Oxo Vs. Cuisinart Burr Grinder : Which One Is Better

I’ve always loved starting my day with a fresh cup of coffee, and switching to a burr grinder changed everything for me. After trying blade grinders that left uneven grounds and flat-tasting brews, I decided to compare two popular options in the budget range: the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder and the Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (DBM-8). In this article, I share my honest take on which one stands out as the better choice based on real use, covering key features, performance differences, and everyday practicalities to help you pick the right one for your kitchen routine.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

I picked up the OXO after reading about its reputation for consistent grinds in the entry-level category.

Right out of the box, I noticed how sleek and compact it looks on my counter—it’s slim enough that I can slide it under my cabinets without hassle, which matters in my small kitchen.

The stainless steel accents give it a premium feel compared to cheaper plastic-heavy models.

The first thing that impressed me was the grind control. Instead of just a timer, it lets you set the amount by weight in grams, which feels precise and modern.

I grind 18-20 grams for my morning pour-over, and it stops automatically once it hits the target. No more guessing or over-grinding.

The conical burrs produce noticeably even grounds—when I brew with a V60, the extraction tastes balanced, with clear notes from the beans instead of bitterness from fines.

Over months of daily use, I’ve ground everything from medium for drip to coarser for French press. It handles those well, though I wouldn’t call it espresso-ready; the finest settings work for moka pot but struggle with true espresso machines.

The hopper holds plenty of beans for a week’s worth of grinding if I don’t buy in bulk. Cleaning takes minutes: pop off the hopper, remove the burrs, brush out residue, and wipe down. Static can build up a bit, but tapping the chute helps.

One morning ritual I enjoy is the quiet-ish operation compared to my old blade grinder—it’s not silent, but the high-pitched whine fades quickly.

I appreciate the one-touch start after setting, and the memory function recalls my last grind size, saving fiddling around.

In my routine, it delivers reliable results that make my coffee taste noticeably better than pre-ground store stuff. It’s become my go-to for consistent mornings without much effort.

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Pros Of OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

• Consistent grind quality across settings : The conical burrs create uniform particles that lead to even extraction, making my drip and pour-over cups taste brighter and more flavorful every time.
• Weight-based dosing for precision : Setting grams instead of time means I get the exact amount needed without waste, which saves beans and keeps brews repeatable.
• Compact and space-saving design : At just over a foot tall with a narrow footprint, it fits perfectly in tight kitchens and looks neat on the counter.
• Easy to use with intuitive controls : The dial for grind size and digital display make adjustments straightforward, even first thing in the morning.
• Removable parts for simple cleaning : The hopper, burrs, and bin come off quickly, and a included brush tackles residue without much scrubbing.
• Solid build with stainless steel elements : It feels durable and premium, holding up well to daily use without showing wear quickly.
• Good range for filter methods : From coarse French press to medium-fine drip, it performs reliably for most home brewing styles I use.
• Automatic stop and memory function : It remembers settings and shuts off precisely, reducing hassle during rushed routines.

Cons Of OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

• Not ideal for true espresso : The finest settings produce grounds too coarse for most espresso machines, leading to under-extraction if I try.
• Some static and mess : Grounds can cling to the chute, and static causes a bit of scatter when emptying the bin.
• Noisy during operation : The high-pitched sound stands out in a quiet kitchen, though it only lasts 20-30 seconds per grind.
• Limited micro-adjustments : While 15 settings exist, stepping between them feels broad for very precise tweaks in specialty brewing.
• Higher price in the budget category : It costs more than basic burr options, which might feel steep if you’re just starting out.
• Retains some grounds : A small amount stays in the chute after grinding, requiring occasional tapping or extra cleaning.
• Tall for some cabinets : Though compact overall, the height can still bump low shelves in very tight spaces.

Maintenance Tips For OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

• Clean weekly or after every few uses : Remove the hopper and upper burr, brush away grounds, and wipe the chamber to prevent oil buildup that affects taste.
• Use the included brush regularly : It reaches into the chute and burr area easily, keeping things residue-free without disassembly each time.
• Avoid water on electrical parts : Stick to dry brushing and a damp cloth for exteriors—never submerge or run water through the mechanism.
• Empty the bin after each grind : This reduces static clumping and makes emptying cleaner next time.
• Store beans in an airtight container : Keep the hopper half-full or less to minimize exposure and maintain freshness.
• Check burr alignment occasionally : Ensure the burrs seat properly after cleaning to maintain consistency.
• Descale if using hard water indirectly : Though not direct contact, wipe any scale from removable parts if noticed.
• Run a grind-through with old beans periodically : This clears out stale residue before fresh batches.

Comparison with other brands

• Vs Baratza Encore : Baratza offers superior consistency and repairability with easier burr swaps, but it’s pricier and bulkier than the OXO’s compact convenience.
• Vs Breville Smart Grinder Pro : Breville provides more settings and better espresso capability, yet it costs significantly more and takes up more counter space compared to the OXO.
• Vs Fellow Opus : The Opus excels in versatility across brew methods with premium build, but its higher price makes the OXO a smarter budget pick for filter-focused users.
• Vs Baratza Virtuoso+ : Virtuoso+ delivers exceptional uniformity and quieter operation, though the OXO wins on simplicity and affordability for everyday needs.
• Vs entry-level models like Krups : Krups options often underperform in consistency and durability, while the OXO stands out with better burr quality and features.
• Vs high-end like Eureka Mignon : Eureka provides pro-level precision, but the OXO offers 80% of the performance at a fraction of the cost for home use.

My Experience With Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

I started with the Cuisinart years ago when upgrading from a blade grinder felt like a big step.

It’s affordable, and the brushed stainless steel body looks decent on the counter.

The 18 grind settings cover a wide range, from extra-fine to extra-coarse, and the timer dial lets me set how long it runs for portion control.

In practice, it grinds decently for drip coffee makers—grounds come out fairly even for medium settings, and my auto-drip brews improved noticeably over pre-ground.

The hopper holds enough for a few days, and the removable parts make it straightforward to fill. I like the auto-stop when the timer finishes, and the grounds bin catches most of it.

However, inconsistencies show up at the extremes. Coarse settings produce chunks alongside fines, which muddies French press brews.

Finer attempts for pour-over can clump or vary too much. It’s louder than I’d prefer, with a mechanical buzz that echoes in the morning. Cleaning involves more pieces, and static makes grounds stick everywhere.

Over time, I found it reliable for basic needs but lacking the precision I crave now that I’m more into better-tasting coffee. It served me well as an entry point, but I eventually moved on for more even results.

Pros Of Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

• Affordable entry into burr grinding : At a low price, it introduces consistent grinding without breaking the bank for beginners.
• Wide range of 18 settings : Covers ultra-fine to extra-coarse, giving flexibility for different brew methods right away.
• Simple timer-based operation : Easy to set and start, making it approachable for anyone new to grinders.
• Removable bean hopper and chamber : Facilitates filling beans and accessing for cleaning without hassle.
• Automatic stop feature : Shuts off when done, preventing over-grinding or forgotten running.
• Decent capacity for daily use : 8 oz hopper suits small households or moderate coffee drinkers.
• Stainless steel exterior : Looks polished and resists fingerprints better than all-plastic models.
• Good upgrade from blade grinders : Produces far better flavor in brews compared to chopped grounds.

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Cons Of Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

• Inconsistent grind at extremes : Fines and boulders appear in coarse or fine settings, affecting extraction quality.
• Louder operation : The mechanical noise stands out more than smoother models during grinding.
• More static and mess : Grounds cling and scatter, requiring extra wiping after each use.
• Limited precision for specialty brewing : Struggles with evenness needed for pour-over or espresso-like results.
• Build feels less premium : Plastic internals and components wear faster over heavy use.
• No weight-based dosing : Timer only means less accuracy for exact amounts.
• Bulkier footprint : Takes up more counter space and height than slimmer competitors.

Maintenance Tips For Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill

• Brush out burrs regularly : Use a soft brush to clear grounds from the chamber weekly to avoid clogs.
• Disassemble removable parts often : Take off hopper and bin, rinse if needed (dry thoroughly), and wipe internals.
• Avoid overloading hopper : Keep beans below max line to prevent jamming or uneven feed.
• Tap to reduce static : Gentle taps after grinding help dislodge clinging grounds.
• Store in dry place : Prevent moisture affecting burr performance over time.
• Check for wear periodically : Inspect burrs for dulling if grinding heavily.
• Use vacuum for deep clean : Occasionally suck out trapped fines from hard-to-reach spots.
• Run empty grinds for clearing : Grind through stale beans to flush residue.

Comparison with other brands

• Vs OXO Brew : OXO edges out with better consistency, quieter feel, and weight dosing, while Cuisinart wins purely on lower cost.
• Vs Baratza Encore : Baratza far surpasses in uniformity and longevity, but Cuisinart offers a cheaper introduction to burrs.
• Vs Breville : Breville provides superior control and build, making Cuisinart feel basic by comparison.
• Vs Krups or similar budget : Cuisinart performs better than blade-like burrs in those, with more settings.
• Vs higher-end like Fellow : Fellow delivers precision and style, while Cuisinart suits tight budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For Both Products

I’ve used both the OXO and Cuisinart extensively, and if I had to choose one today, I’d go with the OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder every time. It delivers more reliable, even grinds that make my coffee taste noticeably better, plus thoughtful features like weight dosing and a compact design that fits my life perfectly. The Cuisinart served me well as a starter, but its inconsistencies and louder operation pushed me to upgrade.

You should pick the OXO if you want consistent results for drip, pour-over, or French press without fuss—it’s worth the extra cost for daily enjoyment. Go for the Cuisinart if you’re on a tight budget and just want a solid step up from blade grinding. Either way, switching to a burr grinder will transform your mornings. Trust me, once you taste the difference, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.