We recommend coffee grinders that score at least 90% overall and haven't been discontinued.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of performance (50%) and ease of use (50%).

We measure the fineness of grind by adjusting each machine to produce a grind suitable for our semi-automatic ECM Giotto machine. We make two cups of espresso and judge the crema quality and the strength of the coffee.

How easy it is to set the timer, adjust the controls, remove coffee from the grinder and clean the machine.

How easy it is to grind coffee (whether in a filter holder or container) and remove it for use.

How easy it is to use and set the timer.

How easy it is to adjust the grind controls, if applicable.

We measure the noise of each grinder sitting on a kitchen bench. The sound level metre is positioned 50cm in front of the grinder, one metre above the floor.

Our experts rate how easy it is to clean the coffee grinder.

'Tested model' means you should be able to find this coffee grinder model in stores. We check availability every time we test.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. Prices are generally flexible, so shop around both online and in shops for options.

The number of incremental grind settings available. Some experimentation may be required to find the best settings for your machine. A grind that's too coarse will have poor flavour and crema, and if it's too fine, it can block the filter. A "stepless" machine will have infinite adjustments between grind settings for even more control, but these may be more difficult to keep track of. Some multi-purpose grinders don't have this feature.

Hoppers are coffee machine storage containers that hold your beans until you need to grind them.

A lever you pull to fill the filter basket with ground coffee.