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Are you tired of guessing how much coffee you need for that perfect cup? You’re not the only one.
Many coffee enthusiasts struggle with finding the right grinder that doesn’t leave them with stale leftovers or a mess of beans.
In fact, a study by driveresearch in 2024 found that 73% of Americans enjoy a cup of coffee every day, which means a reliable grinder is a must-have in the kitchen.
I promise to cut through the clutter and show you the 7 best single-dose grinders of 2024, along with my 3 top-rated products.
#1st Rated: Fellow Gen 2 Ode
#2nd Rated: Eureka Mignon Zero
The grinder features 55mm flat steel burrs and a powerful motor, perfect for both espresso and regular coffee.
With easy grind size adjustments and a handy bellows to minimize waste, it’s a sturdy, user-friendly choice for home espresso enthusiasts.
Check Price On Amazon
#3rd Rated: 1Zpresso J-Max
The 1Zpresso J-Max features a professional aluminum design and comes with a carrying case, brush, and blower.
Its 48mm titanium-coated burrs and precise dial-in system (90 clicks per revolution) suit various brews, from Turkish to French Press.
Though a bit heavy and tough to grip for light roast espresso, it delivers rich, fruity espresso shots
I tested and vetted for their precision, ease of use, and ability to deliver just the right amount of freshly ground coffee, every single time.
What is the best single dose grinder?
1. Fellow Gen 2 Ode
The Ode Gen 2 has some noticeable changes from the first generation. The hopper is bigger and has a better design for bean feeding.
However, I’m not a fan of the lid design – it could be better. They’ve improved the internals for better alignment and finer grinding, which is great.
Plus, it can now fit all 64mm burr sets, including those SSP Burrs from South Korea.
One of the COOLEST features of the Gen 2 is the ionizer and the redesigned chute, which practically eliminates static.
This means you can dump in dry beans and get a clean dose without the mess. They’ve also changed the burr set, which is a big deal.
You can buy these burrs separately and upgrade your Gen 1 if you want.
Now, the price of this grinder is at the mid-$300 range, which is a bit steep, but I think it’s worth it for the best filter grinder at that price point. It beats out others, especially for filter coffee.
Brewing with the Ode Gen 2, whether it’s light or dark roast, you get a lot of sweetness, body, and the right amount of acidity.
It’s a fantastic grinder for home brewing. I’ve been really impressed with the taste of the coffee I’ve made with it.
If you’re in the market for a new grinder, especially for filter coffee, the Fellow Ode Gen 2 is definitely worth considering.
Check Price On Amazon2. Eureka Mignon Zero
Eureka Mignon Zero looks a lot like the other grinders from Eureka’s Mignon line.
So, what’s cool about this grinder? It’s got these 55mm flat steel burrs and a strong motor that spins them fast.
You can tweak your grind size without worrying about messing up your settings, which is super handy when you need to clean it or switch things up.
It’s not just for espresso; you can use it for regular coffee too, though there’s a different model called the Mignon Zero Brew that’s more for that. This one’s a bit of a heavyweight for its size, which I like because it feels sturdy.
Operating it is a breeze with just one switch, and it comes with a dosing cup and an adjustable fork to hold your portafilter or cup in place.
But the REAL star is the bellows on top. This thing helps you get almost all the coffee out after grinding, so you’re not wasting any. Without it, you might lose a little bit of coffee, but it’s not much.
Now, the bellows could be better designed, to be honest. It’s a bit wobbly and the lid doesn’t fit super snug, but I’d rather have it than not.
The grinder makes a consistent espresso grind, and it’s not too clumpy or staticky.
If you’re into making filter coffee, this grinder can do it, but it’s not the best out there for that purpose. Cleaning and maintenance are pretty straightforward, which is a plus.
There are a couple of things that bug me, though.
The adjustment dial is tiny, so fine-tuning your grind takes a bit of fiddling. And the adjustable fork feels flimsy and moves around too much for my liking.
But overall, for around 500 bucks, it’s a solid choice for home espresso lovers who might want to dabble in brewing regular coffee now and then.
Check Price On Amazon3. 1Zpresso J-Max
1Zpresso J-Max caught my eye for its professional look – it’s made mostly of aluminum and has a stainless steel and wooden knob, which gives it a nice feel.
It’s a bit heavy at almost 800 grams, but it’s well-built and comes in a great box with a carrying case, a cleaning brush, and a handy blower.
The J-Max has 48mm conical steel burrs, titanium coated, with a unique dial-in system.
It has numbers from 0 to 8, offering 90 clicks per revolution. This means you can precisely adjust your grind, which I find really useful.
It’s great for anything from Turkish to French Press coffee.
One thing I really like about this grinder is its stepped nature. Each click changes the grind size by 8.8 microns, allowing for really precise adjustments.
Its capacity is about 35-40 grams, depending on the coffee.
However, there are a few things I don’t like about the J-Max.
The size makes it a bit hard for me to grip properly, especially when grinding light roasts for espresso; it requires quite a bit of hand strength.
There’s also an average retention of 0.1 grams, which isn’t bad, but not perfect. The weight can be a bit much, especially when travelling, and some people might not prefer products made of aluminium.
When it comes to actually making coffee, I noticed that the J-Max is excellent for espresso. It produces a shot with a nice body and opens up fruity aromas, although it needs some dialling in.
For pour-over, though, I feel it lacks a bit in bringing out the full depth of flavors compared to other grinders.
In conclusion, the 1Zpresso J-Max is a great grinder for espresso if you’re okay with the physical effort it requires. It allows for precise adjustments and delivers a satisfying result. For pour-over, it’s decent, but there are better options out there.
Check Price On Amazon4. Fellow Opus
The Fellow Opus is making waves in the coffee grinder market. It follows the successful Fellow Ode Gen 2, which improved on its predecessor but left espresso enthusiasts wanting more.
The Opus aims to satisfy this market at a surprisingly low price.
After testing it for a few weeks, I found the Opus impressive with a few drawbacks.
It uses plastic for its shell and catch cup to cut costs, losing some premium feel but not affecting grind quality.
Despite being lighter, it remains stable during grinding. However, the plastic base shows some early wear.
Design-wise, the Opus blends a round grinding chamber with features from the Ode, maintaining a sleek look.
The effective anti-static system ensures a clean workflow, with grounds going straight into the dosing cup.
The Opus is quieter than most budget grinders and has a simple timed grinding button, but lacks the Ode’s auto-stop feature.
The unique dosing cup has a lid and fits 54 and 58mm portafilters.
The grind adjustment system is a bit confusing, with 41 settings and a tricky micro-adjustment inside.
Despite this, the Opus grinds well for espresso and handles various coffee beans with ease.
Taste-wise, the Opus produces good espresso and better-than-expected filter coffee.
It offers great value, solid grind quality, and a smooth workflow at a low price.
It’s a fantastic option for home coffee grinding, though future versions could improve on some quirks.
Check Price On Amazon5. MiiCoffee DF64 II
Since the original DF64’s release in 2021, we’ve seen several versions, and now, the Gen 2 brings some notable upgrades.
The first thing you’ll notice is the new matte finish, a significant improvement over the shiny, vinyl-like coating of the original.
The on/off button has been relocated from an awkward spot under the catch cup to a more convenient position on the side.
The redesign also did away with the unappealing coffee bean dial indicator, giving the grinder a cleaner, more modern look.
The DF64 II includes a high-quality wooden lid and an anti-popcorn disc in the bean chamber, which effectively reduces popcorning.
This is a nice touch, considering the old DF64 often needed third-party mods to address this issue.
The grinder’s new build also features minimal retention, with only 0.1 to 0.2 grams left behind, which is impressive.
The grind adjustment system has been revamped, making it easier to dial in for espresso or filter coffee. Inside, there’s a new burr set, which, while different from the coated burrs in the DF64V, still performs well.
The DF64 II handles both espresso and filter coffee with ease, offering good clarity and body in the cup.
Overall, the DF64 II fixes many of the original’s flaws and offers excellent value for its price. It’s a solid performer with a smooth workflow and minimal quirks.
If you’re looking for a versatile grinder, the DF64 II is definitely worth considering.
6. Turin DF83 v2 Single Dose Grinder
The Turin DF83 v2 Single Dose Grinder is something that’s really got me excited, and that’s not something I say lightly, especially about affordable grinders.
This one stands out for a few reasons:
Firstly, it’s got a robust 550-watt motor, which is more powerful than many grinders under $1500. This means you’re not going to face any stalling issues unless there’s a clog, which is a downside I’ll get to.
One issue with the Turin DF83 is its chute design. It tapers down as it exits, which can cause clogging.
The solution is you’ll need to remove the declumper and use bellows after each dose to prevent this. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it works like a charm!
Setting aside the chute drama, everything else about this grinder is solid.
Its speed and 83mm burrs make it incredibly efficient.
This grinder comes with a wave spring instead of typical springs, which I find easier to manage.
It also has a dial indicator, a feature they added based on feedback from the DF64 users. This grinder is great for single dosing, and its large hopper option is there, though I don’t really recommend using it since single dosing keeps your beans fresher.
The stock burrs of the Turin DF83 are quite good for espresso, providing creamy and textured shots.
However, if you want to elevate your coffee experience, there are several burr options available, like the SSP High Uniformity burrs, which can give a sweet, bodied, and textured cup, great for both espresso and pour-over.
All in all, while the Turin DF83 v2 has its quirks, like the chute design and declumper, it’s a fantastic grinder under a thousand bucks.
Its power, speed, and the ability to upgrade burrs make it a versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore different coffee profiles.
Just remember to use the bellows, and you’re all set for a great coffee grinding experience.
7. Niche Zero Coffee Grinder 210 V
When I first got the Niche Zero Coffee Grinder, the whole idea of a low-retention grinder was pretty new.
This grinder really hits the mark on that – it barely leaves any grounds behind, which is great when I’m switching between different coffee beans.
One of the best things about the Niche Zero is its grind quality.
Whether I’m making espresso or filter coffee, it delivers consistently good results. The grind is always fluffy and just right for a great-tasting brew.
I’ve noticed, though, that it’s more tailored for espresso. When I use it for filter coffee, it’s good, but I can see some limitations depending on the brewing method I choose.
The design and build of this grinder are also things I appreciate. It’s compact, mostly metal, and has very few plastic parts, which makes it feel sturdy and reliable.
Plus, It’s also really straightforward to use. I don’t have to fuss over grind settings every morning; it’s pretty much a set-and-forget situation, which is ideal for my daily routine.
But, it’s not all perfect. The Niche Zero is primarily an espresso grinder that can do filter coffee. This means for filter coffee, it might not always deliver the best results depending on what you’re going for.
And, if you’re mainly using it for filter coffee, the burrs take a while to break in, which can be a bit frustrating.
And while the wooden parts look nice, they do feel a bit cheap compared to the rest of the grinder’s build quality.
Despite these points, I still think the Niche Zero is a great choice, especially if you’re into espresso.
It’s well-built, easy to use, and offers excellent grind quality. Sure, there are newer options out there, but the Niche Zero still holds its own as a solid, reliable grinder for home baristas
What is a single dose grinder?
A single dose grinder is a type of coffee grinder that’s designed to grind just the right amount of coffee beans for one serving at a time.
Instead of holding a bunch of beans in a hopper and grinding a bit whenever you need it like traditional grinders, you measure out the desired amount you’re going to use, pop it in the grinder, and grind it all in one go.
This way, every time you make coffee, it’s fresh because you’re only grinding what you need.
Plus, you don’t have leftover grounds hanging around getting stale, so you get the best flavor out of your beans.
And here’s another cool thing: since you’re only grinding a small amount, you can switch between different types of coffee beans without mixing flavors.
So if you feel like a strong espresso in the morning and a milder coffee later, you can do that easily with a single-dose grinder.
It’s perfect for coffee lovers who like to try different beans and keep their coffee tasting spot on.
Final Thoughts
Alright, let’s sum it up.
Picking the best single dose grinder is really about what works best for you and your coffee routine.
Do you want something that’s super accurate or easy to use for any kind of coffee? The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is definitely worth a look.
It’s got a great mix of what you need, from making a fine espresso to a smooth cup of filter coffee.
Remember, the right grinder can make your coffee-making moments even better.
So, think about what you need, check out the Turin DF83 v2, and get ready to enjoy some amazing coffee!
