Coffee grinders up to €500 - the best grinders for espresso (with bonus tip over €500)

Good shots start with the grinder. In this guide, you'll find out what's important when it comes to grinders (hopper on, several shots a day): grinder disk size, on-demand (time- or weight-accurate), timer - and why an integrated scale is worth investing a little more. We compare the Bellezza Piccola 60 Titanio, Lelit William and the classic Eureka Mignon Specialita for you - plus the "spend a little more" tip Eureka Mignon Libra.

What does "storage grinder" mean - and why does on-demand count?

Storage grinders work with a bean hopper and grind on demand directly into the portafilter. Compared to "single-doser" grinders, this is fresher and reduces waste; on-demand is usually time-controlled (timer) or - with modern models - weight-accurate (grind-by-weight).

Conical vs. flat - a short, honest comparison

Flat grinding discs: even particle distribution, clearly contoured taste; slightly higher retention, but very reproducible.
Conical burrs: efficient and quieter, with a rounder, sweeter taste profile. Neither "better" nor "worse" - a matter of taste and workflow.

Top picks up to 500 €

Bellezza Piccola 60 Titanio V2 - 60 mm, timer, strong suitability for everyday use

Grinding disks: 60 mm flat, titanium-coated
Dosing: two programmable times (approx. 1.3-2.2 g/s)
Operation: infinitely variable fine adjustment, portafilter fork

The Piccola 60 is a classic on-demand grinder with large, titanium-coated 60-mm disks - ideal for consistent espresso extraction on a daily basis. It scores points with its fast output and stable reproducibility using a timer.

User opinion: "Solid everyday grinder; very consistent results with a clean workflow."

Lelit William - PL71 (50 mm) & PL72 (64 mm) - finely adjustable, LCC display

PL71: 50 mm flat slices, timer for 1/2 cans via LCC operation
PL72: 64 mm flat disks, more throughput, LCC display, infinitely variable

The William range offers very fine micrometrics and convenient time programming. The PL71 is compact and quiet; the PL72 works with 64 mm slices at "café speed" level - often still available for less than 500 €.

User opinion: "Very precise timer cans, 64 mm deliver speed - ideal as a partner for portafilters at home."

Eureka Specialita - the classic under €500

Grinding disks: 55 mm flat (hardened steel)
On-demand: yes - two programmable timers
Special feature: Silent Technology (≈ <65 dB), anti-clumping system (ACE)

The Eureka Mignon Specialita has been the benchmark in this price range for years - quiet, precise, durable. With its 55 mm disk mechanism, touch-sensitive touch display and sensitive stepless micrometrics, it delivers professional-level consistency.

User testimonial: "I never thought that such a quiet grinder could work so precisely - my espresso has tasted more consistent than ever since."

Compared to the Bellezza or Lelit, the Specialita offers a slightly smaller grinding disk size, but excellent workmanship and one of the quietest grinders on the market. Ideal for households that grind early in the morning or late at night.

"Spend a little more": Eureka Mignon Libra (GBW) - on-demand by weight

Grinding discs: 55 mm flat (Libra 55) or 65 mm (Libra 65 AP)
Function: Grind-by-weight - stops at the target weight in the portafilter
Workflow: quiet, infinitely variable micrometrics, anti-clumping (ACE)

The Libra grinds directly by weight - no timer, no scale required. Perfect if you always want to hit your recipe (e.g. 18.0 g). The weighing function has been praised in tests; the dosing ring reduces wastage. The price is over €500, but it offers barista-level workflow convenience and consistency.

User testimonial: "The integrated scale works precisely - no re-weighing necessary since then."

Comparison - features & suitability

Model	Grinding disks	On-demand	Timer / scale	Strengths	For whom?
Bellezza Piccola 60 Titanio V2	60 mm flat, titanium	Yes	2× timer (≈ 1.3-2.2 g/s)	High output, robust everyday consistency	Everyday espresso, several drinks/day
Lelit William PL71	50 mm flat	Yes	Timer (1/2 doses) via LCC	Compact, quiet, precise timed doses	Price-conscious beginners
Lelit William PL72	64 mm flat	Yes	Timer (1/2 cans) via LCC	Fast & reproducible, "café tempo"	Frequent drinker, milk drink fans
Eureka Mignon Specialita	55 mm flat	Yes	2× timer (touch display)	Very quiet, constant, durable	Design-conscious households, barista beginners
Eureka Mignon Libra (Bonus)	55 mm flat (Libra 55) / 65 mm (AP)	Yes	Scale (GBW)	Accurate weight, workflow-friendly	Comfort fans, recipe perfectionists

Which grinding disk size suits you?

50 mm (e.g. PL71): attractively priced, quiet - ideal for 1-3 espressos a day.
55 mm (e.g. Specialita): good compromise between performance and quiet running.
60 mm (e.g. Bellezza Titanio): noticeably faster with several shots.
64/65 mm (e.g. PL72, Libra 65): Professional speed, stable consistency.

Recommendations by profile

Best value for money up to 500 €: Bellezza Piccola 60 Titanio V2 - titanium disks, snappy output, robust.
Quiet & design classic under 500 €: Eureka Mignon Specialita - precise, very quiet and great value.
More speed & reserve system: Lelit William PL72 - 64 mm, high throughput, precise timer.
Comfort upgrade for over €500: Eureka Mignon Libra - grind-by-weight for perfect reproducibility.

Conclusion

For less than €500, the Bellezza Piccola 60 Titanio, Lelit William and Eureka Mignon Specialita are the three best grinders in their class - all on-demand, infinitely variable and made for consistently good espresso. If you want more automation, switch to the Eureka Mignon Libra with integrated scale. This allows you to get the most out of your portafilter - whether you are price-conscious or convenience-oriented.