It’s no secret to any true coffee lover that fresh grounds yield a particularly delicious brew. Freshly-ground coffee beans simply taste better, not to mention the exquisite aroma that can only be attained with fresh grounds.
So it would make sense for any connoisseur of full-bodied coffee to buy whole beans instead of pre-ground coffee, except good coffee grinders tend to be rather pricey. Luckily, many leading coffee maker brands offer truly high-quality products, including some of the best coffee grinders under $50 and less.
Choosing a Coffee Grinder
At its core, a coffee grinder is a fairly simple appliance. There are two main types in the under-50 range: electric and manual.
- Electric coffee grinders are powered by an electric motor which rotates the mills. Most electric grinders in this range fall within the 100-180 watt range, making them pretty effective. This type of grinder usually comes with manual coarseness adjustment, though some bigger models may feature auto presets for determining the size of the grind.
- Manual coffee grinders require your direct involvement since they are usually operated by a rotary lever. These grinders are quieter, more eco-friendly, and can save you on energy bills. They are also more likely to feature better milling systems and remain in the under-50 range.
Another important point for choosing the best budget coffee grinder is the milling system. Most under-50 grinders feature stainless steel blade mills since they are not as expensive as ceramic blades or burrs.
These mills are great for versatility, allowing you to grind various spices and herbs, but if you truly want the best out of your beans, it’s recommended to get a grinder with ceramic burr mills that preserve the original qualities of the coffee.
List of Top Coffee Grinders Under 50
| Photo | Product | Bean hopper capacity | Grinding power | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | KRUPS F203 | 3 oz | 200 watts | View on Amazon |
 | Cuisinart DCG-20N | 2.5 oz | 130 watts | View on Amazon |
 | Hamilton Beach 80335R | 4.5 oz | 125 watts | View on Amazon |
 | Mr. Coffee IDS57-RB | 2.3 oz | 110 watts | View on Amazon |
 | Mueller Austria 550K HyperGrind | 1.3 oz | 130 watts | View on Amazon |
 | KitchenAid BCG111OB | 4 oz | 160 watts | View on Amazon |
 | Bodum BISTRO 11160-01US-3 | 2 oz | 150 watts | View on Amazon |
 | JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder | 1.4 oz | Manual | View on Amazon |
 | Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill | 3.5 oz | Manual | View on Amazon |
Review of the Best Coffee Grinders Under 50
KRUPS F203
Considered to be a true classic among coffee lovers, this Krups F203 coffee grinder is an electrically-operated model designed for grinding whole beans, spices, various herbs, and even nuts should you need some for your baking or cooking.
As a blade grinder, this model utilizes a set of stainless steel blades to finely chop coffee beans, though unlike fully-automatic grinders, this one allows you to control the size of the grind manually.
On average, this model is able to grind beans for a drip-style brew in just under 10 seconds. The oval design of the grinder contributes to its efficiency and the hopper can take up to 3 ounces of beans which is enough to serve about 12 regular coffee cups.
Krups also ensures complete safety of usage by making this grinder lid-activated, meaning that it can only be switched on when the lid is closed.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Coffee bean capacity: 3 oz
- Wattage: 200
- Dimensions: 3.5” x 3” x 6.75”
- Item weight: 1 lb
Cuisinart DCG-20N
Sleek, portable, and incredibly fast, the Cuisinart DCG-20BKN grinder is a perfect addition to your coffee collections, especially if you prefer to drink coffee made from fresh grounds every morning.
Another great medium-range option in terms of capacity and versatility, this compact Cuisinart grinder is designed not only for grinding whole coffee beans but also for working with chopped nuts, dry herbs, and spices like allspice.
The grinder is spacious enough to accommodate up to 2.5 ounces of beans—roughly equivalent of 12 cups—so you can freely make batches for the entire family in one go. The bean holder itself, as well as the grinder’s blades, are made from premium stainless steel, and the space-saving compartment with the power cord makes it easy to hook up the appliance in any setting.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Bean hopper capacity: 2.5 oz
- Wattage: 130
- Dimensions: 4” x 4” x 7”
- Item weight: 1.57 lbs
Hamilton Beach 80335R
For more than a century now, Hamilton Beach has been supplying affordable and durable kitchen appliances and accessories, and this lightweight, portable yet powerful Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind electric grinder is no exception—making it an ideal addition to Hamilton Beach espresso or drip coffee makers.
What makes this little yet spacious thing stand out amongst its competitors is the volume of operation: designed to be much quieter than similarly-priced models, the Fresh Grind can be used while the rest of the family is asleep.
The grinding chamber is easily removed for quick filling and cleaning, not to mention the see-through design allows for more precise monitoring for the fineness of the grind, so you can deliver the perfect grounds for both espresso and filter brew.
Capable of holding up to 4.5 ounces of whole beans, or about 9 tablespoons, this grinder can supply enough grounds to prepare almost 12 cups of coffee, though its stainless steel blades can take on even spices and herbs.
Additionally, the Fresh Grind is made more portable thanks to its hidden cord storage and light body, so you can take it on a work trip or vacation.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Bean hopper capacity: 4.5 oz
- Wattage: 125
- Dimensions: 3.74” x 3.54” x 7.13”
- Item weight: 1.3 lbs
Mr. Coffee IDS57-RB
If you’re looking for something even more portable than the previous models, this Mr. Coffee IDS57-RB would be an ideal choice for anyone who wants to save on power consumption, optimize kitchen storage space, and of course grind fine coffee beans incredibly fast.
Activated with one simple touch, this grinder requires minimal effort on your part while still delivering grounds with well-preserved original aroma. The hopper in this model is not exactly record-breaking but can still fit up to 2.3 ounces of coffee beans.
On the flip side, you will find anti-slip rubber surface designed to make the grinder more stable as during operation, especially if the countertop surface is sleek rather than textured.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Bean hopper capacity: 2.3 oz
- Wattage: 110
- Dimensions: 3.8” x 6.9” x 3.8”
- Item weight: 1.4 lbs
Mueller Austria 550K HyperGrind
Portability and pristine Euro design of this Mueller Austria 550K is only a fraction of its attraction, the fine grinding control and grinding versatility being the main point of interest to many coffee lovers looking for a quality budget option with a wide berth for the fineness of grinding.
Thanks to its precision grinding settings, the Mueller HyperGrind allows for more accurate control of your grinding unlike just any cheap coffee grinder, meaning that you can get fine, medium, or coarse grounds for any type of coffee beverage you prefer, whether it’s espresso, cold brew, pour-over, drip, Chemex or Turkish style brew.
The ergonomic design of this model makes the handling and storage much easier, not to mention that the grinding itself is made steadier by the grinder’s shape. Moreover, the HyperGrind’s hopper takes about 7 tablespoons of coffee beans though it’s also compatible with seeds, spices, herbs, and nuts.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Bean hopper capacity: 1.3 oz
- Wattage: 130
- Dimensions: 7.83” x 4.33” x 4.29”
- Item weight: 1.39 lbs
KitchenAid BCG111OB
A great companion piece for any KitchenAid coffee maker, this KitchenAid BCG111OB coffee grinder delivers fresh grounds in a rather speedy fashion while ensuring complete reliability of service thanks to its durable milling system and sturdy yet light casing.
The grinding is initiated with one touch—to be more specific, with a push at the hopper compartment while releasing the hold will stop the operation. Thanks to the transparent top you will also be able to see the level of the grind and stop whenever you need.
Both the bean holder and the mills are made of durable stainless steel, not to mention that KitchenAid’s blades are perfect for dark roasts and finely-ground espresso. The 4-ounce hopper also comes with a set of measurement lines, making it easier to portion the beans for each coffee batch—whether you need to brew 4, 8, 10 or 12 cups.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Bean hopper capacity: 4 oz
- Wattage: 160
- Dimensions: 7.10” x 4.10” x 3.70”
- Item weight: 2.6 lbs
Bodum BISTRO 11160-01US-3
As far as blade grinders go, this compact yet powerful Bodum BISTRO is one of the more affordable options in this segment, especially considering its higher performance rates compared to similarly-priced grinders with weaker motors.
As previously mentioned, the Bistro packs a rather sprightly 150-watt motor that delivers more consistent grinding by operating the stainless steel blade mill at the most optimal RPM speeds while ensuring the versatility of the grind.
The hopper is made to hold 2 ounces of beans—enough to make up to 34 ounces of coffee—and its see-through lid lets you check on the grind fineness without the need to stop the process.
Its compact, light body is ideal for small kitchens, and the power cord is stored in the base compartment of the grinder helps keep the prep area neat.
- Grinder type: Stainless steel blades
- Bean hopper capacity: 2 oz
- Wattage: 150
- Dimensions: 3.63” x 3.75” x 6.63”
- Item weight: 1.65 lbs
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Perhaps the best manual coffee grinder in this price range, the JavaPresse coffee grinder allows for more precise processing of coffee beans with its versatile coarseness settings, easy handheld operation, and premium milling system.
Even compared to the best compact electric grinders, this manual grinder is exceptionally lightweight, portable, and easy to transport, making it the best choice for travel and living situations that require a less noisy operation.
Additionally, the absence of the motor makes it easy to hold in one hand, and its slim design accommodates the manual grinding even more.
The milling system uses ceramic burrs meant to minimize the friction, so the beans won’t be burnt or robbed of their original flavor. What’s even handier, the grinder allows you to customize the grind size according to the intended brew with its 18 coarseness options, including pour-overs, espresso, cold brews, spices, and many more.
- Grinder type: Ceramic burr mill
- Bean hopper capacity: 1.4 oz
- Dimensions: 1.8” x 7.5” x 1.8”
- Item weight: 9.4 oz
Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill
Last but not least, the true classic of manual grinders—Hario Skerton with traditional glass bowl design, convenient grinding mechanism, and anti-slip holder.
One of the best features of the Skerton is the precision of grinding, given than you have full control of the entire process, including the coarseness of the beans. Even more impressive is the grinder’s milling system consisting of ceramic burrs and stepped rotary mechanism both of which ensure a more even grind.
It also comes with a special rubber ring that can be set around the base to keep the grinder steady. Thanks to its light body and compact design, the Skerton makes for a good travelling companion for any coffee lover.
- Grinder type: Ceramic burr mill
- Bean hopper capacity: 3.5 oz
- Dimensions: 16” x 11” x 13”
- Item weight: 1.25 lbs
Q&A
The size of the grind depends on the type of coffee beverage you plan to make. Traditionally, drip-style brews are made with coarser grounds in order for the coffee to be fully-saturated. Espresso and similar beverages, on the other hand, need a finer grind. It’s best to avoid ultra-fine grounds with regular filter coffee since it will make the beverage weak and bitter.
Burr grinders are considered to be the superior choice largely due to the more even and consistent grounds that they are likely to produce. And with ceramic burrs, you will know for sure that your coffee beans won’t be thermally affected and retain their distinct aroma. A good option among burr grinders is the Krups GX5000 burr coffee grinder with a 7-ounce hopper and cup size selection.
The best quiet coffee grinders are manual grinders, though not all of them can stay sufficiently quiet. One of the best options guaranteed to make minimal amounts of noise is the JavaPresse manual grinder with the exceptionally precise grinding mechanism. Not to mention it’s perhaps the best coffee grinder for French press coffee.
One of the best-rated coffee grinders is the 4.5-ounce Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind—not only the best coffee grinder under 30 but also the customer favorite in this category of portable grinders.
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