For coffee enthusiasts who value freshness and want to minimize waste then a single dose espresso grinder is an essential tool. Unlike other grinders that store beans in a hopper, single-dose grinders are designed to grind just the right amount of beans for each shot so that every espresso you brew is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
These grinders fulfill the needs of those who prefer to experiment with different beans and grind sizes without worrying about retention or stale grounds which makes them a top choice for home baristas and professionals alike.
What Are The Best Single Dose Espresso Grinders
Here is the list of 7 best single-dose espresso grinders.
1. Niche Zero
The Niche Zero has revolutionized the home espresso grinder market by focusing on single-dose grinding with minimal retention. Its sleek design is combined with precision engineering, ensuring every dose is as fresh as possible. The Niche Zero uses 63mm conical burrs which are designed to deliver consistent grind size with minimal clumping which makes it a favorite among home baristas.
Specifications
- Burr Type: 63mm conical burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Stepless
- Retention: Approximately 0.1g
- Hopper Capacity: 50g
- RPM: 330
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.3 x 8.3 inches
- Weight: 8.9 lbs
- Power: 230V / 50Hz
Pros
Extremely low retention, preserving coffee freshness.
Quiet operation, best for home use.
Sleek, compact design that fits well in most kitchens.
Easy to use and adjust, even for beginners.
Consistent grind quality, especially for espresso.
Cons
Pricey compared to other home grinders.
Limited to espresso and filter coffee grind ranges.
Availability can be an issue due to high demand.
2. Eureka Mignon Single Dose
Eureka’s Mignon Single Dose grinder is the latest iteration in their well-loved Mignon series which is specifically for single-dose grinding. It combines the brand’s renowned engineering with an upgraded design to minimize retention and optimize freshness. With 65mm flat burrs, it offers precision grinding across various coffee styles from espresso to pour-over.
Specifications
- Burr Type: 65mm flat burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Stepless micrometric
- Retention: Approximately 0.3g
- Hopper Capacity: 45g
- RPM: 1350
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 4.7 x 7.0 inches
- Weight: 11.2 lbs
- Power: 310W
Pros
Stepless adjustment allows for precise grind settings.
Low retention, ideal for single dosing.
Compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Quiet operation compared to many other grinders.
Consistent grind quality across different coffee styles
Cons
Limited to single dosing, not ideal for bulk grinding.
The price is on the higher end for its size.
May require some practice to dial in the grind for different coffee types.
3. Option-O Lagom P64
The Lagom P64 by Option-O is a premium single-dose grinder that offers exceptional control and consistency. With 64mm flat burrs and a variable speed motor, this grinder is designed for serious coffee aficionados who want to extract the best flavors from their beans. Its minimalist design and attention to detail make it a standout in any coffee setup.
Specifications
- Burr Type: 64mm flat burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Stepless
- Retention: Approximately 0.3g
- Hopper Capacity: 50g
- RPM: 200-1400 (variable)
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 5.5 x 8.7 inches
- Weight: 14.3 lbs
- Power: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Pros
Variable speed motor for enhanced control.
Low retention, ensuring fresh grinds every time.
Minimalist design with high build quality.
Easy to switch between espresso and filter grind settings.
Quiet operation, especially at lower RPMs.
Cons
Expensive compared to other grinders in its class.
Limited availability due to high demand.
The learning curve for those new to variable speed grinding.
4. Weber EG-1
The Weber EG-1 is a high-end grinder designed for perfectionists who demand the best from their coffee. This grinder features 80mm flat burrs and is known for its build quality, precision, and low retention. The EG-1 is not just a grinder it’s a statement piece for any coffee enthusiast’s setup.
Specifications
- Burr Type: 80mm flat burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Stepless
- Retention: Less than 0.1g
- Hopper Capacity: 40g
- RPM: 350-1500 (variable)
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 7.1 x 13.4 inches
- Weight: 19.8 lbs
- Power: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Pros
Exceptional grind consistency with low retention.
Variable speed motor for precise control.
Premium build quality with an industrial aesthetic.
Extremely quiet operation.
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Very expensive, catering to a niche market.
Large and heavy, requiring significant counter space.
Not beginner-friendly due to its advanced features.
5. Eureka Oro Mignon XL
The Eureka Oro Mignon XL is a recent addition to the Eureka line which is designed to offer top-notch performance for single dosing. With 65mm flat burrs and advanced technology, this grinder is built for precision and consistency. Its sleek design and user-friendly features make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Specification
- Burr Type: 65mm flat burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Stepless
- Retention: Approximately 0.4g
- Hopper Capacity: 250g
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 8.3 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Power: 230V, 50/60Hz
Pros
Excellent grind consistency with minimal retention.
Stepless adjustment for precise grind size control.
Quiet operation and sleek design.
User-friendly interface with programmable features.
High-quality build and durability
Cons
Higher price point compared to some other models.
A larger footprint may be less suitable for small kitchens.
6. Baratza Sette 270
The Baratza Sette 270 is a popular choice among home baristas for its unique design which allows for extremely fast and efficient grinding. Featuring 40mm conical burrs, the Sette 270 is known for its speed and ease of use which makes it best for single dosing. The grinder’s intuitive grind adjustment system is simple to use and offers a wide range of settings which makes it versatile enough to handle both espresso and filter coffee.
Specifications
- Burr Type: 40mm conical burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Macro/micro stepped adjustment
- Retention: Approximately 0.5g
- Hopper Capacity: 300g
- RPM: 550
- Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Power: 120V, 50/60Hz
Pros
Extremely fast grinding, ideal for busy mornings.
Easy to adjust with clear settings for different brewing methods.
Minimal retention, perfect for single dosing.
The affordable price for its features.
Compact and lightweight, easy to fit in most kitchens
Cons
Noisier compared to more expensive grinders.
Build quality is more plastic-heavy, reducing durability.
May require regular calibration for optimal performance.
7. Timemore Chestnut X
The Timemore Chestnut X is a highly anticipated hand grinder known for its impressive performance and build quality. Featuring 38mm stainless steel burrs. This grinder offers exceptional grind consistency and a sleek design. It’s a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts looking for a manual grinder with high precision.
Specifications
- Burr Type: 38mm stainless steel burrs
- Grind Adjustment: Stepless
- Retention: Minimal
- Hopper Capacity: 30g
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Power: Manual
Pros
High build quality with durable materials.
Stepless adjustment allows for precise grind tuning.
Compact and portable design, ideal for travel.
Minimal grind retention, perfect for single dosing.
Affordable compared to other high-quality hand grinders.
Cons
Requires manual effort, which might not suit everyone.
Limited hopper capacity may necessitate frequent refilling.
Hand grinders may not match the speed of electric models.
How to Choose the Best Single-Dose Espresso Grinder?
Here is how you can choose the best single-dose grinder.
1. Grind Consistency
Look for a grinder with precise and consistent grind settings. Consistency is important for the quality of your espresso.
2. Burr Type
Burr grinders are preferred over blade grinders. Stainless steel or ceramic burrs are common with ceramic offering less heat transfer.
3. Dosing Mechanism
Single-dose grinders should have an efficient dosing mechanism. Some use a hopper while others are designed for single doses without a hopper.
4. Adjustability
Make sure that the grinder has fine adjustment settings for different espresso styles. Stepless adjustments offer more precision.
5. Build Quality
Opt for a grinder with durable construction. Materials like stainless steel and high-quality plastics are preferred.
6. Ease of Use and Cleaning
The grinder should be user-friendly and easy to clean. Removable parts and simple mechanisms can simplify maintenance.
7. Price and Brand Reputation
Consider your budget and check reviews for reliability and performance. Established brands often provide better support and durability.
Conclusion
The best single-dose espresso grinder is one that combines grind consistency, high-quality burrs, efficient dosing mechanisms, precise adjustability, and a durable build. Investing in a grinder that meets these criteria will enhance your espresso brewing process ensuring rich and flavorful shots every time.
