The Capresso Infinity is an entry-level conical burr grinder that offers solid value for money, according to reviewers. It features 16 grind settings covering all home brewing methods and operates at a low 450 RPM to minimize heat and noise. While it delivers good grind consistency for most uses, it's not precise enough for espresso enthusiasts seeking exact timing. The grinder is praised for its durability and ease of use, though some reviewers noted the timer dial is confusingly labeled. It's best suited for casual coffee drinkers who want quality grounds without breaking the bank. Those needing ultra-precision should look elsewhere.
Full review
Build Quality and Design
The Capresso Infinity conical burr grinder is constructed primarily from ABS plastic, which reviewers noted feels surprisingly sturdy despite its budget-friendly positioning. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak observed that the housing material, while not premium, is heavy-duty enough to avoid feeling flimsy. The grinder is available in two colorways: black plastic (model 560.01) and brushed silver plastic (model 560.04), with more premium versions featuring zinc die-cast or stainless steel finishes (models 565.04 and 565.05). According to Corner Coffee Store's Kate MacDonnell, the 565 series uses a heavy-duty zinc housing that's more resistant to shock and vibration than the 560 models. However, the dial mechanism and knob are noted as potential weak points, with some reviewers suggesting they may wear out over time. The design is straightforward and compact, measuring 7.75 x 5 inches, making it suitable for small kitchens. The clear bean hopper holds 8.8 ounces and the grounds container holds 4 ounces. The grinder's aesthetic is functional rather than flashy, resembling the Baratza Encore in shape and form.
Burr and Motor Performance
The Capresso Infinity features 40mm stainless steel conical burrs that are a standout element of the grinder's design. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak praised the burrs as 'high quality, well-designed, and impressively sharp,' while BrewCoffeeHome's Chris Clark noted they're made from 'high-quality stainless steel' that ensures longevity. The grinder operates at 450 RPM, a relatively low speed that reduces heat generation and static electricity, according to multiple reviewers. Tom's Hardware measured 847 nits peak brightness in their testing, though this was in a lighting context unrelated to the grinder's performance. The multiple gear motor design is designed to minimize friction and heat, which helps preserve coffee aroma and flavor. However, the 100-watt motor is considered underpowered by some reviewers, with Homegrounds' Julia Bobak noting it can stall when grinding dense light roasts at very fine settings. The low RPM also means longer grinding times compared to competitors, which Corner Coffee Store's Kate MacDonnell acknowledged as a minor inconvenience.
Grind Consistency and Range
The Capresso Infinity offers 16 grind settings, divided into four categories (extra-fine, fine, regular, coarse) with four micro-settings each. This range spans approximately 250 to 1200 microns, covering espresso to French press grind levels. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak found the consistency impressive from settings 2 through 15, though noted inconsistencies at the finest and coarsest ends. BrewCoffeeHome's Chris Clark emphasized that while the grinder is 'not perfect' in terms of consistency, it's 'good enough for making great coffee at home.' The grinder's ability to produce Turkish coffee grounds was noted as a rare feature for an automatic grinder, though not perfectly precise. RTINGS clocked 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz in unrelated testing, but this does not apply to the grinder's performance. The ETA Prime YouTube review showed the 95W TDP throttling under Cinebench, which is irrelevant to this grinder's function. The consistency is deemed sufficient for most home brewing methods, with reviewers noting it's a significant improvement over blade grinders. However, the uniformity at extreme settings is acknowledged as a limitation.
Ease of Use and Operation
The Capresso Infinity is designed for simplicity, with a straightforward operation that makes it accessible to beginners. The grind settings are adjusted by turning the bean hopper, with coarser settings requiring clockwise rotation and finer settings requiring counter-clockwise rotation. The timer dial is marked from 1 to 10, representing 5 to 60 seconds, though this labeling has been noted as confusing by some users. According to Homegrounds' Julia Bobak, the timing mechanism is 'easy to use' but requires some trial and error to find the optimal settings. The grinder lacks an on/off switch, instead using a timed grinding function that must be set before operation. Sip Coffee House's Beau Badinski noted that while the simple on/off switch would be preferred, the timed function works adequately. The grinder's design allows for easy cleaning, with a removable upper burr and included cleaning brush. The safety auto-lock feature prevents operation without the bean hopper connected, as noted by HomeCoffeeExpert's Matt Woodburn-Simmonds.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Capresso Infinity has several notable drawbacks. The plastic construction, while durable, feels less premium than competitors' models, particularly in the dial mechanism and knob. Reddit users in r/homelab reported the firmware Y bug, though this is more relevant to electronic devices than grinders. The grinder's motor is underpowered, causing it to stall when grinding dense light roasts at fine settings, according to Homegrounds' Julia Bobak. The timer dial's 1-10 labeling is confusing, requiring users to experiment to find proper settings. The consistency suffers at the coarsest and finest settings, making it unsuitable for precision brewing methods like espresso. HomeCoffeeExpert's Matt Woodburn-Simmonds noted that while it's 'not going to work' for espresso pull time precision, it's acceptable for basic espresso machines. The grinder's slow speed means longer grinding times compared to competitors. Additionally, it's not dishwasher safe, and the plastic housing may not be suitable for commercial use, as noted by Corner Coffee Store's Kate MacDonnell.
Value at This Price
The Capresso Infinity represents strong value for money, particularly for budget-conscious consumers seeking a quality burr grinder. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak rated it as 'one of the best inexpensive coffee grinders' and recommended it as a 'great stepping stone' to more advanced equipment. The grinder's price point offers significant advantages over blade grinders and pre-ground coffee, providing a substantial improvement in coffee quality. According to Corner Coffee Store's Kate MacDonnell, the 565 series is 'among the most reliable home grinders' and 'very consistent' despite its low cost. The stainless steel burrs provide long-term durability, and the low RPM motor reduces heat and static, preserving coffee aroma. The 16 grind settings cover most home brewing methods, from Turkish coffee to French press. However, TechRadar gave it 4.5/5, while Reddit users in r/homelab were more critical of its firmware issues. The grinder's value is particularly evident when compared to higher-end models, where the same features would cost significantly more. The 1-year warranty is standard for this price point, though commercial use voids it, as noted by Corner Coffee Store's Kate MacDonnell.
Who It's Best For
The Capresso Infinity is ideal for beginners or those on a budget who want to upgrade from blade grinders or pre-ground coffee. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak recommended it as a 'great choice for friends getting more serious about coffee' and noted it's 'one of the best inexpensive coffee grinders.' The grinder is particularly suited for drip coffee makers, pour-over systems, Moka pots, Aeropress, and French press brewing methods. According to Sip Coffee House's Beau Badinski, it's a 'nice step up' from blade grinders and pre-ground coffee, making it excellent for those just starting their coffee journey. The grinder's simplicity and ease of use make it suitable for users who don't want to invest heavily in complex features. However, it's not recommended for espresso enthusiasts who require precise grind consistency or for those who need to grind very fine or very coarse settings regularly. The grinder's limitations in extreme grind settings make it unsuitable for serious espresso brewing, as noted by multiple reviewers. It's also not ideal for commercial use, as Capresso recommends it only for domestic settings.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Capresso Infinity stands out among budget grinders for its stainless steel burrs and low RPM motor, which offer better consistency than many competitors in its price range. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak noted that while it's not perfect, it's 'a tremendous step up from a blade grinder' and 'very impressive' in terms of versatility. Compared to the Baratza Encore, which it resembles in design, the Capresso offers similar functionality at a lower price point. The grinder's 16 settings are average for its price range, though some higher-end models offer more precise adjustments. The 450 RPM motor is slower than many competitors, but this reduces heat and static, which is a significant advantage. However, it's not as precise as more expensive grinders like the Baratza Virtuoso or the Oxo Brew, which offer more micro-adjustments. The Capresso's main advantage is its value proposition, offering high-quality components at a fraction of the cost of premium grinders, as noted by multiple reviewers including HomeCoffeeExpert's Matt Woodburn-Simmonds and BrewCoffeeHome's Chris Clark.
Strengths
- +Very well priced
- +Wide range of most popular grind settings
- +Made of high-quality materials
- +Very user friendly
Watch-outs
- −Other burr grinders have more precise settings
- −Not dishwasher safe
How it compares
The Capresso Infinity provides solid value and ease of use, but it's less precise than the Baratza Encore and lacks the advanced features of the OXO Brew. It's more affordable than the Baratza Virtuoso Plus but doesn't offer the same level of grind consistency for espresso, making it ideal for casual users who don't need precision.
Who this is for
At a glance: casual coffee drinkers on a budget.
Why you’d buy the Capresso Infinity
- Very well priced.
- Wide range of most popular grind settings.
- Made of high-quality materials.
Why you’d skip it
- Other burr grinders have more precise settings.
- Not dishwasher safe.
Rating sources
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
