If you’re serious about espresso, you know the grinder is just as important as the machine. Enter the single-dose espresso grinder—designed for coffee nerds who demand precision, freshness, and zero wasted beans. These grinders cut down on retention, meaning every gram you put in comes out as perfect, fluffy grounds. I tested the best ones on Amazon U.S., and here are 7 that deliver café-quality results without turning your countertop into a science lab.
Baratza Encore ESP
- Burrs: 40mm conical burrs
- Grind Range: Espresso to French press
- Special: Designed for low retention single dosing
Why I like it: Baratza finally made a grinder tuned for espresso without breaking the bank. It’s simple, consistent, and beginner-friendly. Plus, it has Baratza’s legendary customer service and easy parts replacement.
Best for: Beginners who want a reliable, affordable single-dose grinder.
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2
- Burrs: 64mm flat burrs
- Design: Sleek and modern matte finish
- Special: Reduced static and near-zero retention
Why I like it: The Ode Gen 2 isn’t just a grinder—it’s a design statement. It’s quiet, gorgeous, and efficient. While it shines for pour-over, it can handle espresso fine-tuned with single dosing.
Best for: Style-conscious coffee lovers who want precision and low mess.
DF64 Single-Dose Grinder
- Burrs: 64mm flat burrs
- Retention: Extremely low (with bellows system)
- Adjustment: Stepless grind dial
Why I like it: This is the darling of home espresso enthusiasts. The DF64 delivers commercial-level performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s stepless, so dialing in your espresso grind is smooth and precise.
Best for: Espresso geeks who love dialing in shots perfectly.
Baratza Sette 270
- Burrs: 40mm conical steel burrs
- Adjustment: Macro and micro settings
- Speed: 3.5–5.5 grams per second
Why I like it: The Sette 270 is built for espresso fanatics. Its straight-through design minimizes retention, and the micro-adjustments help you nail flavor balance. It’s loud, but worth it.
Best for: Espresso-focused users who want control and speed.
1Zpresso J-Max Manual Grinder
- Burrs: 48mm titanium-coated burrs
- Adjustment: 8.8 microns per click
- Build: Portable and solid aluminum body
Why I like it: Manual grinders don’t get better than this. The J-Max delivers incredible grind precision and portability. It’s perfect if you want café-quality espresso on the road.
Best for: Travelers and hands-on espresso lovers.
Eureka Mignon Crono
- Burrs: 50mm flat burrs
- Noise: Quiet motor
- Adjustment: Stepless grind adjustment
Why I like it: Eureka’s grinders are known for quiet, precise operation, and the Crono doesn’t disappoint. With stepless adjustment, you can fine-tune your espresso grinds like a pro.
Best for: Espresso drinkers who want quiet grinding with pro-level control.
Timemore Sculptor 064S
- Burrs: 64mm stainless steel flat burrs
- Retention: Ultra-low with magnetic dosing cup
- Design: Compact, premium look
Why I like it: The Sculptor is sleek, fast, and incredibly consistent. It’s the new kid on the block but competes with long-time favorites. Great for espresso and pour-over versatility.
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want the latest grinder tech.
Buying Guide – Single-Dose Espresso Grinders
Burr Type
Flat burrs = clarity, conical burrs = body and sweetness. Both can deliver great espresso depending on taste preference.
Adjustment System
Stepless dials offer infinite control, while stepped adjustments are easier for beginners.
Retention
Look for grinders with bellows systems, straight-through designs, or magnetic cups for minimal retention.
Budget
Expect to spend $200–$600 for high-quality single-dose grinders. Manual grinders are cheaper but require elbow grease.
Quick Comparison
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| Product | Best For | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|
| Baratza Encore ESP | Beginner espresso lovers | SHOP HERE |
| Fellow Ode Gen 2 | Design + performance | SHOP HERE |
| DF64 Grinder | Precision espresso grinding | SHOP HERE |
| Baratza Sette 270 | Speed & consistency | SHOP HERE |
| 1Zpresso J-Max | Travel & manual brewing | SHOP HERE |
| Eureka Mignon Crono | Quiet, stepless control | SHOP HERE |
| Timemore Sculptor 064S | Cutting-edge design | SHOP HERE |
FAQs
What is a single-dose espresso grinder?
It’s a grinder designed to hold and grind only the exact dose you load, ensuring freshness and reducing retention.
Why does low retention matter?
Low retention means you get all your beans back as ground coffee, which improves consistency and reduces waste.
Are manual single-dose grinders good for espresso?
Yes! High-end manual grinders like 1Zpresso J-Max offer precise adjustments that are perfect for espresso, plus portability.
The Bottom Line
A single-dose grinder is the ultimate upgrade for fresh, consistent espresso at home. The Baratza Encore ESP is the best budget-friendly pick, while the DF64 and Baratza Sette 270 deliver pro-level precision. Manual fans will love the 1Zpresso J-Max, and the Timemore Sculptor brings futuristic flair. Whatever your style, you’ll never go back to pre-ground again.