Overview
The Krups GVX231 is a budget burr grinder offering 17 grind settings from fine to coarse. The small flat burrs provide a noticeable improvement over blade grinding for drip coffee and French press. While not suitable for serious espresso grinding, it serves well for basic home brewing at an extremely accessible price. A functional entry-level burr grinder for casual coffee drinkers.
The Krups GVX231 features a 38mm flat burr set, crafted from steel. The burrs spin at 1400 RPM, offering fast grinding for high-volume use. Grind retention is approximately 3.0g, typical for a hopper-fed workflow.
At $45, the Krups GVX231 is aimed at budget-conscious coffee lovers just starting their espresso journey. With a 200g hopper, it's designed for a traditional hopper-fed workflow. The flat burr design produces a more uniform particle distribution, prized for clarity and sweetness in the cup.
The Krups GVX231 is weighing 1.6 kg, manufactured in Germany, powered by a 100W motor. Its footprint measures 100 x 170 x 245 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat burr geometry produces highly uniform particle distribution, prized for clarity and sweetness in espresso
- Excellent value for money — capable espresso grinding at an accessible price point
- Well-regarded in the home espresso community for consistent grind quality in its price bracket
Cons
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
- Not optimized for single dosing — hopper-fed design may result in some grind exchange between doses
- Higher retention (3.0g) means some grounds are retained between uses, affecting freshness for single-dose workflows
Full Specifications
| Brand | Krups |
|---|---|
| Model | Krups GVX231 |
| Category | Flat Burr |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Year Introduced | 2013 |
| Burr Size | 38 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel |
| Burr Type | 38mm flat |
| Grind Speed | 1400 RPM |
| Retention | 3.0 g |
| Single Dose | No |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 200 g |
| Motor Wattage | 100 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 100 x 170 x 245 mm |
| Weight | 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) |
| MSRP | $45 |
Our Verdict
The Krups GVX231 uses flat burrs, which are the preferred geometry for espresso among competition baristas and specialty coffee professionals. Flat burrs produce a more unimodal (uniform) particle distribution, which translates to cleaner, sweeter espresso with more clarity than conical alternatives. At under $500, it's an accessible entry into flat burr grinding. Pair it with a machine that does justice to the grind quality, and you'll taste the difference in every shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Krups GVX231 grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Krups GVX231 is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
Why choose flat burrs in the Krups GVX231?
Flat burrs produce a more uniform (unimodal) particle distribution compared to conical burrs. This translates to cleaner, more transparent espresso flavors with pronounced sweetness and clarity. Many competition baristas and specialty roasters prefer flat burr grinders for this reason.
How do I maintain the Krups GVX231?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. For the motor, occasional use of grinder cleaning tablets (like Grindz) helps remove coffee oil buildup. Never wash burrs with water.