Ariete Coffee Grinder Review: Is It Worth It?

The Ariete coffee grinder is an electric conical burr grinder from an Italian brand in the De'Longhi Group. The US model, the Grinder Pro 3017, crushes beans between stainless steel burrs and drops the grounds into a removable cup.

Thanks for reading, I'm Sam. Fellow launched its Ode brew grinder in 2019, and I have followed conical burr grinders since. I look closely at grind settings, grind quality and cleaning. Ariete had no part in this review.

The grinder has 15 grind settings, a timer and a hopper that holds 13.3 oz (378 g) of beans. It grinds well for drip, moka pot and French press. Runs are loud, and about a spoonful of grounds stays in the chute. The manual caps each run at 90 seconds.

The Ariete costs $99.99 at one US seller and less on deals. It beats a blade grinder but trails the Baratza Encore on control. It suits drip, moka pot and French press, but not espresso.

What Is the Ariete Coffee Grinder?

The Ariete coffee grinder is an electric conical burr grinder from Ariete, an Italian brand in the De'Longhi Group. The US model is the Grinder Pro 3017, a 120V grinder with a removable bean hopper and a timer.

Ariete sells the same style of grinder in Europe as the 3023. That version lists a 200 W motor, 14 grind levels and a 200 g (7 oz) hopper. A cleaning brush comes in the box. The US listing counts 15 levels.

The brand began in 1964 in Tuscany, Italy. Kenwood Appliances UK acquired it in 1995. Ariete then joined the De'Longhi Group in 2001.

The maker designs the grinder for private home use only. The manual calls it unsuitable for commercial or industrial work.

Which Ariete Coffee Grinder Models Are Sold?

Ariete sells two main coffee grinders: the Grinder Pro 3017 conical burr model and the 3016 blade grinder. The 3017 and its European twin, the 3023, are the burr models.

The 3016 works differently. It uses two stainless steel blades driven by a 150 W motor. Its capacity is 35 g (1.2 oz), so it grinds small batches. A compartment in the base stores the cord.

The 3016 has one speed and no grind size dial. The user cannot change how fine the grounds come out. Listings say it handles coffee and spices.

Ariete Grinder Models:

Model	Type	Power	Capacity
Grinder Pro 3017	Conical burr	150 W	13.3 oz (378 g) beans
3023	Conical burr	200 W	7 oz (200 g) beans
3016	Blade	150 W	1.2 oz (35 g) beans

How Does the Ariete Coffee Grinder Work?

The Ariete coffee grinder will work by crushing whole beans between stainless steel conical burrs. Beans fall from the hopper on top into the burrs, and the grounds drop through a spout into a container.

A timer knob sets the run time. The start button runs the motor, and the button blinks while the grinder works. The grinder stops on its own when the time ends. The manual warns that the longest timer step can overfill the grounds container.

A safety switch blocks the motor unless the bean hopper sits correctly in its slot. That switch keeps hands away from the burrs during a run.

How Do the Grind Level and Timer Knobs Work on the Ariete Grinder?

The Ariete grinder uses one knob for grind size and a second knob for run time. The grind knob turns from fine to coarse in steps. The timer knob offers six steps, and the longest is 50 seconds.

Grind size and run time together set how much coffee comes out. The manual includes a chart that matches both settings to the amount of coffee. The US seller gives two examples from that chart. Size 1 for 10 seconds yields 4 tablespoons. Size 15 for 10 seconds yields 8 tablespoons.

The timer sets the grind length, but the grinder has no one-touch cup button. The start button also stops the motor at any moment. Because of this, weighing the beans first and stopping the grinder by hand works well.

What Are the Ariete Coffee Grinder Specs?

The Ariete coffee grinder specs describe a 120V stainless steel conical burr grinder that stands 14 inches (35.6 cm) high, 9 inches (22.9 cm) deep and 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide. The base is stainless steel and the containers are plastic.

The US seller lists 15 grind settings and ETL certification for safety. That mark shows the grinder was tested against recognized safety standards.

The 3023 is a smaller model. It measures 19 by 12.5 by 28 cm (7.5 by 4.9 by 11 in) and weighs 1.49 kg (3.3 lb).

Power figures differ by listing. The 3017 lists 150 W, and the European 3023 lists 200 W.

A European listing for the 3017 gives a weight of 2.1 kg (4.6 lb). Dimensions on that listing read 14 by 14 by 30 cm (5.5 by 5.5 by 11.8 in).

Ariete Burr Grinder Specs:

Spec	Grinder Pro 3017	3023
Power	150 W	200 W
Grind settings	15	14
Bean hopper	13.3 oz (378 g)	7 oz (200 g)
Weight	4.6 lb (2.1 kg)	3.3 lb (1.49 kg)

How Big Is the Ariete Grinder Hopper?

The Ariete grinder hopper is big and holds 13.33 oz (378 g) of beans, while the cup holds 6.5 oz (194 g) of grounds. The US seller gives those figures.

The manual gives lower limits. It says beans must not exceed 350 g (12.3 oz). It also says the grounds container tops out at 155 g (5.4 oz). Other listings state a 300 g (10.6 oz) hopper.

The hopper locks in automatically. A buyer can lift it off with beans still inside. This lets the beans sit in a dark, cool place.

How Well Does the Ariete Coffee Grinder Grind?

The Ariete coffee grinder grinds quickly and gives a usable grind for drip, moka pot and French press. Owners report no trouble with bean feeding or grind quality in normal use.

The manual links grind size to brewing method in three pairings:

Coarse grounds: These suit filter coffee machines.
Medium grounds: These suit a moka pot.
Fine grounds: These suit espresso machines.

The brewing method decides which grind to choose.

The grinder works fast, but only in short bursts, because its duty cycle is short. One run must stay under 90 seconds. The grinder then needs 90 seconds of rest before the next run.

Can the Ariete Grinder Make Espresso Grounds?

Yes. The Ariete grinder can make espresso grounds for a basic machine, but it cannot tune a shot precisely. The manual lists the fine end of the knob for espresso machines, and the grind also suits a moka pot.

The grind knob moves in 15 steps. Fewer steps leave less room to adjust a shot.

The US seller says the burrs also grind fine enough for Turkish coffee.

A moka pot such as the Bialetti Moka Express takes the medium steps. A French press such as the Bodum Chambord takes the coarse steps.

Is the Ariete Grinder Loud?

Yes. The Ariete grinder is loud, though buyers rate it as no worse than other grinders in its class. Conical burr grinders make noise during every run.

Several buyers call the grinder not quiet but quieter than other grinders they own. A burr grinder also lacks the high-pitched whine of a blade grinder.

The noise does not last long, because the maker caps one run at 90 seconds.

How Much Coffee Does the Ariete Grinder Leave Behind?

The Ariete grinder can leave behind about a spoonful of coffee grounds inside after a run. The grounds travel down, across and down again, so some stay in the chute.

Those leftover grounds matter because the manual says they affect the taste of the next grind. Old coffee mixes with the fresh batch. Tapping the unit over a trash can shakes the grounds out.

The same tapping fix helps at the other end of the machine. Beans can stick in the hopper near the end of a run, so they never reach the burrs. A light tap on the lid moves them into the burrs.

How Do You Clean the Ariete Coffee Grinder?

Cleaning the Ariete coffee grinder starts with unplugging the unit and letting it cool. The manual calls for cleaning after every use.

The parts come apart in a set order. Remove the lid, press the release button and turn the hopper counterclockwise. Lift the handle, turn the burr counterclockwise and remove it. Then take out the grounds container.

Wash the hopper, both lids, the grounds container and the burr with water. Dry every part well. Brush out the burr compartment, since the burr has sharp parts.

The motor body gets a damp towel and a dry wipe. It never goes in water. Solvents and abrasive cleaners can damage the plastic.

Cleaning Steps:

Unplug the grinder and let it cool.
Remove the lid, press the release button and turn the hopper counterclockwise.
Lift the handle, turn the burr counterclockwise and remove it.
Take out the grounds container and wash all removable parts with water.
Dry every part well and brush out the burr compartment.

What Should Never Go in the Ariete Grinder?

The Ariete grinder should never grind ice, spices, chocolate, seeds or oily products. The manual says these items damage the appliance.

The grinder handles roasted coffee beans only. Frozen beans are fine. The manual allows two months in a vacuum sealed container, and the beans grind while still frozen.

Never Grind These:

Ice
Spices
Chocolate
Seeds
Oily products

How Long Does the Ariete Coffee Grinder Last?

The Ariete coffee grinder lasts from under a year to about three years of home use, based on owner reports. Some owners grind weekly for three years without trouble.

Other owners report a different result. They post that the grinder died after a few months. These early failures appear in forum threads about the grinder.

The manual sets run limits. After 5 minutes of operation, the grinder must rest for 30 minutes. A single cycle stays under 90 seconds.

What Warranty Covers the Ariete Grinder?

The Ariete grinder warranty covers the grinder for one year under a limited manufacturer warranty on US deal listings. Some listings in other markets state two years.

That coverage has limits. The manual excludes free service for failures caused by poor packaging during shipment. Accessories the maker does not recommend can void coverage. Improper use also ends the warranty.

European buyers hold a separate protection. The Sales of Goods Directive gives them a two-year legal guarantee. That right applies whatever the maker states in the box.

Terms can differ by region, so the written terms matter most. De'Longhi says warranty terms appear in the manual or on an insert in the box. That paper is the final word for a given region.

How Does the Ariete Coffee Grinder Compare?

The Ariete coffee grinder will compare as the cheaper option, with fewer grind steps than the Baratza Encore. It sits at the budget end of electric burr grinders.

The rivals differ most in three areas: grind steps, motor power and hopper size. A grind step is one setting on the dial, so more steps give finer control over the grind. The Baratza wins on control. The Ariete wins on hopper size.

Three other grinders compete with the Ariete at or above its price:

Capresso Infinity Plus: This grinder has 16 settings and an 11 oz (312 g) hopper. Its 100 W gear reduction motor turns the burrs below 450 rpm. The black version sells for $99.99.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder: This grinder has 15 main settings and a 12 oz (340 g) hopper. It sells for about $109.99.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro: This grinder has 60 settings and a hopper of about 18 oz (510 g). It sells for $199.95 at US retailers.

Budget Burr Grinders Compared:

Grinder	Price	Settings	Hopper	Motor
Ariete Grinder Pro 3017	$99.99	15	13.3 oz (378 g)	150 W
Baratza Encore	$149.95	40	8 oz (225 g)	70 W
Capresso Infinity Plus	$99.99	16	11 oz (312 g)	100 W
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder	$109.99	15	12 oz (340 g)	Not listed
Breville Smart Grinder Pro	$199.95	60	18 oz (510 g)	Not listed

How Much Does the Ariete Grinder Cost?

The Ariete grinder costs $99.99 at one US seller. That seller lists the grinder as backordered. The price applies to an item that is not in stock right now. A spare hopper, the part that holds the beans, sells for $24.99.

Past deals ran lower than the current price. A 2021 clearance sale priced the grinder at $59.99. The usual Amazon price then was about $90, so the clearance price sat well under what buyers normally paid.

Ariete Grinder vs Baratza Encore: Which Is Better?

The Baratza Encore gives more control, and the Ariete grinder costs less. The Encore has 40 grind settings, and the Ariete has 15.

The Encore uses 40 mm conical steel burrs and a 70 W motor. Its hopper holds 8 oz (225 g).

Seattle Coffee Gear lists the Encore at $149.95 with a one-year US warranty. The Ariete costs less and offers fewer settings.

The Encore ESP adds finer steps for espresso and sells for $199.95. The Ariete has no espresso model.

Is the Ariete Grinder Better Than a Blade Grinder?

Yes. The Ariete grinder is better than the Ariete 3016 blade grinder, with a more even and adjustable grind. Burrs crush beans to a set size, while blades chop for as long as the motor runs.

A blade grinder cuts beans into pieces of many sizes, because the blades keep chopping until the motor stops. Burrs crush beans to a set size, which is why the grind comes out even and can be adjusted.

The two grinders also differ in capacity. The 3016 holds only 35 g (1.2 oz). The Grinder Pro holds 378 g (13.3 oz) of beans.

The 3016 does have one advantage. It handles coffee and spices. The Grinder Pro grinds coffee only.

Is the Ariete Coffee Grinder Worth It?

Yes. The Ariete coffee grinder is worth buying for drip, moka pot and French press at a price near $60 to $100. It is not the right pick for espresso.

The grinder earns that verdict through a few practical features. Its hopper, the bin that holds the beans, lifts out, so filling and cleaning are easy. The hopper also holds a large amount of beans, which means fewer refills.

A safety lock stops the motor when the lid is off. A grind knob covers fine to coarse settings, which suits the three brew methods named above.

The same grinder has weaknesses that a new buyer should expect. Each run is loud. Some grounds stay in the chute after grinding. Dosing works by timer, so the amount of coffee depends on how long the motor runs, not on a weight. Reports on lifespan also vary, from months to years.

A hand grinder is the cheaper alternative. The Hario Skerton Pro holds 100 g (3.5 oz) of beans and sells for $59.99 at one US retailer.

Pros:

Removable bean hopper
Large bean capacity
Safety lock that stops the motor
Fine to coarse grind knob

Cons:

Loud runs
Leftover grounds in the chute
Timer-based dosing
Uneven lifespan reports

Who Should Skip the Ariete Grinder?

Espresso drinkers and heavy daily users should skip the Ariete grinder. Fifteen steps are too few to dial in a shot. The 90 second run cap also limits heavy use.

Buyers who want a warranty longer than one year should check the box paperwork first. Buyers who also grind spices should pick the 3016 blade model or another tool.

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