Bonsenkitchen Coffee Grinder: An Honest Look at This Budget Option
The Bonsenkitchen coffee grinder is one of those budget blade grinders you'll find on Amazon for around $15-$20. If you're wondering whether it's any good, here's the honest answer: it grinds coffee beans into something you can brew, but it won't give you the consistent particle size that actually makes good coffee. I bought one out of curiosity after seeing it pop up in "best cheap grinder" lists, and I used it for about a month before switching back to my burr grinder.
That said, there are specific situations where a grinder like the Bonsenkitchen makes sense. I'll cover what it actually does well, where it falls short, how to get the best results from a blade grinder if you already own one, and whether it's worth buying or if you should save up for something better. For a look at grinders across all price points, check out our best coffee grinder roundup.
What You Get for the Money
The Bonsenkitchen is a blade grinder, which means it uses a spinning metal blade (like a tiny blender) to chop beans into grounds. It's not a burr grinder. This distinction matters a lot.
Build and Design
The unit is small and lightweight, about the size of a large coffee mug. It has a stainless steel grinding chamber, a simple one-button operation (press and hold to grind), and a clear lid so you can see the grind happening. The whole thing feels like a $15 product. The plastic housing is thin, and the lid doesn't always lock securely. But it works.
It also comes with a removable stainless steel bowl and sometimes includes a second bowl for spices. The motor runs at about 200 watts, which is enough power for soft to medium roast beans. Very hard, light roast beans can give it trouble.
What It Does Well
For the price, the Bonsenkitchen does a few things acceptably:
- Speed: It grinds a batch of beans in 10-15 seconds
- Simplicity: One button, no settings to learn, no calibration
- Versatility: You can also grind spices, dried herbs, and nuts (use the separate bowl)
- Size: It takes up almost no counter space and stores easily in a drawer
- Price: At $15-20, it's essentially disposable if it breaks
The Problem with Blade Grinders
The Bonsenkitchen's biggest limitation isn't about the brand. It's about the blade grinder design itself.
Inconsistent Particle Size
A blade grinder chops beans randomly. Some particles come out very fine (almost powder), while others stay in large chunks. In the same batch, you'll have a mix of dust and boulders. This inconsistency causes uneven extraction: the fine particles over-extract (bitter), while the large chunks under-extract (sour). The result is coffee that tastes muddled rather than clean.
I ground 20 grams in my Bonsenkitchen and spread the results on a white plate. The particle size variation was dramatic. Compared to even a basic burr grinder, the spread was probably 5-6 times wider.
No Grind Size Control
You control the grind "fineness" by how long you hold the button. Shorter pulse = coarser. Longer hold = finer. But this isn't real control. You're just chopping everything longer, which makes the fine particles even finer while the big chunks slowly get smaller. There's no mechanism to produce a uniform size.
Heat Generation
The spinning blade creates friction heat, which warms the coffee grounds. At fine grind settings (holding the button for 20+ seconds), the grounds can get noticeably warm. Heat degrades coffee flavor by accelerating the loss of volatile compounds. This isn't a problem with burr grinders that operate at lower speeds with less friction.
How to Get Better Results from a Blade Grinder
If you already own a Bonsenkitchen or similar blade grinder, these techniques will improve your cup.
The Pulse Method
Instead of holding the button continuously, use short 2-3 second pulses with 1-2 second breaks between them. After each pulse, shake the grinder gently to redistribute the beans. This produces a slightly more uniform grind than continuous running.
For a coarse French press grind, I'd do 5-7 short pulses. For a medium drip grind, 10-12 pulses. For a fine grind, 15-18 pulses. Stop and check after every few pulses.
Shake While Grinding
Between pulses, shake the grinder up and down and side to side. This moves the larger chunks toward the blade and the finer grounds away from it. Think of it like shaking a container of mixed nuts, where the big pieces rise to the top.
Sieve the Grounds
This is extra work, but it makes a real difference. After grinding, pour the grounds through a fine mesh kitchen strainer. The fines fall through, and the larger particles stay in the strainer. Re-grind the large particles and sieve again. It's tedious, but the resulting coffee is noticeably cleaner tasting.
Use It for Forgiving Brew Methods
French press is the most forgiving brew method for inconsistent grinds because of the long steep time and metal mesh filter. Cold brew is even more forgiving since the 12-24 hour extraction evens things out. Avoid using blade-ground coffee in a pour over or espresso machine, where grind consistency directly controls the flow and extraction.
Should You Buy One?
I'll be direct. If you drink coffee regularly and care even a little about how it tastes, skip the Bonsenkitchen and save up for a burr grinder. A basic burr grinder like the Bodum Bistro or JavaPresse manual grinder costs $30-$50 and produces dramatically better results.
When a Bonsenkitchen Makes Sense
- You only drink coffee occasionally (a few times a week)
- You're making French press or cold brew exclusively
- You need a spice grinder that also handles coffee
- You're on a strict budget and $50 for a burr grinder isn't an option right now
- You want something temporary while you save for a better grinder
When to Pass
- You drink coffee daily and care about taste
- You use a pour over, AeroPress, or espresso machine
- You're already considering spending $50+ on a grinder (just get the burr grinder)
- You buy specialty coffee beans (a blade grinder wastes good beans)
The Price Argument
Some people argue that a $15 blade grinder is "good enough" and that you don't need to spend more. I understand the logic, but here's the math I think about: if you buy a $15 bag of specialty coffee every two weeks, you're spending about $390 a year on beans. A $50 burr grinder is a one-time purchase that makes every single bag taste better. The blade grinder is actually the more expensive choice for wasted potential per dollar spent on beans.
Our top coffee grinder roundup includes several budget-friendly burr grinders that won't break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grind espresso with the Bonsenkitchen?
Technically, you can grind beans finely by holding the button for 25-30 seconds. But the inconsistent particle size means your espresso machine won't extract properly. You'll get channeling (water finding easy paths through the puck) and a sour, unbalanced shot. Espresso demands the most consistent grind of any brew method, and blade grinders simply can't deliver that.
How long does the Bonsenkitchen motor last?
Based on user reviews and my own experience, expect 1-2 years of regular use. The motor is small and not built for heavy duty operation. If you're grinding daily, the blade will dull over time, making the grind even less consistent. At $15, most people just replace it.
Is the Bonsenkitchen good for grinding spices?
Yes, this is actually where it works well. Spices don't need the precise particle sizing that coffee does. Grinding whole peppercorns, cumin seeds, or dried chili flakes in the Bonsenkitchen works fine. Just use the separate bowl so you don't get cumin-flavored coffee.
How do I clean the Bonsenkitchen?
Wipe the blade and chamber with a damp cloth after each use. Don't submerge it in water. For deeper cleaning, grind a tablespoon of dry white rice, which absorbs oils and knocks loose stuck grounds. Then wipe clean. The removable bowl is usually dishwasher safe, but check the manual for your specific model.
My Recommendation
If the Bonsenkitchen is your first step into grinding your own coffee at home, that's great. Freshly ground coffee from a blade grinder still tastes better than pre-ground coffee that's been sitting on a shelf for months. But treat it as a stepping stone. Use the pulse method, stick to French press or cold brew, and start saving for a burr grinder. The difference will be obvious the first time you try one.