The Oxo Conical Burr Grinder and the Capresso Infinity are two of the best entry-level coffee grinders, but they are built for different users. The Oxo grinder is celebrated for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and budget-friendly price, while the Capresso Infinity is known for its durable construction, wider grind range, and professional-grade precision.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right grinder for your daily brew.
Oxo Conical Burr Grinder
The Oxo Burr Grinder is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making it a favorite for home brewers new to grinding their own coffee. It combines a minimalist aesthetic with straightforward controls, delivering consistently uniform grounds for popular methods like drip-coffee and French press without any fuss. Its reputation is built on reliability and providing excellent value for an affordable price.
- What it is: A user-friendly conical burr grinder aimed at beginner and intermediate home coffee brewers.
- Key features: Stainless steel conical burrs, simple dial controls with 15 grind settings, and a one-touch timer that remembers your last setting.
- Price: Typically costs between $80 - $120.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist with a compact footprint and a matte black or stainless steel finish.
- Materials/Construction: Features 40mm stainless steel conical burrs with a body made primarily of durable plastic. The grounds container is stainless steel to reduce static.
- Pros: Very affordable entry point into quality burr grinding. Intuitive and extremely easy to use. Modern design fits well in most kitchens. Easy to clean with accessible burrs.
- Cons: Primarily plastic construction feels less robust than premium models. Limited grind settings struggle with true espresso fineness. Some users report it can be noisy.
This grinder is perfect for those who want to upgrade from a blade grinder to achieve consistent results for daily coffee without a steep learning curve or high cost.
Shop this product: https://www.oxo.com/oxo-brew-conical-burr-coffee-grinder.html
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
The Capresso Infinity from Capresso is a step up in terms of build quality and precision, targeting more serious coffee enthusiasts. It is engineered for longevity and exceptional grind consistency across a much wider spectrum, from a very coarse French press to a fine Turkish coffee. Its heavy-duty construction and Swiss-engineered burrs make it a reliable workhorse known for its durability.
- What it is: A high-performance commercial-grade conical burr grinder for dedicated home baristas.
- Key features: Solid steel commercial-grade conical burrs run at a low RPM to reduce heat and static build-up. It offers 16 grind settings across four categories: extra-fine, fine, regular, and coarse.
- Price: Usually ranges from $100 - $150.
- Style: Industrial and professional with a functional, no-nonsense aesthetic. Available in brushed silver or black finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Built with heavy-duty zinc die-cast housing and commercial-grade hardened steel burrs designed for precision.
- Pros: Outstanding durability and long-lasting performance. Provides excellent grind consistency, especially at fine settings. Slower gear reduction motor results in quieter operation and preserves bean aroma. Versatile enough for nearly any brew method.
- Cons: A higher price point than other entry-level options. Design is functional but less stylish than competitors. Grounds container can generate some static cling.
The Capresso Infinity is ideal for coffee lovers who need precise grind control for a variety of brewing methods and prioritize a durable machine that will last for years.
Shop this product: capresso.com/infinity-plus-conical-burr-grinder.html
Oxo Burr Grinder vs. Capresso Infinity Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is one of the most significant differences. The Oxo Burr Grinder relies on a primarily plastic body. While it's well-built for its price, it doesn't feel as substantial. Its burrs are made from stainless steel, which is effective but can wear down faster than harder materials.
In contrast, the Capresso Infinity features high-quality hardened steel conical burrs and a sturdy body with metal and heavy-duty plastic components. This robust construction leads to a longer lifespan and gives the machine a much more durable, professional feel.
Grind Consistency & Range
Both grinders provide a consistent grind that is far superior to any blade grinder. However, the Infinity has an edge in both consistency and range. Thanks to its commercial-grade steel burrs and slower motor speed, the Capresso produces remarkably uniform grounds, which is critical for a balanced extraction. It excels across its 16 settings, from very fine to very coarse.
The Oxo grinder performs very well for medium-coarse settings suited for drip, pour-over, and French press. However, its 15 settings are more limited, and it struggles to produce a consistent, ultra-fine grind required for proper espresso.
Price & Value
The Oxo grinder consistently comes in at a lower price, generally around $100. It offers fantastic value for anyone making the leap to fresh-ground coffee, providing reliability and consistency that punches above its weight class.
The Capresso Infinity typically costs between $20 to $50 more. While the initial investment is higher, its superior build quality and longevity can offer better long-term value for a serious coffee drinker. If you know you'll be grinding a lot of coffee for years to come, the extra expense for durability is justified.
Design & Ease of Use
Oxo is known for thoughtful, ergonomic design, and their grinder is no exception. Its sleek, modern look fits into contemporary kitchens effortlessly. The controls are incredibly simple: a single dial for grind size and a one-touch button with a memory function. It just works, right out of the box.
The Capresso has a more industrial, functional appearance. While it’s not unattractive, its primary focus is performance over aesthetics. Operation is also simple, with a timer dial and a mechanism that lets you twist the hopper itself to select a grind size.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both grinders are excellent choices, but they are designed for two different home brewers.
Choose the Oxo Burr Grinder if:
- You are new to grinding your own coffee and want a straightforward, reliable machine.
- Budget is your top priority and you're looking for the best performance under $100.
- You primarily drink drip, pour-over, or cold brew and don't need espresso-fine grounds.
- You value a sleek, modern aesthetic that will complement your kitchen decor.
Choose the Capresso Infinity if:
- You are a coffee enthusiast who needs precise control for various brewing methods.
- You are willing to invest a little more for superior durability and a longer lifespan.
- You plan to experiment with espresso or other methods that require a very fine grind.
- Performance and grind quality are more important to you than countertop aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Oxo and Capresso grinders?
The core differences are build quality and grind range. The Capresso Infinity offers more durable construction with hardened steel burrs and a heavier body, offering finer control and better longevity. The Oxo is more budget-friendly and user-focused, with a plastic build and excellent performance for standard brew methods.
Which coffee grinder is better for espresso?
The Capresso Infinity is a better choice for espresso. Its hardened steel burrs and precise settings allow it to achieve a much finer and more consistent grind, which is essential for pulling a balanced espresso shot.
Is the Capresso Infinity worth the extra money?
For serious coffee drinkers, yes. Its enhanced durability and superior grind consistency represent a meaningful upgrade that provides better tasting coffee and a longer machine lifespan, making it a solid long-term investment.
How loud are these grinders?
All burr grinders make noise, but the Capresso Infinity is generally considered quieter. Its slow-speed motor is designed not only to reduce heat and static but to operate at a lower volume than many competing grinders, including the Oxo.
What kind of burrs do they use?
Both models use conical burrs, which are preferred for their consistency and low heat buildup. The Oxo uses 40mm stainless steel burrs, while the Capresso uses higher-quality, commercial-grade solid steel burrs.
How easy are they to clean?
Both grinders are designed for easy cleaning. The top burr on each model is removable without tools, giving you direct access to brush out old coffee grounds from the grinding chamber. Regular cleaning is recommended for both to maintain performance.
Which one is more durable?
The Capresso Infinity wins hands-down in terms of durability. Its heavy-duty construction, zinc die-cast housing, and commercial-grade burrs are designed to withstand years of daily use.
How much coffee can each grinder's hopper hold?
The Oxo grinder's hopper has a capacity of about 8 ounces (or 0.5 lbs). The Capresso Infinity has a slightly larger capacity at approximately 8.8 ounces.
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.
