A French press needs a coarse, fairly even grind. Grounds that are too fine can make the coffee muddy and may be harder to press, while uneven grounds can extract at different rates. The grinders below all offer a coarse setting, but they differ in how precisely you can adjust the grind, how much coffee they can handle, and how much counter space or cleanup they may require.
For most people, the OXO Brew is a balanced place to start: it has a dedicated coarse range, many adjustment steps, and a large bean hopper. If you want more exact control or prefer grinding only what you need, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a more specialized option. Use the comparison table to find the features that fit your brewing routine.
Quick Comparison
| Coffee Grinder | Burr Type | Grind Settings | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder | Conical | 15 settings plus 43 micro-adjustments | Large 12-ounce hopper |
| Cuisinart Supreme Grind | Flat | 18 positions | Adjustable 4-to-18-cup selector |
| SHARDOR Electric Burr Grinder 2.0 | Flat | 16 settings | Automatic 2-to-14-cup operation |
| Aromaster Conical Coffee Grinder | Conical | 48 settings | Anti-static design and removable ring burr |
| Fellow Ode Gen 2 | Flat, 64 mm | 31 settings | Single-dose design and low-retention features |
Our Picks: Best The Coffee Grinder For French Press reviews
1. OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder: Best All-Around Choice
The OXO Brew is a versatile electric burr grinder with 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs. Its settings cover a broad range, from fine grounds for espresso to coarse grounds for French press and cold brew. The 15 main settings, combined with 43 micro-adjustments, give you room to fine-tune your grind rather than relying on a few widely spaced options.
Its one-touch start remembers the previous setting, which can simplify repeat brewing. The removable hopper holds up to 12 ounces of beans, a useful capacity if you make French press coffee for several people or want to refill less often. Its UV-blocking tint is intended to shield beans from sunlight in a bright kitchen.
The trade-off is that a large hopper may be more capacity than you need if you prefer to weigh and grind beans one brew at a time. Still, the combination of a coarse setting, fine adjustment range, and generous hopper makes this a practical fit for households that use a grinder regularly. Compared with the Fellow, it is more focused on hopper capacity than single-dose grinding.
Pros:
- Coarse French press setting with many adjustment steps
- Large, removable 12-ounce bean hopper
- One-touch start remembers the last setting
- UV-blocking hopper tint helps shield stored beans from sunlight
Cons:
- The large hopper may not suit a single-dose routine
- More grind adjustments may take time to dial in
Verdict: Choose the OXO Brew if you want one grinder for French press and other brew styles, with a roomy hopper and more control than a basic stepped dial.
2. Cuisinart Supreme Grind: Best for Batch Brewing
The Cuisinart Supreme Grind uses stainless steel flat burrs and has 18 grind positions, including an extra-coarse option for French press and cold brew. Its cup selector lets you choose an amount from 4 to 18 cups, and the grinder shuts off automatically when the cycle is complete. This setup is aimed at people who want to grind a larger amount without standing by to time the machine.
The removable bean hopper holds 8 ounces, while the grind chamber is designed to hold grounds for up to 32 cups. That chamber capacity is more than most French press users need for a single brew, but it can be useful when preparing coffee for a group. The product also includes a cleaning brush and scoop, plus cord storage.
The main consideration is the size of the batches it is designed to handle. Its selector starts at four cups, so it may be less convenient if you usually prepare just one small serving. Compared with the OXO, it has fewer adjustment points and a smaller bean hopper, but its cup selector and large grounds chamber may make more sense for batch brewing.
Pros:
- 18 grind positions, including an extra-coarse setting
- Adjustable selector for 4 to 18 cups
- Automatic shutoff after grinding
- Includes a cleaning brush, scoop, and cord storage
Cons:
- The minimum batch selection may not suit small, single servings
- The grind chamber can hold more grounds than many French press brews require
Verdict: The Cuisinart is a sensible choice if you regularly make French press coffee for a group and value an automatic cup selector over a compact, single-dose design.
3. SHARDOR Electric Burr Grinder 2.0: Best for Simple Batch Controls
The SHARDOR Electric Burr Grinder 2.0 uses a metallic flat burr mill and offers 16 grind settings, from fine to coarse. For French press, the coarse end of its range is the place to start. Its automatic timer dial lets you select a quantity from 2 to 14 cups, and the grinder stops when the selected cycle finishes.
The grounds chamber has a removable design and an anti-spill lid intended to help limit scattering when you handle the grounds. A dual safety interlock means the grinder runs only when both the bean hopper and chamber are locked in place. The included brush is useful for sweeping away leftover grounds during routine cleaning.
Its cup-based controls are straightforward, but the listed data does not specify the bean hopper’s capacity. If you want to compare how much coffee each grinder can hold, the OXO provides a stated 12-ounce hopper, while this SHARDOR’s strongest clearly stated points are its 2-to-14-cup timer and safety interlock. The 16 settings also offer fewer adjustment points than the OXO or Aromaster.
Pros:
- 16 settings include a coarse range for French press
- Automatic timer dial covers 2 to 14 cups
- Dual safety interlock helps prevent operation when parts are not secured
- Removable grounds chamber has an anti-spill lid
Cons:
- Offers fewer grind settings than several other picks
- Bean hopper capacity is not specified in the supplied product details
Verdict: Pick the SHARDOR if you want an automatic cup selector and safety interlocks, and do not need the widest range of grind adjustments.
4. Aromaster Conical Grinder: Best for a Wide Range of Settings
The Aromaster is a conical burr grinder with 48 settings, spanning from fine espresso grounds to coarse French press grounds. That many choices can help if you switch between brewing methods or want to adjust your French press grind in smaller steps. Its adjustable timer runs for up to 40 seconds, and the grounds chamber holds up to 3.9 ounces.
The grinder has stainless steel burrs, an anti-static feature intended to reduce grounds scattering, and a removable ring burr for cleaning. A brush is stored on the back of the bean hopper lid. The product details also advise keeping the conical burr dry before reassembling, so cleaning calls for care rather than rinsing the burr assembly.
The Aromaster’s high setting count is appealing, but more settings do not automatically mean a better fit for every brewer. Its grounds chamber is smaller than the Cuisinart’s stated batch capacity, and its listed voltage is 120V, 60Hz. Compared with the OXO, it offers more main grind settings, while the OXO has a larger stated bean hopper.
Pros:
- 48 settings include coarse French press and cold brew options
- Adjustable timer runs for up to 40 seconds
- Anti-static feature is designed to limit grounds scatter
- Removable ring burr and included brush support cleaning
Cons:
- Grounds chamber holds up to 3.9 ounces, which may limit larger batches
- The burr needs to stay dry before reassembly
Verdict: The Aromaster is worth considering if you want many grind settings and anti-static features, and its chamber capacity suits the amount you typically brew.
5. Fellow Ode Gen 2: Best for Single-Dose Brewing
The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is designed for brewed coffee, including French press and cold brew. Its 31 settings are built around methods such as pour-over, drip, and immersion brewing. The 64 mm flat burrs use a two-stage grinding design, and the product is specifically not intended for espresso.
Unlike grinders built around a large bean hopper, the Ode has a 100 g single-dose load bin. You add only the beans you plan to grind, which suits a routine where you measure each brew separately. Anti-static technology, a built-in knocker, and an optimized grind path are designed to reduce retained grounds and mess. The magnetic catch cup, automatic shutoff, and quieter operation are also part of its design.
This is the most specialized pick in the group. Its single-dose capacity may be less convenient if you want to load a large amount of beans and grind several batches in a row. It also costs you the flexibility of an espresso setting, since the grinder is intended for brewed coffee rather than espresso. For French press drinkers who value measured doses and grind control, though, its feature set is a strong match.
Pros:
- 31 settings cover French press, cold brew, and other brewed coffee methods
- 64 mm flat burrs use a two-stage grinding design
- Single-dose design and low-retention features support measured brewing
- Magnetic catch cup and automatic shutoff simplify the grinding routine
Cons:
- Not designed for espresso
- Single-dose loading may be less convenient for repeated large batches
Verdict: Choose the Fellow Ode Gen 2 if you mainly brew French press or other non-espresso coffee and want a single-dose grinder with detailed adjustments and low-retention features.
How to Choose a Coffee Grinder for French Press
Look for a Coarse Grind Range
French press brewing generally calls for coarse grounds. Each grinder here lists a coarse setting or a range that includes French press, but the number of settings tells you how many options are available—not which setting will taste best with your beans and brewing routine. Start near the coarse end, then adjust gradually if the coffee tastes too weak or too bitter.
Choose Burr Grinding for More Control
All five picks are burr grinders. Burrs crush beans between grinding surfaces, while a blade grinder chops them. A burr grinder gives you a more controlled way to adjust grind size, which is useful when you want to refine a French press recipe. Flat and conical burr designs are both represented here; the product details alone do not make one style the right choice for every brewer.
Consider How Much Adjustment You Need
If you make French press coffee most days and rarely change methods, a moderate number of clear settings may be enough. If you move between French press, cold brew, drip, and other brew styles, more settings can give you additional places to fine-tune. The OXO adds micro-adjustments to its main settings, while the Aromaster lists 48 settings and the Fellow lists 31.
Match the Capacity to Your Brewing Routine
A hopper-based grinder can be convenient if you grind often or prepare multiple brews. The OXO has a stated 12-ounce bean hopper, while the Cuisinart’s holds 8 ounces. The Fellow takes a different approach with a 100 g single-dose bin. Also check the grounds capacity: for example, the Aromaster’s chamber holds up to 3.9 ounces, while the Cuisinart’s chamber is designed for grounds for up to 32 cups.
Decide Whether Automatic Portion Controls Matter
Automatic cup selectors and timers can reduce the need to monitor grinding. The Cuisinart has a 4-to-18-cup selector, and the SHARDOR offers a 2-to-14-cup timer. The OXO remembers its last setting and starts with one touch. If you weigh beans for each brew, a single-dose design such as the Fellow may be a better fit than choosing a cup-based setting.
Think About Cleanup and Counter Space
Ground coffee can scatter or remain in parts of a grinder, so consider whether the design includes features that fit your cleanup habits. The SHARDOR has a removable grounds chamber with an anti-spill lid, the Aromaster has a removable ring burr and cleaning brush, and the Fellow includes anti-static features and a knocker. Check the product dimensions and layout before buying if your counter or cabinet space is limited; the supplied product details do not provide measurements for every model.
Check Compatibility With Your Other Brewing Methods
If you also make espresso, confirm that the grinder is intended for it. The OXO, Cuisinart, SHARDOR, and Aromaster descriptions include fine settings for espresso, while the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is explicitly not designed for espresso. For a French press-only setup, that limitation may not matter. For a mixed brewing routine, it can be an important difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grind size should I use for French press?
Start with a coarse setting. If the coffee tastes weak, try a slightly finer setting; if it tastes too bitter or leaves too much sediment for your liking, try a coarser setting. Make small changes so you can tell what works for your beans and brew method.
Is a burr grinder a good choice for French press?
Yes. A burr grinder lets you select a grind size, including coarse grounds for French press. The five grinders in this guide use either flat or conical burrs and list French press or coarse settings.
Is a conical or flat burr grinder better for French press?
Both types can be used for French press. The product specifications here do not establish that one burr shape is better for every person or recipe. Compare the settings, capacity, controls, and cleaning features that matter most to you.
Do more grind settings always mean better coffee?
No. More settings give you more adjustment options, but the best starting point depends on your beans and brewing routine. A grinder with fewer settings may still meet your needs if it has a coarse French press option and you do not often switch methods.
Can I use the Fellow Ode Gen 2 for espresso?
No. Its product description says it is designed for brewed coffee and is not for espresso. It does include settings for French press, cold brew, pour-over, and drip coffee.
Which grinder is best for making French press coffee for a group?
The Cuisinart is a good option to consider for batch brewing because its selector covers 4 to 18 cups and its grounds chamber is designed to hold enough for up to 32 cups. The OXO’s 12-ounce bean hopper may also appeal if you want to keep a larger amount of beans loaded.
How often should I clean a coffee grinder?
Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and remove leftover grounds as needed. The SHARDOR and Aromaster include cleaning brushes, while the Aromaster also has a removable ring burr. For that model, the product details advise keeping the burr dry before reassembly.
Final Recommendation
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder is the best all-around pick for most French press drinkers in this group. Its coarse setting, 15 main settings plus 43 micro-adjustments, and 12-ounce hopper give you a useful mix of grind control and capacity. Choose the Cuisinart if you often brew larger batches, the Fellow if you prefer single-dose grinding, or the Aromaster if you want a wide range of settings. The SHARDOR is a practical alternative if its automatic 2-to-14-cup controls fit your routine.