Key takeaways
- Capresso Infinity review: 16-setting conical burr grinder specs, strengths, limits for espresso, and how it compares with the Plus and Encore.
The Capresso Infinity is an entry-level conical burr grinder with 16 grind settings, a slow gear-reduction motor and a see-through 8.8 oz bean hopper. It does drip, pour-over, French press and moka-style grinding well enough for most households, and it has been a common first burr grinder for years. It is not the right pick for someone chasing precise espresso adjustments, because 16 steps are too coarse for fine tuning. The Infinity Plus line shares the same core hardware with a larger hopper and different housings.
Quick Verdict
- Strengths: burr grinding at a modest cost, a slow motor intended to reduce heat and noise, a timer with pulse control and a removable upper burr that makes cleaning easier.
- Weaknesses: only 16 settings, plastic-heavy construction on the base model and a design that does not suit exacting espresso dialing.
- Best for: drip, pour-over, French press and similar methods where grind size can sit within broad bands.
- Consider instead: the Baratza Encore if you want finer adjustment, or an Infinity Plus version if you want a larger hopper.
- Bottom line: a dependable first burr grinder for filter coffee, not a fit for a serious home espresso setup.
Key Specs
| Spec | Capresso Infinity 560 series |
|---|---|
| Burr type | Solid conical steel burrs; the upper burr is removable for cleaning |
| Grind settings | 16: four extra fine, four fine, four regular, four coarse |
| Motor | Gear-reduction motor, under 450 rpm per the maker; retailer pages quote about 420 to 450 rpm |
| Power | About 100 W at 120 V |
| Bean hopper | 8.8 oz, see-through |
| Grounds container | About 4 oz |
| Timer | Adjustable from roughly 5 to 60 seconds, plus a pulse option |
| Housing | ABS plastic; the 560.04 has a brushed silver finish |
| Dimensions | About 7.75 in wide, 5 in deep and 10.5 in tall |
| Weight | About 3 lb |
| Safety | Safety lock; the grinder will not run without the container in place |
| Warranty | One year limited, per retailer pages |
Who It Is For (and Who Should Skip It)
A good fit
If you currently use a blade grinder or buy pre-ground coffee, the Infinity is a clear step up. Burr grinding gives you more uniform particles than a spinning blade, and that evenness makes drip and French press coffee taste cleaner. The timer and pulse controls are straightforward, so family members can use it without a learning curve.
It is also a good match for households with several brew methods. Coarse for press, regular for drip, fine for cone filters or moka-style brewers: the four-band layout makes it simple to remember which area to use.
Who should skip it
- Home espresso enthusiasts. Sixteen steps cannot match the fine incremental control that non-pressurized espresso demands. The extra-fine group can suit pressurized baskets, but check what your machine needs.
- People who want grind by weight. The grounds container is marked by cups and timing, not by a scale. Use a kitchen scale for consistency.
- Anyone sensitive to static. Plastic bins on entry grinders tend to attract grounds, and this one is no exception.
- Buyers wanting an all-metal build. The base model uses ABS plastic with a metal-look finish. The stainless Infinity Plus is built differently.
What It Does Well
Slow motor, calmer grinding
A gear-reduction motor turning at less than 450 rpm is the central design idea. Lower speed means less heat transferred to the beans and generally lower noise than high-speed motors. The Infinity is still audible, but it is not as sharp as a blade grinder. The slow speed also gives you time to catch the grinder with the pulse or timer if you only need a small amount.
Adjustment you can understand at a glance
The dial is organized into four groups of four. That simplicity makes recipes easy to share and easy to repeat: you can say that you grind on the coarse end for press and in the middle for drip. For many people that is more useful than a long scale of numbers they will never memorize.
Cleanable by design
The upper burr lifts out, so you can brush away old grounds and oils. Grinders that you cannot clean often make stale-tasting coffee after a few months, so this feature matters more than it appears on a spec sheet. A brush and a scoop come with the grinder according to retailer descriptions.
Practical timer and pulse
You can set a grind duration from a few seconds to a minute, which approximates cups. This is not exact, since grind time depends on bean type and setting, but it is repeatable enough for daily coffee. The pulse button helps with small adjustments, such as topping up a measured dose.
Simple footprint
At roughly 10.5 inches tall and about 3 pounds, the grinder fits under most cabinets and is easy to move to the counter. The see-through hopper lets you see bean level at a glance.
Matching settings to brew methods
Because the dial is grouped in four bands, a simple starting map works well. Use the coarse band for French press and cold brew, the regular band for automatic drip and flat-bottom filter baskets, and the fine band for cone pour-over and moka-style pots. Move one click at a time and brew a full pot or cup before judging the change. If coffee tastes sharp and thin, go one step finer; if it tastes bitter and heavy, go one step coarser. Keep a note of the setting that suits each bean, since different roasts and ages of beans shift the ideal point.
Weigh your beans instead of relying on the cup marks. A kitchen scale takes a few seconds and removes a major source of drift in daily coffee. Grind only what you need for the next brew, as ground coffee loses aroma quickly, and empty the hopper if you will not use the grinder for several days.
Where It Falls Short
Coarse adjustment steps
Because there are only 16 settings, the gap between adjacent steps is large. On a paper-filter pour-over, that can mean choosing between slightly too fast and slightly too slow. A stepless or finer-stepped grinder lets you land between those points.
Not built for espresso precision
The extra-fine range is described as suitable for espresso on some machines, but non-pressurized baskets need much finer steps and higher consistency in fines. If espresso is your main goal, consider a grinder designed for it from the start.
Static and retention
Plastic parts and an open grounds bin can produce static. A small spritz of water on beans before grinding is a common trick, though you should follow the maker’s guidance. Expect some grounds left in the chute that carry over to the next grind.
Plastic parts
The base Infinity uses plastic housings. They keep the grinder light and affordable but are less robust than the zinc and stainless options in the Plus line.
Mixed spec claims
Seller descriptions mix terms such as commercial-grade or professional. Treat these as marketing language and rely on the listed burr type, motor speed and settings.
How It Compares
| Feature | Infinity 560 | Infinity Plus | Baratza Encore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burrs | Conical steel | Conical steel, same core hardware | 40 mm conical steel |
| Grind settings | 16 | 16 | 40 |
| Hopper | 8.8 oz | About 11 oz per one source | About 8 oz |
| Motor | Under 450 rpm | Same speed class | About 450 rpm DC motor with gear reduction |
| Body | ABS plastic | Plastic or stainless and die-cast options | Plastic with metal elements |
| Weight | About 3 lb | Heavier on several listings | About 7 lb |
| Best for | Basic filter coffee | Same use with larger capacity and sturdier housing | Finer control for filter and moderate espresso |
The Encore trades some convenience for control. Forty settings give you smaller steps between grind sizes, and the machine is heavier and steadier. The Plus line trades visual style and capacity, but not core grinding capability.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Capresso Infinity 560.04 in Brushed Silver – the reviewed grinder
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This is the 560.04 model with a brushed silver finish and the 16-setting conical burr system described above. It is the reference model for the line and a straightforward starter burr grinder. Check the listing for what is included, such as the cleaning brush and scoop, and for the current warranty. If your coffee routine is mainly drip or French press, this version already covers it.
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder with 8.8 oz hopper – the basic listing
This listing highlights the see-through bean container that holds up to 8.8 oz of beans, which is the headline difference you will notice day to day. It is the same Infinity family, so the 16 settings and slow gear motor apply. Choose this listing if you just want the plainest version available, and compare the included accessories and finish with the other listings before you decide.
Capresso Infinity Plus in Black – larger hopper, same grinding core
The Plus line is described with commercial-grade steel burrs, 16 settings and a low-speed gear motor. Independent sources report a larger hopper, around 11 oz, and a slightly taller, heavier body. The grinding hardware is the same class as the standard Infinity. Pick it if you want the extra bean capacity or a more modern look, and confirm exact dimensions on the listing.
Capresso Infinity Plus in Stainless Steel – sturdier looks
This version uses a stainless finish with a heavier body, aimed at kitchens where the grinder stays on display. A heavier base can reduce vibration and walking across the counter. It keeps the broad precision range and low-speed motor from the rest of the family. It does not change the 16-step limitation, so it is a style and durability upgrade rather than a precision upgrade.
Capresso Infinity Plus in White – for lighter kitchens
The white Infinity Plus has the same commercial-style steel burrs, 16 settings and gear motor as the black model. Choose it only if the color fits your kitchen better; there is no performance reason to prefer it. White plastic can show coffee oils over time, so a regular wipe-down and burr cleaning will keep it looking fresh.
Baratza Encore – finer control for the same kind of buyer
The Encore has 40mm conical steel burrs, 40 grind settings and a 450 rpm DC motor with gear reduction according to retailer specifications. The extra settings make it easier to dial a pour-over recipe or move toward espresso-style grinding, with a hopper of about 8 oz and a grounds bin of about 5 oz. It is heavier at roughly 7 pounds, and it is a common recommendation for a first serious grinder. Confirm the current version on the listing.
Questions
Can the Capresso Infinity grind for espresso?
It can grind fine enough for pressurized baskets on many home machines, but it lacks the small steps needed for non-pressurized espresso. If you are serious about espresso, look for a grinder with many more settings or stepless adjustment.
What is the difference between the Infinity and the Infinity Plus?
Sources describe the same core burr and motor, with the Plus offering a larger hopper, a heavier or taller body and more housing choices. Check each listing for exact dimensions.
How loud is it?
The slow gear-reduction motor makes it quieter than a blade grinder, but it is still a working appliance. Expect a steady grinding noise for the duration of your timer setting.
How do I clean it?
Unplug it, remove the hopper, lift out the upper burr and brush away grounds from the burrs and chute. Follow the instruction manual for burr removal, and avoid water on electrical parts.
Is the timer accurate?
It is repeatable rather than exact. Time and cups give a rough dose, so weigh your beans if consistency matters from day to day.
Which Infinity should I buy?
If you only want the grinding hardware, the standard model is enough. Choose the Plus for a bigger hopper and different finishes, and the Encore if you want finer grind steps.
Update History
- October 21, 2026 – Initial publication; specifications checked against manufacturer documentation where available.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Capresso instruction manual and product pages for the Infinity and Infinity Plus lines.
- Baratza specification pages and retailer specification fields for the Encore.
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for each product named above.
- Independent grinder write-ups for comparisons between the Infinity and Infinity Plus.
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