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Commercial Coffee Grinders

Commercial coffee grinders have a bigger impact on drink quality than almost any other piece of equipment. They control consistency, flavour, speed and how your espresso machine performs throughout the day. Whether you are choosing your first grinder or upgrading to something more accurate or more powerful, this page explains the two main grinder types and helps you decide which one suits your business.

Every grinder supplied by Espresso Direct is a commercial model that is built for daily use and fully supported for parts and servicing in the United Kingdom.

What a commercial coffee grinder does

A grinder breaks whole beans into precise, uniform particles that allow your espresso machine to extract consistently. Grind size determines how fast or slow water flows through the coffee, which affects flavour, sweetness, body and shot time. Even the most advanced espresso machine depends on a reliable grinder to perform at its best.

  • Controls shot speed and extraction.
  • Determines flavour clarity and balance.
  • Helps keep drinks consistent across the day.
  • Influences workflow speed during busy periods.
  • Reduces waste when set correctly.

If you want consistent, high quality espresso, investing in the right grinder is essential.

Types of commercial coffee grinders

There are two main types of commercial grinders. Each suits different service environments depending on volume, workflow and the level of accuracy you want.

On demand coffee grinders

On demand grinders are the standard choice for most cafés, restaurants and hospitality venues. They grind coffee for a set time when the portafilter is inserted. Modern models are fast, reliable and consistent enough for the majority of commercial sites.

  • Fresh coffee for every shot.
  • Strong consistency for everyday commercial use.
  • Lower cost than grind by weight grinders.
  • Simple timed dosing and easy setup.

These grinders are ideal if you want strong performance, simplicity and excellent value.

Grind by weight coffee grinders

Grind by weight grinders measure the exact number of grams for each shot, giving the highest level of accuracy and repeatability. They are used in specialist cafés, high volume environments and any site that wants the most stable workflow possible.

  • Exceptional dose accuracy.
  • More consistent extractions across long shifts.
  • Reduced waste and fewer correction shots.
  • Ideal for premium menus and lighter roasts.

These grinders suit businesses focused on precision and consistent flavour all day long.

How to choose the right grinder

Think about your busiest hour

Your grinder must keep up when service is at its peak. Larger burrs and strong motors help maintain speed and consistency when shots are being pulled back to back.

Decide how much consistency you need

If precision is a priority or you want to reduce waste and adjustments, grind by weight is the best choice. For most general commercial setups, a high quality on demand grinder is still an excellent and reliable option.

Match your grinder to your espresso machine

A strong espresso machine deserves a grinder that can keep up. Pairing the right grinder with the right machine is essential for achieving great flavour and reliable performance.

Where commercial grinders are used

Commercial grinders are used anywhere espresso is made fresh on site. They are commonly installed in:

  • Cafés and coffee shops
  • Restaurants and pubs
  • Hotels and hospitality venues
  • Retail counters and high footfall locations
  • Mobile vans and trailers
  • Offices with barista led service

Commercial coffee grinder FAQs

What is the difference between on demand and grind by weight grinders

On demand grinders use a timer to dose coffee, while grind by weight grinders measure the exact grams for each shot. Grind by weight offers higher consistency, but modern on demand grinders still perform extremely well in most commercial settings.

How long does a commercial grinder last

With regular burr changes and basic cleaning, a commercial grinder can last many years. High quality models often perform reliably far beyond their expected service life.

Do I need a separate grinder for decaf

If you serve decaf regularly, a dedicated grinder keeps workflow smooth during busy periods. For occasional decaf, pre ground beans are acceptable but will not match the flavour of fresh grinding.

Can Espresso Direct help me choose the right grinder

Yes. We can match you to the right grinder based on your volume, layout, menu and espresso machine. Our recommendations are based on real experience with commercial equipment across the United Kingdom.

What our customers say

Independent café owner, Leeds

“We upgraded from a manual dosing grinder to an on demand model recommended by Espresso Direct. The workflow improvement was huge. Our shot times are far more stable and training new staff is much easier now.”

Hotel restaurant, Birmingham

“Espresso Direct helped us choose a grinder that matched our busiest service periods. Pairing our two group machine with the F64 EVO has been spot on. The coffee is noticeably more consistent and the staff find it very easy to use.”

Mobile coffee van, Cornwall

“I needed something reliable and fast. Espresso Direct explained the differences clearly and helped me choose a grinder that works perfectly in a small space. Zero issues even on busy days.”

Why choose Espresso Direct

We only supply grinders that we trust in real commercial environments. Our recommendations are based on experience. Whether you need simple timed dosing or the highest level of accuracy, we can help you choose the grinder that supports your drinks menu, busiest periods and long term plans.