A French press works best with a coarse, fairly even grind, but you don’t need a complicated setup to make a satisfying cup. The main choice is whether you want a low-cost manual grinder, a quick electric blade model, or a burr grinder that offers more control over grind size. These five options cover those needs, with trade-offs in capacity, effort, and grind consistency.
For French press coffee, the Cuisinart and OXO burr grinders offer the most control among these picks. The CEVING and Rsoilch manual grinders are compact choices for smaller batches, while the SHARDOR is an electric option with a timed blade-grinding cycle.
Quick Comparison
| Grinder | Type | Capacity | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEVING Mini Manual Coffee Grinder | Manual ceramic burr | 30 g | 40 external grind settings |
| SHARDOR Electric Coffee Grinder | Electric blade | 70 g | Visual timing knob |
| Cuisinart Supreme Grind | Electric flat burr | 8 oz bean hopper | 18 grind settings |
| OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder | Electric conical burr | 12 oz bean hopper | 15 settings plus 43 micro-adjustments |
| Rsoilch Manual Coffee Grinder | Manual ceramic burr | 25 g | 40 grind settings and glass grounds jar |
Our Picks: Best Cheap Coffee Grinder For French Press reviews
CEVING Mini Manual Grinder: Best for Adjustable Travel Grinding
The CEVING is a compact hand grinder with ceramic burrs and 40 external grind settings. Its adjustment ring lets you change the grind without opening the grinder, which is handy when you want to move between a coarse French press grind and a finer setting for another brew method.
At 325 grams, it is designed for travel, camping, and small home batches. The 30-gram capacity is suitable for a modest amount of coffee, but you may need to grind more than once for a larger French press. Because it is manual, you also need to supply the effort and time that an electric grinder handles for you.
The ceramic burr design and broad adjustment range make this a more flexible French press option than a basic blade grinder. Its small batch size, however, is the main limitation for households that brew several cups at once. The maker recommends cleaning with the included brush or a dry cloth rather than water.
Pros:
- 40 external grind settings are easy to adjust.
- Ceramic burrs grind rather than chop beans.
- Compact, lightweight design suits travel and camping.
- Detachable parts make dry cleaning straightforward.
Cons:
- 30-gram capacity may be small for multiple servings.
- Manual grinding takes more time and effort than using an electric model.
Verdict: Choose the CEVING if you want a portable burr grinder with plenty of adjustment and usually brew small batches.
SHARDOR Electric Grinder: Best for Simple, Fast Batches
The SHARDOR is an electric blade grinder with a 70-gram bowl and a visual timing knob marked in seconds. Instead of selecting a specific burr position, you set a grinding time and check the texture. That simple approach can work for French press, though the result may be less uniform than grounds from a burr grinder.
The larger capacity makes it more convenient than the manual options here when you need several servings. Its compact body and stated operating noise of around 63 dB in the maker’s in-house test may also suit a small kitchen or office. The actual sound can vary with the beans and amount being ground.
Unlike the other electric models in this list, the SHARDOR uses blades rather than burrs. That keeps operation straightforward, but it gives you less direct control over particle size. For French press, use the timer as a starting point, inspect the grounds, and avoid grinding longer than needed. The bowl is built in, so cleaning is done with the included brush rather than by removing it.
Pros:
- 70-gram capacity can handle several servings in one batch.
- Visual timer gives you a repeatable starting point.
- Can also grind dry spices, herbs, grains, and nuts.
- Includes a scoop with a built-in cleaning brush and a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- Blade design offers less grind uniformity than a burr grinder.
- The grinding bowl is built in and cannot be removed for cleaning.
Verdict: Pick the SHARDOR if convenience and a larger batch matter more to you than the extra grind-size control of a burr grinder.
Cuisinart Supreme Grind: Best Value Electric Burr Option
The Cuisinart Supreme Grind is an electric flat burr grinder with 18 grind settings, including an extra-coarse option intended for French press and cold brew. Burrs crush beans instead of chopping them, which is a useful advantage when you want a more even grind for immersion brewing.
Its removable hopper holds up to 8 ounces of beans, and the grind chamber can hold enough grounds for up to 32 cups. A slide dial selects a batch size from 4 to 18 cups, and the grinder shuts off automatically. These features make it better suited to regular home use than the small manual grinders.
The Cuisinart offers a practical balance of capacity and grind adjustment without the fine-grained control of the OXO’s micro-adjustments. It also takes up more counter space than a hand grinder, and its larger chamber may be more than you need if you make coffee for one. The included brush and cord storage help with routine cleanup and storage.
Pros:
- 18 settings include an extra-coarse French press range.
- Flat burrs provide a more controlled grind than a blade grinder.
- Large hopper and chamber suit multi-cup batches.
- Automatic shutoff and removable hopper simplify daily use.
Cons:
- Bulkier than the portable manual grinders.
- Fewer adjustment options than the OXO model.
Verdict: The Cuisinart is a strong choice if you want an electric burr grinder with useful French press settings and room for larger batches.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder: Best for Fine Grind Adjustments
The OXO Brew uses 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs and offers 15 main grind settings with 43 micro-adjustments. That range gives you more room to fine-tune the grind, including dialing in a coarse setting for French press. A one-touch start remembers your last setting, so you do not have to reset it each time.
Its 12-ounce hopper holds more beans than the Cuisinart’s, making it a convenient fit for frequent brewing or larger batches. The hopper has a UV-blocking tint, and the machine is designed to start with a single push. Those features make it a more hands-off choice than either manual grinder.
The OXO’s added adjustment range and large hopper are useful, but may be unnecessary if you only need a basic coarse grind for occasional coffee. It is also an electric countertop model rather than a compact travel grinder. Compared with the Cuisinart, its micro-adjustments provide more room to tune the grind, while both offer burr grinding for more control than the SHARDOR blade model.
Pros:
- 15 settings plus 43 micro-adjustments allow detailed grind tuning.
- Conical burrs are designed to produce uniform grounds.
- Large 12-ounce hopper supports bigger or more frequent batches.
- One-touch start remembers the previous setting.
Cons:
- Its many adjustments may be more than a casual French press brewer needs.
- It is a countertop electric grinder, not a portable option.
Verdict: Choose the OXO if you want an electric burr grinder with extra room to fine-tune grind size and a large bean hopper.
Rsoilch Manual Grinder: Best Compact Pick With a Glass Grounds Jar
The Rsoilch is a power-free hand grinder with ceramic conical burrs and 40 adjustable settings. Its settings cover several brewing styles, including French press, and the clear glass jar lets you see the grounds as they collect. The manual design avoids the need for electricity, which can be useful when traveling or camping.
It weighs 11.3 ounces and holds up to 25 grams of beans. That makes it compact for a bag, but its capacity is the smallest of the grinders in this comparison. For a full French press or more than one serving, you may need to grind in multiple batches.
Compared with the CEVING, the Rsoilch has a glass grounds container and a slightly smaller stated bean capacity. Both use ceramic burrs and offer 40 settings, so your choice may come down to the container, batch size, and overall fit for your routine. The trade-off with either manual grinder is the effort needed to grind by hand.
Pros:
- 40 settings provide options for French press and other brew methods.
- Ceramic conical burrs grind rather than chop beans.
- Glass grounds jar makes it easy to see the collected coffee.
- Lightweight and does not require electricity or batteries.
Cons:
- 25-gram capacity may require multiple batches.
- Manual grinding takes more effort than using an electric grinder.
Verdict: The Rsoilch suits travelers and solo brewers who value a compact, power-free grinder and do not mind its small batch size.
How to Choose a Coffee Grinder for French Press
Choose Burrs or Blades Based on Grind Control
A burr grinder lets you select a grind size more directly, which is helpful when you want coarse grounds for a French press. Both manual models and the Cuisinart and OXO use burrs. The SHARDOR uses blades, so its timer helps you repeat a grinding duration, but you still need to check the grounds and stop when they look right. If a more even grind is your priority, start with a burr model.
Look for a Coarse Setting or a Useful Adjustment Range
French press coffee generally calls for a coarse grind. Check that the grinder can reach an extra-coarse setting, as the Cuisinart specifies, or offers a broad range that includes French press, as the manual grinders and OXO do. More settings can help if you brew other styles too, but they are not essential if you only make French press coffee.
Match Capacity to Your Usual Batch
The manual grinders hold 25 or 30 grams of beans, so they are best suited to small batches and may require refilling for a larger pot. The SHARDOR’s 70-gram bowl and the larger hoppers on the Cuisinart and OXO are more convenient when you prepare coffee for several people. Consider how much coffee you make before choosing a grinder based on its size or portability.
Decide How Much Effort You Want to Spend
A manual grinder needs no power and is easier to take on a trip, but you have to turn the handle for each batch. An electric grinder is more convenient at home, especially when you grind several servings at once. If you want the easiest daily routine, an electric model may be a better fit; if portability matters more, a manual grinder is worth considering.
Consider Cleaning and Counter Space
Compact manual grinders are easier to store, while electric models take up more room but can handle larger batches. Cleaning also differs: the CEVING calls for dry cleaning with a brush or cloth, the SHARDOR has a built-in bowl that is cleaned with its brush, and the Cuisinart includes a removable hopper and cleaning brush. Check the care instructions for the model you choose and keep coffee parts dry unless the maker says otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grind size should I use for French press coffee?
Start with a coarse grind. If your cup tastes too weak or too strong, adjust the grind and brewing approach in small steps. A grinder with clear coarse settings makes those changes easier to repeat.
Is a burr grinder better than a blade grinder for French press?
A burr grinder offers more direct control over grind size and is designed to produce more uniform grounds. A blade grinder can still grind beans for French press, but you control it by time and need to check the texture rather than select a fixed burr setting.
Can I use a manual grinder for a full French press?
It depends on the amount of coffee you need. The CEVING holds up to 30 grams and the Rsoilch holds up to 25 grams per batch. If your recipe needs more beans, you will need to grind in multiple batches or choose a larger electric model.
Which grinder in this list is best for larger batches?
The OXO has the largest stated bean hopper at 12 ounces. The Cuisinart’s hopper holds 8 ounces, while the SHARDOR’s bowl handles up to 70 grams per batch. The manual grinders have much smaller capacities.
Can I use these grinders for other brewing methods?
Yes. The CEVING, Rsoilch, Cuisinart, and OXO offer settings for more than one brew method. The SHARDOR’s timing knob can be used to adjust the grind, though it does not provide the same kind of fixed grind-size selection as a burr grinder.
Which option is easiest to take camping?
The CEVING and Rsoilch are the most travel-friendly choices in this group because they are compact manual grinders and do not need electricity. The Rsoilch is listed at 11.3 ounces, while the CEVING weighs 325 grams.
Final Recommendation
For most people seeking a practical French press grinder, the Cuisinart Supreme Grind offers a useful mix of electric convenience, burr grinding, and an extra-coarse setting. Choose the OXO if you want more precise adjustment and a larger hopper. If portability and a smaller batch matter more, consider the CEVING or Rsoilch; choose the SHARDOR when quick electric grinding and its larger bowl are more important than burr-level grind control.