Why You Should Skip the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder (And What to Get Instead)

If you’re in the market for a burr grinder, you’ve probably seen the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder pop up on a lot of “best grinder” lists. It’s often recommended as a budget-friendly option that gives you an upgrade from blade grinders. But after testing it out myself and comparing it to better options, I can confidently say:

Save your money and buy something better.

Here’s why I don’t recommend the OXO Burr Grinder—and what I suggest instead.

1. It’s Loud—Really Loud

All coffee grinders make noise. But the OXO is especially loud, even compared to other budget burr grinders. If you’re grinding early in the morning, expect it to wake up the entire house (and possibly the neighbors).

For comparison:

• The Baratza Encore is still audible, but it has a lower-pitched, more tolerable sound.

• The Fellow Ode 2 is whisper-quiet compared to both, making it the best choice for peaceful mornings.

If you care about not waking up your spouse, kids, or roommates, the OXO is not the grinder for you.

2. It’s Too Tall for Many Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most overlooked (but frustrating) things about the OXO Burr Grinder is its height. It stands at almost 17 inches, which means it won’t fit under most standard kitchen cabinets.

That means you’ll either:

• Have to store it somewhere inconvenient, or

• Pull it out from under the cabinet every morning just to fill the hopper (which gets annoying fast).

Compare that to:

• Baratza Encore – Shorter and more compact, fits under most cabinets with no problem.

• Fellow Ode 2 – Even smaller and sleeker, designed for minimalist counters.

If you don’t want a grinder that takes up too much space and becomes a hassle to use, skip the OXO.

3. The Build Quality Feels Cheap

OXO makes some great kitchen products, but their coffee grinder just doesn’t feel premium. It’s mostly plastic, and the grind size adjustment dial feels flimsy—not what you want from a tool that should last years.

With daily use, I’ve seen reports of:

• The plastic grind dial wearing out, making adjustments imprecise.

• Retention issues, where grinds get stuck inside the grinder, leading to messy and inconsistent results.

• Static buildup, causing grounds to fly everywhere when you try to transfer them.

Compared to:

• Baratza Encore – Built to last, sturdy grind adjustment, and widely regarded as one of the most durable home grinders.

• Fellow Ode 2 – Premium metal construction, feels solid, and grinds without making a mess.

If you want a grinder that feels high-quality and lasts for years, OXO doesn’t cut it.

So What Should You Get Instead?

If you’re considering the OXO grinder, I’d recommend spending a little more to get a grinder that’s quieter, better-built, and more user-friendly.

• On a budget? → Get the Baratza Encore ($150-$170)

• Why? It’s more durable, better-designed, and grinds more consistently than the OXO.

• Want the best experience? → Get the Fellow Ode 2 ($345)

• Why? Super quiet, compact, premium build, and grinds flawlessly for brewed coffee.

I get it—the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder seems like a good deal at first glance. But for the price, it just doesn’t deliver on build quality, usability, or long-term value.

Skip the OXO and go with the Baratza Encore or Fellow Ode 2 instead. You’ll thank me later.

🔗 Check out the Baratza Encore here

🔗 Check out the Fellow Ode 2 here