The Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder and the Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill may seem similar, but they target different coffee drinkers through performance, price, and features. Oxo excels in user-friendly simplicity and affordability for the everyday user, while Cuisinart offers more precise control, a wider range of settings, and a more robust build for the serious home barista.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right burr grinder for your kitchen and your coffee routine.
Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Oxo’s burr grinder is known for its blend of simplicity, consistent performance, and value. It’s designed for the home user who wants to step up from a blade grinder to achieve a more uniform grind for brewing methods like drip coffee, French press, or cold brew without dealing with a complicated interface or a high price tag.
- What it is: An entry-level to mid-range conical burr grinder focused on ease of use and consistent results.
- Key features: Stainless steel conical burrs, one-touch start timer that keeps your last setting, simple 15-setting grind dial, and a grounds container that holds up to 110 grams.
- Price: Around $99.95
- Style: Minimalist and modern aesthetic with a compact, countertop-friendly footprint. The black and stainless steel finish fits well in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable plastic housing with a stainless steel grounds container and hardened steel conical burrs designed for longevity.
- Pros: Incredibly easy to set up and use, provides a very consistent grind for a grinder at this price point, compact design saves counter space, and it's easy to disassemble for cleaning.
- Cons: Lacks the ultra-fine settings needed for true espresso, the grounds container can create some static cling, and the 15 grind settings may not be enough for advanced users.
The Oxo grinder is a fantastic choice for anyone moving from a blade coffee grinder who values convenience and reliable performance for daily brewing.
Shop this product: amazon.com/OXO-Conical-Burr-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B07CSKGLP9/
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill
Cuisinart’s burr grinder serves coffee enthusiasts who want more control and versatility. With more settings and a larger capacity, it’s built to accommodate a wider variety of brewing styles, from coarse French press to finer grinds for drip machines, while offering the durable performance Cuisinart is known for.
- What it is: A higher-capacity automatic burr grinder with extensive grind settings for precision-focused home baristas.
- Key features: 18-position grind selector, slide dial for 4 to 18 cups, removable 8 oz. bean hopper, and a large grounds container.
- Price: Around $59.95
- Style: A classic, machine-like appearance with a brushed stainless steel finish that gives it a more professional, kitchen-appliance look.
- Materials/Construction: The unit combines a sturdy plastic base with brushed stainless steel housing. It uses block-style burrs rather than conical burrs.
- Pros: Offers a wide range of grind settings for precise customization, generous bean hopper and grounds container capacity, heavy-duty motor, and solid, durable construction.
- Cons: A bit louder during operation compared to some competitors, not ideal for a uniform, very coarse grind like some may prefer for a press or pour-over, it takes a learning curve to discover the correct number for the grind, and a lot of parts can make for deeper cleaning.
The Cuisinart Supreme Grind is for the coffee lover who enjoys experimenting with different grind sizes and brew methods and needs a workhorse machine to back them up.
Shop this product: amazon.com/Cuisinart-DBM-8-Supreme-Grind-Automatic/dp/B0000AR7SY/
Oxo vs. Cuisinart Burr Grinder Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
When it comes to kitchen real estate, the Oxo grinder has a clear advantage. Its design is more compact and vertically oriented, making it a great fit for smaller countertops or kitchens with limited space. It’s light and easy to move around or tuck away if needed.
The Cuisinart grinder is notably larger and heavier, reflecting its more powerful motor and larger capacity. It’s better suited for a dedicated coffee station where it can live permanently. If you have plenty of room and want a grinder that feels substantial and planted, the Cuisinart fits the bill.
Materials & Construction
Oxo uses a high-quality, durable plastic body paired with stainless steel conical burrs known for producing consistent grounds and lasting a long time. The overall feel is modern and functional, prioritizing ease of handling and cleaning.
Cuisinart leans into a more traditional appliance construction with brushed stainless steel accents and a heavier-duty feel. Its block burrs are designed for power and durability, though some enthusiasts argue they don’t provide the same grind consistency as conical burrs for certain brewing methods, especially very coarse grinds. The Cuisinart definitely feels more robust and built for long-term, heavy use.
Price & Value
The Oxo grinder typically sits a bit above entry-level at around $100. For that price, you get fantastic ease of use and excellent grind consistency, making it a stellar value for anyone who doesn't need espresso-fine options. Its simplicity is a huge part of its value proposition.
The Cuisinart DBM-8 is often priced lower, around $60, offering a powerful machine with a wide range of settings for a very accessible price. While its grind consistency at the coarsest levels may be less uniform than the Oxo's, the raw functionality and customization it provides for the money is hard to beat.
Style & Versatility
Oxo's clean lines and minimalist interface blend seamlessly into modern kitchen aesthetics. It doesn't scream for attention. Its versatility lies in its flawless execution of the basics - it's perfect for drip coffee, pour-over, and French press coffee, handling the most common home brewing methods with ease.
The Cuisinart grinder has more of a classic, almost industrial look that fits with other stainless-steel appliances. Its primary advantages are power and greater control over grind sizes, as it's a bigger, more sophisticated machine, making a better match for enthusiasts who jump between methods often.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are excellent grinders from trusted brands, but they're engineered for different priorities.
Choose the Oxo Burr Grinder if:
- You're new to burr grinders and want something straightforward and foolproof.
- You have a small kitchen and need to save countertop space.
- Grind consistency for standard brewing methods like drip and French press is your top priority.
- You appreciate a simple, modern design and are willing to pay a little more for a superior, more even grind, even at the cost of fewer options when it comes to settings.
Choose the Cuisinart Burr Grinder if:
- You're a coffee enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with grind settings to perfect your brew.
- You need a higher capacity grinder for a multi-coffee-drinker household.
- You appreciate a robust, powerful machine with a classic stainless steel look.
- You're looking for a tried and true burr grinder without a high price for a grinder that can get pretty technical, if you wish to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Oxo and Cuisinart burr grinders?
The primary difference is simplicity versus versatility. The Oxo is designed for foolproof operation and excellent consistency with fewer settings. The Cuisinart offers a much wider array of grind options and larger capacity for users who prize precision and control over simplicity.
Which grinder is better for beginners?
Without a doubt, the Oxo Brew Conical Burr Grinder is better for beginners. Its one-touch operation and intuitive dial make it incredibly easy to get a great grind right out of the box with virtually no learning curve.
Can the Cuisinart grinder produce an espresso-fine grind?
While the Cuisinart grinder offers fine settings, it typically doesn't achieve the ultra-fine, consistent powder required for unpressurized portafilters on Cuisinart or at-home machines. However, a determined home-barista can achieve a decent level of grind to start exploring with their Cuisinart while learning about grind and shot times.
How easy is it to clean these grinders?
Oxo has a slight edge in cleaning. The burrs and hopper are simple to remove and clean with brushes quickly. The Cuisinart has more components, so cleaning is deeper yet a bit more complex. Users must ensure to keep the area completely dust-free to avoid potential issues like clogging.
Which is louder during operation and do they cause a big mess?
Due to its larger and higher-speed motor, both the Oxo and Cuisinart can be a bit loud but not as loud as some competitors. Both brands use fine materials that provide excellent insulation, keeping countertops free of grinds and spills.
Is the Oxo grinder worth the extra money?
If your primary concern is grind consistency for methods like pour-over or Aeropress, then yes, the Oxo grinder is worth the investment. The uniformity of the grounds makes a tangible difference in the quality of the brew, which many daily coffee drinkers find valuable.
Which grinder lasts longer?
With a wide range of kitchen accessories, Cuisinart stands out in terms of longevity. The brand uses high-quality stainless steel in its products, ensuring consumers receive good value for their money.
What type of burrs does each grinder use?
The Oxo grinder uses stainless steel conical burrs, praised for producing a uniform grind and generating less heat. The Cuisinart DBM-8 uses block-style (also called flat) burrs, which are more aggressive and can grind large quantities faster.
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.
