Salton Coffee Grinder: Everything You Need to Know

If you've come across a Salton coffee grinder at a thrift store, your grandmother's kitchen, or in the back of a clearance aisle, you're probably wondering if it's any good. Salton has been making small kitchen appliances since the 1940s, and their coffee grinders have a surprisingly loyal following among budget-conscious coffee drinkers.

Here's the deal: Salton grinders are simple, affordable blade grinders that get the basic job done. They won't compete with a Baratza or a Breville, but they're not trying to. I'll cover the different models, how they perform, what they're good for, and when you should spend more.

A Brief History of Salton Grinders

Salton started as an American appliance company best known for inventing the original countertop hot tray back in 1947. Over the decades they expanded into coffee makers, grinders, and other kitchen gadgets. The brand has changed hands several times and was absorbed into the Spectrum Brands portfolio.

You'll still find Salton-branded grinders sold in Canada and some international markets. In the US, the brand has become less common in retail stores, but their grinders pop up frequently at estate sales, thrift stores, and discount retailers. Many of the models from the 2000s and 2010s are still running perfectly fine today, which says something about their build quality for the price.

The most common Salton coffee grinder models you'll encounter are the CG-7 (a basic blade grinder), the CG-1461 (a slightly upgraded version with a larger capacity), and the Smart Grind series. All three use blade mechanisms rather than burrs.

How Salton Coffee Grinders Actually Perform

Every Salton grinder I've used follows the same basic design: a spinning blade in a small chamber, activated by pressing down on the lid. You control the grind by how long you hold the button down. Short pulses give you a coarse grind. Longer holds give you something closer to fine.

The Good

They're fast. A full chamber of beans goes from whole to ground in about 15-20 seconds. The motor is strong enough to handle dark roast beans without struggling, and the compact size means they take up almost no counter space.

The one-button operation is as simple as it gets. There's no learning curve. Load beans, press button, done. For someone who just wants ground coffee for their drip machine without any fuss, this simplicity has real value.

The Not So Good

Like all blade grinders, Salton models produce inconsistent particle sizes. You'll get a mix of powder-fine dust and larger pieces in every batch. For drip coffee makers with mesh or paper filters, this inconsistency is mostly forgivable. The filter catches the extremes and the coffee tastes fine.

For pour over, French press, or espresso, the inconsistency creates real problems. Fine particles over-extract and turn bitter while coarse pieces under-extract and taste sour. You end up with a confused cup that's both bitter and weak at the same time.

If you're interested in consistent grinding across all brew methods, our best coffee grinder roundup compares burr grinders that deliver much more uniform results.

Which Salton Model Should You Get?

If you're specifically shopping for a Salton grinder (maybe you found a deal or prefer the brand), here's how the common models compare.

Salton CG-7

The most basic option. It holds about 2.5 ounces of beans, has a 150-watt motor, and features the standard push-down lid activation. It's tiny and light, which makes it easy to store but also means it slides around on smooth countertops during use. Putting a damp paper towel underneath solves that problem.

Salton CG-1461 / Smart Grind

A step up with a larger 3.5-ounce capacity and a slightly more powerful motor. Some versions include cup markings on the chamber to help you measure the right amount of beans. The build feels a bit sturdier than the CG-7, with a heavier base that stays put during grinding.

Salton Conical Burr (if you find one)

Salton briefly produced a conical burr grinder that sold for around $40-$50. If you find one of these, it's a significantly better coffee grinder than their blade models. The burrs provide consistent particle sizes and adjustable settings. These are uncommon now, but worth grabbing if you spot one.

Tips for Getting Better Results from a Blade Grinder

If you already have a Salton blade grinder, these techniques will improve your coffee noticeably.

Pulse, don't hold. Grind in 2-3 second bursts, shaking the grinder between pulses. This moves beans from the top down to the blades and produces a more even grind than continuous grinding.

Grind the right amount. Only grind what you need for one brew session. Grinding extra and storing it defeats the purpose of grinding fresh. Coffee grounds go stale within 15-20 minutes of grinding.

Sift if you care. This sounds tedious, but running your grounds through a fine mesh strainer removes the very finest particles that cause bitterness. It takes 30 seconds and makes a noticeable improvement in pour over and French press.

Clean after every use. Wipe the chamber with a dry cloth after each grind. Old coffee oils turn rancid and contaminate your next batch. A quick brush-out keeps things fresh.

When to Upgrade from a Salton

I think there's a clear upgrade point, and it's when you start caring about brew methods beyond basic drip.

If you've moved to pour over, if you're experimenting with different ratios, if you've invested in good beans from a local roaster, then your grinder is now the bottleneck. A $30-$50 burr grinder will make a bigger difference in your cup than spending twice as much on fancier beans.

The top coffee grinder options we've reviewed include several models under $50 that would be a meaningful step up from any blade grinder.

That said, if you're happy with your drip coffee and don't want to think about grind settings, there's nothing wrong with riding your Salton into the ground. It'll keep working, and drip coffee made with a blade grinder is still miles better than pre-ground coffee from a can.

FAQ

Are Salton coffee grinders still being made?

Salton still sells kitchen appliances, primarily in Canada and select international markets. Their coffee grinder lineup has shrunk significantly compared to the 2000s. You're more likely to find older models at secondhand stores than new ones at a major retailer. The brand still has decent availability through online sellers.

Can I use a Salton coffee grinder for spices?

Technically yes, but I'd recommend having a separate grinder for spices. The oils from spices like cumin and coriander will linger in the chamber and flavor your coffee. If you must use one grinder for both, grind white rice between switching from spices to coffee to absorb residual flavors.

How do I clean a Salton coffee grinder?

Unplug it first. Wipe the interior with a dry cloth or paper towel after each use. For deeper cleaning, grind a tablespoon of uncooked rice to absorb oils, then wipe clean. The blade and chamber are not removable on most models, so you can't put anything in the dishwasher. Never submerge the base in water.

Is a Salton grinder worth buying in 2026?

At full retail price, you have better options. Brands like Krups, Mr. Coffee, and Hamilton Beach all make comparable blade grinders that are easier to find and often cheaper. But if you find a Salton for $5 at a thrift store or already have one in a cabinet somewhere, there's no reason not to use it. They're solid machines that do the basics well.

The Bottom Line

A Salton coffee grinder won't win any awards, but it'll grind your beans, last a few years, and cost you almost nothing. Use it for drip coffee and basic cooking spices, keep it clean, and it'll serve you just fine. When you're ready for better coffee, upgrade to a burr grinder and keep the Salton around as your dedicated spice grinder.