Grinder · Updated 2026-08-17
You don't need to spend £200+ for great grinding. We tested seven hand and electric grinders under £100 for espresso and filter — two deliver shocking performance for their price.
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| Award | Model | Rating | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | KINGrinder K6 | 4.5/5 | £99 | Budget-first buyers who still want genuine espresso capability. |
| Best Electric | Timemore Chestnut C3 | 4.6/5 | £69.99 | Entry-level home baristas who want a capable grinder without breaking the bank. |
| Best Hand Grinder | 1Zpresso J-Ultra | 4.8/5 | £179.87 | Travel, espresso purists, and anyone who wants grinder quality on a budget. |
Best Overall
KINGrinder K6£99 hand grinder that outperforms many electric grinders — 47mm conical burrs with zero retention.
Best Electric
Timemore Chestnut C3£69 conical burr grinder with stepless adjustment and USB-C charging — the smart buy for beginners.
Best Hand Grinder
1Zpresso J-Ultra£189 premium hand grinder (slightly over budget) worth every penny — 48mm burrs with magnetic catch.
Outer-adjustment ring and 22-micron clicks at a giveaway price. 90% of the J-Ultra's capability at half the price — the best-value hand grinder of 2026.
Why it's great
Flaws, but not dealbreakers
Stepless grind adjustment with USB-C charging at under £70 — the smart buy for beginners on a budget. The Timemore C3 is the best budget burr grinder we've tested — stepless adjustment, USB-C rechargeable and genuinely capable for both espresso and filter.
Why it's great
Flaws, but not dealbreakers
8-micron click adjustment rivals electric grinders at the same price. The best hand grinder we've tested — espresso-grade adjustment with 8-micron clicks and silky build quality.
Why it's great
Flaws, but not dealbreakers
Yes — but you'll need to choose wisely. Electric grinders under £100 often have stepped adjustment and coarse tolerances. Hand grinders like the K6 or J-Ultra offer precision machining and zero retention for the same price.
For espresso, a hand grinder like the Kingrinder K6 gives you 47mm conical burrs and stepless adjustment — you just pay in elbow grease. For filter, the Timemore C3's USB-C rechargeable motor and stepless dial make it a joy to use daily.
Expect plastic grounds cups, shorter warranties, and no built-in timers or dosing funnels. The trade-off is worth it: you're paying for burrs and adjustment mechanism, not conveniences.
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