Even the best espresso machine in the world will struggle to produce delicious coffee if it doesn’t have equally excellent ground coffee to work with. While the quality of the beans does enter into this equation, one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll be adding to your repertoire as an at-home barista is a coffee grinder.
Any coffee grinder Australia baristas can rely on will deliver a perfect espresso grind every time, because nailing the grind is one of the best things you can do for your daily cup of coffee. But knowing that you need one is only half the battle.
The next question is where to find the right coffee grinder and what to look for to avoid wasting your money. Luckily, we’re here to help with that.
Where can you buy a coffee grinder?
Big-box retailers.
When you start looking for a coffee grinder in Australia, your first instinct might be to head to a general department store or a large electronics retailer. These stores often carry a wide range of kitchen appliances, and they usually have a section dedicated to coffee.
But here’s the thing: we’re in Australia. Which means any at-home barista serious about growing their collection with a high-quality grinder will avoid these grinders. Most general retailers only stock blade grinders or false burr grinders, both of which lack the precision needed for great espresso.
Specialist coffee equipment retailers.
One of the best places to buy a home coffee grinder in Australia is from a specialist coffee equipment retailer. These are the businesses that live and breathe espresso, and since the Australian coffee scene is so prevalent, we’re lucky to have some of the very best speciality coffee retailers in the world.
When you shop at a specialist, you are paying for their expertise as much as the hardware. They understand the difference between a grinder meant for filter coffee and one meant for espresso.
They can also explain concepts like “grind retention” and “micrometric adjustment” in a way that makes sense for your specific needs. Most importantly, these retailers usually stock only brands they know are reliable and capable of producing professional results.
Buying direct from the manufacturer.
Another excellent option is to buy directly from the manufacturer. This is often the best route if you already own an espresso machine from a specific brand. For example, if you own a La Marzocco Linea Micra or Mini, buying a La Marzocco grinder ensures the two machines work in harmony.
When you buy direct, you often get better access to technical support and deeper product knowledge. You are also guaranteed to get the latest version of the hardware. At La Marzocco Home, we offer the Pico specifically because we know it meets the exact standards required for our machines. We want to ensure that the entire “ecosystem” on your kitchen bench is working together to give you the best possible shot.
What to look for in a coffee grinder before you buy:
Whichever option you select, there are a few “non-negotiables” you should always check up on to make sure your grinder will:
- Provide you with top-notch coffee grounds to form the foundation of a great cup of coffee, and..
- Go the distance on your kitchen countertop.
To that end, we always recommend checking on three core qualities before hitting “Buy”.
1. Burr type and size.
Always, always pick up a burr grinder, never a blade grinder. Burrs are the gold standard for producing high-quality ground coffee because they crush the coffee between two abrasive planes, creating unparalleled clarity of flavour.
You’ll see two types of burrs on offer: flat and conical. Flat burrs are known for producing a very uniform grind size, helping you avoid over- or under-extracting your coffee. Conical burrs, on the other hand, are a bit quieter and produce a slightly different grind profile that helps bring out the coffee’s body.
As a general rule, larger burrs are better, as they generate less heat and grind faster. That means the oils in your coffee beans aren’t cooked off early.
2. Stepless adjustment.
If you are making espresso, you want a grinder with “stepless” adjustment or very fine “micro-steps.” Espresso is incredibly sensitive. A tiny change in the grind size can be the difference between a shot that takes 20 seconds and one that takes 30 seconds.
A cheap or mass-produced coffee grinder in Australia will have “notches” or “steps” that are too far apart, meaning the perfect setting for your beans might actually be stuck right in between two of those clicks.
3. Build quality and weight.
Finally, you want a coffee grinder that can actually go the distance! The best way to hunt one of those down is to see the grinder in person. While buying online is very convenient and lets you easily compare specifications, it’s also worth taking the time to see the grinder in your local speciality showroom if you can.
Seeing a grinder in person allows you to hear how loud the motor is and feel how smooth the adjustment dial is. It also gives you a sense of the “workflow.” Does the portafilter sit comfortably under the chute? Is it easy to clean? These are hard to judge from a photo.
Tip: If you can’t get to a showroom, look for video reviews or reach out to the manufacturer’s customer service team with specific questions about how to use the machine daily. Any manufacturer worth their salt will be more than happy to help.
With all of that covered, you have everything you need to find the best coffee grinder Australia can offer for your exact budget and needs. This is a machine worth investing in with a long-term mindset, as professional-grade coffee grinders are serviceable, easy to clean, and last for many years.
This is the partner to your espresso machine, or it might even be the first thing you invest in to build your at-home setup. Either way, we highly recommend taking your time and buying from a specialist retailer or directly from a brand you trust. This will give you the best results, from the very first cup to the very last.
Trust decades of Italian mastery and modern engineering.
We are La Marzocco, the world’s most trusted brand of coffee and espresso machinery. Explore our range of coffee grinders in Australia to find your perfect match, or book a demonstration to get a sense of the grinder you like best in person.
