The Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind and the Capresso Infinity are both popular entry-level burr grinders, but they differ significantly in construction, grind consistency, and price. The Cuisinart is a budget-friendly option with a plastic body and a wide range of settings, while the Capresso features a die-cast metal housing, superior conical burrs, and a higher price tag for serious coffee enthusiasts who prioritize precision.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right grinder for your home coffee setup from Cuisinart or Capresso.
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
The Cuisinart DBM-8 is one of the most popular and affordable burr grinders on the market. It's designed to be a reliable workhorse for everyday coffee drinkers who want a significant step up from blade grinders without a hefty investment. Its simple operation and multiple settings make it versatile enough for most common brewing methods, from drip to French press.
- What it is: An automatic electric burr mill designed for budget-conscious home brewing.
- Key features: Removable 8 oz. bean hopper, 18-position grind selector from ultra-fine to extra-coarse, slide dial for 4-18 cups, heavy-duty motor.
- Price: Typically $50 - $70.
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.75" x 4.75" x 9".
- Materials/Construction: Durable plastic body with a stainless steel faceplate and stainless steel block burrs.
- Style: A functional, utilitarian design with a classic black and stainless steel finish that fits into most kitchen decors.
- Pros: Very affordable entry point into burr grinding. Offers a wide range of 18 grind settings for versatility. Easy to operate and clean for daily use. Comes with a generous 3-year limited warranty.
- Cons: Primarily plastic construction doesn’t feel premium. Grind consistency can be less uniform, especially at the finest and coarsest settings. Can be louder than more premium models.
This grinder is an excellent choice for casual coffee drinkers who need a dependable, all-purpose machine for drip-coffee makers and want to stick to a firm budget.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/prodigy/dbm-8/
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
The Capresso Infinity series is a step-up model aimed at coffee lovers who demand more precision and durability. It uses commercial-grade solid steel conical burrs, which are known for producing a very consistent and uniform grind, crucial for espresso and pour-over brewing methods. Its robust build and quieter operation make it a staple for home baristas.
- What it is: A premium home conical burr grinder focused on precision and build quality.
- Key features: Solid steel commercial-grade conical burrs, 16 grind settings (4 categories: extra fine, fine, regular, and coarse), gear reduction motor for slow, quiet grinding that reduces static and heat.
- Price: Typically $100 - $150.
- Dimensions: Approximately 4.75" x 7.75" x 11".
- Materials/Construction: A heavy-duty die-cast metal housing (on some models, others are high-quality ABS plastic) and solid stainless steel conical burrs.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist with a premium black or polished stainless steel finish.
- Pros: Exceptional grind consistency, especially at fine settings. Durable metal construction offers superior longevity. Operates much quieter than most entry-level grinders. Minimal static buildup.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than the Cuisinart DBM-8. Only a 1-year warranty. Fewer grind settings than the Cuisinart, although with higher precision.
The Capresso Infinity is built for coffee enthusiasts who brew espresso or pour-over coffee and are willing to pay more for superior grind uniformity and a quiet, long-lasting machine.
Shop this product: capresso.com/coffee-espresso-grinders/infinity-conical-burr-grinder.html
Cuisinart DBM-8 vs. Capresso Infinity Comparison
Grind Settings & Consistency
The Cuisinart DBM-8 offers 18 distinct settings controlled by a simple twist of the hopper, giving you plenty of options for everything from super fine to very coarse. While it’s versatile, its stainless steel block burrs are less precise than the Capresso's. Some users find its coarsest settings still produce fine "fines," which can over-extract French press coffee. Its finest settings may not be consistent enough for a demanding non-pressurized espresso machine.
In contrast, the Capresso Infinity has 16 settings divided into four categories. Its commercial-grade conical burrs and slow-grinding motor are engineered for one thing: uniformity. It excels at producing a very consistent particle size, which is critical for making a great shot of espresso or a balanced pour-over coffee. The difference in consistency is the most important performance factor separating these two machines.
Materials & Construction
The Cuisinart DBM-8's primary construction material in the body is plastic. This keeps the cost and weight down, but it contributes to more noise and less long-term durability compared to the Capresso. It feels like a standard kitchen appliance: functional but not high-end.
The Capresso Infinity is in another class. With its heavy die-cast metal housing (depending on the model) and heavy-duty steel burrs, it feels incredibly solid and stable on the counter. This robust build dampens sound and vibrations and promises years of reliable performance, justifying its higher price tag.
Price & Value
There's a significant price gap here. At under $70, the Cuisinart DBM-8 is an unbeatable value for what it offers. For anyone graduating from a blade grinder, it provides a massive improvement in coffee quality without breaking the bank. Combined with a 3-year warranty, it's a very low-risk purchase.
Ringing in at over $100, the Capresso Infinity is an investment. The value comes not just from the machine itself, but from the quality of coffee it produces. For drinkers who spend money on specialty coffee beans, using a precise grinder like the Infinity is essential to get the most flavor out of them. A grinder that produces uniformly-sized coffee grounds is a key component to better-tasting brewed coffee.
Style & Noise Level
Aesthetically, the Cuisinart is functional but basic. It’s not necessarily an eyesore, but it doesn't stand out. In operation, it produces a loud hum typical of entry-level burr grinders. The Capresso, with its sleek minimalist lines and polished finish, looks much more like a high-end specialty tool. The gear reduction motor and heavy housing also make it noticeably quieter - a big plus for early-morning coffee routines in a quiet household.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both grinders deliver a far better experience than a blade grinder, but they are built for different users with different priorities.
Choose the Cuisinart DBM-8 if:
- You are on a strict budget and want the best burr grinder for under $70.
- You primarily drink drip, percolator, or regular French press coffee.
- You prioritize a long warranty and peace of mind with your purchase.
- You're just getting started with grinding your own beans and want a simple, reliable machine.
Choose the Capresso Infinity if:
- You are serious about coffee and brew specialty methods like espresso or pour-over.
- Grind consistency and flavor clarity are your top priorities.
- You value premium materials, a durable build, and quiet operation.
- You see a grinder as a long-term investment for a high-quality coffee experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart DBM-8 and Capresso Infinity?
The main differences are in build quality, grind consistency, and price. The Cuisinart is an affordable, plastic-bodied grinder with good overall performance, while the Capresso is a premium, metal-bodied machine with superior conical burrs that produce a much more uniform grind.
Which coffee grinder is better for espresso?
The Capresso Infinity is significantly better for espresso. Its conical burrs create the consistent, fine grind needed for proper espresso extraction, whereas the Cuisinart's grind is often too inconsistent for high-pressure espresso machines.
Which grinder is better for French press?
Both can work for French press, but the Capresso still has an edge. The Cuisinart DBM-8 has a coarse setting, but it often produces too many fine particles ("fines"), which results in a silty, over-extracted brew. The Capresso offers a more uniform coarse grind with fewer fines for a cleaner cup.
Is the Capresso Infinity worth the extra money?
If you are a coffee enthusiast who invests in quality beans and uses brewing methods that require precision (like espresso or pour-over), then yes, the Capresso Infinity is absolutely worth the extra money. For casual drip coffee drinkers, the improvement might not be as noticeable, making the Cuisinart a better value.
How noisy is the Cuisinart DBM-8?
The Cuisinart DBM-8 operates at a moderate to loud noise level, which is typical for a motor housed in plastic. The Capresso is noticeably quieter thanks to its gear reduction motor that runs at a lower RPM and its heavy, sound-dampening metal body.
Which burr grinder is easier to clean?
Both grinders are relatively easy to clean, with removable top burrs and hoppers. The process is similar for both: remove the hopper, lift out the upper burr, and use a small brush to clean away coffee grounds. The Capresso's design may be slightly simpler and have fewer places for grounds to get trapped.
What's the difference between conical burrs and flat burrs?
The Capresso uses conical burrs, which consist of a cone-shaped inner burr spinning inside a ring-shaped outer burr. The Cuisinart uses flat/block burrs. Conical burrs, especially at this price point, are generally favored for producing less heat and static, potentially better flavor, and are quieter.
How long will these grinders last?
With regular cleaning, the Cuisinart DBM-8 can last for several years of daily use, although its plastic components may wear out over time. The Capresso Infinity, with its solid metal housing and commercial-grade burrs, is built to last much longer, often providing reliable service for many years or even a decade.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
