Mr Coffee Multi Grind Blade Grinder: A No-Nonsense Review

The Mr. Coffee Multi Grind (model IDS77) is about as simple as a coffee grinder gets. One button, a stainless steel blade, and a small chamber that holds enough beans for about 12 cups of coffee. It sells for around $15-20, making it one of the cheapest ways to grind whole beans at home. I've owned one for years, first as my only grinder, then as a backup, and now as my dedicated spice grinder. I know this machine inside and out.

If you're wondering whether the Mr. Coffee Multi Grind is worth buying, or how to get the best results from one you already have, here's everything I've learned from actual daily use.

How It Works

There's not much to explain, which is part of the appeal. You pop off the clear plastic lid, dump beans into the stainless steel chamber, put the lid back on, and press the single button on the front. The blade spins as long as you hold the button. Release it, and it stops. That's the entire operation.

The "Multi Grind" Feature

The name "Multi Grind" refers to the chamber having measurement markings on the inside for 4, 8, and 12 cup doses. These markings tell you approximately how many beans to add for each brew size. It's a nice idea, but I wouldn't rely on them for accuracy. The markings assume a specific bean size and density, which varies between roasts. I always measure by weight (a small kitchen scale costs $10) rather than using the chamber markings.

Grind Control

Since there's no grind setting dial, you control fineness entirely by how long you press the button. Mr. Coffee's included instructions suggest:

  • 8-10 seconds for a coarse grind (French press, percolator)
  • 10-15 seconds for medium grind (drip coffee maker)
  • 15-20 seconds for fine grind (espresso, moka pot)

In practice, these timings produce inconsistent results because blade grinders don't create uniform particle sizes at any setting. But they're a reasonable starting point.

Getting the Best Grind Quality

I've spent way too much time optimizing blade grinder technique over the years. Here's what actually makes a difference with the Mr. Coffee Multi Grind.

The Pulse and Shake Method

Don't hold the button down continuously. Instead:

  1. Pulse for 2-3 seconds
  2. Release the button
  3. Tilt and shake the grinder to redistribute beans
  4. Repeat 4-5 times

This method forces the beans back into the blade's path and reduces the problem of fine powder accumulating at the bottom while large chunks hide near the top. My drip coffee improved noticeably when I switched from continuous grinding to this pulse technique.

Grind Small Batches

The chamber holds about 3 ounces (84 grams) of beans, but you'll get better results grinding 1-2 tablespoons at a time. Smaller batches mean less bean-on-bean collisions and a more even cut. Yes, this takes longer if you're brewing a full pot, but the improvement in consistency is real.

Sieve the Output

This is a trick I learned from a barista who was slumming it with a blade grinder during a move. After grinding, pour the grounds through a fine mesh kitchen strainer. The fine powder falls through, and the larger particles stay on top. Discard the ultra-fine dust (or save it for Turkish coffee). The remaining grounds will be much more uniform and your coffee will taste cleaner.

Is this extra work? Yes. Is it worth it? For pour-over, absolutely. For drip, probably not necessary.

What the Multi Grind Does Well

Speed

The entire grinding process takes 15-20 seconds. No warmup, no waiting, no programming. Open, fill, press, done. For busy mornings when I need grounds in my drip machine fast, nothing is quicker.

Simplicity

There's one button. No settings to learn, no menus, no apps, no digital displays. My mother-in-law uses one and has never once asked me how to operate it. If you want zero learning curve, this is it.

Price

At $15-20, you can buy three of these for the price of a single entry-level burr grinder. If one breaks, you throw it out and buy another. There's something refreshingly practical about a disposable grinder that works well enough for most people.

Spice Grinding

I use my retired Mr. Coffee exclusively for grinding whole spices now. It handles peppercorns, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and dried chilies perfectly. The blade makes quick work of hard spices, and the compact size is ideal for small batches. If you need a dedicated spice grinder, this is cheaper and works better than a mortar and pestle for most dried spices.

Where It Falls Short

Grind Consistency

Every blade grinder produces a mixed bag of particle sizes. The Mr. Coffee is no different. After a 12-second grind, I measured particles ranging from dust-fine (under 100 microns) to coarse chunks (over 800 microns). That variance affects extraction, which affects flavor. Your coffee will taste okay, but never as clean or nuanced as what a burr grinder produces.

Heat Generation

Extended grinding (15+ seconds continuous) generates noticeable heat from blade friction. I've measured the grounds coming out at 10-15 degrees above room temperature after a 20-second grind. Heat damages volatile flavor compounds, so shorter pulse grinding helps here too.

No Precision for Specialty Methods

If you're making pour-over, AeroPress, or espresso at home, this grinder will hold you back. The inconsistent grind makes it impossible to dial in extraction properly. You can make decent drip coffee and good French press, but that's about the ceiling.

Retention

Coffee oils and fine particles stick to the blade and chamber walls. After each use, about 1-2 grams of grounds remain inside the unit. Over time, these oils go rancid and create stale off-flavors. Regular cleaning matters.

Cleaning Tips

  • Wipe the chamber and blade with a dry cloth or paper towel after every use
  • Once a week, grind a tablespoon of dry white rice to absorb oils and clear residue
  • Don't run the chamber under water. The base isn't waterproof.
  • The lid can be washed separately with soap and water

For people shopping across different grinder types and price ranges, our guide to the best blade coffee grinders compares the top options in this category. If you're curious about stepping up to a burr grinder, the best coffee grinders roundup covers all price points.

FAQ

Is the Mr. Coffee Multi Grind better than buying pre-ground coffee?

Yes, without question. Even with the inconsistent blade grind, freshly ground beans produce better-tasting coffee than pre-ground beans that have been sitting in a bag losing volatile compounds for weeks. The difference is noticeable from the first cup.

How long does the Mr. Coffee Multi Grind blade grinder last?

The blade dulls gradually over time. With daily use, expect 2-3 years before the grind quality noticeably deteriorates. The motor typically outlasts the blade. At this price point, most people buy a new one rather than trying to sharpen or repair the old unit.

Can I make espresso with the Mr. Coffee Multi Grind?

Technically, you can grind fine enough for espresso by holding the button for 20+ seconds. But the grind won't be uniform, and you'll get a mix of espresso-fine and medium particles. A pressurized portafilter machine might produce a passable shot, but a traditional machine will choke on the uneven grounds. For real espresso, you need a burr grinder.

Is it dishwasher safe?

No. The motor and electrical components are built into the base, so submerging the unit in water will destroy it. The lid can be hand-washed, and the chamber should be wiped dry only.

Final Verdict

The Mr. Coffee Multi Grind is a $17 solution to a simple problem: grinding whole beans quickly at home. It does that job reliably, and it does nothing else. If your morning routine is scooping beans into a drip machine and pressing brew, this grinder will serve you well for a couple of years. If you're interested in improving your coffee beyond "better than pre-ground," start saving for a burr grinder. The Mr. Coffee will get you grinding today, and that first step toward fresh beans matters more than having the perfect grinder.