes a second stainless steel bowl specifically for spices, ensuring no flavour crossover between coffee and spices. While versatile and easy to use, it’s worth noting that blade grinders like this may produce uneven grounds, which can affect the consistency of your brew. Additionally, grind size is controlled by how long you press the button, which might not satisfy those who seek precise control for specialty brewing methods. That said, the KitchenAid Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder Combo Pack is an excellent choice for casual coffee drinkers and home cooks looking for a reliable, space-saving appliance to handle both tasks. Its practicality and value make it a solid addition to any kitchen, though coffee aficionados who prioritise uniform grounds may prefer a burr grinder for more specialised brewing needs.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year warranty of Dh23 and two-year warranty of Dh33.

4) Best Hand-Grinder: Hario Skerton Plus Ceramic Coffee Mill

Pros

Cons 

If you believe that the key to a great cup of coffee starts with freshly ground beans, the Hario Skerton Plus could be the perfect addition to your kitchen. Madhumita Singh, an Abu Dhabi-based homemmaker, treasures her ritual of grinding the beans for a comforting cup of coffee, every morning. "The good news is that it is portable too," she says.  This manual grinder offers a satisfying blend of precision and durability, allowing you to unlock the full flavour profile of your beans without the complexity or expense of high-end electric models. At the core of the Skerton Plus are its ceramic burrs, renowned for their ability to produce a consistent, uniform grind. Unlike steel burrs, ceramic burrs don’t heat up during grinding, preserving the essential oils in your beans and ensuring a richer, more flavorful cup. Additionally, these burrs are resistant to dulling over time, meaning the Skerton Plus will continue to deliver excellent performance for years. The grinder also features a generously sized glass jar that can hold up to 100g of beans—approximately 12 cups—making it ideal for larger batches or for grinding enough coffee to last throughout the day. This means you won’t have to refill it constantly, saving time when preparing coffee for multiple people. Designed with user comfort in mind, the Skerton Plus boasts a stable, non-slip base that keeps the grinder steady during use. The ergonomically designed handle is comfortable to grip, making it easy to turn even during extended grinding sessions. Its compact and durable build ensures it’s perfect for both home use and travel, so you can enjoy freshly ground coffee wherever you go. However, there are a few considerations. As a hand grinder, the Skerton Plus does require more effort than electric grinders, which may not appeal to those seeking convenience, explains Lee. While the jar holds a generous amount, it lacks a lid to keep beans fresh, so an additional container will be needed for storage. Nonetheless, the Hario Skerton Plus offers a highly effective, long-lasting, and satisfying grinding experience.

5) Best Electric Coffee Grinder: Bodum Bistro Electric Coffee

Pros 

Cons

The Bodum Bistro is incredibly easy to use, featuring the simple design typical of entry-level conical burr grinders. Just rotate the hopper to adjust your grind size, and you're all set. It also includes an adjustable timer, offering flexibility whether you're grinding a single dose or preparing a larger batch. When it comes to keeping things tidy, the Bodum Bistro excels. Owing to its tight-fitting rubber lid and glass catch jar, all the grounds land exactly where you want them, with minimal static, even without advanced techniques like the Ross Droplet Method. This ensures a clean, hassle-free grinding experience. A standout feature of the Bodum Bistro is its powerful motor, capable of grinding up to 220g of beans in one go. Whether you're brewing a single cup or preparing coffee for a group, this grinder delivers. It also includes a removable, static-free glass container that holds your freshly ground coffee. Easy to clean and less prone to sticking than plastic containers, the glass jar enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the Bodum Bistro operates quietly, making it a great choice for those who prefer a grinder that won't disrupt their morning routine. However, there are a couple of considerations: Glass is more fragile than plastic, so it's something to keep in mind if you're prone to accidents. Also, its compact size means that for those who regularly brew larger quantities, you may need to grind in multiple batches. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bodum Bistro remains an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, efficient, and tidy grinder.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh58.25 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year warranty of Dh40 and two-year warranty of Dh57.

What to keep in mind before buying a coffee grinder

Before you rush out to buy a coffee grinder, take a moment to consider a few key factors that can make or break your coffee experience. Here's a breakdown of things to consider, including explanations of different types of grinders and burrs, explains Lee. 

Type of grinder: Burr versus blade

Burr grinders: When it comes to achieving a perfectly consistent and precise grind, burr grinders are considered the gold standard. There are two types to choose from: Flat burrs and conical burrs, each with its own unique benefits to suit your brewing needs.

Conical burrs: These are more common in home grinders and tend to be quieter and slower, which helps preserve the flavor by generating less heat. Conical burr grinders are also easier to clean and maintain.

Blade grinders: These are typically more affordable and easier to use but can be inconsistent in grind size. The uneven grind can lead to uneven extraction during brewing, which may affect the flavour. Blade grinders are a good option for casual drinkers who don’t mind a little inconsistency in their cup.

Grind size consistency

To unlock the full potential of your coffee's flavour, uniformity is key. Burr grinders deliver that perfect consistency, ensuring every ground is the same size for optimal extraction. In contrast, blade grinders can leave you with uneven grounds, leading to a less balanced cup, says Lee. 

Grind settings: The more grind settings a grinder has, the better you can fine-tune your grind size. For example, espresso requires a fine grind, while French press needs a coarser one. Look for grinders with multiple adjustable settings to suit various brewing methods.

Manual versus electric

Manual grinders: These grinders are more affordable, portable, and don’t require electricity. They’re a great option for travelers or those who enjoy the process of grinding their coffee by hand. However, manual grinders can be labour-intensive, especially if you need to grind a large amount.

Electric grinders: These are much faster and easier to use, especially for larger quantities of beans. They are ideal for those who drink multiple cups of coffee daily or entertain guests. Electric grinders often come with more features like timers, adjustable grind sizes, and automatic shutoffs.

Capacity

The grinder’s capacity should align with how much coffee you typically brew. If you only brew one or two cups a day, a small grinder may suffice. For larger batches, you might want a grinder with a larger hopper or a higher capacity for ground coffee.

Cleaning and maintenance

Coffee grinders, especially burr grinders, require regular cleaning to avoid build-up of old coffee grounds, which can affect the flavour. Look for grinders that are easy to disassemble and clean, with removable burrs and containers that are dishwasher safe if possible.

Price and durability

Higher-end burr grinders tend to be more durable and offer greater consistency, but they come with a higher price tag, while blade grinders are cheaper but may wear out more quickly. Moreover, since a quality grinder can last for years, investing in a more durable grinder can be worth it, especially if you're a regular coffee drinker.

Size and design

If counter space is limited, opt for a compact grinder. Manual grinders tend to be smaller and more portable, whereas electric grinders can take up more room but are more convenient for larger quantities.

So, when buying a coffee grinder, consider your brewing method, grind size preferences, ease of cleaning, and how much coffee you typically brew. Burr grinders are ideal for consistency and flavour, with conical burrs being quieter and easier to clean, while blade grinders are better for casual use. Think about whether you prefer the control and hands-on approach of a manual grinder or the convenience of an electric one, and choose one that fits your lifestyle and coffee habits.

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