Choosing the Right Filter Grinder
Filter brewing requires a medium to coarse grind — noticeably different from espresso — and the right grinder depends on your preferred brewing method, how much control you want, and your budget.
Entry level (under £160): The Baratza Encore is one of the most trusted entry-level filter grinders available. With 40 grind settings and consistent conical burrs, it covers everything from coarse cafetière grinds to medium-fine AeroPress and pour over. It's reliable, repairable, and a perennial recommendation from specialty coffee professionals.
Mid-range (£160–£260): The Baratza Virtuoso+ adds a stepped-up burr set and a digital timer for dose-by-time control, making it a step up in both grind quality and ease of use. The Baratza Encore ESP and Encore ESP Pro are also excellent dual-use options if you occasionally brew espresso as well as filter.
Premium filter (£260–£400): The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is purpose-built for filter brewing with 64mm flat burrs, 11 grind settings and a low-retention design that delivers a clean, precise grind every time. It's one of the most popular dedicated filter grinders available in the UK and a standout choice for pour over and specialty coffee enthusiasts. The Baratza Vario+ is a strong alternative at a similar price point, with a wide grind range that covers both filter and light espresso use.
Want help choosing the right grinder for your brewing setup? Pair your grinder with a quality gooseneck kettle, brew scale and filter papers for the best results. Browse our full pour over collection to complete your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grind size should I use for filter coffee?
Grind size for filter coffee depends on your brewing method. As a general guide: cafetière uses a coarse grind similar to rough sea salt; pour over methods like V60 and Chemex use a medium-coarse grind; AeroPress is versatile but typically uses a medium grind for standard recipes or finer for espresso-style; batch brew and electric coffee makers generally use a medium grind. The best approach is to start with a recommended setting and adjust based on taste — if the coffee is bitter, grind coarser; if it's weak or sour, grind finer.
What is the difference between a filter grinder and an espresso grinder?
Filter grinders are optimised for medium to coarse grind ranges, producing a consistent particle size suited to longer extraction methods like pour over, cafetière and batch brew. Espresso grinders are designed to operate at a much finer setting with extremely precise micro-adjustment, as espresso extraction is far more sensitive to small changes in grind size. Some grinders in this collection — including the Baratza Encore ESP, Encore ESP Pro and Vario+ — are dual-use and capable of both filter and espresso grinding. If you primarily brew filter but occasionally pull espresso shots, these are worth considering. Browse our espresso grinders for dedicated espresso options.
Is the Fellow Ode Gen 2 worth the money?
The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is widely regarded as one of the best dedicated filter grinders at its price point. Its 64mm flat burrs, low-retention design and single-dose workflow make it a favourite among pour over enthusiasts and specialty coffee lovers. It's not designed for espresso — the grind range doesn't go fine enough — but for filter brewing it's hard to beat. If your budget stretches to it and filter coffee is your primary focus, it's a genuinely excellent purchase.
Do I need a burr grinder for filter coffee?
Yes — a burr grinder is strongly recommended for filter coffee. Blade grinders chop coffee unevenly, producing a mix of coarse and very fine particles that leads to over-extraction of the fines and under-extraction of the coarser pieces, resulting in muddy, bitter or hollow-tasting coffee. A burr grinder — whether conical or flat — cuts coffee to a uniform particle size, which is the foundation of even, balanced extraction. Every grinder in this collection uses burrs.
Can I use a filter grinder for AeroPress?
Yes. AeroPress is one of the most flexible brewing methods and works well with a wide range of grind sizes, from medium-fine through to medium-coarse depending on the recipe. Most of the grinders in this collection will cover AeroPress comfortably. The Baratza Encore is particularly popular for AeroPress given its wide grind range and reliability. For those following inverted or espresso-style AeroPress recipes requiring a finer grind, the Baratza Encore ESP is a better fit.
Does Coffee Hit offer a Baratza warranty?
Yes. Coffee Hit is an authorised UK Baratza dealer, so all Baratza grinders purchased from us come with full manufacturer warranty support. Visit our Baratza warranty page for details on how to register and make a claim. Baratza grinders are also well-known for their repairability — we stock a full range of Baratza parts and accessories for long-term maintenance.
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