The bean container mounted on top of the grinder, holding beans ready to be ground. Sizes range from single-dose cups (10–30 g) to commercial 1.5 kg hoppers.
Why it matters — Hopper size shapes the workflow. Large hoppers suit cafés (fewer refills, faster service) but expose beans to oxygen, heat, and light over time. Single-dose hoppers (or no hopper at all) keep beans in their valved bag until the moment they're ground — fresher, but slower.
Good to know
- Light blocks UV degradation — dark or smoked hoppers keep beans fresher longer than clear ones.
- For home use, single-dose is now common because most home grinders don't move enough beans to justify a full hopper.