There are a million & one ways to make coffee at home. It can be a little overbearing researching coffee grinders, & trying to figure out why you’d need one. Some are meant for espresso, other are tuned for filter brewing, & then you’ve got grinders built into coffee machines! But what’s the benefit of having a separate grinder & what options are there out there? Let’s figure out what is best for you.

Do I need separate grinder?

If you’ve got an espresso machine such as a Sage Barista Express, you’ll notice that there is a grinder built into the machine. This grinder is perfectly fine to use & you don’t need a separate grinder, unless it’s run its course or you’re just interested in upgrading to something with better grinding abilities. Standalone grinders often have better burr sets and more intuitive controls that allow you really dial in the perfect grind for your brew. Let's get into some of the grinders we offer at 3fe, & show you their benefits.

Ceado Life x - Espresso & Filter

Ceado has recently launched the Life X, an all-purpose grinder designed to tackle any grind terrain with style and efficiency. Ideal for any brewing method, from espresso to filter, it ensures clear, distinct coffee flavours. The 50mm blind burrs provide a grind surface comparable to 60mm burrs while maintaining a compact chamber with minimal retention. The high-grade steel X burrs are engineered to deliver excellent results across various brew methods, including espresso, & filter.

The Life X features an enhanced grind chamber height and unique burr geometry to reduce fines production at coarser settings. A new flap design minimises static, ensuring a clean, clear brew. Perfect for home use, its user-friendly interface with programmable automatic and manual dosing modes make it super easy to dial in coffee whatever level you’re at.

Available in White, Matte Black, and Aquamarine (Blue), the Life X combines precision engineering with Italian style and design. Winner of the Good Design Award by Chicago Athenaeum, this grinder is a fantastic all-rounder. The Ceado Life X comes with two interchangeable kits: a bean hopper and a single-dose kit, including a funnel, air pump, and cup.

Eureka's Mignon series

There is no way we couldn't include the Eureka's Mignon series, we had them for years and love them. They have stood out for their innovative features and high-quality construction at great price-points. Currently we offer four models from this series: Mignon Specialita', Mignon Zero, Mignon Zero Brew, and Mignon Crono. Each model offers unique benefits, tailored to different coffee brewing needs & budgets.

Crono - Filter & Domestic Espresso

The Mignon Crono is another grinder designed for filter & domestic espresso (like your Sage & Delonghi machines). It shares the ACE System and Stepless Micrometric Regulation System with the other models, ensuring a consistent and clean grind. The Crono's timer which can be set from 5 to 60 seconds, meaning you can load your bean hopper and configure the time & grind setting for on-demand grinding. This feature is crucial for brewing methods that require precise amounts of coffee.

While it lacks some of the advanced features of the other models, such as the Silent Technology and single dose cleaning system, it compensates with its simplicity and efficiency. The "High Speed" Maintenance feature ensures that keeping the grinder clean is a breeze.

Specialita' - Espresso & Filter

The Mignon Specialita' is a versatile grinder designed for all-purpose use. Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or prefer a variety of brewing methods, this grinder can handle it all. It features 55 mm burrs, which ensure high productivity and efficiency. One of its standout features is the Silent Technology, which significantly reduces noise, making it ideal for home use.

The Specialita' also boasts a patented Stepless Micrometric Regulation System, allowing for incredibly precise grind adjustments. The ACE System prevents clumps and reduces static, ensuring a smooth grind every time. The touch screen interface, which offers two programmable doses plus continuous grinding, adds to its convenience and user-friendly design. For those who appreciate quick maintenance, the "High Speed" Maintenance feature is a bonus. The Specialita' is Eureka's all round home grinder, whether you’re doing espresso or filter the Specialita will give you a uniform grind for either with ease.

Zero - Espresso & Filter

The Mignon Zero is tailored specifically for espresso lovers. It shares many features with the Specialita', like the ACE System, Silent Technology, and Stepless Micrometric Regulation System. However, it also includes a few unique aspects. We love how quiet the Zero is, it reduces the grinding noise by approximately 20 dB compared to other more conventional grinders. The Mignon Zero comes with the Mignon Single Dose Blow Up Cleaning, making it easy to clean after each use. The Mignon Zero also comes with a dosing cup and a single dose hopper, each with a 45 g capacity, catering to precise espresso preparation. The adjustable all-in-one fork and ON/OFF side activation enhance its user-friendly nature. The extra-comfort dial ensures easy grind adjustments, making the Mignon Zero a fantastic choice for espresso enthusiasts who value precision and convenience.

Zero Brew - Filter

The Mignon Zero Brew is designed for those who enjoy a variety of brewing methods excluding espresso. It incorporates the ACE System, which is designed to prevent clump formation and eliminate the electrostatic charge of ground coffee, the ACE System is a standard feature in every Eureka on-demand grinder. By regulating the coffee outflow, the ACE System ensures exceptional cleanliness and consistent dosing, great for home-use! THe Zero Brew has Silent Technology, and Stepless Micrometric Regulation System, ensuring consistent and high-quality grinds. What sets the Zero Brew apart is its Easy Setting System, which simplifies grind setting adjustments, making it more user-friendly for brewing filter coffee.

Like the Mignon Zero, it includes the Single Dose Blow Up Cleaning, dosing cup, and single dose hopper. The Brew Burrs are specifically designed to optimise the grind for brewing methods such as drip coffee, French press, and pour-over. Again, the adjustable all-in-one fork and ON/OFF side activation are all present on this model just like the Zero. If you exclusively drink filter coffee, this grinder is aimed at you.

Wilfa Classic Grinder - Filter

Sleek and user-friendly, the Wilfa Svart Grinder is one of the most affordable specialty coffee grinders on the market. Despite its affordability, the conical burrs deliver a consistent grind for filter brews. The Wilfa Svart is compatible with various brew methods, including filter, french press, & Aeropress or Moka Pot. What we love about this grinder is it’s easy to read grind adjustment wheel, which allows for switching between grind sizes with less of the guesswork due to its clear labelling. The generous 250g bean hopper and timer function make grinding easy—simply add your beans and press go! The Wilfa Svart's compact size and crisp Nordic design make it an attractive addition to any countertop.