Okay, I have to add my two cents in on this question because after about 10 people at the shop kept asking my opinion on grinders I figured that I needed to provide our customers with some information that may convert them to a Burr grinder without breaking the bank.



I believe that there has to be a compromise between price, functionality and benefit from a burr grinder.



Let's assume many of us are not the experienced coffee snobs that can distinguish the nuances of different coffees and brewing methods. But we have had those mornings where the coffee is dead-on great and the next day its just not the same.

One conclusion I have arrived at is that many of the folks who find inconsistencies in their coffee use the "Whirly Bird" or more officially know as the (Mill) grinders from companies like Krupps, Bruan etc. Yes the Burr grinders generate less heat etc and grind the coffee in a way that creates more surface are. But in my truly humble opinion, I think the time inconsistencies that will occur when grinding on one of those mill grinders will make a huge difference between each pot brewed. 



How many people that use of the Mill grinder actually look at the second hand on the wall clock and grind the coffee for exactly the same amount of time?



Now if you use a Burr Grinder and actually dial in the grind size to your perfection. The best thing is each and every day you will get coffee ground at the same size regardless of watching the clock or counting aloud to yoursellf like a crazed lunatic.

Instead out pours the coffee ready to be brewed period.



Okay now price.

I personally like for evrything except espresso the Kitchen aid Burr grinder. If you look and google search you should be able to pick one up for about $150



To get closer to $50 I think the Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill at Amazon runs for close to this price.

There are competitive grinders to the Cuisinart but I just wanted to make the point that you can buy a Burr grinder for a reasonable price.



I will not review these items since I dont carry grinders yet. I just wanted to make it a point to show both an ecomomical option and a mid priced option without dropping Hundreds of dollars.

Fat Boy