Blade grinder
A grinder that chops beans with a spinning blade, producing an uneven mix of fine and coarse particles.
Blade grinders work like a small propeller, smashing beans into inconsistent fragments. Grind size is controlled only by how long you run the motor, which makes repeatable results difficult.
They are cheap and compact, but the uneven particle size limits how good the resulting coffee can be, especially for espresso.
Why it matters for small spaces
Many beginners start with a blade grinder because it is small and cheap. Understanding its limits explains why a burr grinder is usually the better small-space investment.