Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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Compare Best Electric Burr Coffee Grinders: Breville, Baratza or Bodum?
Just about any true coffee connoisseur will tell you that for coffee beans to develop their full flavor profile, it is absolutely necessary to grind the beans right before preparing the coffee. Therefore, in order to enjoy the "perfect" coffee time after time, it is important to be equipped with a good coffee bean grinder. We have no doubt that once you have tested the coffee bean grinders to be compared in this article, you wil be more than satisfied.
There are two type of coffee bean grinders: blade grinders and burr grinders. A blade grinder has a blade in its center that looks like a propeller. Most people have seen or used one of these. A burr grinder, on the other hand, is made up of two revolving abrasive surfaces called burrs between which the coffee beans are ground. A burr grinder crushes the beans as opposed to slicing them as in the case of blade grinders. The reason that coffee aficionados prefer burr grinders over blade grinders is that you have much better control over your grind than you do with blade grinders. Perfect coffee requires not just the right size of grind for the type of coffee you like, but also uniform grinds, and that is much harder to achieve with blade grinders. Note that there are flat and conical burr grinders, but conical burrs are the ones coffee lovers prefer because they minimize grinding heat by crushing the coffee beans at a slower and quieter rate than flat burrs, protecting thus the essential oils in the beans and bringing out all their flavor profile for us to enjoy. Conical and flat burrs are shown below:
This article will compare the three most popular electric conical burr coffee grinders bought by Amazon customers: Breville Smart Grinder Pro, Baratza Vırtuoso and Bodum Bistro. These three burr coffee grinders were the top sellers in their category at the time this article was written and have received excellent reviews from Amazon customers (an average of at least 4 star rating out of 5 stars for each of them!).
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Comparing Top Three Electric Burr Coffee Grinders
Breville Smart Grinder Pro, Baratza Vırtuoso and Bodum Bistro.
The three burr coffee grinders selected for comparison are shown below:
(Photo Credits: Breville)
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(Photo Credits: Baratza)
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(Photo Credits: Bodum)
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The following table compares the features of the three burr coffee grinders (please read the explanations to table notes below for a better understanding of the features offered by each):
Table Notes 1-10 Explained:
Note 1:
All three coffee grinders have distinct settings to enable grinding for espresso, percolator/drip filter and French press. The large number of intermediate settings allows finer adjustment of the grind. See Note 2 below for a description of how the grind settings are selected for each of the three burr grinders.
Note2:
The following is brief description of the controls found on each of the selected burr grinders:
Note 1:
All three coffee grinders have distinct settings to enable grinding for espresso, percolator/drip filter and French press. The large number of intermediate settings allows finer adjustment of the grind. See Note 2 below for a description of how the grind settings are selected for each of the three burr grinders.
Note2:
The following is brief description of the controls found on each of the selected burr grinders:
(Photo Credits: Breville)
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Controls:
This unit allows you to grind directly into a grinds container, into a drip coffee filter basket, or into a portafilter.
On the right-hand side of the unit there is a GRIND SIZE DIAL that is used to select the desired grind size setting (there are 60 custom grind settings from espresso to plunger). The unit has a back-lit LCD screen that displays the setting chosen (see image). Below the LCD screen there are three buttons:
This unit allows you to grind directly into a grinds container, into a drip coffee filter basket, or into a portafilter.
On the right-hand side of the unit there is a GRIND SIZE DIAL that is used to select the desired grind size setting (there are 60 custom grind settings from espresso to plunger). The unit has a back-lit LCD screen that displays the setting chosen (see image). Below the LCD screen there are three buttons:
- GRIND AMOUNT/PROGRAM Button: By rotating the Grind Amount dial, you can adjust the grinding time to achieve the correct amount of coffee. Increasing time will increase the dose and decreasing the time will decrease the dose. Each adjustment will increase or decrease the grind time by 0.2 of a second.
Once you have set your required dose, you can program the selected time into the number of shots currently displayed on the LCD by pressing and holding the PROGRAM button. The grinder will beep twice to confirm that the programming was successful. The programmed dose will become the default dose unless modified again. - SHOTS/CUPS Button: It is used to select the desired amount of ground coffee. You just need to press the SHOTS|CUPS button until the desired amount is displayed. The amount dispensed will vary depending on the grind size and grind amount selected.
- START/PAUSE/CANCEL Button: This button allows you to start and stop the grinding operation in two ways:
Automatic Grinding: When selected, the grinder will automatically stop when the preset amount of coffee is dispensed. To select automatic grinding, you just need to press and release the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button. If you are using the portafilter, push the handle of your portafilter once. This will activate the portafilter switch.
Manual Grinding: To select manual grinding, you just need to press and hold the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button. Releasing the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button will stop the grinder. If you are using the portafilter, push the handle of your portafilter to activate the portafilter switch for as long as you require.
Pause Function: During grinding, pressing the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button again will pause the operation for 10 seconds. Pressing it again will resume the balance of the dose.
(Photo Credits: Baratza)
Baratza Virtuoso Controls:
Baratza Virtuoso is equipped with a grind scale just where the bean hopper is attached to the housing (see image). You need to slowly rotate the bean hopper clockwise or counter clockwise to align the indicator on the bean hopper wit the desired setting on the grind scale. Turning the hopper counterclockwise produces a bigger particle size, and turning it clockwise produces a smaller particle size.
The grinding operation can be initiated in two ways: Either by pressing the front-mounted pulse button or by using the timer dial which is on the side of the housing:
Baratza Virtuoso is equipped with a grind scale just where the bean hopper is attached to the housing (see image). You need to slowly rotate the bean hopper clockwise or counter clockwise to align the indicator on the bean hopper wit the desired setting on the grind scale. Turning the hopper counterclockwise produces a bigger particle size, and turning it clockwise produces a smaller particle size.
The grinding operation can be initiated in two ways: Either by pressing the front-mounted pulse button or by using the timer dial which is on the side of the housing:
- Grinding will start when you press the pulse button, and it will stop when you depress it.
- Each of the 6 segments around the timer dial represents 10 seconds for a total of 60 seconds. The grinder switches off automatically once the selected time has elapsed. If you want to stop the grinder before the time has elapsed, simply turn the dial counterclockwise until the grinder switches off.
(Photo Credits: Bodum)
Bodum Bistro Controls:
Bodum Bistro is equipped with a grind scale just where the bean hopper is attached to the housing (see image). Three small symbols on the scale indicate espresso, filtered/drip coffee or French press. Intermediate dials are for finer adjustment.
You need to rotate the bean hopper clockwise or counter clockwise to align the indicator on the bean hopper wit the desired setting on the grind scale. Turning the hopper counterclockwise produces a bigger particle size, and turning it clockwise produces a smaller particle size.
To initiate the grinding operation you have to use the timer dial that is located right by the grind scale. The timer can be set in 5 sec intervals up to 20 seconds. Once the timer is set, to activate you have to press the start/stop button which is next to it (indicated as I/O in the picture). If you want to interrupt the grinding before the time has elapsed, simply press again the start/stop button.
Bodum Bistro is equipped with a grind scale just where the bean hopper is attached to the housing (see image). Three small symbols on the scale indicate espresso, filtered/drip coffee or French press. Intermediate dials are for finer adjustment.
You need to rotate the bean hopper clockwise or counter clockwise to align the indicator on the bean hopper wit the desired setting on the grind scale. Turning the hopper counterclockwise produces a bigger particle size, and turning it clockwise produces a smaller particle size.
To initiate the grinding operation you have to use the timer dial that is located right by the grind scale. The timer can be set in 5 sec intervals up to 20 seconds. Once the timer is set, to activate you have to press the start/stop button which is next to it (indicated as I/O in the picture). If you want to interrupt the grinding before the time has elapsed, simply press again the start/stop button.
Note 3:
The START/PAUSE/CANCEL button on Breville Smart Grinder Pro can be used in two ways:
When using the pulse button on Baratza Virtuoso, grinding will start when you press the button, and it will stop when you depress it.
Grinding can also be initiated using the timer as described in Note 2 above.
Bodum Bistro does not have a pulse button, but grinding is initiated by setting the timer and pressing the start/stop button.
Note 4:
On Barataza Virtuoso, the timer switch is on the side of the housing. Each of the 6 segments around the timer dial represents 10 seconds for a total of 60 seconds. The grinder switches off automatically once the selected time has elapsed. If you want to stop the grinder before the time has elapsed, simply turn the dial counterclockwise until the grinder switches off.
On Bodum Bistro the timer that can be set in 5 sec intervals up to 20 seconds. Once the timer is set, to activate you have to press the start/stop button which is next to it (indicated as I/O in the picture). If you want to interrupt the grinding before the time has elapsed, simply press again the start/stop button.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro does not have botton explicitely identified as Timer, but the GRIND AMOUNT/PROGRAM dial has a buit-in timer. By rotating the GRIND AMOUNT dial, you can adjust the grinding time to achieve the correct amount of ground coffee to be produced. Increasing time will increase the dose and decreasing the time will decrease the dose. Each adjustment will increase or decrease the grind time by 0.2 of a second.
Note 5:
This feature is found only on Breville Smart Grinder Pro. Once you make your selections for the grind type and amount, all you have to do is press the START/PAUSE/CANCEL button. It will start grinding and will stop automatically when the required amount of grinds is produced.
Note 6:
This feature is only available on Breville Smart Grinder Pro. By pressing the AMOUNT button, you can select the number of cups or shots of coffee you need. If your grind setting is in the PRESS or PERCOLATOR/FILTER range, then "cups" are selected. If your grind setting is in the ESPRESSO range, then "shots" are selected.
Note 7:
This feature is only available on Breville Smart Grinder Pro. There are two ways in which the grinder adjusts the amount of grinds to be generated:
Note 8:
All three grinders are equipped with a container where the grinds are collected. Only the Bodum Bistro container is made of glass. The others are made of plastic.
The START/PAUSE/CANCEL button on Breville Smart Grinder Pro can be used in two ways:
- For Automatic Grinding: When selected, the grinder will automatically stop when the preset amount of coffee is dispensed. To select automatic grinding, you just need to press and release the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button. If you are using the portafilter, push the handle of your portafilter once. This will activate the portafilter switch.
- For Manual Grinding: To select manual grinding, you just need to press and hold the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button. Releasing the START|PAUSE|CANCEL button will stop the grinder. If you are using the portafilter, push the handle of your portafilter to activate the portafilter switch for as long as you require.
When using the pulse button on Baratza Virtuoso, grinding will start when you press the button, and it will stop when you depress it.
Grinding can also be initiated using the timer as described in Note 2 above.
Bodum Bistro does not have a pulse button, but grinding is initiated by setting the timer and pressing the start/stop button.
Note 4:
On Barataza Virtuoso, the timer switch is on the side of the housing. Each of the 6 segments around the timer dial represents 10 seconds for a total of 60 seconds. The grinder switches off automatically once the selected time has elapsed. If you want to stop the grinder before the time has elapsed, simply turn the dial counterclockwise until the grinder switches off.
On Bodum Bistro the timer that can be set in 5 sec intervals up to 20 seconds. Once the timer is set, to activate you have to press the start/stop button which is next to it (indicated as I/O in the picture). If you want to interrupt the grinding before the time has elapsed, simply press again the start/stop button.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro does not have botton explicitely identified as Timer, but the GRIND AMOUNT/PROGRAM dial has a buit-in timer. By rotating the GRIND AMOUNT dial, you can adjust the grinding time to achieve the correct amount of ground coffee to be produced. Increasing time will increase the dose and decreasing the time will decrease the dose. Each adjustment will increase or decrease the grind time by 0.2 of a second.
Note 5:
This feature is found only on Breville Smart Grinder Pro. Once you make your selections for the grind type and amount, all you have to do is press the START/PAUSE/CANCEL button. It will start grinding and will stop automatically when the required amount of grinds is produced.
Note 6:
This feature is only available on Breville Smart Grinder Pro. By pressing the AMOUNT button, you can select the number of cups or shots of coffee you need. If your grind setting is in the PRESS or PERCOLATOR/FILTER range, then "cups" are selected. If your grind setting is in the ESPRESSO range, then "shots" are selected.
Note 7:
This feature is only available on Breville Smart Grinder Pro. There are two ways in which the grinder adjusts the amount of grinds to be generated:
- Automatic Adjustment of Dosage: Once you choose a grind size on the grind scale, the machine will automatically adjust the dose based on the selected grind size and grind amount. In other words, the amount of coffee beans dispensed will depend not just on the amount of cups (or shots) selected, but also on the selected grind size.
- Manual Adjustment of Dosage: In addition, after the machine has automatically adjusted the dose, you can still adjust it further to make the coffee stronger by using the GRIND AMOUNT button.
Note 8:
All three grinders are equipped with a container where the grinds are collected. Only the Bodum Bistro container is made of glass. The others are made of plastic.
PORTAFILTER
Note 9:
The portafilter is the part of the espresso machine that houses the basket which contains the coffee grinds. It locks into the group head on the espresso machine to pull shots (see image).
Withe three grinders described here, you don't necessarily need a portafilter cradle to use a portafilter. You could simply hold with one hand the portafilter against the grind outlet while the machine is grinding. But this sometimes can get messy. Portafilter cradles/holders eliminate any messiness problems and frees your hand.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes with two portafilter cradles (50/54mm and 58mm size). To grind into the protafilter cradle with Breville Smart Grinder Pro is very easy:
Baratza Virtuoso does not come with a portafilter cradle/holder, but it can be purchased separately (see Amazon products section below for Baratza Portaholder).
Bodum Bistro does not have adapted portafilter cradles. You could grind directly into the portafilter, by holding it under the grind outlet. But, as mentioned, this could get messy, if you are not careful.
Note 10:
All prices shown are approximate and can change any time. They include the Amazon discount on the List Price. For exact price information, please refer to the Amazon products section below.
The portafilter is the part of the espresso machine that houses the basket which contains the coffee grinds. It locks into the group head on the espresso machine to pull shots (see image).
Withe three grinders described here, you don't necessarily need a portafilter cradle to use a portafilter. You could simply hold with one hand the portafilter against the grind outlet while the machine is grinding. But this sometimes can get messy. Portafilter cradles/holders eliminate any messiness problems and frees your hand.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes with two portafilter cradles (50/54mm and 58mm size). To grind into the protafilter cradle with Breville Smart Grinder Pro is very easy:
- Choose the portafilter cradle size that fits your portafilter.
- Align the portafilter cradle with the grind outlet and slide it into position.
- Insert the portafilter into the cradle.
- Use the manual or automatic grinding function to start the grinding using either the START/STOP button or the portafilter activation switch which is below the front panel.
Baratza Virtuoso does not come with a portafilter cradle/holder, but it can be purchased separately (see Amazon products section below for Baratza Portaholder).
Bodum Bistro does not have adapted portafilter cradles. You could grind directly into the portafilter, by holding it under the grind outlet. But, as mentioned, this could get messy, if you are not careful.
Note 10:
All prices shown are approximate and can change any time. They include the Amazon discount on the List Price. For exact price information, please refer to the Amazon products section below.
So which burr coffee grinder should you get?
Here we have three high quality electric coffee burr grinders that have received excellent reviews from Amazon customers, and chances are you will be quite happy with anyone of them one you have used and tested them. However, as shown in the comparison table above, Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes on top because of some important features not found in the other two grinders:
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro takes away any guessing when it comes to the exact quantity of coffee to be ground for your "perfect" coffee. As its name says, it is a "smart" machine and calculates based on the grind type and number of cups (or shots) selected the exact amount of coffee to be ground, and it stops automatically the grinder when that amount has been produced. With Baratza Virtuoso or Bodum Bistro, you'd have to estimate the amount of time to set on the timer for the amount of grinds you want to produce. And if you don't want to rely on the timer, you'd have to guess when to depress the pulse button (for Baratza) or press the stop button (for Bodum) to interrupt the grinding process.
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro has stainless steel housing. This may not be critical as the plastic the Baratza and Bodum grinders are made of is high quality durable hard plastic. But for those who have all stainless steel appliances in their kitchen this point might become a consideration.
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro has a back-lit LCD screen which clearly shows all your various selections that the machine will process and use to compute the exact amount of grinds to be generated.
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes with two portafilter cradles/holders that eliminate any mess that can be associated by grinding directly into the portafilter.
Compared Burr Coffee Grinders on Amazon
You will find below all three electric burr coffee grinders compared above.
Please click the Amazon image below for the product of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
Please click the Amazon image below for the product of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
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Bodum Bistro
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Please Note:
The Baratza Virtuoso model described above is not available anymore. But Baratza has now a newer version of its Virtuoso grinder: the Baratza Virtuoso+.
Virtuoso+ comes with similar features to the regular Baratza Virtuoso described above, but it also has the additional digital screen that lets you view, control and replicate exactly the perfect grind amount for your desired brew.
For more info on the Baratza Virtuoso+ or to purchase, please click below:
Baratza Vırtuoso+
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Baratza Portafilter Holder
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