OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder: A Thorough Review

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder is a mid-range electric grinder priced around $100 that sits right between budget options like the Cuisinart DBM-8 and the enthusiast-favorite Baratza Encore. It offers 15 grind settings with micro-adjustment on each, one-touch start with a built-in timer, and a hopper that holds about 12 ounces of beans. For drip coffee and French press, it's one of the best grinders you can buy under $120. For espresso, it falls short, but that's not what it's designed for.

I tested the OXO Brew alongside the Baratza Encore and the Cuisinart DBM-8 over several weeks of daily use. The OXO impressed me with its ease of use and quiet operation, though the limited grind range keeps it from being a true all-rounder. Here's the full picture.

Design and Build Quality

The OXO weighs about 4.5 pounds and takes up a modest counter footprint, roughly the size of a large travel mug. The body is a mix of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. It feels sturdy without being heavy, and the overall aesthetic is clean and modern.

The Hopper and Dosing

The bean hopper holds 12 ounces and seals with a UV-blocking tinted lid. This is a nice touch because light degrades coffee beans, and most grinder hoppers are clear plastic that offers zero protection.

The one-touch start button activates the grinder and runs it for a preset duration based on the cup selection dial on the side. You select how many cups you want (2 to 12), and the grinder runs for the corresponding time. It's straightforward, but like most time-based dosing systems, the output weight varies depending on grind size and bean density. Weigh your output on a scale for the first few sessions to calibrate.

Grind Adjustment System

OXO uses a 15-position dial with micro-adjustment markers between each position. This effectively gives you about 38 to 40 usable settings, which is comparable to the Baratza Encore's 40 steps. The dial turns smoothly and locks into position with a definitive click. Changing grind size is easy and intuitive.

The grind range runs from "fine" (suitable for Moka pot and AeroPress) to "coarse" (suitable for French press and cold brew). It does not grind fine enough for espresso. If you need espresso capability, look elsewhere.

Grind Quality Across Brew Methods

Drip and Auto-Drip

This is the OXO's sweet spot. At medium settings (around 8 to 10 on the dial), it produces uniform grounds that brew clean, balanced cups in standard drip machines. The coffee tastes noticeably better than pre-ground and comparable to what the Baratza Encore produces at medium settings. For most drip coffee drinkers, the difference between the OXO and the Encore is marginal.

Pour-Over

V60 and Chemex results are solid at medium to medium-fine settings. The cup clarity is good, with minimal muddiness from excess fines. The OXO handles pour-over well enough that I'd recommend it to someone who brews V60 a few times a week without hesitation. Dedicated pour-over enthusiasts who obsess over extraction uniformity will notice the Encore is slightly more consistent, but casual brewers won't.

French Press

Coarse settings produce reasonably uniform particles with acceptable fines content. French press cups have a small amount of sediment, which is normal for any grinder at this price. The OXO performs well here, and French press is probably its second-strongest brew method after drip.

AeroPress and Moka Pot

The fine end of the OXO's range works for AeroPress and Moka pot. Particle size is adequate, though you have less room for fine-tuning compared to grinders with more settings in the fine range.

For a wider range of grinder options, check out the best grind and brew coffee maker roundup and the best grind and brew single cup coffee maker picks.

Noise Level

The OXO is quieter than most electric burr grinders in its class. I measured it at about 70 decibels, compared to 75+ for the Baratza Encore and 78+ for the Cuisinart DBM-8. The difference is noticeable. You can comfortably grind coffee in an apartment at 6 AM without waking everyone up (though it's not silent by any means).

Grinding time for a typical 30-gram dose is about 15 to 20 seconds. Quick enough that the noise doesn't linger.

Static and Retention

Static

The OXO produces moderate static. Grounds stick to the plastic walls of the catch container and create some mess when you dump them. The RDT method (spraying a drop or two of water on beans before grinding) reduces static by about 70%. OXO's catch container is designed to reduce static with a UV-blocking material, but it doesn't eliminate the problem.

Retention

About 1 to 2 grams of ground coffee remain trapped in the grind path between uses. For most people, this is insignificant. If you're particular about freshness, purge a small dose before grinding your actual coffee.

OXO Brew vs. Baratza Encore

This is the comparison everyone wants. Here's how they stack up:

Grind consistency: The Encore edges ahead slightly, particularly at fine settings. At medium and coarse, they're close enough that most people won't taste the difference.

Ease of use: The OXO is simpler. One button, a cup dial, and a grind selector. The Encore requires more manual control over dose timing.

Noise: The OXO is quieter.

Price: The OXO is $70 cheaper ($100 vs. $170).

Parts and support: The Encore wins decisively. Baratza sells every part individually and has a reputation for standing behind their products. OXO's customer support is good but doesn't offer the same parts ecosystem.

Grind range: The Encore goes finer, making it more versatile for AeroPress and Moka pot. Neither grinds fine enough for espresso.

My verdict: if you brew drip coffee or French press and want to save $70, the OXO is the right call. If you brew pour-over regularly and want the best grind quality under $200, the Encore is worth the extra money.

Common Issues and Solutions

Grounds Not Dispensing

If grounds build up inside the chute and don't drop into the container, it's usually a static issue combined with a partially clogged path. Clean the chute with the included brush weekly. The RDT method also helps keep things flowing.

Inconsistent Dose Weight

The time-based dosing means output weight varies with grind size. Finer settings produce fewer grams per second than coarser settings. Use a scale until you learn which cup setting matches your desired dose weight at your preferred grind size.

Hopper Won't Seal Properly

If the hopper lid doesn't click into place, check that the hopper is fully seated on the grinder body. There are alignment tabs that need to line up. If it still won't seal, check for bean fragments stuck in the lid gasket.

FAQ

Is the OXO Brew conical burr grinder good for espresso?

No. The finest setting is not fine enough for proper espresso extraction. It works for Moka pot and AeroPress, but pulling espresso requires a grinder with a finer range, like the Baratza Sette 270 or a manual grinder like the 1Zpresso JX-Pro.

How does the OXO Brew compare to the Cuisinart DBM-8?

The OXO is better in every measurable way: more consistent grind, quieter operation, better build quality, and a more intuitive adjustment system. The Cuisinart is $40 cheaper, which is its only advantage. If you can spend $100, the OXO is the clear choice.

How often should I clean the OXO Brew grinder?

Brush out the grind path and burr chamber weekly if you use it daily. Deep clean monthly by removing the upper burr and brushing all surfaces. Run grinder cleaning tablets through every 2 to 3 months to dissolve built-up coffee oils.

Can I use the OXO Brew for cold brew?

Yes. The coarsest settings produce particles suitable for cold brew. Grind your dose, steep in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, and filter. The grind consistency is good enough that you won't get over-extracted bitter flavors from excess fines.

My Recommendation

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder is the best electric grinder under $120 for drip coffee and French press. It's quieter, easier to use, and nearly as consistent as the Baratza Encore at $70 less. Buy this if your budget is around $100 and you brew drip or French press daily. Spend the extra $70 on the Encore only if pour-over precision matters to you or you want access to Baratza's parts ecosystem. Skip the OXO if you need espresso capability, because it simply doesn't grind fine enough for that method.