Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind 18-Cup Automatic Burr Grinder BVMC-BMG25 Review

A household moving to a burr grinder that wants to grind a set number of cups, 2 to 18, without weighing beans

A budget electric burr grinder with a portion dial. Here is what Mr. Coffee publishes, and what it leaves out.

Spec-led review. Built from the manufacturer’s published specification and price rather than hands-on testing. Figures we could not find stated are left blank instead of estimated. Updated when we get one in.

Where you can buy itUS confirmed

Confirmed on Amazon US, which is where this link points. Availability in other Amazon stores has not been checked, and a regional store may substitute a different product.

Our rating
6.6/ 10
Decent
7 of 7 scored, out of 88.2 points · 11.8 not judgeable from specs

How we rate grinders : what each criterion measures, and what we cannot.

Grind Consistency7.0 / 10
worth 24 of 88.2 · thinly evidenced
how we got 7.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from specs that predict this rather than measure it. 40% published.
Burr geometryFlat4.0 / 4.0
Burr diameternot in our data2.0 / 4.0
Burr materialnot in our data1.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 7.0, which is 7.0 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 24 of 88.2 points are then scaled by.

The 6.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 3.0 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Grind Range & Adjustment6.0 / 10
worth 16 of 88.2 · well evidenced
how we got 6.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 100% published.
Grind settings181.5 / 5.0
AdjustmentStepped, 18 grind settings1.5 / 2.0
Holds an espresso grindYes, the maker lists espresso at the fine end of the 18 settings2.0 / 2.0
Coarse enough for French pressYes, at the coarse end of the range1.0 / 1.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 6.0, which is 6.0 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 16 of 88.2 points are then scaled by.

Build Quality & Durability6.9 / 10
worth 12.8 of 88.2 · 3.2 unpublished · well evidenced
how we got 6.9

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from specs that predict this rather than measure it. 100% published.
Body materialStainless steel4.0 / 4.0
Warranty1 year1.5 / 4.0
Manufacture location publishedChina, not scored in this category—

The rows that apply here are worth 8.0 between them and this one took 5.5, which is 6.9 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 12.8 of 88.2 points are then scaled by.

Cleaning, Retention & Mess (retention not published)7.0 / 10
worth 7 of 88.2 · 7 unpublished · thinly evidenced
how we got 7.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 40% published.
Retentionnot published in this category—
Single dosenot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Static clingStainless steel2.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 5.0 between them and this one took 3.5, which is 7.0 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 7 of 88.2 points are then scaled by.

The 3.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 1.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Dosing & Workflow7.0 / 10
worth 12 of 88.2 · well evidenced
how we got 7.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 80% published.
Single dosenot in our data1.0 / 2.0
Hopper227 (8 oz, as published)2.0 / 2.0
Built-in scaleNo0.0 / 2.0
TimerYes, a cup selector from 2 to 18 cups that stops the grind on its own2.0 / 2.0
DriveElectric2.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 7.0, which is 7.0 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 12 of 88.2 points are then scaled by.

The 2.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 1.0 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Value for Money (no price published)5.0 / 10
worth 10 of 88.2 · not evidenced
how we got 5.0
Speed & Noise6.9 / 10
worth 6.4 of 88.2 · 1.6 unpublished · thinly evidenced
how we got 6.9

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from specs that predict this rather than measure it. 38% published.
DriveElectric3.0 / 3.0
Motornot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Burr speednot in our data1.0 / 2.0
Noisenot published in this category—

The rows that apply here are worth 8.0 between them and this one took 5.5, which is 6.9 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 6.4 of 88.2 points are then scaled by.

The 5.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 2.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

The verdict

The Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind 18-Cup Automatic Burr Grinder (BVMC-BMG25) is an electric grinder with flat burrs, 18 grind settings and a 2 to 18 cup dial that stops the grind itself. Its removable hopper holds 8 oz of beans and the maker gives a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Flat burrs, as stated by the maker
  • 18 grind settings from coarse to ultra-fine
  • Cup dial from 2 to 18 stops the grind on its own
  • Removable hopper and grind chamber, with a brush built into the lid
  • Removable upper burr for cleaning
  • 1 year limited warranty

Cons

  • Burr diameter and material not published
  • Motor power not published
  • 8 oz hopper is smaller than the OXO's 340 g
  • No built-in scale
  • Maker's page and manual disagree on dishwasher use
  • No US price published on the maker's site

The Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind 18-Cup Automatic Burr Grinder (model BVMC-BMG25) is a countertop electric grinder with flat burrs, 18 grind settings and a dial that sets how many cups of grounds you want, from 2 to 18. Mr. Coffee lists it on its US site in stainless steel and black, with a hopper that holds 8 oz of beans. This page covers what the maker publishes, how it compares with two other electric grinders on this site, and who it suits.

What is the Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind 18-Cup Automatic Burr Grinder?

It is an entry-level electric burr grinder. The maker describes it as a fully automatic grinder for drip coffee, espresso, pour over and French press. You set the grind size on a selector on the right side, set the cup count on the front dial, and press the dial to start. It stops by itself when the chosen amount has been ground.

The maker lists flat burr plates, which it says deliver a uniform grind size. It does not publish the burr diameter or the burr material, and it does not publish a motor wattage. Those gaps matter when you compare it with grinders that state them.

Mr. Coffee BVMC-BMG25 specs

SpecAs published by Mr. Coffee
ModelBVMC-BMG25
Burr typeFlat burr plates
Grind settings18, from coarse to ultra-fine
Cup selector2 to 18 cups
Bean hopperHolds up to 8 oz (a half pound), removable
Dimensions8.2 in L x 5.3 in W x 11.5 in H
Weight3.75 lb
FinishStainless Steel and Black
Cord24 in, with cord storage
Warranty1 year limited

How the cup selector and grind dial work

Two controls do the work. The grind size selector has 18 positions, and Mr. Coffee says the range runs from French press at the coarse end to espresso at the fine end. The cup dial sets the portion. According to the manual, a 12-cup setting runs for about one minute, and its chart equates each 5 oz cup with about one tablespoon of beans, so 18 cups is roughly 18 tablespoons.

The manual adds two practical points. Grind size changes the volume of grounds, so a fine setting fills the chamber more than a coarse one at the same cup number. And it says not to use the finest setting for an automatic drip machine, because the finer grounds could make the basket overflow.

Cleaning and safety features

The hopper and the grind chamber both remove, and a brush is built into the hopper lid. The upper burr can be lifted out by twisting its grip, which lets you brush out stuck beans. The manual says to clean after every third use. Safety switches stop the grinder from running unless the hopper and chamber are seated, and it shuts off automatically when grinding finishes.

One conflict is worth knowing about. The product page says the grind chamber is dishwasher safe, while the manual says the unit is not dishwasher safe and tells you to wash parts with warm soapy water. Following the manual is the safer reading.

Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind vs OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder 12oz is the closest comparison for a household that grinds every morning. OXO publishes conical stainless steel burrs at 40 mm, 15 settings with 43 micro-adjustments between them, and a 340 g hopper. Mr. Coffee has flat burrs, 18 settings and an 8 oz hopper (about 227 g), but publishes no burr size or burr material.

The Mr. Coffee has more preset positions and a cup-count dial that stops the grind on its own. The OXO publishes more about the burr set and has the larger hopper, with a one-touch start that remembers the last setting. Neither has a built-in scale.

Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind vs SHARDOR Electric Burr Grinder 2.0

The SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0 is also a flat burr grinder with a dial that stops the grind, so it is the nearest match on design. SHARDOR lists 16 settings and a 2 to 14 cup dial; the Mr. Coffee lists 18 settings and a 2 to 18 cup dial. SHARDOR lists a dual interlock and a weight of 0.96 kg, against 3.75 lb (about 1.7 kg) for the Mr. Coffee. Both say they reach espresso fineness, and neither includes a scale. Browse more options in the grinders category.

Is the Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind 18-Cup Automatic Burr Grinder worth it?

Mr. Coffee does not publish a US price for this grinder on its own site, which points buyers to retailers, so we cannot state what it costs. What the maker does publish is a sensible feature set for a budget burr grinder: flat burrs, 18 settings, a portion dial, a removable hopper and chamber, and a one-year warranty. What it leaves out is the detail that separates grinders at this level: burr size, burr material and motor power. Check the current price before you buy, and weigh it against the rivals above on the specs each maker states.

Nobody on this site has tested the grinder, so we make no claim about grind evenness, noise or how long it lasts.

Who should buy the Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind (and who should not)

It suits somebody moving up from a blade grinder or pre-ground coffee who brews drip, pour over or French press and wants to grind a set number of cups without weighing beans. The cup dial makes it easy for a household where several people drink coffee. It also suits people who want a stainless steel look and a half-pound hopper.

It is a weaker fit for someone buying mainly for espresso. The maker mentions espresso at the fine end, but publishes no burr size and no detail on how finely each step adjusts. Anyone who wants a stated burr diameter, a larger hopper or a built-in scale should look at other grinders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the model number of the Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind burr grinder?

The model number is BVMC-BMG25, with SAP number 2141813 on the Mr. Coffee site.

How many grind settings does the Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind have?

It has 18 grind settings, from coarse for French press to ultra-fine for espresso, plus a separate selector for 2 to 18 cups.

Does the Mr. Coffee burr grinder use flat or conical burrs?

Flat burr plates, according to the maker. It does not state the burr diameter or material.

How much coffee does the hopper hold?

The removable hopper holds up to 8 oz, which is a half pound of beans.

Is the Mr. Coffee Cafe Grind dishwasher safe?

The maker is inconsistent. The product page calls the grind chamber dishwasher safe, while the manual says the unit is not. Hand washing with warm soapy water, as the manual instructs, avoids the question.

Can I use it for espresso and French press?

The maker says the 18 settings cover everything from French press to espresso, and also drip and pour over.

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