Is There an Affordable Espresso Grinder?

Article by: Payson Fry

Published: MAY 30, 2025

A common question from new home brewers is, "Is there a budget grinder that grinds fine enough for espresso?" Ten years ago, the answer would have depended on your definition of "economical." Most serious home baristas were advised that the least expensive suitable grinder retailed for just under $300. Another option was a manual grinder, but anyone who has hand-cranked espresso knows this method is neither easy nor sustainable for daily use.

Over the last five years, however, the market for affordable burr grinders—both electric and manual—has expanded dramatically. Advances in manufacturing, increased consumer demand, and competition among specialty coffee equipment makers have driven this change. Much like their successful line of budget-friendly espresso machines, Casa Brews now offers a high-quality electric burr grinder at an approachable price point. The Tornado Grinder, priced under $150, performs exceptionally well for its class. Compatible with French press, pour-over, and espresso, it’s ideal for home brewers seeking performance without sacrificing kitchen space.

Having previously owned various budget and high-end grinders—some excessively loud, others messy, and a few disappointingly low-quality—I was cautiously optimistic when purchasing the Tornado Grinder on sale for $115. Six months later, my initial skepticism has been thoroughly alleviated. I highly recommend this grinder for both novice and experienced home baristas.

Here’s what you can expect upon receiving your Tornado Grinder.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

The Tornado Grinder includes two portafilter cradles compatible with standard sizes, a grind container, a detachable grind tray, and silicone bellows. The inclusion of silicone bellows—usually purchased separately from third-party sellers—adds significant value to this grinder. Out of the box, the grinder feels lightweight yet solid. Although many components are plastic, the overall build quality is excellent.

Prior to your first use, thoroughly clean all removable components, including the hopper, lid, bellows, grind container, grind tray, and portafilter cradles, with warm, soapy water. Dry them completely. Importantly, do not expose the burrs to water. Unlike ceramic burr sets found in manual grinders, stainless steel burrs in electric grinders will rust upon contact with water—a mistake I made with my first electric grinder. For thorough cleaning, use a burr brush or specialized cleaning tablets.

Key Features of the Tornado Grinder

The Tornado Grinder features stainless steel conical burrs, offering a remarkable 77 grind settings. Users can achieve grind sizes suitable for Turkish coffee, espresso, pour-over, and cold brew. While quieter than a blender, the grinder generates sufficient noise to impede normal conversation. The hopper holds up to 14 ounces of coffee beans.

One standout feature is the LCD screen. A dial on the grinder’s left side adjusts grind size, clearly displayed on the screen alongside shot quantity and grind timer settings. This allows precise, timed espresso doses. Though the timer setting is convenient, combining both timing and weight measurements will yield the best results. Controls include separate buttons for adjusting time, setting shot quantity, and a multi-function button serving as start/stop and on/off.

The grinder operates only when all components are correctly secured. The grind container or portafilter cradle must be fully inserted. An "E1" error on the LCD indicates an improperly secured hopper. To correct this, remove the lid and rotate the internal dial counter-clockwise until it clicks securely.

Seasoning Your Grinder Burrs

Regardless of the grinder type—manual or electric, budget or café-grade—all burr grinders require seasoning for optimal performance. Professionals and serious enthusiasts recommend grinding at least ten pounds of coffee beans through your grinder for proper seasoning. This can be done incrementally or all at once. While seasoning, I found the grinder consistently produced flavorful espresso shots, improving further over time. Thus, don’t prematurely judge your grinder's capabilities based on initial performance.

Dialing In Your Perfect Grind

With 77 available settings, there’s ample flexibility to find the perfect grind. Espresso-specific settings range within the first 25 levels, with setting number 10 as a recommended starting point. From there, refine your grind size based on taste and extraction results. While online guides and tutorials are helpful, your palate should ultimately guide your ideal grind setting.

Notably, the Tornado Grinder is not designed for single-dose grinding. The hopper should remain filled rather than measuring beans individually before grinding. Use the timer to grind your coffee, weighing the grounds afterward to ensure desired consistency and accuracy.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal grinder performance. Between coffee bags—or every one to two weeks—clean your burrs using a burr brush. The top burr can be removed easily by gently twisting it clockwise. Additionally, periodically grinding specialized cleaning tablets a few times per year offers a deeper cleaning. Always follow manufacturer instructions for these products, grinding a few ounces of coffee beans afterward to purge residual cleaning tablet particles. For a thorough clean, a small handheld vacuum is effective for removing grounds from hard-to-reach areas. Ensure the grinder is unplugged during cleaning.

Why the Tornado Grinder Stands Out

What sets the Tornado Grinder apart from similar products is its thoughtful balance of quality, affordability, and versatility. Unlike other grinders at this price point, Casa Brews has included accessories like silicone bellows and multiple portafilter cradles, typically only available separately. Additionally, the intuitive LCD screen and extensive range of grind settings offer exceptional precision and ease of use.

Moreover, the Tornado Grinder’s compact and sleek design makes it suitable for kitchens of all sizes. Its lightweight construction ensures easy maneuverability, while the durable materials ensure longevity. The grinder’s efficiency and ease of operation greatly enhance the home brewing experience, making it a valuable investment for any coffee enthusiast.

Final Thoughts

With its clear LCD interface, comprehensive grind settings, and thoughtfully included accessories, the Tornado Grinder stands out as a remarkable electric burr grinder under $150. Properly used and regularly maintained, it makes an ideal addition to any kitchen without occupying excessive counter space. Casa Brews' continued dedication to affordability and quality ensures home brewers can achieve café-quality results without the premium price. Achieving a professional-grade home coffee setup is more attainable than ever with Casa Brews' innovative, budget-conscious product line.

Final Verdict: Your Morning Upgrade Starts Here

This is truly a fantastic grinder for anyone looking to upgrade their coffee experience. Whether you're using a French press, espresso machine, drip brewer, or pour-over, you’ll immediately notice the difference in flavor and aroma with freshly ground beans. The Casabrews Grinder is precise, consistent, and incredibly easy to use—making it the perfect companion for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.

I couldn’t be happier with this product or the Casabrews brand, and I highly recommend the Grinder to anyone serious about great coffee at home.

Thanks, CASABREWS!

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