We analyzed 5 options and found that the MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 is the best single dose espresso grinder.
We’ve dedicated several hours analyzing each product, reading customer reviews, as well as other opinions from experts.
The MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 is a great option mostly because it has the best quality-price ratio compared to the other options. Additionally, it has several features that add an extra touch of convenience to it.
While the DF64 Gen 2 is a great option, you should always consider your individual needs and budget first before purchasing any grinder. We included a buying guide at the bottom of the list to help you make an informed decision.
Keep reading to learn more.
Our Top Single Dose Espresso Grinders
- MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 (Best Overall)
- MiiCoffee DF83 (Best Upgrade)
- Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder (Best Budget)
- MiiCoffee DF64V (Best Versatile)
- Kinu M47 Simplicity (Best Manual)
5 Best Single Dose Espresso Grinders Reviewed
Each single dose espresso grinder has its own short review, pros, cons, and customer reviews.
MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2
- Key Feature: Stepless adjustment system
- Grind Settings: 90
- Material: Aluminum
- Brand: MiiCoffee
The MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 is an improved version of the DF64 Gen 1.
The first feature to mention is that it comes with a set of custom-made 64mm stainless steel flat burrs that promise exceptional grinding consistency.
Its stepless adjustment system offers unmatched control over grind size, ensuring precision in every cup.
The anti-popcorn disc prevents beans from bouncing during grinding, effectively reducing grinding time by several seconds.
It also comes with a plasma generator that minimizes retention, facilitating a cleaner grinding process.
In addition, it includes a 58mm dosing cup made of food-safe aluminum, which combines elegance and durability.
The only drawback we could find is that it is a bit noisier than other models.
In summary, the DF64 Gen 2 is considered (by many) the best single dose espresso grinder, as it offers top-notch build quality, produces consistent results, and comes with several handy features usually found in more expensive models.
If you are looking to buy a coffee grinder that is well made, durable, has convenient features, produces excellent results, and is reasonably priced, the DF64 Gen 2 is your best choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros and cons of the MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2.
Pros
- Stepless adjustment system
- Anti-popcorn disc
- Plasma generator
- Exceptional build quality
- Excellent quality-price ratio
Cons
- Noisy compared to other models
Reviews
Customer reviews of the MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2.
Positive Review
“Very accurate with different levels of grinding. The retention is to low to even measure, it’s very precise. Good product.”
You can read more reviews of the MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 on Amazon.
Critical Review
“Came from a Baratza Encore (shimmed) and the grind consistency and grind range are much better suited for espresso on this grinder. Also much quieter. Less chaff than I expected from some other reviews, although I do recommend picking up a 3d printed angled dosing cup holder, helps with bellows not blasting grinds out of the cup.”
You can read more reviews of the MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 on Amazon.
MiiCoffee DF83
- Key Feature: 83mm stainless steel flat burrs
- Grind Settings: 90
- Material: Aluminum
- Brand: MiiCoffee
The MiiCoffee DF83 is a powerful and fast single dose espresso grinder. It has a few similarities and differences with the DF64 that are worth considering before making a decision.
One key distinction lies in its 83mm stainless steel flat burrs. The larger burrs can grind more beans before dulling, offer a faster grinding speed and produce less noise than 64mm burrs.
Additionally, it comes with a large hopper that caters to those seeking to grind beans for multiple cups, offering convenience and efficiency.
As we mentioned, the DF83 maintains several shared attributes with the DF64, such as an anti-popcorn disc that optimizes grinding speed, a stepless dial for precise grind adjustments, a durable 58mm dosing cup crafted from food-grade aluminum, and more.
One downside is that the DF83 is bulkier compared to the DF64, so it can be quite challenging to keep it on the countertop along with other large coffee equipment.
The MiiCoffee DF83 is the ideal choice for professionals or those who want an extra single dose espresso grinder for their coffee shop. Its power, speed, and additional features make it the best single dose espresso grinder for these applications.
Pros & Cons
Pros and cons of the MiiCoffee DF83.
Pros
- Larger burrs provide faster grinding speed, are more durable, and produce less noise
- Anti-popcorn disc
- Plasma generator
- Exceptional build quality
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to other options
Reviews
Customer reviews of the MiiCoffee DF83.
Positive Review
“I’ve been struggling with Rocky Rancilio grinder to get consistent shots from Rancilio Pro X machine even with WDT.
You can read more reviews of the MiiCoffee DF83 on Amazon.
With only two steps to dial in the new DF83 (arrived at setting 25 for Nicaragua single origin) am getting perfect 1:2 results in 25 seconds!
Sorry Rocky. You’re headed for the bench.”
Critical Review
“Great grinder but for the price would expect the burrs to be a little bit better aligned”
You can read more reviews of the MiiCoffee DF83 on Amazon.
Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder
- Key Feature: Compact design
- Grind Settings: 23
- Material: Aluminum
- Brand: Viesimple
The Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder stands out for its affordability compared to other options on the market, additionally, it is made from high-quality aluminum, offering superior durability.
Its compact design makes it an excellent fit for countertops, optimizing space while providing convenient access for daily use.
A detail much appreciated by users looking for cleanliness and convenience is the small coffee grounds container with lid, which helps minimize countertop mess during the grinding process.
Another great addition is the blow-out funnel, an accessory typically found in higher-end models like the DF64. This accessory helps to remove stale grounds stuck in the chamber, helping to keep it clean so that the flavor of the espresso is not affected.
One of the reasons why this grinder is cheaper than the other models on this list is that it comes with conical burrs. These are cheaper than flat burrs but they produce less consistent results and may require more maintenance.
The Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder is ideal for those casual users who are looking for an affordable electric single dose grinder and don’t mind losing quality and power in exchange for saving some money.
Pros & Cons
Pros and cons of the Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made of high-quality aluminum
- Compact design
- Comes with a small coffee grounds container with lid
Cons
- Produces less consistent results as it comes with conical burr grinders
- Internal components may be less durable due to their low cost
Reviews
Customer reviews of the Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder.
Positive Review
“Design is comparable to some items costing more then quadruple the cost. Heavy and made really well, very consistent grind and easy to clean! Over all very happy with this purchase, would buy again!!”
You can read more reviews of the Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder on Amazon.
Critical Review
“Super quiet and small footprint, love that. Grinds fine and consistent, love that. Can’t use the little rubber lid as a cover for storage since it has the dispensing hole in it, Don’t love that. Hopper and cup are too small for more than single serving at a time, don’t love that. Having to push a plunger to clear the machine and pass all the beans seems like a cop out for a design the puts form ahead of function. Don’t love that…But it does look good.”
You can read more reviews of the Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder on Amazon.
MiiCoffee DF64V
- Key Feature: Variable speed
- Grind Settings: 90
- Material: Aluminum
- Brand: MiiCoffee
The MiiCoffee DF64V shares some features with the DF64 Gen 2 and DF83, however, what makes it really special is that this is a variable speed coffee grinder.
Variable speed in a coffee grinder refers to the ability to adjust the grinding speed.
If you are a casual user, you won’t benefit that much from this feature, however, if you’d like to experiment by applying different RPMs to certain brewing methods, this feature will allow you to do exactly that.
The speed range of the DF64V can be adjusted from 600 to 1800 RPM. The speed can be easily adjusted with a stepped knob on the side of the grinder. The knob has a small screen for displaying the current RPM.
Some other features of the DF64V include DLC coated 64mm flat burrs, a stepless adjustment system, an integrated anti-popcorn cover, and more.
Another thing that you will also notice is that the DF64V has a more compact design than the DF64 and DF83, making it perfect for saving space on your countertop.
The major downside of this grinder is that espresso grinders with RPM control usually jam easily. Also, when grinding coffee using the finer settings, the grinder makes a very loud screeching sound, which may be very uncomfortable for some users.
The MiiCoffee DF64V is a solid option when it comes to single dose espresso grinders, and it is ideal for those looking for a compact, highly versatile grinder.
Pros & Cons
Pros and cons of the MiiCoffee DF64V.
Pros
- The grinding speed can be adjusted
- Anti-popcorn disc
- Exceptional build quality
Cons
- Jams easily
- Makes a loud screeching sound when using the finer settings
Reviews
Customer reviews of the MiiCoffee DF64V.
Positive Review
“only use for espresso so i use a higher RPM and no stalling issues grinding light roast.”
You can read more reviews of the MiiCoffee DF64V on Amazon.
Critical Review
“I struggled with previous grinder being able to go fine enough (or just consistent enough) to avoid channeling and/or gushing shots. This grinder I can choke the machine at 20 setting so plenty of room to grind as fine as I need. So far I really love it – it does what it says but static is still a problem if you doing use water sprayer – that is my only complaint but it’s pretty much true of every grinder that doesn’t have some type of plasma/ion generator. If you use bellow and flip the removable (and awesome) chute I get zero retention. I’ve not had any stalls and tried a medium roast cold start at 600 for pour over. The item I received has the updated control board (per description) and it “ramps up” to RPM. It’s smaller than I imagined and couldn’t be happier with it. If they came out with ionizer feature that would make it perfect for me.”
You can read more reviews of the MiiCoffee DF64V on Amazon.
Kinu M47 Simplicity
- Key Feature: Custom-made hard case included
- Grind Settings: 50
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Kinu
The Kinu M47 Simplicity is a high-end single dose manual espresso grinder crafted for ease of use, portability, and durability, being easily one of the top single dose espresso grinders when it comes to manual options.
It has a stainless steel body that ensures durability while incorporating food-safe ABS plastic components that make it even lighter.
It comes with a micro-stepped grind adjustment mechanism, offering unparalleled precision for espresso.
One thing to keep in mind is that both the hopper and grinds catch can hold between 40 to 50 grams of coffee.
A standout detail of the Kinu M47 Simplicity is that it also comes with a custom-made hard case, a thoughtful addition that enhances its portability and ensures safe storage and transport.
Being a manual grinder, it demands physical effort. Grinding a dose for espresso typically takes around 40 to 50 seconds, a potential downside for those averse to manual labor in their coffee routine.
It is also quite expensive compared to other models, however, its high quality and durability are worth every penny.
Despite the manual effort required, its precision, durability, and portability make it an ideal choice for those willing to invest both effort and money into a high-quality manual grinder that will last a lifetime.
Pros & Cons
Pros and cons of the Kinu M47 Simplicity.
Pros
- Stainless steel body
- Micro-stepped grind adjustment mechanism
- Includes a custom-made hard case
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs manual effort to grind
Reviews
Customer reviews of the Kinu M47 Simplicity.
Positive Review
“Excellent craftsmanship. Easy to adjust. Yes it is expensive. However it will likely last forever. I have been using it every day for about six months and am very pleased with this purchase.”
You can read more reviews of the Kinu M47 Simplicity on Amazon.
Critical Review
“As a certain British youtuber suggested, this is a great grinder. Pricey to start with, but very versatile. It seems to have a very consistent grind, continuous stepping for coarseness, and is really nice to hold and grind with due to the thumb-stop. It’s a little awkward if you switch hands and hold with your right hand, but still works.
The one issue I couldn’t see from amazon or the manufacturer site is the entire grind bowl is plastic. This is probably fine, but I find that the grounds stick to it a lot more than I’d expect them to with the steel bowl on the classic. It’s fine to get out with a brush, just a bit annoying given the taper and lip.”
You can read more reviews of the Kinu M47 Simplicity on Amazon.
Guide to Buying a Single Dose Espresso Grinder
Check out our buying guide below to learn how to pick the best single dose grinder for espresso that also suits your unique needs.
What is a Single Dose Espresso Grinder?
A single dose espresso grinder is specifically designed to grind a single portion or dose of coffee beans at a time. Unlike some larger grinders that are meant for bulk grinding, single dose grinders focus on precision and consistency for better tasting espresso.
Single dose espresso grinders are often used by passionate home baristas looking for exceptional precision and quality and specialty coffee shops.
Pros
- Provide more precision and consistency
- Reduce waste
- Facilitate more control over the brewing process
Cons
- Higher cost
- Less effective when brewing several cups in a row
How to Choose the Right Grinder?
Below are several factors to consider before making your final decision.
Price
Single dose espresso grinders are usually more expensive than standard grinders, so it is imperative that you consider grinders that fit your budget.
Size and Design
If you have a small countertop perhaps a smaller espresso grinder such as the Viesimple Burr Coffee Grinder or the DF64V would be a better option than the DF83.
Additionally, If you need a portable grinder, the Kinu M47 Simplicity will fit your needs perfectly as we found it to be the best single dose grinder for espresso that requires manual effort.
Versatility
Do you only want to brew espresso coffee or do you also want to vary from time to time by trying out preparation methods such as pour over?
Depending on the answer to that question, you will prefer one grinder or another. The DF64V is a very versatile grinder that can give you the features you need to experiment with different brewing methods.
Grind Retention
Grind retention refers to the amount of ground coffee that remains inside a grinder after it has been used.
There are several benefits of grind retention, however, there are also a few drawbacks. The main disadvantage is that grounds retained within the grinder will lose freshness, which is an important factor for brewing good espresso.
Some grinders in this list come with features that help reduce grind retention.
Our Verdict: What Is the Best Single Dose Espresso Grinder?
We consider the MiiCoffee DF64 Gen 2 to be the best single dose espresso grinder.
This is mainly because it has several convenient features such as a stepless adjustment system, anti-popcorn disc, and plasma generator. Additionally, this grinder has the best quality-price ratio compared to other options.
Keep in mind that while the DF64 is our top choice, you should consider your unique needs and requirements before making the final decision.
FAQs – More About Single Dose Espresso Grinders
Here are some useful frequently asked questions to consider before choosing a single dose grinder for espresso.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Single Dose Grinder?
These are the benefits of using a single dose grinder:
- These grinders provide more consistency and precision
- Help reduce waste
- Allow for more control over the brewing process
What Are Some Tips for Single Dose Espresso Grinding?
Here are some tips for single dose espresso grinding.
- Clean the burrs frequently so the grinder performs in top condition all the time.
- Make sure to buy a scale to measure each dose individually before grinding for better results and consistency.
- Make sure to use fresh beans for better-tasting coffee.
How Does Single Dose Grinding Differ From Traditional Hopper Grinding?
In single dose grinding, coffee beans are ground on demand for each individual serving. This method involves measuring out the precise amount of beans needed for a single shot of espresso and grinding only that quantity.
On the other hand, traditional hopper grinding involves loading coffee beans into a hopper attached to the grinder. The beans remain in the hopper until they are ground.
While convenient for high-volume settings like coffee shops, this method may lead to beans being exposed to air and light for longer periods, potentially impacting their freshness and flavor.
