Quiet Coffee Grinders That Won’t Wake Up The House

Last Updated on December 3, 2023

If you want the freshest coffee possible, you need to grind it yourself. Unfortunately, most coffee grinders are so loud that you could wake up the whole neighborhood as soon as you turn it on. While a manual grinder can be a bit quieter, most models are still pretty noisy.

To ensure you get a high-quality cup of coffee without disturbing everyone in your house, we’ve compiled a list of the top seven quiet grinder models. We’ll also break down how to choose a quiet coffee grinder so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Best Quiet Coffee Grinder: KRUPS Silent Vortex Grinder

Our pick for the best quiet coffee grinder is the KRUPS Silent Vortex Grinder, mainly due to its super-quiet operation and its versatility to grind more than just coffee beans. We think you’ll really like this one.

Top 7 Quiet Coffee Grinder Models

KRUPS Silent Vortex Grinder

KRUPS grinders are pretty powerful machines that make it easy to brew the perfect cup in the morning. The Silent Vortex is one of the quietest coffee grinders because it has built-in insulation to reduce loud noise. Also, it’s super-fast and efficient, which is helpful when you’re on the go. That said, as a blade grinder, you may not get consistent results every time. If you’re looking for extra-fine coffee grounds, you might need something else. 

Fast Grinding Power

According to KRUPS, this grinder can process up to 12 cups of coffee beans in as little as 15 seconds. The secret is the vortex spin technology, which pulls beans toward the bottom so they get pulverized by the blades. Realistically, you won’t need to grind that much coffee at once. However, the machine comes with a removable bowl and lid for storing any leftover ground coffee.

Super-Quiet Operation

The Silent Vortex is five times quieter than a standard KRUPS machine. Although it’s not a totally silent coffee grinder, it’s much quieter than other products we’ve seen. Overall, if speed and quiet grind operation are your two primary concerns, this grinder is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Grinds 12 cups in 15 seconds
• Five times quieter than a standard KRUPS grinder
• Removable bowl with a lid to store coffee in
• Dishwasher-safe parts
• Vortex spin for more efficient grinding
• Grinds coffee, spices, herbs

Cons

• In rare cases, the grinder may burn out at high speeds
• May not grind beans evenly in large batches

Fellow Ode Brew Grinder

Although a reduced noise level is valuable, you also want a consistent grind with your coffee. There’s nothing better than freshly ground beans that look like they just came from a real coffee professional. The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is a bit pricey, but it delivers excellent results every time.

11 Grinder Settings

Precision grinding is essential for many coffee lovers, especially those who love to brew multiple blends. With 11 customizable settings, the Fellow Ode enables you to grind your coffee to your exact preference. There are 31 steps in total, so you have absolute control over the size of your coffee grounds. You can experiment to see which grind selector setting works best for each bean type.

Professional-Grade Burrs

As a rule, burr grinders are better for consistent results than a blade grinder. The Fellow Ode comes with professional-grade 64-mm burrs, which can handle a lot of abuse. You shouldn’t worry about having to replace parts for at least a few years. The only downside is that the burrs can trap fresh coffee grounds easily, so cleaning this grinder can be a bit of a challenge.

Pros

• 11 settings with 31 total steps
• Conical burrs for a more consistent grind
• Compact and rugged design
• Perfect for single cups of coffee
• One-year limited warranty

Cons

• Not useful for larger batches of coffee
• Cleaning the grinder isn’t always easy

Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

Most of the top quiet coffee grinder models use conical steel burrs to deliver the best results. While these machines are not as fast as something like the KRUPS Vortex, they provide excellent grounds that work for all types of coffee. The Capresso Conical Burr Grinder works for multiple cups, so you can brew for yourself and your friends and family.

Easy To Clean

One issue you’ll find with many coffee grinders, quiet or loud, is that they’re hard to clean. Since the grounds can get stuck inside the burrs, you must spend a lot of time scrubbing and rinsing. Some models allow you to wash these components in the dishwasher, but many of them are not suitable for it. 

Fortunately, the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder has a removable top burr so you can clean it more easily. While you still have to scrub the tunnel between the hopper and the container, this conical grinder design is much easier to manage than other, similar grinders.

Slow Grinding

This is a quiet coffee grinder largely because it works slowly. Although you must wait longer for your flavorful coffee grounds, the noise level is much lower than it is in other models. Also, this slower process removes the static charge you can experience with other devices. 

Pros

• Durable stainless steel construction
• 8.8-ounce hopper delivers 4 ounces of coffee grounds
• Removable upper burr for easier cleaning
• Adjustable grinding range
• Stainless steel burrs for better consistency

Cons

• Plastic container is weaker than the rest of the grinder
• Coffee grounds can get stuck inside the machine easily

KRUPS Precision Grinder

We’ve already seen what a KRUPS blade grinder can do, but now let’s look at the company’s burr grinder option. The Precision Grinder model is not as quiet as the Silent Vortex (pretty much nothing is, since the Vortex is potentially the quietest coffee grinder), but this coffee grinder has some excellent features and settings.

Adjustable Cup Setting

Sometimes you just want to make one or two cups of delicious coffee for yourself. Other times, you need to make more coffee grounds, either for more people or to store for later. The KRUPS Precision Grinder allows you to set your amount beforehand, and it will shut itself off once it reaches that point. This way, you don’t have to worry about damaging the grinder by running it empty, and you don’t have to pay attention to it the whole time. This grinder makes 2-12 cups.

Large Hopper

Eight ounces of beans doesn’t sound like much, but it’s enough to make at least a dozen cups of coffee. Better yet, you can store all your beans in the hopper and just grind what you need, thanks to this fantastic grinding machine’s auto-shutoff system. Best of all, this grinder has a one-touch operating system, so you can be drinking high-quality coffee in no time.

Pros

• 12 grind settings
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Makes 2-12 cups
• Large 8-ounce hopper
• One-touch operation
• Easy to clean
• Metallic burr grinders for better consistency

Cons

• Not as quiet as other models
• Can generate static while grinding

OXO Conical Burr Grinder

OXO is a well-recognized brand for kitchen appliances. The OXO Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is an excellent and relatively quiet option that can grind lots of beans in a short period. This particular model is convenient and precise so that you get the best results morning after morning. Thanks to its durable construction, you can likely use this grinder for several years without any significant problems.

One-Touch Start

Once you find your perfect grind setting, you don’t want to have to keep re-entering it every time you process your beans. Fortunately, this grinder has a one-touch start system that remembers your last setting. This way, all you have to do is push the button and you’re good to go. Obviously, if you’re trying to grind beans at different levels, this feature isn’t very beneficial. But this button is a significant time-saver for people who have a regular morning routine.

Static-Resistant Container

A burr grinder generates a lot of static electricity. When pulling your container out of the machine, you can get shocked. Sometimes, this shock is pretty substantial. Fortunately, the OXO grinder has a static-resistant container to eliminate this problem. If you’re running the machine for long periods, you may still get shocked, but it should remove static from your usual grind.

Pros

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Large hopper holds 0.75 pounds of beans
• Static-resistant container for the grounds
• Makes up to 12 cups of coffee grounds
• Precision settings for all coffee types
• One-touch operation keeps your last setting

Cons

• Some beans may produce too much oil, clogging the grinder
• In rare cases, the timer function may stop working suddenly

Baratza Vario-W Grinder

If you’re really serious about getting the best freshly ground coffee beans, you want something like the Vario-W by Baratza. This commercial-grade grinder works for all situations, but it’s much more expensive than others we’ve seen, so keep that in mind if you’re more of a casual coffee drinker. 

Built-in Grinding Sensors

One feature that elevates this machine above the rest is the built-in sensors. The first sensor detects the weight of your beans, so it stops grinding as soon as they’re finished. This way, you can grind exactly as much as you need without going overboard. You can also program the grinder to stop at a specific weight so you can keep the hopper full at all times.

Professional-Grade Ceramic Burrs

While metallic burrs are reliable and durable, they create static electricity and can wear down relatively fast. Baratza’s grinders are made of ceramic to avoid static charges and keep them working well for years. Best of all, Baratza allows you to change your burrs once they wear out, so you don’t have to buy a new machine.

Pros

• Professional-grade coffee grinder
• Each ceramic burr lasts longer than stainless steel
• Built-in sensors grind based on weight
• Over 200 grind settings
• Intuitive LED display
• Easy-to-replace parts
• One-year limited warranty

Cons

• More expensive than other models
• In rare cases, the hopper can clog easily

JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder

Manual grinders are usually quieter than electric models because, with a manual, you have efficient control over the speed and grinding process. So if you’re trying to stay quiet and don’t mind using a little elbow grease, the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is an excellent option.

18 Manual Grind Settings

Just because you’re grinding coffee by hand doesn’t mean you have to settle for a single grind size. This device allows you to choose between 18 different sizes so you can always meet your coffee preferences.

Dual-Plated Ceramic Burrs

Once again, ceramic burrs are superior to metal because they don’t create a charge and they last longer. This manual grinder should be able to withstand years of continuous use before you need to replace it.

Pros

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Compact design fits almost anywhere
• 18 grind settings
• Ceramic burrs last longer
• Precision engineering means fewer clogs
• Quieter than most electric grinders
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• In rare cases, the burrs may be offset, leading to an inconsistent grind
• Some internal parts are made of plastic, which can break under pressure

How To Choose a Quiet Coffee Grinder

We’ve seen a lot of high-quality models on this list, but how can you compare and contrast each one? Here’s a rundown of the different features and benefits to pay attention to so you can make an informed decision.

Manual vs. Electric Grinder

As a rule, an electric coffee grinder is faster and more convenient but can be much louder than a manual model. Manual grinders work well for travel since you don’t have to plug them in (and they’re often smaller). However, they require more of a workout, and you may not get consistent results, depending on the device and how evenly you grind your favorite coffee bean.

It may be a good idea to have both a manual and an electric coffee grinder so that you can choose the right one for each situation. In general, choose electric for speed and large batches of coffee. Manual models are best for a single cup of coffee when you have to be quieter or don’t have access to an outlet.

Blade vs. Burr Grinder

A blade grinder is similar to a food processor. These grinders are faster and far more efficient at delivering your coffee grounds. The downside, however, is that the beans won’t grind as evenly, so you’ll wind up with rougher results no matter what. High-end blade grinders can mitigate this issue, but in general these models won’t deliver the same consistency as a burr grinder.

A key advantage of a blade coffee grinder is that it’s easier to clean. Since the blades aren’t as tight, you can just wipe them off with a sponge or wet towel. A quiet burr coffee grinder, on the other hand, can trap coffee grounds easily, so you’ll have to spend more time brushing if you don’t have a low-retention coffee grinder.

Get a burr grinder if you want the best coffee grounds. Get a blade grinder if you value high-speed grinding and efficiency more.

Adjustable Grind Size

If you’re using a French press, you want coarse coffee grounds so they can filter out more easily. If you’re brewing Turkish coffee, you want extra-fine coffee grounds for a smoother, richer flavor. So the size of your grounds matters, depending on which type of coffee you’re drinking.

If you’re the type of person who only sticks with one coffee, you don’t need a grinder with many size settings. However, if you like to mix things up regularly, you want a machine with various sizes.

Size

Are you planning on making coffee for just yourself or for other people as well? Some grinders are perfect for single servings, while others can grind enough to supply an entire office.

In addition to how much you can grind at once, you also have to consider the size of the machine itself. For example, if you have limited kitchen counter space, you might want something compact. Also, will you put the grinder away every time you use it or keep it out? If you put it away, you have to think about the size and weight of the item, especially if you need to put it on a high shelf.

Cost

If you’re serious about your coffee, it might make sense to buy a high-end grinder. Some models can cost hundreds of dollars, but they usually offer more features and better consistency, so they’re worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for something more affordable, you might have to sacrifice fancier features such as adjustable grind size for precise adjustments or a larger coffee bean hopper.

You should also consider the cost of upkeep and maintenance. For example, how easy is it to clean the grinder? How much time will you have to spend on it every day? If a part breaks, can you fix your grinder or do you have to replace the entire machine?

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a super-quiet and efficient electric coffee bean grinder, the KRUPS Silent Vortex is the best and perhaps the quietest option. This is our personal favorite coffee grinder on the list.

On the other hand, the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder is a better choice if you want something affordable that offers consistent grinding options. Either way, you’ll get a high-quality product, and you can enjoy freshly ground, perfect coffee every morning.