Best Single Dose Coffee Grinders Under $1000

Coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a ritual, an art form, and a daily source of joy for many. If you're venturing into the world of home coffee brewing, you've likely realised the importance of having the right tools in your arsenal. One such indispensable tool is the coffee grinder, and in Australia, there's a wide array of fantastic single-dose electric grinders available, all priced under $1000.

Single-dose coffee grinding has emerged as the ideal approach for coffee enthusiasts, primarily due to its unmatched freshness and precision. By grinding just the amount needed for each brew, single-dose eliminates the risk of coffee staling and preserves the full spectrum of flavours locked within the beans. It allows for precise control over grind size, crucial in tailoring coffee to specific brewing methods. Moreover, it encourages exploration and experimentation, as each cup is an opportunity to fine-tune and perfect the brew, making single-dose grinding the preferred choice for those who crave the freshest, most flavourful coffee experiences.

Get ready to meet the Fellow Opus, Baratza Encore ESP, Varia VS3, Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2, and the Option-O Lagom Mini, each offering unique features and capabilities that cater to various coffee aficionados.

Fellow Opus

The Fellow Opus electric coffee grinder is an entry level grinder by the folks at Fellow. Hailing from the cutting-edge design minds at Fellow, this grinder is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the coffee brewing experience and making coffee brewing accessible to most.

It's a favourite among coffee enthusiasts, and for those starting their coffee brewing journey, it offers an approachable yet sophisticated entry point into the world of single-dose electric grinders.

Features

• Precision Burrs: The Fellow Opus boasts 40mm precision conical burrs that boast consistent grind size, solving the age-old problem of uneven grounds and ensuring a balanced extraction.

• Auto Stop: Has an auto-stop function making workflow fluid and efficient.

• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface of the Fellow Opus makes it beginner-friendly, eliminating any daunting learning curves. Fellow also have an easy to follow guide on how the grinder is calibrated, perfect for newcomers!

• Wider Grind Range: 41 stepped grind settings to grind across the espresso to french press range.

Short Falls

• Limited Grind Settings: With a more focused approach on simplicity and precision, the Fellow Opus may not satisfy those who desire a broader range of grind settings to accommodate unique brewing methods.

• Potential Learning Curve: While it's designed to be beginner-friendly, some users might still find the digital scale integration and other advanced features slightly overwhelming initially.

• Grind Retention: There isn't much in the way of reducing retention, other than the anti-static technology.

For beginners embarking on their coffee brewing journey, the Fellow Opus is a welcoming companion. Its precision burrs ensure consistent grind size, a vital factor in crafting a balanced and flavourful cup of coffee.

The user-friendly interface takes away the intimidation factor, allowing newcomers to enjoy a seamless coffee-making experience. And the quiet operation ensures that your morning ritual doesn't disrupt the tranquility of your home.

Baratza Encore ESP

Baratza, a name synonymous with quality in the coffee world, presents the Baratza Encore ESP electric coffee grinder. As part of their esteemed Encore series, this grinder has earned a stellar reputation for its reliability and versatility. I know this is a single dose article and the ESP comes stock with a hopper. However, Baratza also have a relatively inexpensive single dose hopper and bellows that can be easily attached.

With conical burrs and an impressive 40 grind settings, the Encore ESP caters to a wide spectrum of brewing methods. It's designed for both novices and connoisseurs, making it the perfect choice for those taking their first steps into the world of coffee brewing. Affordability, user-friendliness, and top-notch performance are at the heart of this Baratza gem.

Features

• Conical Burrs: The Baratza Encore ESP features a 40mm M2 steel conical burrs that deliver uniform grinding, ensuring optimal flavour extraction in every cup.

• 40 Grind Settings: With an impressive 40 grind settings, this grinder accommodates a wide range of brewing methods, from the bold espresso to the delicate pour-over.

• Quick Release Burr: Perfect for those who are tie poor, the burr set has an easy quick release turn. You can pull this apart quickly and back together within seconds!

• Workflow Options: comes with a grounds bin and 54mm anti-static dosing cup with a 58mm adapter ring to accommodate most portafilters.

• Affordable Excellence: Offering premium features at an affordable price, this grinder is perfect for those who seek quality without breaking the bank.

Short Falls

• Plastic Build: The predominantly plastic construction of the Baratza Encore ESP may not be as durable as some of its competitors, potentially raising concerns about long-term reliability and noise.

• Limited Fine Grind: Some users have reported that the Baratza Encore ESP struggles to achieve an extremely fine grind, which could be a drawback for those who need to grind for a manual lever press. Possible to grind for a manual lever press, but would not allow you to dial in to perfection.

• Grind Retention: Despite its excellent performance, this grinder might have a slightly higher grind retention compared to premium models, potentially leading to some coffee waste over time.

For novices stepping into the world of coffee brewing, the Baratza Encore ESP is a gateway to excellence. Its conical burrs ensure a uniform grind, crucial for extracting the perfect flavour from your coffee beans. With 40 different grind settings, this grinder caters to a wide range of brewing methods, allowing beginners to explore and find their ideal grind size.

The user-friendly controls are straightforward, making it a breeze to operate for those new to the craft. Its compact design ensures it won't hog valuable kitchen space, making it a suitable choice for homes with limited room.

Varia VS3

The Varia VS3 Gen 2 electric coffee grinder is a precision instrument crafted for those who are passionate about the nuances of coffee extraction. It boasts stepless grind adjustment, offering an unparalleled level of control over grind size, making it a dream come true for coffee perfectionists.

Varia's dedication to reducing static cling and maintaining low heat output ensures your coffee beans remain at their freshest, making it an excellent choice for newcomers seeking to explore the depths of coffee flavour.

Features

• Stepless Adjustment: The Varia VS3 offers stepless adjustment, empowering users to fine-tune their grind size to perfection, which is invaluable for those who demand precision.

• Accessories: The team at Varia know exactly what the specialty community is looking for when it comes to single dosing. Included are a bellows, single dose tube and RDT tool.

• Small Details: Magnetic rings on the catch cup and lid, everything is smooth when it comes to operating the VS3.

• Minimal Static Cling: Messy countertops are a thing of the past, as the Varia VS3 minimises static cling, ensuring easy cleanup after each grind.

• Low Heat Output: With its low heat output, this grinder ensures your coffee beans remain as fresh as possible during the grinding process.

Short Falls

• Complex Adjustment: The stepless grind adjustment feature, while offering precision, might be intimidating for beginners who are not familiar with dialing in their grind size, leading to a learning curve.

• Price Point: The Varia VS3 is positioned at a higher price point, which could deter budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts from enjoying its advanced capabilities.

• Slow Grind: Despite its' capabilities and precision, the VS3 has been known to have long grind times.

For beginners embarking on their coffee brewing journey, the Varia VS3 offers an exciting opportunity to experiment. Its stepless adjustment feature allows you to explore various grind sizes with ease, a vital aspect of mastering coffee brewing.

The high torque motor guarantees quick and efficient grinding, reducing waiting time and allowing you to savor your coffee sooner. Crafted for durability, this grinder will be a faithful companion throughout your coffee adventures. Minimal static cling keeps your countertops tidy, while low heat output preserves the freshness of your coffee beans, making it an ideal choice for those new to the world of brewing.

Click here to buy the Varia VS3 Gen 2

Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2

Fellow's commitment to innovation shines in the Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2 electric coffee grinder, the second iteration of their celebrated Ode series. Featuring large flat burrs and a compact design, this grinder is designed to deliver precision without compromising on space.

Its noise reduction technology ensures a peaceful coffee-making experience, ideal for those early morning brews. The intuitive grind adjustment dial simplifies the process of switching between grind sizes, making it a perfect choice for beginners eager to embark on their coffee journey.

Features

• Large Flat Burrs: The Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2 boasts large 64mm flat burrs, ensuring precise and consistent grinding to unlock the full flavour potential of your coffee beans.

• Noise Reduction: Designed with quiet operation in mind, it won't disrupt your morning serenity, allowing you to brew in peace.

• Grind Adjustment Dial: The intuitive grind adjustment dial simplifies the process of switching between grind sizes, a boon for beginners. The team at Fellow have also included an easy to follow guide on the adjustment calibration.

• Low Grind Retention: Bid farewell to stale coffee grounds, as the Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2 has anti-static technology and a knocker to reduce the internal retention as much as possible.

Short Falls

• Limited Grind Size Range: The Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2 may not cater to those who require an extremely fine or coarse grind, as it's optimised for the typical range of pour-over and drip brewing methods.

• Price vs. Features: The Ode Brew Gen 2, while offering excellent performance, may be seen as a bit pricey for those who seek a wider grinding range.

For beginners venturing into the art of coffee brewing, the Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2 is an ideal starting point. Its large flat burrs ensure precise and consistent grinding, an essential aspect of perfecting your coffee's flavour. The compact design is perfect for those with limited countertop space, while the noise reduction feature guarantees a peaceful coffee-making experience, even during early mornings.

The intuitive grind adjustment dial simplifies the process of switching between grind sizes, ensuring a seamless coffee-making experience for newcomers. With zero grind retention, you'll experience the full flavour potential of your coffee beans, making it an excellent choice for those embarking on their coffee journey.

Click here to buy the Fellow Ode Brew Gen 2

Option-O Lagom Mini

The Option-O Lagom Mini electric coffee grinder is the embodiment of versatility and craftsmanship, catering to the curiosity and passion of coffee enthusiasts. It boasts dual-purpose burrs, offering both conical and flat options, making it an explorer's dream for experimenting with various brewing methods. Its stepless grind adjustment provides precise control over grind size, ideal for beginners keen on discovering the impact of grind on flavour.

Crafted from high-quality materials, this grinder is a sturdy companion for daily use. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable operation, even during extended grinding sessions, and with low retention, it promises maximum freshness, making it an ideal choice for those who value their coffee beans.

Features

• Moonshine Burrs: The Option-O Lagom Mini offers 48mm conical burrs to provide an excellent grind with precision.

• Stepless Grind Adjustment: The stepless grind adjustment feature allows precise control over your grind size, empowering beginners to explore different flavours.

• High-Quality Materials: Crafted from high-quality materials, this grinder is built to withstand daily use, ensuring longevity and reliability.

• Ergonomic Design: The ergonomic design ensures comfortable operation, even during extended grinding sessions, making it an excellent choice for enthusiastic newcomers. Option-O claim it to be the most compact grinder on the market!

• Low Retention: With low grind retention, you'll minimise waste and maximise freshness, essential for those who value their coffee beans.

Short Falls

• Niche Appeal: The Option-O Lagom Mini, with its emphasis on manual control and precision, may not be ideal for those seeking a more straightforward coffee grinding experience.

• Retention: Despite the efforts of Option-O in reducing retention through geometric construction and parts, retention could be an issue without a physical option such as a bellows.

For beginners taking their first steps into the world of coffee brewing, the Option-O Lagom Mini is a fantastic choice. The stepless grind adjustment feature empowers you to have precise control over your grind size, making it perfect for beginners who are curious about the influence of grind size on coffee flavour.

Crafted from high-quality materials, this grinder is built to withstand daily use, ensuring it remains your trusty coffee companion for years to come. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable operation, even during extended grinding sessions, and low retention means you'll waste less coffee and enjoy a consistently fresh cup every time.

Conclusion

In Australia, the pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee is an adventure worth savouring. These five outstanding single-dose electric coffee grinders under $1000 are your key to unlocking a world of flavor and aroma. Whether you're a coffee novice or a seasoned enthusiast, these grinders offer a diverse range of features to cater to your unique needs.

From the precision burrs of the Fellow Opus to the stepless grind adjustment of the Option-O Lagom Mini, each grinder has something special to offer. These features address common customer pain points such as inconsistent grind size, noisy operation, and grind retention, ensuring that you can enjoy a perfect cup of coffee every time.

So, choose the grinder that aligns with your style, and embark on a journey that will take your coffee experience to new heights. Whether you're just starting out or have been a coffee enthusiast for years, these grinders are here to elevate your coffee game and transform each brewing experience into a delightful, aromatic masterpiece. Cheers to your coffee adventure down under!