Best Single Dose Grinders For Perfect Espresso Brewing

If you’ve been brewing coffee for some time, you know that the grind of the beans can make a big difference in the taste of your morning brew. Single dose grinders, which grind only the amount of coffee you need for one cup, offer just the right amount of fresh ground coffee for one shot of espresso.

With a single dose grinder, you avoid stale grounds and get the best out of your beans right before you brew.

When choosing a single dose grinder, it’s important to think about a few key features. Grind consistency is crucial, as a consistent grind size results in better extraction.

Ease of cleaning is another factor because leftover grounds can affect taste. Also, consider the build quality and how easy it is to adjust grind settings. These factors can make a big difference in your coffee routine.

We have researched and tested dozens of single dose grinders over the past three weeks to find the ones that can perform well and are worthy of your hard-earned cash.

Best Single Dose Grinders For 2024

Here’s our list of the best single dose grinders for espresso.

From our testing, we found these espresso grinders to perform exceptionally well and will deliver the precise amount of finely ground coffee for your shots pulled from your espresso machine.

Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder

The Fellow Opus is a versatile all-purpose grinder that delivers impressive performance across brewing methods.

During our testing, we were immediately impressed by the grinder’s ease of use. The large, clear bean hopper makes it simple to load beans, while the volumetric dosing lid allows precise measurement for up to 12 cups of coffee. The grind settings are highly adjustable with over 41 options, plus an inner ring for even finer tuning.

In terms of grind quality, the Opus doesn’t disappoint. The conical burr set produces consistent grounds suitable for everything from espresso to cold brew. We could really taste the difference in our brews compared to pre-ground coffee.

Cleaning is also a breeze thanks to the drop-down design that minimizes grind retention. The anti-static technology keeps our counters clean while the spouted catch neatly captures the grounds.

On the downside, we did find the grinder a bit noisy, especially when grinding lighter roasts. The plastic construction, while sturdy, doesn’t feel as premium as some pricier grinders. And for true espresso fanatics, the grind range may not be fine enough for that perfect extraction.

Overall, the Fellow Opus delivers excellent value as an all-purpose conical burr grinder. Its user-friendly design and consistent grind quality make it a great option for those exploring different brewing styles.

BurrBuzz Professional Espresso Grinder

The BurrBuzz Grinder offers exceptional performance and durability for coffee enthusiasts.

Using the BurrBuzz Grinder, we found its solid construction quite impressive. The high-strength, wear-resistant stainless steel burrs handle regular use with ease. The titanium coating ensures longevity and reduces powder adhesion, keeping maintenance simple.

We appreciate the wide range of grind settings that suit various brewing methods. Whether we’re making espresso or French press, adjusting the settings is straightforward. The magnetic top cover and powder compartment simplifies the grinding process, too.

On the downside, tweaking the grind size can be a little annoying with the rubber bellows attached. Also, it’s heavier than other models we’ve used, but this is balanced by its overall sturdiness and minimal residue.

If budget permits, the BurrBuzz is a worthy investment for any coffee lover.

Baratza Encore ESP Innovative Multi-Purpose Grinder

Great choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.

We’ve recently tried out the Baratza Encore ESP, and it truly stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. Adjusting the grind size just requires a quick twist of the hopper, so switching between espresso and filter brewing is simple. The quality of the grind is consistent, which really makes a difference in the flavor of the coffee.

Cleaning this grinder is also a breeze. The quick-release burr system allows us to dismantle it without many tools, making maintenance less troublesome.

This feature is especially useful for those who frequently switch between different types of coffee beans.

On the downside, the plastic exterior of the grinder feels a bit cheap. Although it’s not a deal-breaker, it could be more durable.

Additionally, the machine can be somewhat noisy during operation, which might be a concern for some. Finally, while the grind settings work well for most needs, they might be limiting for those who prefer a highly specialized grind setting.

MiiCoffee DF64V Variable Speed Single Dose Coffee Grinder

This grinder is a good investment for those who want control and precision in their coffee grind.

We’ve had the chance to test the MiiCoffee DF64V Grinder and found that its precision and consistency are top-notch, rivaling other 64mm flat burr grinders. The slow feeder really makes a difference, helping us avoid common issues with bean jams.

The variable speed settings allow us to cater to different brewing methods, whether we’re preparing an espresso or a French press, especially useful in professional barista environments.

The grinder is impressively quiet thanks to its brushless DC motor, which means we can operate it even when others in the house are asleep. The DLC coated burrs deserve a special mention—they make the grinder easier to clean and prevent grounds from sticking.

On the downside, we did encounter some stalling at lower speeds with dense, light roast beans. Adjusting the speed higher seems to solve this for the most part. The wooden stand for the dosing cup feels like an afterthought and doesn’t add much value to the overall experience.

Also, it is a bit on the expensive side. Despite these minor flaws, the MiiCoffee DF64V Grinder remains a strong contender for serious coffee enthusiasts.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder is excellent for those wanting consistent coffee grounds with minimal fuss.

Our experience with the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder has been overwhelmingly positive, though it might not meet the specific needs of someone looking for the best single dose espresso grinder. The grind consistency is impressive, delivering uniform particle size whether we’re preparing a robust espresso or a mellow French press. The one-touch start feature is a convenient touch, remembering our last grind setting and saving us the hassle of resetting it each time.

The large-capacity hopper is another standout. We appreciate not having to refill it constantly, and the UV-blocking tint helps keep our beans fresh longer.

One thing to note, though, is that the grinder can be on the louder side during operation. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning if you value a quieter kitchen.

Overall, this grinder has proven reliable and user-friendly. The minor issue with static cling is something we’ve noticed but found manageable. For the price and ease of use, it’s a solid choice for any coffee enthusiast, especially when compared to models at a similar price point.

MiiCoffee DF54 Single Dosage Grinder

The DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder promises a lot but fails to deliver on some of its key functions.

First impression of the MiiCoffee DF54 Grinder is its modern and compact design. It fits nicely on any kitchen counter without taking up much space. The chrome-wrapped stepless adjustment dial is a great feature, allowing us precise control over grind size.

In practice, though, we encountered a few issues. The grinder frequently jammed, even with just 12 grams of fresh beans. This was frustrating and made the grinding process much longer than it should be. The supposed “zero retention” is also misleading as it needs a blow-out funnel to fully empty the grinder.

Customer reviews corroborate our experience, with users reporting similar problems. 

The DF54’s potential is overshadowed by its functional flaws, making it hard to recommend. But if you can overlook a few of the quirks, the grinder does perform well once it’s working and set up correctly, much like the DF64.

You may be wondering why it made the list – the truth is the grinder is well-built and does offer precise single dosing once it’s set up correctly; it just takes a bit of trial and error to get to that point.

Our Advice Before You Buy A Single Dose Espresso Grinder

When it comes to finding the right grinder for single espresso dosing, there are a handful of factors we feel you need to consider before you make the plunge and settle on a new single dose espresso grinder.

Grind Size Consistency

A good grinder should produce a consistent grind size. Whether we prefer fine or coarse grounds, consistency ensures even extraction and better flavor.

Ease of Use

We should look for a grinder that is easy to operate and clean. Simple controls and removable parts make the grinding process smoother.

Material and Build Quality

It’s important to choose a grinder made of durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality plastic. A sturdy build ensures longevity and reliable performance.

Capacity

Since we are focusing on single dose grinders, we need one that can grind just the right amount of coffee for a single use. This helps in maintaining the freshness of the coffee.

Price

Finding a balance between price and features is key. We should set a budget and look for grinders that offer the best value within that range.

Portability

If we like taking our coffee setup on the go, we might want a portable grinder. Compact designs and lightweight materials are ideal for travel.

Noise Level

Some grinders can be quite loud. If we’re grinding early in the morning, quieter models are a better choice to avoid disturbing others.

Here’s a quick table to help us compare different features:

Choosing the right single dose grinder involves weighing these factors based on our personal preferences and needs.

A Few Last Words On Single Dose Espresso Grinders

At the end of the day, any coffee lover knows that a good grinder is essential for brewing the perfect shot of espresso. After thoroughly testing and reviewing many so-called top options, it’s clear that each single dose grinder has its own unique strengths and drawbacks.

The BurrBuzz stands out for its remarkable durability and straightforward adjustments, despite being a bit heavy.

The Baratza Encore ESP hits that sweet spot of quality and simplicity that makes it appealing to both novices and pros. And the MiiCoffee DF64V showcases impressive grind consistency along with quiet operation.

While budget-friendly options like the OXO Conical Burr can get the job done reliably, grinders with quirks like the MiiCoffee DF54 remind us that extra features don’t always translate to a flawless experience.

Ultimately, the “best” single-dose grinder comes down to your personal priorities – whether it’s grind precision, low noise, easy cleaning, or portable design that tops your list.

But no matter which you choose, having a dedicated single dose grinder is a game-changer for any true espresso aficionado craving that perfectly extracted flavor.

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Why Should You Trust Us

Mark has over 20 years of experience in the catering and hospitality sector. He takes his years of knowledge and expertise and applies it to critiquing coffee equipment and brewing gear.

Since the creation of the Bean Ground coffee blog in 2014, Mark Morphew 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.