Coffee Grinders
Best Small Automatic Coffee Grinder (2026): Top 5 by the Specs
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For a small automatic coffee grinder, the Cuisinart leads this list with 18 grind settings, a burr mill and a cup selector for 4 to 18 cups. The Baratza adds 40 settings with 40 mm conical burrs, while the FORLIM gives 80 settings with USB-C charging.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Coffee Grinder Electric
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallCuisinart Coffee Grinder9.8 View on Amazon -
9.7 View on Amazon -
Also GreatFORLIM Portable Burr Coffee Grinder9.6 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on burr grinder, grind settings, bean capacity, timer from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | Burr grinder | Grind settings | Bean capacity | Timer | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cuisinart Coffee Grinder | Yes | 18 settings | — | Yes | — | — |
| 2. Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK | Yes | 40 settings | — | — | 5.6 lb | 1-year |
| 3. FORLIM Portable Burr Coffee Grinder | Yes | 80 settings | 15 cups | — | — | 2-year |
| 4. SHARDOR Adjustable Coffee Grinder Electric | — | — | 12 cups | — | — | 2-year |
| 5. Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Electric Coffee Grinder | — | — | — | — | 2.3 lb | 1-year |
Cuisinart Coffee Grinder
It pairs 18 grind settings with a burr mill, a timer and a chamber that holds 32 cups.
- Burr grinder
- Grind settings: 18 settings
- Timer
Good for
- Buyers who want 18 grind settings
- Buyers who want a removable 8 oz hopper
Skip it if
- You want more than 18 grind settings
- You want a chamber larger than 32 cups
It has an 18-position grind selector from ultra-fine to extra-coarse, with a one-touch power bar and an electric timer that shuts off when the cycle ends. The 8 oz bean hopper and grind chamber lift out for cleaning, and the chamber holds 32 cups. It has cord storage and a scoop and cleaning brush.
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK
It pairs 40 grind settings with 40 mm conical steel burrs, a 5.6 lb body and a 1-year warranty.
- Burr grinder
- Grind settings: 40 settings
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want 40 grind settings
- Buyers who want a small footprint grinder
Skip it if
- You want more than 40 grind settings
- You want a grinder under 5.6 lb
It has 40 mm conical steel burrs and 40 grind settings, with a front pulse button and a simple on and off switch. The hopper holds 300 g and the grounds bin holds 120 g. It weighs 5.6 lb and carries a 1-year warranty.
FORLIM Portable Burr Coffee Grinder
It pairs 80 grind settings with stainless steel conical burrs, USB-C charging and a 2-year warranty.
- Burr grinder
- Grind settings: 80 settings
- Bean capacity: 15 cups
- 2-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want 80 grind settings
- Buyers who want USB-C charging for travel
Skip it if
- You want more than 80 grind settings
- You want a plug-in grinder only
It measures 6.57 in and weighs 1.24 lb, with a magnetic grounds cup and a cleaning brush included. It charges in about 70 minutes over USB-C and lasts about 2 weeks with typical daily use. It has auto-reverse to clear stuck beans and a 2-year warranty.
SHARDOR Adjustable Coffee Grinder Electric
It pairs a 63 dB noise level with time-memory adjustment, a detachable steel cup and a 2-year warranty.
- Bean capacity: 12 cups
- 2-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a 63 dB grinder
- Buyers who want a detachable steel cup
Skip it if
- You want a burr grinder
- You want a noise level below 63 dB
It has stainless steel blades for coffee, spices, herbs and nuts, with time-memory adjustment of the last setting time. The detachable steel cup holds 2.5 oz and lifts out for easy washing. It runs at 63 dB and carries a 2-year warranty.
Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Electric Coffee Grinder
It pairs hands-free grinding with a removable stainless steel bowl, hidden cord storage and a 1-year warranty.
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want hands-free grinding
- Buyers who want a removable steel bowl
Skip it if
- You want a burr grinder
- You want a grinder over 2.3 lb
It grinds hands-free with one press and shuts off automatically when grinding ends. The removable stainless steel bowl is easy to fill, pour and wash. It weighs 2.3 lb, has hidden cord storage and carries a 1-year warranty.
How to choose
Burrs versus blades
A burr grinder crushes beans between two burrs for a uniform grind, while a blade grinder chops beans with spinning blades. The Cuisinart, Baratza and FORLIM use burrs, and the SHARDOR and Hamilton Beach use blades. If you want uniform grounds for pour-over or espresso, start with the burr picks.
Grind settings and capacity
Settings set how fine or coarse the grind runs. The Cuisinart has 18 settings, the Baratza has 40 settings and the FORLIM has 80 settings. Capacity also differs: the Cuisinart chamber holds 32 cups, the Baratza hopper holds 300 g and the FORLIM grinds a 15 g single dose. Compare settings with capacity for your brew routine.
Size, weight and power
Size and weight set where a grinder lives on your counter. The FORLIM measures 6.57 in and weighs 1.24 lb, the Hamilton Beach weighs 2.3 lb and the Baratza weighs 5.6 lb. Power also differs: the FORLIM charges over USB-C in about 70 minutes, while the others plug in for countertop use. Compare size and weight with your kitchen space.
FAQ
Which grinders use burrs?
The Cuisinart, Baratza and FORLIM use burrs, while the SHARDOR and Hamilton Beach use stainless steel blades.
How many grind settings do the burr grinders have?
The Cuisinart has 18 settings, the Baratza has 40 settings and the FORLIM has 80 settings.
Which grinder suits travel and small kitchens?
The FORLIM suits travel and small kitchens at 6.57 in and 1.24 lb, with USB-C charging and a magnetic grounds cup.
What weights do these grinders list?
The FORLIM weighs 1.24 lb, the Hamilton Beach weighs 2.3 lb and the Baratza weighs 5.6 lb.
