How much should I spend on a home grinder?

Per cross-source consensus: under $50 gets a blade grinder suitable only for drip. $100–$200 buys a competent entry burr grinder (OXO, Breville). $180–$250 now buys 64mm flat-burr grinders (Mokkom, Shardor) that reviewers compare to commercial units. Above that, you're paying for retention, build, and workflow refinements.