Mr. Coffee Automatic Coffee Grinder

The Verdict

Let’s be direct: if you’re shopping for a coffee grinder under $25, you’re not looking for barista-grade precision. You want ground coffee that doesn’t taste like the bag you bought three weeks ago. The Mr. Coffee Automatic Coffee Grinder nails that basic job — and it’s been doing it for decades in one form or another.

What you actually get

The box contains the grinder unit, a clear plastic lid with a built-in measuring cup (holds about 12 tablespoons), and a stainless steel blade assembly. The grinding chamber holds enough beans for roughly 12 cups of coffee, which matches the included measuring markings. There are no bells, whistles, or complicated settings — just a single button on the front that activates the blades for as long as you hold it down.

How it performs in the real world

The grinder uses a classic blade design with a 100-watt motor. For drip coffee — which is what most people buying this machine own — it produces a perfectly acceptable medium grind in about 10-15 seconds. The motor runs at a consistent speed, and the lid’s shape creates a small vortex that keeps beans circulating toward the blades. In practice, this means you don’t have to shake the unit mid-grind like you do with cheaper models.

One thing I appreciate: the cord is 18 inches long, which gives you some flexibility in placement. And the whole unit weighs just over a pound, so it’s easy to tuck away in a cabinet when you’re not using it.

What buyers consistently praise

The reviews tell a consistent story. One verified buyer wrote, “Simple, works exactly as described, and doesn’t take up half my counter. I’ve had mine for six months and it grinds the same as day one.” Another noted, “I use it every morning for my drip brewer and it’s never let me down. Just hold the button, shake it a couple times, and you’re done.” The overwhelming sentiment is reliability — this is a no-surprises appliance that does one thing well.

Where it falls short

Here’s the honest part. This is a blade grinder, not a burr grinder, and the difference matters if you’re picky about your coffee. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, meaning you’ll get a mix of fine powder and coarser chunks. For drip coffee, this is barely noticeable. For French press or pour-over, it’s a real problem — fine particles will slip through your filter and leave sediment in your cup.

There’s also no grind-size dial. You control coarseness purely by timing. Want a coarser grind? Hold the button for 5 seconds instead of 10. This works but takes practice, and you’ll waste a few batches of beans learning the timing. The plastic housing also slides a bit on smooth granite or quartz counters while grinding — I’d recommend holding it steady with your free hand.

Who should buy this

This grinder is for you if:

• You own a drip coffee maker or a basic single-serve brewer
• You want freshly ground coffee without spending $50+ on a burr grinder
• You value counter space and simplicity over precision

Skip it if:

• You’re a French press, pour-over, or espresso enthusiast who needs consistent particle size
• You grind more than 12 cups of beans at once (you’ll need to work in batches)
• You want adjustable grind settings

FAQ

Q: Can I grind spices in this? A: Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Coffee oils cling to the plastic chamber and lid, and they’ll flavor whatever you grind next. If you want a dedicated spice grinder, buy a second unit — they’re cheap enough.

Q: How do I clean it? A: The chamber and lid are dishwasher-safe. For a deeper clean, wipe the blade assembly with a damp cloth — don’t submerge the base. A quick dry run with a few grains of uncooked rice also helps remove coffee oils.

Q: How long should I grind for drip coffee? A: Start with 10 seconds. If the grind looks too fine (powdery), reduce to 8. If it looks too coarse (chunky), bump to 12-15. Adjust from there based on how your coffee tastes.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want freshly ground coffee for a standard drip maker without spending more than the cost of a bag of good beans. It’s a reliable, compact, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done.

Skip it if: You’re serious about pour-over or espresso and need uniform grind sizes. Save your money for a burr grinder — the Mr. Coffee won’t satisfy you.

Rating: 4.2/5 — It’s not fancy, but it’s honest. For the price, this is the right tool for the casual coffee drinker who just wants a fresher cup.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.