Top 5 Coffee Grinders for Cold Brew Coffee Lovers
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If cold brew is your go-to brew, especially on sunny mornings or a slow weekend, you already know the grind makes all the difference. Cold brew requires a coarse, even grind to extract flavor slowly without becoming bitter. Not all grinders are up for that task, but after a lot of testing (and more batches of cold brew than I can count), I’ve found five grinders that truly excel at producing the perfect coarse grind for smooth, flavorful cold brew.
Let’s chill into the list.
1. Baratza Encore ESP
Baratza Encore ESP Conical Burr Grinder
Key Features
Why We Like It
The Encore ESP is a reliable, affordable burr grinder for espresso lovers. Its fine grind settings and Baratza quality make it the perfect match for manual machines and beginner setups.
Pros
- Excellent espresso performance
- Great grind consistency
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Good for beginners and intermediates
- Backed by Baratza’s support & parts
Cons
- No built-in timer or dosing
- Not optimized for French press
Bottom Line
The Encore ESP is a top choice for espresso enthusiasts on a budget. Fast, accurate, and easy to use — it’s a grinder that grows with your gear.
Price on AmazonA Cold Brew Upgrade on the Original Classic
You’ve probably heard of the original Baratza Encore—it’s the go-to grinder for beginners. But the Encore ESP is the improved version, fine-tuned for even better grind control. While it’s great for espresso, its coarser settings are remarkably well-calibrated for cold brew.
Dual-Range Burr Design
Baratza redesigned the gearbox and burr calibration, allowing for finer control across the grind range. At the coarse end, it delivers consistent, chunky grounds that steep beautifully in a cold brew pitcher or immersion jar.
Rock-Solid Consistency
I tested this alongside my Toddy brewer, and the clarity and body in the brew were a huge step up from cheaper burr grinders. The updated burrs make a big difference in particle uniformity—no sludge, no bitterness.
Best For:
- Cold brew lovers who want café-quality grounds from a reliable, time-tested brand.
2. Bodum Bistro Premium Burr Grinder (Upgraded Model)
Bodum Bistro Premium Burr Grinder
Key Features
- Conical burr grinder preserves flavor and aroma
- 12 grind settings from French press to espresso
- Anti-static borosilicate glass catcher reduces mess
- Push-button control and timer for consistency
- Stylish design with small countertop footprint
Why We Like It
The Bodum Bistro combines great value with solid burr performance — perfect for those stepping up from blade grinders without breaking the bank. Clean grind, minimal static, and stylish on any counter.
Pros
- Affordable conical burr design
- Compact and stylish
- Easy to clean with glass catcher
- Consistent grind for various brew types
- Great upgrade from blade grinders
Cons
- Not ideal for ultra-fine espresso grind
- Static may occur with dry environments
Bottom Line
A great beginner-friendly burr grinder with just enough settings to cover most brewing needs — stylish, simple, and affordable.
Price on AmazonUpgraded Version for Cleaner Cold Brew Grinds
Bodum brought out an upgraded version of their Bistro grinder, and it’s far better than the original. With stainless steel conical burrs and improved grind range, it handles coarse grinding for cold brew like a champ.
Borosilicate Glass Catch for Less Static
One of my pet peeves with grinders is static cling, especially when grinding coarse for cold brew. The Bistro’s glass catcher eliminates that problem, giving you a cleaner transfer into your cold brew container.
Chunky, Clean Cold Brew
The new burr alignment in this model shows in coarse settings. My cold brew batches were clean and sweet—no over-extracted sharpness. Plus, the grinder is quiet enough to use in the early morning without waking up the house.
Best For:
- Cold brew fans who want static-free, even grinds in a stylish, compact form.
3. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Key Features
Why We Like It
The JavaPresse grinder is a consistent favorite for travelers and minimalist brewers. It’s ultra-quiet, durable, and easy to dial in your grind for any brew method — a reliable must-have for fresh coffee anywhere.
Pros
- Precision ceramic burrs
- Compact & lightweight for travel
- No electricity needed
- Affordable and durable
- Great for beginners & pros
Cons
- Manual effort required
- Not ideal for large batch brewing
Bottom Line
Simple, silent, and reliable — the JavaPresse is a top pick for manual coffee grinding on the go or at home.
Price on AmazonManual, Affordable, and Surprisingly Good for Cold Brew
Don’t underestimate the JavaPresse Manual Grinder. It’s compact, quiet, and manually adjustable with over 18 grind settings. While many manual grinders are best for finer grinds, this one shines in the coarse range—perfect for slow-steeped cold brew.
Travel-Ready Cold Brew Companion
If you’re the kind of person who loves brewing cold brew on the go (cabin mornings, road trips, etc.), this is the perfect grinder. It’s durable, portable, and requires no electricity.
Surprisingly Consistent for the Price
While it won’t compete with high-end burr grinders, it holds its own. I used it with a cold brew mason jar setup, and the grind consistency was good enough to avoid bitterness and sludge, even on longer 18-hour steeps.
Best For:
- Cold brew travelers, budget brewers, or anyone wanting a quiet, hands-on experience.
4. Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Burr Grinder
Key Features
Why We Like It
For under $60, the DBM-8 delivers real burr grinding and consistent results, making it a great pick for anyone upgrading from blade grinders or looking for a cost-effective daily grinder.
Pros
- Affordable and easy to use
- Good grind consistency for drip & French press
- Large capacity bin
- Compact and sleek design
- Auto shut-off feature
Cons
- Not fine enough for true espresso
- Some static and mess in grind container
Bottom Line
The Cuisinart DBM-8 is a solid choice for beginners or casual brewers — a real burr grinder at a blade-grinder price point.
Price on AmazonClassic Electric Grinder with Cold Brew Capacity
The Cuisinart DBM-8 has been around forever, but don’t count it out—especially if you’re brewing large batches of cold brew. This grinder has a massive hopper, a sturdy flat burr setup, and delivers solid coarse grinds at the push of a button.
One-Touch Timer for Big Batch Brewing
Set your grind volume with the sliding dial, press one button, and you’re off. It can handle large quantities of beans without overheating, making it perfect for making cold brew concentrate or a week’s worth of brew.
Surprisingly Uniform at Coarse Settings
For an affordable electric grinder, it handles the coarser end of the grind spectrum well. I noticed less fine dust than many others in this price range, which is key for getting that smooth, cold brew taste.
Best For:
- Cold brew lovers are brewing in bulk for a week or more at a time.
5. Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder
Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder
Key Features
- 15 grind settings from fine espresso to coarse French press
- Side-mounted ergonomic hand crank for smoother grinding
- Ceramic burrs preserve flavor and grind consistency
- Glass catcher with anti-static design
- Designed with input from over 1,000 coffee enthusiasts
Why We Like It
The Handground Precision grinder offers serious consistency and control in a stylish, easy-to-use design. Whether you’re brewing Aeropress, Chemex, or espresso, it delivers reliable results without electricity.
Pros
- Extremely consistent grind
- Wide range of grind settings
- Comfortable side handle
- Built for durability and ease
- Great for travel or off-grid use
Cons
- Bulkier than some manual grinders
- Glass catcher can be fragile
Bottom Line
Designed by coffee lovers for coffee lovers, the Handground delivers professional-level grinding without electricity — versatile, stylish, and precise.
Price on AmazonDesigned by Cold Brew Enthusiasts
The Handground Precision Grinder was crowdfunded by people who love cold brew and pour-over. With 40mm ceramic burrs and an external numbered dial, it’s one of the easiest manual grinders to adjust—especially for coarse grind settings.
Side-Mounted Handle = Better Ergonomics
One thing that makes it more comfortable than other manual grinders? The side-mounted handle. It feels more like cranking a pepper mill than struggling with a vertical shaft. Grinding 60g of coffee for cold brew feels smooth and easy.
Transparent Catcher & Glass Body
It’s not just functional—it’s beautiful. The grinder looks like it belongs in a cold brew setup, with a wide glass base and a clear view of your grind. My favorite part? You can see your coarse grind size come to life as you turn the crank.
Best For:
- Aesthetic-driven brewers and those who love a slower, more connected brewing experience.
Final Thoughts
Cold brew is all about balance—smoothness, low acidity, and deep flavor—and that starts with the right grinder. These five models are quiet, consistent, and tailored to produce the chunky, uniform grinds that cold brew demands.
| Grinder | Type | Best For | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore ESP | Electric | All-around cold brew quality | Dual-range burrs |
| Bodum Bistro (Upgraded) | Electric | Static-free grinding | Borosilicate glass bin |
| JavaPresse | Manual | Travel or budget brewing | Compact + quiet |
| Cuisinart DBM-8 | Electric | Large batch brewing | Hopper + timer system |
| Handground Precision | Manual | Design lovers | Side handle + easy dial |
