So, you’re drinking more coffee at home (good for you!) and you’re wondering if investing in a good grinder is worth it? Well, I may be biased, but if you want to your coffee to stay fresher for longer, grinding as you go, is definitely one way to achieve that. But which grinder should you buy? Well, there are a few things to consider before making your choice;

• Do you have ample counter space, or do you want to live like a Nordic and keep things minimalist?
• Do you switch up your brew type? Do you like an espresso one day but a French press the next? If so, you’ll need a grinder that gives you the ability to adjust the grind size.
• What’s your budget? Grinders range from thousands of dollars to pretty good ones for under $100. If you’re not the Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll probably want to keep it humble
• Aesthetics; do you need to match your stainless steel kitchen appliances, or are you open to, god forbid, some fantastic plastic vibes on the chassis?

I haven’t included manual grinders here because… well, nobody’s got time for that…

Here are my top pick’s for electric grinders – mainly based on personal experience, google reviews and some other Aussie coffee-press recommendations.

The first electric grinder we'll look at is the Baratza Encore ($231). This grinder is a great option for those who are new to home brewing, as it is easy to use and produces consistent grinds. The Encore has 40 different grind settings, allowing for a wide range of brew methods including espresso, French press, and pour over. Additionally, the Encore's compact size makes it a great option for those with limited counter space. I started with this grinder, and loved it. The only reason I’m not using it now is because we used it when living in the USA and it doesn’t work with our wattage system over here.

Next, we'll take a look at the Sunbeam EM0480 ($109) . This grinder is a bit more advanced than the Encore, with a powerful 250 watt motor and 55 grind settings. The EM0480 also features a built-in timer, allowing you to set the grind time to your desired amount. The grinder also has a removable bean hopper and grinds catcher, which make it easy to clean.

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro ($329) is another popular option among coffee enthusiasts in Australia – and the one I’m currently using. This grinder features a powerful 240-watt motor and 60-grind settings, making it suitable for a wide range of brew methods. The Smart Grinder Pro also has a built-in dose control, which allows you to grind the exact amount of coffee you need, reducing waste. Additionally, the grinder has a removable hopper and grinds catcher, making it easy to clean.

Another great electric grinder option is the Smeg Coffee Grinder ($369). This grinder is known for its sleek and stylish design, making it a great addition to any kitchen. It features a powerful 150-watt motor and 50-grind settings, allowing you to achieve the perfect grind for any brew method. Additionally, the Smeg grinder has a removable hopper and grinds catcher, making it easy to clean. It also looks sexy with the matching Smeg espresso coffee machine – Bougee as!

The Bodum Bistro Blade Grinder ($70) is another popular option on the market. It features a durable stainless-steel blade that grinds coffee beans quickly and efficiently. The grinder has a simple and easy-to-use design, with a transparent lid that allows you to see the grind size and a pulse button for precise control over the grind. The BISTRO blade grinder is also easy to clean, with a removable grind container and a brush for cleaning the blade. This one is smaller in size and won’t take up too much countertop space which makes it a good choice for small-space living.

In summary, all five electric grinders are great options for coffee enthusiasts in Australia. The Baratza Encore is a great option for those new to home brewing, while the Sunbeam EM0480 and Breville Smart Grinder Pro offer more advanced features. The Smeg grinder offers a sleek and stylish design with a powerful motor and 50 grind settings. The Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Grinder is a good budget option, but still offers built-in timer and 12 grind settings with a powerful motor and removable hopper and grinds catcher for easy cleaning.

One thing is for sure, you’re about to up your at-home coffee game – peak freshness to start your day!