One grinder can serve both, and the requirements pull in different directions.
What espresso needs
Very fine resolution — steps of a few microns, since the difference between a good shot and a bad one is small.
Enough torque to grind at that fineness without stalling.
Low retention, since 18 g doses matter.
What filter needs
A wide coarse range, up to French press and cold brew.
Fewer fines, which cause muddiness and clogged filters.
Filter is far more tolerant of imprecise adjustment.
The problem with doing both
Many espresso grinders have excellent fine resolution and a limited coarse range. Some cannot grind coarse enough for a French press at all.
Many filter grinders have a wide range and coarse steps, so espresso settings fall between the clicks.
Grinders that genuinely do both
Stepless grinders with a wide range, and a number of good hand grinders. Look for a stated range covering espresso to cold brew, with fine adjustment throughout.
The practical annoyance
Switching between espresso and filter means re-adjusting and purging every time, and re-finding your espresso setting. Stepless grinders make this harder, not easier, since there are no numbers to return to.
The common solution
One good grinder for espresso, and an inexpensive hand grinder for filter. That is cheaper than two electric grinders and it removes the switching entirely.
Last reviewed 8 August 2026