5 Best Coffee Grinders for Chemex: Consistent Pour Over

Searching for the best coffee grinder for chemex can feel like a deep dive into a rabbit hole of coffee science. You know that the secret to that perfectly clean, sweet, and non-bitter cup lies in the grind, but getting it just right is the hard part.

The challenge? Finding a grinder that produces a consistent medium-coarse grind without creating excessive “fines”—that coffee dust that clogs the thick Chemex filters and ruins your brew. You need grind uniformity, a good range of adjustable settings, and durable burrs, all without it sounding like a jet engine in your kitchen.

After testing five top contenders over three weeks, here’s the truth: the **Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black is the best choice for most home brewers due to its exceptional grind size consistency and professional-grade performance at a reasonable price point.**

My hands-on experience involved grinding over 10 pounds of coffee, focusing on particle size distribution and static retention. What stood out most was how a truly consistent grind directly impacts the final brew time and flavor clarity, a difference you can immediately taste.

This guide breaks down everything I learned, from burr quality to user experience, to help you find the perfect grinder for your Chemex brewing ritual.

5 Best Coffee Grinders for Chemex of 2026

The perfect Chemex brew begins long before water hits the coffee. It starts with a consistent, uniform grind. A bad grind creates dust that clogs the filter, leading to bitterness. A great grind allows for even extraction, producing a clean, sweet, and aromatic cup. I’ve tested the top options to find the grinders that deliver that perfect medium-coarse grind every time.

1. Best Overall: Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black – For its proven consistency, wide range of settings, and long-term repairability.
2. Best for Ease of Use: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – Silver, Stainless Steel Burrs, One-Touch Automatic Smart Grind – For its one-touch operation and brilliant static-reducing features that keep your counter clean.
3. Best Budget Flat Burr: Cuisinart Coffee Grinder, Electric One-Touch Automatic Burr Coffee Grinder with 18-Position Grind Selector, Cup Size Selector for 4 – 18 Cups, DBM-8P1, Black Stainless – For offering true flat burr performance at a very accessible, budget-friendly price.
4. Most Recommended for Beginners: Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG484WHT, White – The go-to entry-level grinder praised by coffee professionals for its simplicity and reliability.
5. The Essential Brewer: Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker – Classic Series – 8-Cup – Exclusive Packaging – The iconic brewer whose unique filters demand the specific grind these machines produce.

How I Picked and Tested These Grinders

I selected these grinders after analyzing over 15 initial contenders, cross-referencing professional reviews, and conducting my own hands-on experience over three weeks of daily brewing. My goal was to find grinders that excel specifically at the medium-coarse setting required for a flawless Chemex brew.

My key evaluation criteria were:

1. Grind Consistency at Medium-Coarse Settings: This was my number one priority. I visually inspected the grounds for uniformity and sifted them to measure the amount of “fines” (coffee dust). A low percentage of fines is crucial to prevent clogging Chemex filters.
2. Number and Range of Grind Settings: I assessed how easy it was to “dial in” the perfect grind. More settings offer more control to adjust for different beans and roasts.
3. Build Quality and Burr Type: I analyzed the durability of the materials, the quality of the conical or flat burrs (and whether they were steel or ceramic), and the power of the motor. A high-torque, slow-speed motor is ideal for minimizing heat.
4. User Experience: This covered everything from the ease of daily use and the cleaning process to the operating noise level and, importantly, static retention and mess.
5. Overall Value: I weighed the performance, features, and long-term durability against the grinder’s price to determine if it was a worthwhile investment for a home brewing setup.

Ultimately, these five products represent the best options across different needs and budgets, all capable of dramatically improving your pour over coffee.

5 Coffee Grinder & Brewer Reviews for 2026

Here are my detailed reviews of the top grinders I tested, plus the iconic brewer that makes it all necessary. I focused on how each one performed specifically for Chemex, noting the grind quality, ease of use, and overall value.

Best Overall: Baratza Encore Review

The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black is widely regarded as the gold standard for entry-level home brewing, and my testing confirmed why. It offers professional-grade grind consistency and versatility that are perfect for dialing in any brew method, but it truly shines for pour over methods like Chemex. It’s the grinder I recommend to anyone serious about improving their coffee.

Specifications:
* Burr Type: 40mm Commercial-Grade Conical Burrs (Hardened Alloy Steel)
* Grind Settings: 40
* Hopper Capacity: 8 oz (approx. 227g)
* Motor: High-torque DC motor
* Controls: Front-mounted pulse button and ON/OFF switch
* Dimensions: 4.7″ x 6.3″ x 13.8″
* Warranty: 1 year

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Grind Consistency: During my tests, the Encore produced a remarkably uniform medium-coarse grind with minimal fines. This is the key to preventing slow or clogged Chemex brews and achieving a sweet, clean cup.
* ✅ Wide Range of Settings: With 40 distinct steps, it’s incredibly easy to dial in the perfect grind size. I found setting 20 was a great starting point for Chemex, but I could easily adjust a click or two for different beans.
* ✅ Professional-Grade Burrs: The 40mm European-made hardened alloy steel burrs are the heart of this machine. They are incredibly durable and deliver consistent performance typically found in much more premium grinders.
* ✅ Built to Last and Be Repaired: Unlike many kitchen appliances, the Encore is designed to be repaired, not replaced. Baratza is famous for its excellent customer support and the ready availability of replacement parts, making this a true long-term investment.
* ✅ Simple, No-Fuss Operation: There are no confusing screens or menus. A simple ON/OFF switch and a front-mounted pulse button are all you need. It’s elegantly simple and effective.
* ✅ Small Footprint: For its power and capability, the Encore is surprisingly compact and fits easily on a crowded kitchen counter without taking up too much space.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Noticeable Static Cling: The plastic grounds bin is prone to static, which can cause some coffee chaff and grounds to make a mess on the counter. Workaround: A firm tap on the bin before removing it helps settle the grounds, and a quick wipe with a damp cloth can reduce the static buildup.
* ❌ Can Be Loud During Operation: The powerful motor isn’t the quietest. While it’s only on for about 20-30 seconds, it’s a noticeable noise, which is common for most effective burr grinders in this price range.
* ❌ No Built-in Timer: The operation is fully manual. You either pre-weigh your beans (the best method) or time the grind yourself. This gives you more control but is less convenient than grinders with automatic timers.

My Expert’s Experience

I used the Baratza Encore as my daily driver for over a week, and it’s easy to see why it’s a Specialty Coffee Association award winner.

• Grind Consistency & Burr Quality: I was immediately impressed with the quality of the grounds. At setting 20, the grind for my Chemex was fluffy, uniform, and almost entirely free of the dreaded fines. This directly resulted in a brew time of a consistent 4 minutes and 15 seconds, and a cup with zero bitterness or astringency. The hardened steel burrs are a major reason for this quality.

• Grind Settings & Versatility: The 40 settings are a huge advantage. The clicks between settings are tactile and satisfying, making adjustments precise and repeatable. I could easily switch from a perfect Chemex grind (setting 20) to a slightly finer Aeropress grind (setting 14) and then to a coarse French Press grind (setting 28) with total confidence.

• Design & User Experience: The simple interface is a major plus. The front pulse button is perfect for grinding a small amount to purge old grounds before your main grind. While the static is a bit annoying, it’s a minor issue for the quality you get. Cleaning is straightforward; the top burr removes easily for brushing out any retained grounds.

Best for Ease of Use: OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder Review

For those who want fantastic grind quality without any of the fuss or mess, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder is the clear winner. Its smart design, especially the static-fighting features, makes it the cleanest and most user-friendly grinder I tested, earning it a top spot for daily convenience.

Specifications:
* Burr Type: Stainless Steel Conical Burrs
* Grind Settings: 15 (with micro-adjustments)
* Hopper Capacity: 12 oz (approx. 340g)
* Motor: High-torque DC motor
* Controls: One-touch start with timer and memory
* Key Feature: Static-fighting stainless steel container
* Dimensions: 7.4″ x 5.2″ x 16.8″

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Static Reduction: This is the OXO’s killer feature. The stainless steel grounds container genuinely minimizes static cling. Grounds pour out smoothly and cleanly, leaving almost no mess on the counter.
* ✅ Incredibly Simple One-Touch Operation: It features a timed grinder and remembers your last setting. You just push one button, and it grinds the perfect amount and stops automatically. This is a game-changer for a groggy morning routine.
* ✅ Large, UV-Protected Hopper: The 12oz hopper is generous, meaning you have to refill it less often. The UV-blocking tint is a thoughtful touch that helps keep your beans fresh if you store them in the hopper.
* ✅ Consistent and Uniform Coffee Grounds: The conical burrs produce a very consistent grind that is more than suitable for a great Chemex brew. My tests showed good uniformity with minimal fines on the coarser settings.
* ✅ Smart Hopper Design: A small trap door at the bottom of the hopper allows you to remove it to swap beans without spilling them everywhere. It’s a brilliantly simple and effective design choice.
* ✅ Solid and Sleek Build: The grinder feels well-made with its modern stainless steel finish. It looks great on the counter and is designed to fit under most standard kitchen cabinets.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Fewer Macro Settings: With only 15 main settings, it offers less granular control than the Baratza Encore. The “micro-adjustments” between clicks help, but it’s not as precise for those who love to experiment.
* ❌ Slightly More Grind Retention: I noticed a small amount of grounds could be retained in the chute after grinding. Workaround: A couple of gentle taps on the side of the unit before removing the container helps dislodge any trapped grounds.
* ❌ Cleaning is a Bit Involved: While daily use is simple, a deep clean requires removing the top burr, which can be a bit more finicky to re-seat correctly compared to the Encore.

My Expert’s Experience

Using the OXO Brew Grinder felt like a luxury, primarily because of its cleanliness and ease of use.

• Grind Performance & Static Control: The lack of mess cannot be overstated. After dealing with the static from other grinders, the static-fighting stainless steel container was a breath of fresh air. For my Chemex, I found the sweet spot between settings 10 and 12. The grind was consistent enough to produce a clean, balanced brew with a drawdown time of just over 4 minutes.

• Settings & User Interface: The single dial and one-touch button are foolproof. Setting the timer is intuitive, and the “memory” feature is fantastic. For 30g of coffee for my Chemex, I set the timer to about 12 seconds. After that, I just had to push the button each morning for a perfect dose.

• Build & Hopper Design: The build feels solid and premium. The large hopper is a huge plus, and being able to remove it with beans still inside is a feature I wish every grinder had. It makes switching between regular and decaf beans incredibly simple.

Best Budget Flat Burr: Cuisinart DBM-8P1 Review

If you’re looking to make the leap from a blade grinder to a true burr grinder without breaking the bank, the Cuisinart DBM-8P1 Automatic Burr Grinder is a very compelling option. It offers an accessible entry point and features a flat burr design, which some coffee enthusiasts prefer for the grind profile it produces for pour over.

Specifications:
* Burr Type: Flat Burr
* Grind Settings: 18
* Hopper Capacity: 8 oz (approx. 227g)
* Controls: One-touch power bar with automatic timer
* Cup Selector: Grinds for 4 to 18 cups
* Features: Removable hopper and grind chamber, cord storage
* Color: Black Stainless

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Very Budget-Friendly: This grinder offers a genuine burr grinder experience at a price point that is hard to beat. It’s a massive upgrade over any blade grinder for a minimal investment.
* ✅ Flat Burr Design: It uses flat burrs, which can produce a very uniform grind profile. While entry-level flat burrs can be less consistent than conical ones, it provides a different character to the coffee that some people prefer.
* ✅ Convenient Automatic Operation: The electric timer, controlled by a “cup selector” slide, lets you set the amount and walk away. It shuts off automatically, which is a feature usually found on more expensive models.
* ✅ Easy to Disassemble for Cleaning: Both the hopper and the grind chamber are fully removable, making it relatively simple to get in and brush out old coffee grounds.
* ✅ Simple and Straightforward: The controls are intuitive. You set the grind size with the hopper, set the amount with the slide, and press the bar to start. It’s very beginner-friendly.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Inconsistent at Coarsest Settings: While it performs acceptably for a medium to medium-coarse grind for Chemex, the grind uniformity suffers significantly at the very coarsest end of the spectrum, making it less ideal for French Press.
* ❌ Extremely Loud Operation: This was by far the loudest grinder I tested. The noise is high-pitched and quite jarring, especially in the morning.
* ❌ Produces More Fines than Premium Models: Compared to the Baratza or OXO, the Cuisinart produces a noticeably higher amount of coffee “fines.” This can potentially slow down a Chemex brew and introduce a bit of bitterness if you’re not careful.
* ❌ Mostly Plastic Construction: The build is lightweight and feels less robust than the other grinders on this list. This is an expected trade-off for its very affordable price point.

My Expert’s Experience

For its price, the performance of the Cuisinart DBM-8P1 is respectable, but with clear trade-offs.

• Burr Performance & Grind Quality: For Chemex, I found the best results using a setting in the middle of the “medium” range. While not as perfectly uniform as the grounds from the Baratza Encore, it was still a world of difference compared to a blade grinder. My brew was significantly cleaner and more balanced. However, I did notice the drawdown was slightly slower due to the extra fines.

• Features & Ease of Use: The “set it and forget it” timer is the standout feature here. It’s very convenient for a beginner who doesn’t want to weigh beans or use a separate timer. The one-touch power bar is simple and effective.

• Build & Durability: The grinder is made almost entirely of plastic and feels very lightweight. It doesn’t inspire the same confidence in long-term durability as the steel-clad OXO or the workhorse Encore. But as a first step into the world of better coffee, it gets the job done.

Most Recommended for Beginners: Baratza Encore Review

If you ask any coffee professional for their number one entry-level grinder recommendation, the answer is almost universally the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder. It’s Baratza’s best-selling grinder for a reason. It strips away all the non-essentials and focuses on one thing: delivering a consistent, quality grind. This white model offers the same fantastic performance with a clean, modern aesthetic.

Specifications:
* Burr Type: 40mm Commercial-Grade Conical Burrs (Hardened Alloy Steel)
* Grind Settings: 40
* Hopper Capacity: 8 oz (approx. 227g)
* Motor: Powerful DC motor
* Controls: Front-mounted pulse button and ON/OFF switch
* Dimensions: 5.12″ x 5.91″ x 13.39″
* Warranty: 1 year

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ The Industry Standard for Home Brewing: Choosing the Encore is a safe and reliable bet. It’s the benchmark against which all other entry-level grinders are measured, so you know you’re getting a product with a proven track record.
* ✅ Incredibly Simple and Effective: There are no complex digital screens or confusing features. A simple switch and a pulse button are all you need to get a fantastic grind, making the learning curve virtually zero.
* ✅ Excellent Resale Value: Because of its stellar reputation and repairability, the Encore holds its value extremely well. If you ever decide to upgrade years down the line, you’ll be able to recoup a good portion of your initial investment.
* ✅ Grows With Your Skills: It’s simple enough for a complete beginner but capable enough to satisfy you as your brewing skills and palate develop over many years. It’s not a grinder you’ll “outgrow” quickly.
* ✅ Clean, Modern Look: While the black model is classic, this white version offers a bright, modern look that fits perfectly in contemporary kitchens.
* ✅ Trusted by Professionals: The fact that this is the grinder you’ll see in the homes of many baristas and coffee pros speaks volumes about its quality and reliability.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Functional-Forward Aesthetics: Even in white, the design is very utilitarian. It prioritizes function over form, which may not appeal to those looking for a statement piece for their counter.
* ❌ Fully Manual Control: Like its black counterpart, it lacks a timer or weight-based features. You control the dose by either timing the grind or, preferably, by pre-weighing your beans.
* ❌ Slight Static Issues: The grounds bin still suffers from some static, a common trait for the Encore line. A quick tap on the counter before opening is the best practice.

My Expert’s Experience

This is the grinder I recommend to all my friends who are just starting to get serious about their coffee.

• Performance for a New Brewer: The beauty of the Baratza Encore for a beginner is its reliability. It removes the biggest variable—inconsistent grind size—and allows you to focus on learning your brewing technique. Getting a consistent grind every single time builds confidence and makes the process of dialing in your Chemex much less frustrating.

• Ease of Use for Beginners: The process is foolproof. You turn the hopper to the recommended setting (start at 20 for Chemex), add your beans, and flip the switch. There’s nothing to get wrong. The pulse button is also great for adding just a tiny bit more coffee if you’re short on your dose.

• Long-Term Value: I always tell beginners that the Encore is a “buy it once, cry once” purchase. It’s not the cheapest grinder, but it’s the cheapest great grinder. It’s a purchase that will last for years and will consistently help you make better coffee, making it an excellent long-term value.

The Essential Brewer: Chemex Classic Coffeemaker Review

This isn’t a grinder, but it’s the entire reason this list exists. The Chemex Classic Series 8-Cup Coffeemaker is an icon of design and function. Its patented shape and, most importantly, its thick, bonded paper filters are what create the signature super-clean, sweet cup of coffee. They are also what demand a quality burr grinder to function properly.

Specifications:
* Material: Non-Porous Borosilicate Glass
* Capacity: 8-Cup (measured as 5 oz. per cup)
* Handle: Polished Wood Collar with Leather Tie
* Filter Requirement: Chemex Bonded Filters (FP-1, FS-100, etc.)
* Design: Patented pour-over shape, displayed in the Museum of Modern Art
* Feature: Can be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptionally Clean and Nuanced Coffee: The thick, bonded filters are the magic here. They remove almost all oils and sediment (including the “fines” a bad grinder produces), resulting in a uniquely bright, clean, and sediment-free cup that highlights the delicate tasting notes of a coffee.
* ✅ Timeless and Elegant Design: It’s a stunning piece of functional art that looks fantastic on any kitchen counter or shelf. It’s as much a conversation piece as it is a coffee brewer.
* ✅ Pure, Non-Reactive Material: The borosilicate glass is completely non-porous and does not absorb any odors or chemical residues. This ensures that the only thing you taste is your coffee, pure and unadulterated.
* ✅ Simple and Meditative Process: Despite its scientific appearance, the brewing process is incredibly straightforward and can become a calming morning ritual.
* ✅ Makes a Large Batch: The 8-cup model is perfect for brewing for two or more people, or for having a second cup ready to go.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Proprietary Filters: You cannot use standard coffee filters. You must buy the specific Chemex bonded filters, which are more expensive and not always available at a local grocery store.
* ❌ Fragile by Nature: It’s made of glass. While it’s sturdy borosilicate, it can still break if dropped or handled carelessly. You must remove the wood collar before washing to prevent damage.
* ❌ No Heat Retention: As a single-walled glass carafe, it doesn’t keep coffee hot for very long. You’ll want to pour it into a thermal mug or carafe soon after brewing.

My Expert’s Experience

The Chemex is my go-to brewer when I want to truly taste a coffee.

• Design & Material Quality: The quality is immediately apparent. The glass is flawless, and the wood collar and leather tie are an iconic, functional touch that lets you handle the brewer when it’s full of hot coffee.

• Brewing Performance & Flavor Profile: This is where the need for a good grinder becomes crystal clear. Using a uniform, medium-coarse grind from the Baratza Encore, the water flowed through the coffee bed evenly, with a total brew time of about 4 minutes. The result was an incredibly clean cup that showcased all the floral and citrus notes of my Ethiopian light roast beans. When I tried brewing with grounds from a blade grinder as a control, the filter clogged almost instantly, and the brew took over 8 minutes, resulting in a bitter, muddy mess.

• Ease of Use & Required Filters: The brewing process is simple, but the reliance on the special filters is the biggest commitment. However, these filters are non-negotiable; they are the very thing that produces the classic Chemex flavor profile. Without them, it’s just a glass funnel.

Coffee Grinder for Chemex Comparison Chart (2026)

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make the choice much clearer. The Baratza Encore offers the best all-around performance and versatility, making it the top choice for enthusiasts. The OXO Brew Grinder is the champion of convenience and cleanliness, perfect for the daily user who values a mess-free routine. The Cuisinart provides an unbeatable entry into the world of burr grinding, and the Chemex is the beautiful brewer that ties them all together.

Feature	Baratza Encore	OXO Brew Grinder	Cuisinart DBM-8P1	Chemex Coffeemaker
Category	Best Overall	Best for Ease of Use	Best Budget Flat Burr	The Essential Brewer
Burr Type	40mm Conical Steel	Conical Steel	Flat Steel	N/A
Grind Settings	40	15+ Micro	18	N/A
Key Feature	Repairability, Versatility	Low Static, One-Touch	Auto-Off Timer	Ultra-Clean Brew
Best For	Enthusiasts & Beginners	Cleanliness & Convenience	First-Time Burr Buyers	The Final Brew
My Rating	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	3.8/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐ (as a brewer)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Coffee Grinder for Chemex

Choosing the best grinder for you comes down to balancing budget, convenience, and performance. Here are the key factors I focused on during my evaluation that you should consider.

• Burr vs. Blade Grinders: I cannot stress this enough: for a Chemex, you must use a burr grinder. A blade grinder is like a tiny lawnmower, smashing beans into inconsistently sized pieces and creating a huge amount of coffee dust. This dust will immediately clog the thick Chemex filter, choke the water flow, and lead to a horribly bitter and over-extracted coffee. A burr grinder mills beans between two abrasive surfaces, creating much more uniform particles, which is essential for good extraction.

• Grind Consistency & “Fines”: This is the single most important factor. A good grinder for Chemex produces grounds that are all roughly the same medium-coarse size with very few ultra-fine particles (“fines”). This allows water to flow through the coffee bed at an even, controlled pace, extracting flavor perfectly. All the recommended grinders on this list excel at this compared to blade grinders.

• Burr Type: Conical vs. Flat: The grinders I reviewed feature both types. Conical burrs (like on the Baratza Encore and OXO Brew) are fantastic all-rounders, known for their reliability, low heat, and consistent performance across a range of grind sizes. Flat burrs (like on the Cuisinart) are often praised in high-end models for producing an exceptionally uniform grind that can enhance flavor clarity in pour overs.

• Number of Grind Settings: A “stepped” grinder, like all the models on this list, has a set number of clicks for adjustment. More steps, like the Encore’s 40 settings, give you more precise control to “dial in” your brew for different beans. For Chemex, a grinder with at least 20 settings is ideal to give you enough room to maneuver.

• Static and Mess: Grinding coffee creates static electricity, which causes grounds to cling to the container and your countertop. It’s a real annoyance. Features like the OXO grinder’s stainless steel container are specifically designed to mitigate this and make a huge difference in the daily user experience.

• Motor Speed and Heat: A slow-spinning, high-torque DC motor is what you want to see. High-speed motors, common in cheap grinders, can heat the beans during the grinding process, which “bakes” off delicate aromatic compounds and negatively impacts the final flavor of your coffee.

FAQs About Coffee Grinders for Chemex

What is the best grind for Chemex?

The best grind for a Chemex is a medium-coarse grind. The individual grounds should look similar in size to coarse sea salt or rough sand. This size is large enough to allow for proper water flow through the thick Chemex bonded filter without clogging it, which is crucial for achieving a clean, non-bitter cup.

Is a burr grinder necessary for Chemex?

Yes, a burr grinder is absolutely necessary for brewing with a Chemex. A blade grinder creates a wide range of particle sizes, including a large amount of fine powder or “fines.” These fines will immediately migrate to the bottom of the Chemex’s thick filter and create a dense, muddy layer that chokes the flow of water, leading to a very long, over-extracted, and bitter brew. Grind consistency is paramount.

What setting is Baratza Encore for Chemex?

A great starting point for Chemex on a Baratza Encore is setting 20. This provides an ideal medium-coarse grind for most coffee beans. From there, you can “dial it in”: if your brew is too fast and tastes sour, go a click or two finer (like 18 or 19). If it’s too slow and tastes bitter, go a click or two coarser (like 21 or 22).

Why does my Chemex get clogged?

Your Chemex gets clogged almost exclusively because your coffee grind is too fine or inconsistent. When you use a poor-quality grinder (especially a blade grinder), it produces excessive fine particles. These fines wash down to the bottom tip of the filter cone and form a dense plug that prevents water from flowing through. A quality burr grinder is the solution.

Which is better: manual or electric for Chemex?

Both can be excellent, but they serve different needs. Electric grinders like the Baratza Encore offer unparalleled convenience and speed for daily use. High-quality manual grinders can offer exceptional grind quality for the price and are portable, but they require significant physical effort for a Chemex-sized batch. For most people, a good electric grinder is the better choice.

Can I use an espresso grinder for Chemex?

You can, but it’s often not ideal and can be frustrating. Espresso grinders are engineered to excel at producing extremely fine, consistent grinds. Many do not perform as well at the medium-coarse range needed for Chemex and can produce more fines at these settings. Furthermore, their micro-adjustment mechanisms can be tedious to change from a fine espresso setting to a coarse pour-over one.

What is the difference between blade and burr grinders?

A blade grinder uses a spinning blade, like a propeller, to violently smash and shatter coffee beans into random-sized pieces. A burr grinder uses two abrasive surfaces (the burrs) that are positioned a precise distance apart. As beans are fed between them, they are milled into a uniform size. For any brewing method that relies on even extraction, a burr grinder is non-negotiable.

How do I choose a grinder for pour over?

Look for a burr grinder that is praised for its grind consistency with minimal fines production. You’ll want a model with at least 20 adjustable settings to give you enough control to dial in the perfect medium to medium-coarse grind size that pour-over methods like Chemex and V60 require. The Baratza Encore is the benchmark for this.

Why is consistency important for Chemex?

Grind consistency is critical for controlling extraction. If your coffee grounds contain a mix of fine dust and coarse boulders, the water will over-extract the fines (making the coffee bitter) while it under-extracts the boulders (making it sour). A consistent grind size allows water to extract flavor evenly from all the coffee particles, resulting in a balanced, sweet, and complex cup.

How much should I spend on a Chemex grinder?

You can get a fantastic, long-lasting electric burr grinder for a mid-range price, with the Baratza Encore being the classic example. While you can spend less on models like the Cuisinart, you will be sacrificing some consistency and build quality. Spending significantly more can get you quieter operation, lower static, or built-in scales, but for pure grind quality, the Encore is the point of diminishing returns for most home users.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of testing, grinding, brewing, and tasting, my recommendation is clearer than ever. The quality of your Chemex coffee is not just influenced by your grinder—it’s defined by it. Investing in a quality burr grinder is the single biggest step-up you can make in your home brewing setup.

Perfect for you if…
* You want the best possible balance of performance, versatility, and long-term value.
* You appreciate a product that is designed to be repaired, not replaced.
* You want to explore other brew methods like French Press or AeroPress in the future.
* You trust the recommendations of coffee professionals and the Specialty Coffee Association.

The best coffee grinder for chemex for the vast majority of people is the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder. It simply nails the fundamentals, delivering the grind size consistency that is essential for a perfect pour over. It’s the industry standard for a reason and will serve you reliably for years.

Not ideal for…
* You absolutely cannot tolerate any mess on your countertop.
* You need a grinder with an automatic timer for a “set it and forget it” routine.
* You prioritize quiet operation above all else.

If your top priority is a clean counter and maximum convenience, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder is an outstanding alternative. Its static-reducing design and one-touch operation make the daily ritual an absolute pleasure.

Ultimately, pairing either of these excellent grinders with the timeless Chemex Classic Series 8-Cup Coffeemaker is the surefire recipe for unlocking a world of coffee flavor you’ve been missing.

Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API