Single Dose vs On-Demand Coffee Grinders — What’s the Difference?

Differences Between Single Dose Coffee Grinders and On-Demand Coffee Grinders

Single Dose Coffee Grinder

Characteristics & Usage

• Beans are added one dose at a time (e.g. 18–20 grams per shot) and ground completely

• No bean hopper on top, or only a very small one

• Designed for grinding per order, shot by shot, for maximum flavor precision

• Ideal for cafés that frequently change coffee beans, such as specialty coffee shops or slow bar setups

Advantages

• Maximum freshness, with no beans left sitting in a hopper

• Easy to switch beans for each shot (perfect for multiple origins)

• Very precise dose control

• Reduces coffee bean waste

Disadvantages

• Slower than on-demand grinders during busy periods

• Requires weighing beans for every shot, adding extra workflow steps

• Not suitable for high-volume, continuous brewing

Approximate Price Range

• Starts at around 20,000–60,000+ THB

• Typically mid- to high-end machines

Best Suited For

• Specialty coffee shops

• Cafés that want to showcase multiple coffee origins

• Shops that prioritize quality over volume

On-Demand Coffee Grinder

Characteristics & Usage

• Coffee beans are stored in a hopper and ground automatically based on preset amounts

• Grinding is activated by pressing a button, using time-based dosing or weight-based dosing in some models

• Fast and highly convenient for continuous service

Advantages

• High speed, ideal for cafés with steady customer flow throughout the day

• No need to weigh beans for each shot, saving time

• Easy operation, allowing one barista to handle multiple orders efficiently

Disadvantages

• Coffee grounds remain inside the grinding chamber (retention), making the coffee less fresh compared to single dose grinders

• Difficult to change beans, as old beans must be removed first

• Often requires purging old grounds at the start of the day to ensure freshness

Approximate Price Range

• Starts at around 15,000–100,000+ THB

• Available across a wide range, from small cafés to large-scale operations

Best Suited For

• Commercial coffee shops that prioritize speed

• Cafés that use only 1–2 main coffee bean options

• Shops with continuous customer traffic throughout the day

Summary

• If your café has high customer volume, focuses mainly on milk-based drinks, and needs speed and continuous service→ An On-Demand Grinder is the better choice, as it delivers faster and more consistent workflow.

• If your café focuses on specialty coffee, frequently changes coffee beans, or showcases multiple origins→ A Single Dose Grinder is the ideal option, offering maximum precision and superior flavor quality.