Coffee Grinder Big W: What to Expect From Big W's Grinder Selection

Big W carries a handful of coffee grinders, typically ranging from $20 to $80 AUD. If you are an Australian coffee drinker looking for a budget grinder from a familiar retailer, Big W is one of the more accessible options. I have tested several grinders in this price range over the years, and I want to set realistic expectations about what you will find on those shelves.

The short answer is that Big W grinders are fine for basic drip coffee and French press, but they will not satisfy you if you are chasing espresso quality or precise grind control. Let me explain what is available, what works, and what to watch out for.

What Grinders Does Big W Typically Stock?

Big W's coffee grinder selection rotates seasonally, but they generally carry a mix of blade grinders and entry-level burr grinders from brands like Sunbeam, Russell Hobbs, and De'Longhi. The selection is not huge compared to specialty retailers, but you can usually find something in store or online.

Blade Grinders ($20 to $40 AUD)

These are the cheapest option, and they work by spinning a metal blade at high speed to chop beans into uneven pieces. They look like small food processors. The biggest problem with blade grinders is that they produce wildly inconsistent particle sizes. You get a mix of powder and chunks in every batch, and there is no way to control the grind size precisely. Holding the button longer makes it finer, but it also creates more heat and more dust-fine particles.

For basic plunger (French press) coffee, a blade grinder gets the job done. The mesh filter in a plunger is forgiving enough to handle uneven grinds. For anything requiring more precision, like espresso or pour over, a blade grinder will hold you back.

Entry-Level Burr Grinders ($50 to $80 AUD)

Big W occasionally stocks entry-level burr grinders, usually from Sunbeam or Russell Hobbs. These use two rotating burr plates to crush beans between them, producing a much more uniform grind than a blade grinder. At this price point, the burrs are usually flat steel plates with a limited number of grind settings (8 to 18 positions).

These budget burr grinders are a significant step up from blade grinders. They can handle drip coffee, pour over, and French press with decent results. For espresso, they still lack the fine adjustment range you need. The grind steps are too large to dial in properly, and the burr quality is not precise enough for even extraction at fine settings.

How Big W Grinders Compare to Specialty Options

Here is where I have to be honest. The grinders you find at Big W are designed for convenience shoppers, not coffee enthusiasts. The gap between a $50 Big W burr grinder and a $150 grinder from a specialty retailer is massive for grind quality.

A grinder like the Timemore C2 hand grinder (around $100 AUD from online retailers) produces a significantly more uniform grind at every setting. The Baratza Encore (around $250 AUD) is in a completely different category. If you are spending money on good beans, the grinder is where those beans either shine or get wasted.

That said, not everyone needs or wants a premium grinder. If you are buying pre-roasted supermarket beans and making plunger coffee in the morning, a $40 blade grinder from Big W does the job. The quality ceiling of your beans matters too, and an expensive grinder will not make cheap beans taste like single-origin pour over.

For a deeper comparison of what is available at different price points, check out our best coffee grinder guide.

What to Look for When Buying at Big W

If you are committed to buying from Big W, here are some things to check before you bring a grinder home.

Burr vs. Blade

Always go for a burr grinder if one is available and within your budget. The improvement in grind consistency is worth the extra $20 to $30. Even a cheap burr grinder outperforms an expensive blade grinder.

Number of Grind Settings

More settings means more control. A grinder with 18 settings gives you better range than one with 8. Look at the settings dial or selector before purchasing. If the settings are just labeled "fine, medium, coarse" with nothing in between, that is too limited.

Hopper and Container Size

Some budget grinders have tiny hoppers that hold only 30 to 50 grams of beans. If you are making coffee for a household of four, you will be refilling constantly. Check the capacity before buying.

Noise Level

Big W grinders tend to be loud. Blade grinders especially produce a harsh, high-pitched whir. If you are grinding early in the morning in a small apartment, this matters. Unfortunately, most budget grinders do not list decibel ratings, so you may need to check online reviews for noise complaints.

Return Policy

Big W has a reasonable return policy, so if the grinder does not meet your expectations, you can bring it back. Keep the receipt and original packaging. This takes some of the risk out of buying a budget grinder without being able to test it first.

Should You Buy a Coffee Grinder From Big W?

It depends on where you are in your coffee journey.

If you are just starting out and want to see if freshly ground coffee is better than pre-ground (spoiler: it is), a $30 to $50 Big W grinder is a low-risk way to find out. Even a blade grinder will show you the difference between fresh and stale grounds.

If you are already buying specialty beans and brewing with a pour over or espresso machine, skip Big W and go to a specialty coffee retailer or buy online. The grinders at Big W are not built for that level of precision, and you will outgrow them quickly.

If you want the best value for your money in Australia, a hand burr grinder from an online retailer gives you far better grind quality per dollar than anything Big W stocks. The trade-off is manual effort, but for one or two cups a day, it takes less than a minute.

Our top coffee grinder roundup includes several options available in Australia at different price points if you want to compare.

FAQ

Does Big W sell burr coffee grinders?

Yes, Big W occasionally stocks entry-level burr grinders from brands like Sunbeam and Russell Hobbs, typically priced between $50 and $80 AUD. The selection varies by store and season, so check online availability before making a trip.

Are Big W coffee grinders good for espresso?

No, the grinders typically available at Big W lack the fine adjustment range needed for espresso. Espresso requires very precise grind control, and budget grinders with large steps between settings cannot achieve the consistency needed for proper extraction.

Is it worth buying a cheap coffee grinder?

A cheap grinder is better than no grinder at all. Pre-ground coffee goes stale within minutes of grinding, so even a $30 blade grinder producing fresh grounds will taste better than month-old pre-ground from a bag. Just set your expectations accordingly and plan to upgrade if you get more serious about coffee.

What is a good alternative to Big W for buying a coffee grinder in Australia?

Online retailers like Amazon Australia, specialty coffee shops (like Five Senses, Ona, or Coffee Supreme), and kitchen appliance stores like Kitchen Warehouse and Myer carry much broader selections with better quality options. For the best value, look at hand grinders from brands like Timemore or 1Zpresso, which outperform any electric grinder in the same price range.

The Takeaway

Big W is not a bad place to buy your first coffee grinder, but it is not where you should buy your last one. Grab a budget burr grinder if available, use it to learn about fresh coffee, and upgrade to something more capable once you know what you want from your grind. The best coffee grinder is the one that matches both your brewing method and your willingness to invest in better coffee.