EspressoAdvice.comUpdated January 2026
Your Grinder Matters More Than You Think
How-To

Your Grinder Matters More Than You Think

Spent $1000 on a machine but $50 on a grinder? That's why your espresso tastes bad. Here's why grind consistency makes or breaks shots.

By EspressoAdvice Team|Updated 16 January 2026

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Products Mentioned in This Guide

Baratza

Baratza Encore ESP

Baratza

Entry-level electric burr grinder optimized for espresso. Award-winning build quality with 40mm coni...

View on Amazon UK
Eureka

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Eureka

55mm flat burr grinder with stepless adjustment and near-zero retention. The sweet spot for home esp...

View on Amazon UK

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular grinder for espresso?

Most can't grind fine enough. You need an espresso-capable grinder like the Baratza Encore ESP ($200) or 1Zpresso J-Max manual ($160-180).

Why is my espresso inconsistent?

If shots are wildly inconsistent despite consistent technique, it's probably your grinder producing uneven particle sizes.

Should I spend more on grinder or machine?

Spend more on the grinder. Budget 40-50% of your total on the grinder. A $200 grinder with $300 machine beats a $400 machine with budget grinder.

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