The Best Coffee Grinder for French Press

Why I Recommend the Fellow Ode Gen 2 (And the Baratza Encore if You’re on a Budget)

If you’ve followed any of my coffee posts, you know why I consider myself a reluctant coffee snob. I’m not into fussy gear for the sake of it. I just want great coffee with as little friction as possible.

That’s why when it comes to making French press, I believe one of the most important things is: a consistent coarse grind. It’s the one variable that can make or break your cup. French press should taste full-bodied and rich, not bitter or silty. And that comes down to the grinder.

After using all kinds of grinders over the years here’s what I’ve landed on as the best grinder for French press. And if you’re on a tighter budget, I’ll also share the grinder I used for five years without a single issue.

Why Grind Size Matters for French Press

French press seems simple, coarse grind, hot water, steep for four minutes, plunge. But if your grinder leaves you with a mix of boulders and powder, you’re going to get uneven extraction. That means bitterness, sludge, or both.

You need a burr grinder that can handle coarser settings and deliver consistency. Blade grinders won’t cut it. And some burr grinders, even expensive ones, still struggle when it comes to the coarse end.

Why I Use the Fellow Ode Gen 2

I upgraded to the Fellow Ode Gen 2 last year, and it’s been the best move I’ve made for my coffee routine. It’s built specifically for brewed coffee, not espresso, which means it’s perfect for French press, pour-over, and batch brew.

What I Love About It:

• Ridiculously Consistent Grind

  The Gen 2 burr set delivers a coarse grind that’s even across the board. No more sludge at the bottom of the cup. Your French press will taste cleaner and more balanced.

• It’s Quiet

  My old grinder used to sound like I was running power tools at 6 AM. This one is much quieter and makes morning coffee way more enjoyable for everyone in the house. And I have two kids so this really matters.

• Auto Shutoff & Magnetic Bin

  These sound like small features, but they’re what make the workflow smooth. The grind stops automatically when it’s done, and the magnetic catch cup just clicks into place—no fuss.

• It Looks Good

  Let’s be honest, if something’s going to live on your counter, it should look decent. The Ode does. Simple as that.

If you’re serious about your French press and ready to invest in a great grinder, this is the one I’d recommend first.

[Check Out the Fellow Ode Gen 2 on Amazon]

The Best Budget Grinder: Baratza Encore

Before I switched to the Ode, I used the Baratza Encore for over five years. It was my daily grinder through countless cups of French press and never gave me any trouble.

Is it as quiet or precise as the Ode? No. But it’s reliable, affordable, and still produces a better coarse grind than most grinders in its price range.

If you’re just getting into better home coffee gear, the Encore is the perfect place to start.

[Check Out the Baratza Encore on Amazon]

MY FINAL CUP

French press is one of the most forgiving brew methods, but it still deserves a proper grind. If you’re drinking it daily, investing in a solid grinder will upgrade every cup.

I’ve written more about my coffee setup and gear decisions if you want to go deeper. And if you’re looking for high-quality beans, I’ve used Trade Coffee for over six years, hey partner with great roasters and deliver fresh beans right to your door.

Happy brewing. Your mornings will thank you.