OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Review: Reliable, yet Affordable Coffee Grinder

If you’re really getting into coffee, you’ve likely discovered that using pre-ground coffee just won’t do. You’re in need of a quality grinder – a burr grinder, to be precise!

But don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a high-end grinder. There are some great options that won’t empty your wallet. Among these, I’ve found the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder to be the top choice for getting the most value. Let’s dive in to learn why this grinder stands out.
Keep reading as we delve into the ins and outs of this widely loved and budget-friendly OXO burr coffee grinder. Together, we’ll break down everything from its construction to its bang for the buck. Let’s get up close and personal with it!

What makes this grinder special is its core feature: a remarkable pair of 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs. When compared to the commonly used ceramic material found in other grinders within this price range, stainless steel burrs are sharper than ceramic and have a better ability to dissipate heat. This is why they’re often the go-to choice among coffee experts.

However, the ongoing debate among coffee enthusiasts over the superior burr shape – flat or conical – continues to captivate. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal taste. In terms of grind consistency, flat burrs typically hold the advantage. This is due to their easier alignment. Still, some aficionados prefer a touch of variation in grind size for a richer body in their brewed coffee.

Conversely, conical burrs offer lower retention, translating to more precise dosing. If you’re all about crafting coffee with meticulous recipes, this aspect holds great importance. Notably, the Oxo burr grinder excels beyond expectations in the realm of grind consistency, which is especially reassuring.

Equipped with 38 grind micro-settings, this grinder holds an advantage over other competitors in this price range. However, when setting it to the finest grinding levels fit for espresso, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder faced some challenges. However, when it comes to filter coffee or achieving a coarse grind suitable for French Press or cold brew, rest assured, it performs exceptionally.

Instead of relying on a grinder with a built-in scale, the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder takes a different approach by using a timer to measure the precise amount of ground coffee. While a scale might offer a touch more accuracy, it also tends to be pricier and more susceptible to wear and tear. The timer in this particular model, however, comes with an impressive feature – a memory function that holds onto your last setting. For those of us who consistently grind the same quantity daily, this proves to be a real-time-saver. Just one press of a button, and you’re greeted with the perfect dose.

The Oxo conical burr grinder opts for a deliberately slow grinding speed to maintain a reasonable noise level, hovering around 88 dB. This aligns well with the noise produced by other grinders in its league. It’s worth noting that the issue of static causing grinds to leap out or become trapped in the grounds bin is a common hiccup encountered in nearly every reasonably priced grinder. This challenge can be quite pricey to address. Interestingly, the steel bin of the Oxo burr grinder fares better in this regard when compared to many of its plastic counterparts.

Being one of the more affordable electric burr grinders out there, I want to be upfront – I won’t promise that this OXO conical burr grinder is designed to last a lifetime. However, it boasts some neat attributes aimed at extending its life span.

What truly stands out in this price bracket is the accessibility of the removable top burr, a small detail that can significantly impact longevity. Moreover, the abundance of stainless steel in this model – from its outer panels and grounds catch bin to the burrs themselves – contributes to a sturdier build compared to many alternatives. This stainless steel exterior not only wards off rust but also makes maintaining the grinder’s cleanliness a breeze.

As a side note, while stainless steel burrs might lose their edge a tad quicker than ceramic ones, their robust nature ensures they’re less prone to breakage, ultimately boosting their overall durability in the grand scheme of things.

In our view, the OXO Brew Conical Burr grinder boasts a well-thought-out and appealing design. Occupying a compact space of only 6.8” x 11.8”, it won’t commandeer much room on your countertop. While standing at a relatively lofty 14.8”, it maintains a height that allows it to gracefully slip beneath your overhead cupboards. Its slender form, complemented by the slightly greater elevation, imparts an air of stateliness, further accentuated by its gleaming silver exterior.

Of course, it’s all a question of personal preference, and some may find the OXO slightly boring. With that being said, apart from a slick digital screen, that would have given it a more techy look, the OXO Brew is a stylish coffee grinder.

When it comes to getting your money’s worth, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr grinder truly stands out. While it might not claim the crown as the ultimate grinder in the market, it easily earns the title of being a top contender within its price range. Especially if you’re embarking on your journey as a budding home barista, this grinder serves as an ideal companion – especially when compared to others in a similar price bracket.

However, if you’ve already clocked in some coffee brewing experience and find yourself in the pursuit of crafting the perfect espresso shots, the OXO might come up slightly shy. It’s worth noting, though, that the grinder comes with an added perk – a 2-year warranty, which provides a comforting layer of assurance regarding its durability over time.