Best Manual Coffee Grinder: Our 12 Top Picks in 2024 (+ Buyer Guide)
To enjoy rich, aromatic, and flavorful coffee daily, you must invest in a high-quality manual grinder to always get the perfect coarseness and taste. However, finding the right manual grinder is not as straightforward as it seems, as numerous models are available, each with unique designs and features.
We’ve done all the hard work and put together this guide to help you find the best manual coffee grinder.
Our Top Pic: TimeMore Chestnut C2 (Best Overall)
- The best cost-effective choice-TIMEMORE C2 Grinder. Stainless steel burr-CNC machining. Double bearing central axis positioning-uniform grinding particles. Burr size 38mm-efficient grinding of coffee beans.
- Convenient to carry : The body weighs 430g, while maintaining a light weight and a moderate sense of weight and luxury. It is ideal not only for home use but also for carrying outdoors or traveling.
- Roughness adjustment function : Adjustable in about 36 steps. You can easily grind the desired roughness from fine to coarse with the adjustment nut.
- Excellent Burr : The milling blade with 55-58HRC hardness in 5-axis CNC machining realizes uniform grinding with almost no excessively coarse grains. At the same time, the generation of fine powder is minimized.
- Labor-saving performance : The smoother movement is realized as the handle keeps turning for a while even if you release your hand due to the built-in bearing. In addition, a compact body of 52 mm that is easy to grasp even for small hands. and it is possible to grind lightly with very little force.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.67 x 2.6 inches
- Burr material: Stainless steel conical burrs
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Grind Settings:36
- Capacity: 20g
- Double bearings
The Chestnut C2 is our top pick, thanks to its remarkable grinding experience, portability, ease of use, uniform ground, and affordable pricing. This hand grinder features two bearings and 38mm stainless steel burrs, often found on more costly hand grinders.
We love the grinding experience and consistency of the stainless steel burrs, as they are far superior to ceramic burrs. For coarser grounds, it takes about 20 seconds to ground 20g of coffee beans. It takes an additional 10 seconds to grind the same quantity of coffee beans on a finer setting. You can prepare the coffee grounds even before the water boils.
Also, the Chestnut C2 utilizes the steeped adjustment to modify the fineness by turning the knob. It offers the complete grind range, allowing you to grind extremely finely for Espresso, Moka pot, or coarsely for a French Press.
The grinder’s body is made of aluminum, lighter than stainless steel. The specially built surface texture is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
Once you grab the coffee beans and grind them, it increases traction. The grinder is not slippery throughout the entire process and is super comfy.
The downside is that the volume is only 20 grams, making it only appropriate for one cup at a time. Nonetheless, the Chestnut C2 is sufficiently quick and has a brush, making it simple to wash the grounds.
Additionally, the packaging includes a lovely carry bag. You could easily dismantle the components and wash them.
All in all: one of the best manual coffee grinders out there. You can’t go wrong with this model.
Pros
- Premium quality at an affordable cost
- Creates uniform coffee grinds
- Excellent grinding experience; grind quickly and effortlessly
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Textured surface facilitates grip, making it ergonomic
Cons
- It only holds one cup at a time due to its limited capacity
Best Manual Coffee Grinder: Other Top Picks
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 | Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder: Conical Ceramic Burr Mill |
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Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill – Mini Slim Plus
- The Mini-Slim Plus: A great grinder for both beginners and pros! Its slim, compact design makes for a great grinder for home and travel. Ceramic mill is easily adjusted for right grind coarseness providing a consistent grind for perfect fresh coffee
- New and Improved: Upgraded from our original Mini-Slim with a newly designed ergonomic handle and shaft coupling for better traction
- Perfect Grind: Ceramic conical burrs ensure a precise, uniform grind-- Our burrs transfer less heat and shave coffee beans versus cracking them like blade grinders. Ergonomically designed crank handle detaches for compact storage and easy travel
- Japanese Design: Designed by Hario in Japan to provide coffee lovers with easy access to freshly ground coffee. The Mini-Slim Plus has a small, lightweight design which makes it the perfect travel accessory for any coffee lover
- Product Details: Coffee capacity 24g; W150×D72×H220mm
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 4 x 7 x 3 inches
- Burr material: Ceramic conical burrs
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Grind Settings: 25
- Capacity: 24g
Hario, a renowned Japanese company in the coffee market, also offers coffee consumers excellent, user-friendly grinders and various other coffee accessories. The Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill – Mini Slim Plus is a the best manual coffee grinder for you if you’re on a budget.
This Hario Mini Slim Plus coffee grinder has ceramic burrs, which are not as quick and sharp as steel burrs in more costly models. You may require additional effort to ground the tougher beans.
The hand grinder is manufactured from durable plastic, making it ideal for travel. Toss it inside your suitcase without concern about its condition. Also, it is quite simple to clean.
This grinder can hold two cups of coffee. There’s a distinctive mark on the cylinder. Its compact shape and low weight make it an ideal travel companion. You could enjoy your coffee anywhere.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Compact and lightweight, making it quite portable
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons
- Low capacity
- Slow grinder
- Not quite consistent
TimeMore Chestnut G1
- UNIQUE DESIGN: winning Reddot design Award of 2017, which is one of the top designing wards and called Oscar Award in the designing industry.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Space aluminum and black walnut in unibody designs
- SHARP STEEL BURRS: Produced in 5-axis CNC for High grinding efficiency.
- CONSISTENT GRINDING: Two ball bearings fix the central axis to ensure the fluency and concentricity of the burr set.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.31 x 2.99 inches
- Burr material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 27.4 ounces
- Grind Settings: 24
- Capacity: 30g
- Double bearings
The Chestnut G1 grinder, like most other Timemore items, is an ideal combination of design and functionality. In 2017, its striking blend of wood and metal earned it the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.
Most of the grinder’s body comprises lightweight aluminum alloy, making this an excellent grinder for camping or travel. The stainless steel burrs, crank arm, and driveshaft also guarantee longevity. The general rounded-square form is pleasant in the hands when grinding.
Although it’s more expensive than the Chestnut C2, this grinder’s price is reasonable. Besides, the most vital feature is its ability to generate uniformly ground coffee. If that’s important to you, this may well be the best manual coffee grinder for you.
The grinding mechanism is kept stable by double ball bearings. The 38 mm steel burrs are well-built for easy grinding. The Chestnut G1 is also available in more robust titanium burrs for a slightly higher cost.
The G1 utilizes a stepped adjustment, making it simple to recall your preferred grind size. The grind range is also sufficient for any brewing process, from French Press to Turkish. However, coffee lovers might need micro tweaks to tune in to the exact flavor.
Pros
- Broad grind range, making it suitable for most brewing techniques
- 38 mm burrs ensure its durability
- It features a graduated adjustment, allowing for a high degree of grinding accuracy
- The double bearings make it incredibly stable
Cons
- Micro adjustments are necessary for more accurate tuning, which can be a nuisance
Porlex Mini
- Ceramic conical burrs with wide range can grind from powder to french press
- 20 gram capacity
- 47 mm diameter and stands 130 mm tall
- Made in Osaka, Japan
- Stainless steel, static free body
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 6 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches
- Burr material: Ceramic conical burrs
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Grind Settings:13
- Capacity: 20g
The Porlex Mini is the most portable manual coffee grinder on this list. However, just because it’s tiny doesn’t mean it compromises its grinding uniformity. Coffee professionals adore this product due to its robust make and efficient grinding.
The grinder’s stainless steel construction ensures its durability and lifespan. The cylindrical design of Porlex Mini makes it simple to hold and makes the grinder portable and easy to stash. And at only 8 ounces in weight, it fits nicely in your Aeropress.
The grinder has 13 settings, enabling you to grind to your desired consistency. Additionally, the Porlex Mini system is well-contained. You need not be concerned about the grounds strewing your counter.
However, note that this unit is somewhat compact despite its superior consistency. You’ll have to grind repeatedly if you want to ground a lot of coffee.
In short: when it comes to portability, this model is the best manual coffee grinder on the list.
Pros
- Includes 13 grind options, making it simple to get the perfect blend for your coffee preferences
- It is solid and durable, therefore quite long-lasting
- It’s compact, making it ideal for travel
- It fits comfortably in hand, thanks to its ergonomic design
Cons
- Slightly costly
- It has a tiny grinding capacity, making it unsuitable for heavy coffee drinkers
- It lacks a window, making it difficult to determine when to refill
1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder
- ☕SAVE SPACE - Goodbye bulky machine! The Q grinder only takes up little space, under 500g weight, small than a can of soft drink! Making it comfortable to grip and easy to grind. Just at the right size for you to pack in your bag, even fits perfectly in the plunger of your AeroPress.
- ☕SMALL but PREMIUM - Fixed with dual bearing and triaxial design, increased stability for better consistency of the grind. Over 60 clicks for the general setting. Grinding coffee no longer has to equate to hassle, having a fun time while traveling or camping!
- ☕DISASSEMBLED STRUCTURE - Simply unscrew for a general cleaning. Easy apart off cleaning thoroughly without any tool. With assemble properly, you don't even need to recalibrate again.
- ☕ PRODUCT GUARANTEES - The burr was calibrated and fixed in place by the 1Zpresso team, ensure no wobbly parts or burrs that come loose as time goes on. Estimated grind approx 100-200KG by general use. Includes a one-year limited warranty, you will definitely get 100% customer support.
- ☕COFFEE IS LIFE - With users vision, we are working on the products what are you actually need! Chose a 1Zpresso product to stay with you.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 7.52 x 4.49 x 2.8 inches
- Burr material: Stainless steel conical burrs
- Weight: 15.9 ounces
- Grind Settings:30
- Capacity: 20g
- Triaxial design and double bearings
The 1Zpresso Q2 is the tiniest model in the 1Zpresso product series. It’s an excellent travel companion similar to the Porlex Mini, but with superior quality construction and burr. This grinder could also sit in the Aeropress, allowing you to put it in your luggage and travel easily.
Like other 1Zpresso items, the Q2 features a wood and aluminum alloy construction. The materials are attractive and stylish while retaining their lightweight.
Q2 contains a steel burr grinder with double bearings and a triaxial construction to boost its stability. This allows it to transform coffee beans into consistent, uniform coffee grounds.
The grinder is extremely simple to use, thanks to its ergonomic build. The double bearing in the Chestnut C2 also allows for significantly smoother grinding.
With the click-and-turn adjustment system for the burr grinder’s grind settings, you could quickly alter the coarseness of your French Press or the fineness of other brewing methods.
Because it’s built as a portable grinder, the Chestnut C2 is bound to have limited capacity. Only 15 to 20g can sit in the hopper at one time.
Pros
- Top-quality burr set
- The best portable grinder with a compact and lightweight design
- Quick and user-friendly grinder
Cons
- Little capacity; 1 cup at a time
Lido 3 Coffee Grinder
- 48mm Swiss Made Steel Conical Grinding Burr Set
- Diecast Folding Crank Handle with Integrated Funnel for easy bean loading
- Soft grip handle knob
- Large Capacity Food Safe BPA Free Plastic Hopper holds up to 70 grams (10 tablespoons) of coffee beans
- Double Wall Stainless Steel Coffee Grounds Jar
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 3 x 2 inches
- Burr material: Swiss-made steel conical burrs
- Weight: 47.4 ounces
- Grind Settings: Unspecified
- Capacity: 70g
- Double bearings
The Lido 3 coffee grinder is one of the best manual coffee grinders on this list. It features a plastic exterior, making it appear less premium than comparable competitors within the same price range.
A step-less grind adjuster modifies the interior’s big steel burr to make the grind finer or coarser. Unlike the clicking settings, you must release the locking ring, adjust the grind size as necessary, and then relock it.
However, don’t be fooled by the plastic appearance. With two axle bearings and 48mm Swiss-made conical steel burrs, the consistency will not fail.
The Lido 3 is tall and large, and the hopper can accommodate 70 grams of coffee beans. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, you’d be delighted to grind up to four cups at a go, and it also grinds quite quickly.
The Lido 3 is a powerful grinder capable of Espresso and manual brewing. However, if you’re an espresso fanatic, have the Lido E model, which is intended for finer grinding.
Pros
- Top-quality conical burrs
- Uniform grounds
- Huge volume, making it appropriate for heavy grounding
Cons
- Heavier and bigger than other manual grinders, hence not quite portable
- Costly
Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder
- NEW & IMPROVED Updated version of the original Handground grinder designed by thousands of coffee enthusiasts around the world to achieve a consistent grind using the hand crank mill for any bean
- ADJUSTABLE GRIND SELECTOR with 15 settings giving precision to the coarseness of grind for your Pour Over, Drip, Chemex, Cold Brew, French Press, AeroPress or your specific brewing method.
- CONSISTENT GRINDING With A 40mm conical ceramic burr mill and triple mounted axle. Each axle is milled on a 5 axis CNC that maintains tolerances of 0.004 inches. The combination of added stability and razor thin tolerances allows Handground to achieve a consistent grind, every time.
- DURABLE, PORTABLE, AND QUIET with a convenient removable hand crank mechanism consistently eliminates over 90% of the noise that electric grinders produce. Great for camping, traveling, and everyday home brewing.
- FULL COVERAGE WARRANTY! *NEW* All grinders ship with a 1 Year Manufacturers Full Warranty.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 x 7.5 inches
- Burr material: Ceramic conical burrs
- Weight: 27.8 ounces
- Grind Settings: 15
- Capacity: 100g
- Triaxial design and double bearings
With the Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder, you got 15 grind-setting options for adjusting the coarseness of your coffee ground. Whether you want a fine or more coarse ground, this grinder can ensure you get the desired grind size.
This grinder features a 40mm ceramic conical burr that ensures you receive uniformly ground coffee beans. It’s also fitted with a triple axle that improves the grind’s consistency by increasing its stability.
The Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder is easy to take apart and clean. The hopper and bottom chamber are built in glass.
This glass build makes the grinder appear attractive but also quite fragile. Therefore, it might not be ideal to use it outdoors. But, as the name suggest, in terms of precision this is one of the best manual coffee grinders on the market.
Pros
- Delivers uniformly grounded coffee
- Appealing
- Easy to dismantle and clean
Cons
- Not perfect for traveling because the glass makes it fragile
- Slightly more costly than competing ceramic burr grinders
- Not a quick grinder
Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder
- ☕️HIGH QUALITY WOOD: pig iron top, solid wood body(carve from one piece of solid wood block, never going to crack), premium cast iron burr.
- ☕️DURABLE BURR: Cast iron conical burrs don't produce the heat that can adversely affect your coffee's essential oils, and have no metal odor and will never rust.
- ☕️ADJUSTABLE GRINDING: Use the screw under the grinder base to control the fineness of your coffee grinding.
- ☕️EASY CLEANING STORAGE: Simple to disassemble for thorough cleaning, and designed for compactness and portability to save space for easy storage.
- ☕️EASY AND QUIET GRIND: The ergonomically designed Crank handle to provide effective leverage for a smooth and easy grind, and consistently eliminates noise.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 7.72 x 3.43 x 3.31 inches
- Burr material: Cast Iron
- Weight: 21.5 ounces
- Grind Settings: Unspecified
- Capacity: 35g
The Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder was designed to be admired as much as to grind beans. This grinder is attractive and lightweight, making it suitable for a retro aesthetic look on any hotel or kitchen counter.
The 35-gram volume for ground coffee is conventional and practical. The wooden knob on the grip is user-friendly, and this model’s power is relatively good. You may grind a considerable volume of coffee without disturbing the household as it doesn’t make much noise.
The Akirakoki is also relatively lightweight, possibly due to its wooden construction. If you love traveling, this is an excellent grinder to carry along.
The disadvantage is that its appearance is more remarkable than its functionality. This grinder often delivers an inconsistent coffee ground.
However, for novices who don’t mind inconsistency and are just looking for simplicity, the Akirakoki is the best manual coffee grinder. Once you understand your preferences, you could always switch to a superior grinder.
Pros
- Cast iron burr
- User-friendly, especially for beginners
- Attractive wooden finish
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Grind adjustment is difficult to master
- Variable grinding quality
1Zpresso JX
- ☕BEST SALE GRINDER - Looking for quality but budget grinder? 1Zpresso JX grinder worth it!! Durable 48mm conical burr makes greater grinding efficiency. Internal fixing between the burr and central shaft, impressive consistency grind.
- ☕BALANCE YOUR COFFEE - Over 40 clicks range of grind settings, ideal for your filters coffee, get your freshly ground coffee with full-bodied flavor. Also, if you would like to drink espresso occasionally, there are 20 clicks range for espresso. Grinding coffee no longer has to equate to hassle, having a fun time!
- ☕ EASY TO CLEAN - By dismantling pieces without tools, proper allows the best grinding results and the best taste in the cup. With assemble properly, you don't even need to recalibrate again. Bonus free cleaning brush included.
- ☕ PRODUCT GUARANTEES - The burr was calibrated and fixed in place by the 1Zpresso team, ensure no wobbly parts or burrs that come loose as time goes on. Estimated grind approx 100-200KG by general use. Includes a one-year limited warranty, you will definitely get 100% customer support.
- ☕COFFEE IS LIFE - With users vision, we are working on the products what are you actually need! Chose a 1Zpresso product to stay with you.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 7.09 x 2.24 x 6.69 inches
- Burr material: Stainless steel conical burrs
- Weight: 18.4 ounces
- Grind Settings: 40
- Capacity: 70g
- Triaxial design and double bearings
1Zpresso JX is an efficient and consistent hand coffee grinder for a budget-friendly grinder. For its price (less than equivalent competitors), this is one of the best manual coffee grinders out there.
With this hand grinder, you can always perfectly tune your Espresso. It includes 40 grind settings. You have complete control over the particles you desire. The 48mm conical stainless-steel burr provides increased grinding consistency and efficiency.
The diameter of the grinder is relatively large, but the rubber band that encircles the body improves the grip so that it doesn’t slip out of your hand when grinding. The internal bearing allows for seamless spinning.
The 1Zpresso JX provides 24 clicks for every rotation for adjusting the grind settings, along with 12 dial numbers to help you remember every setting. You could also produce lovely Espresso with these adjustments. However, if you want more refined grinding control for Espresso and filter coffee, the pro version of the 1Zpresso JX is an excellent pick.
Pros
- Excellent burr, producing uniform coffee grounds
- Grinds easily and smoothly
- Top-notch build
- Quick grinder
Cons
- Not very comfortable to hold when grinding
Hario Skerton Pro
- Skerton Pro: A favorite amongst coffee newcomers and professionals alike. Its compact size makes it the perfect grinder both travel and home. This grinder can make a full range of grind sizes, whatever your preference
- New and Improved: An update to the original Skerton-- The Skerton Pro features a modern update on the classic design with sleek lines, and with easier-to-adjust burr settings for improved grind consistency
- Perfect Grind: Ceramic conical burrs ensure a precise, uniform grind-- Our burrs transfer less heat and shave coffee beans versus cracking them like blade grinders. Ergonomically designed crank handle detaches for compact storage and easy travel
- Japanese Design: Designed by Hario in Japan to provide coffee lovers with easy access to freshly ground coffee. The Skerton Pro was designed to be portable, and easy to use even while traveling or on the go
- Product Details: 100g Coffee grounds capacity; W167×D95×H195mm; Heat-proof glass bowl is made in Japan; Mill, hopper lid, non-slip cover, lid are made in China
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 3.9 x 8.1 inches
- Burr material: Ceramic conical burrs
- Weight: 23.36 ounces
- Grind Settings:18
- Capacity: 100g
Unlike the Mini Slip Plus design, the Hario Skerton Pro is more costly but has a greater capacity and superior materials. It’s among the best-selling and most renowned hand grinders available. I’ve personally used this one for over a year and still think it’s one of the best manual coffee grinders.
The Hario Skerton Pro is simple to use. It’s possible to look through the transparent glass container. A significantly larger hopper facilitates easier coffee bean filling. The non-slip rubber base enables you to place it securely on your table.
Considering it’s the more advanced design of the Skerton grinder, the redesigned coffee burr design features a more simplistic grind size setting. The hand crank also has a more robust feel, unlike other Hario manual grinders.
The robust ceramic burr produces quite uniformly-grounded coffee. It’s perfect for French press, Aeropress, and pour-over.
The glass chamber is appealing but quite fragile compared to other plastic and stainless steel models. All the grinder’s components are easily detachable, making the grinder simple to clean.
The Hario Skerton Pro retains about 100 grams of grounded coffee; thus, appropriate for brewing a maximum of eight cups. You can readily adjust to make coarser or finer coffee based on your desired brewing technique. If appropriate, you’ll also want a collection of Hario’s manual brewing equipment, including the ‘Buono’ kettle, Hario Coffee server, and V60.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Huge capacity hopper
- Relatively consistent for moderate coffee grinds
Cons
- Glass chamber appears less durable than stainless steel chamber
- Unreliable for coarse grinds
- Requires extra effort to grind
Javapresse
- Built-in Adjustable Grind Selector The Manual Coffee Grinder by JavaPresse Coffee Company is equipped with over 18 manual grind settings to ensure you have 100% precision & control over the coarseness of your grind; great for all coffee brewing methods for that perfect cup of freshly ground coffee to start your day.
- Convenient, Portable & Easy to Use Convenient hand crank mechanism eliminates over 90% of the noise that an electric coffee bean grinder would produce; unlike electric burr grinders for coffee beans, JavaPresse hand coffee grinder requires no batteries, power, or long plastic cords to operate allowing you to enjoy fresh ground coffee beans at home or on the go; perfect for your next camping, hiking, or backpacking trip.
- A Freshly Ground Cup of Coffee to Start Your Day JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinders are equipped with a professional grade ceramic conical burr to heighten flavors of the most exquisite coffees in the world; providing an incredibly consistent grind for a variety of brews while making as little noise as possible; smell the fresh aroma of freshly ground coffee as you brew them on your espresso machine, Aeropress, French Press or Pour Over Coffee Maker. Ground, Brew, and Enjoy!
- Quality Tested and Built to Last Crafted with the same essence as traditional Japanese cookware, our patented ceramic coffee grinder burr is tested through three quality inspections to last 5x's longer than comparable stainless steel coffee burrs; combined with an impeccable stainless steel frame and convenient size, this coffee burr grinder is at the pinnacle of travel gadgets.
- Enhance your morning experience with the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder Features a built-in adjustable grind selector with 18 adjustable grind settings to craft your perfect cup; this manual burr grinder is built with a patented dual plated ceramic burr assembly that's great for all coffee brewing methods; comes with a manufacturer warranty & 100% money back guarantee.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches
- Burr Material: Ceramic conical burrs
- Weight: 9.4 ounces
- Grind Settings: 18
- Capacity: 40g
With tens of thousands of positive ratings on Amazon, Javapresse deserves its place on this list of best manual coffee grinders. The price is also reasonable for most people who wish to drink freshly ground coffee at home.
The grinder is made of attractive stainless steel, and through the tiny glass in the container, you can see the amount of ground coffee you have while grinding. Most people weigh their coffee beans before grinding, so this feature might be less helpful.
Nonetheless, the design is at least satisfactory. Besides, Javapresse is a long-lasting manual grinder, thanks to the stainless-steel make.
The JavaPresse features a ceramic conical burr. However, the ground is suitable for French press, Aeropress, and pour-over, compared to other designs in this price range.
There’s an adjustable knob located beneath the burr. You have to twist the adjustment knob to the right and then turn it left to modify the ground’s coarseness.
The detachable hand crank and light weight of 9.4 ounces make the JavaPresse a great portable grinder. You could easily carry it in your backpack without any difficulties. With a 40g-capacity, this grinder is appropriate for 1-2 cups.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Highly durable because it is made of stainless steel
- Lightweight and compact, which means it’s easily portable
Cons
- It doesn’t look as appealing
- Slow grinder
VSSL Java
- ULTRA DURABLE: Made with our signature air-craft grade aluminum, your VSSL can handle any adventure.
- PRECISION ENGINEERING: Java comes with best-in-class stainless steel burr, which cuts the beans to a uniform shape and size instead of pulverizing them.
- OPTIMAL GRIND: 50 Unique grind settings allow you to achieve the ideal consistency of grind to match your chosen brew method. Thanks to our extendable grinder handles and ergonomic grip, you can go from beans to brewing in under a minute.
- EASY CARRY: An innovative and ultra-portable CLIP AND FLIP carabiner to grind handle design and with a load-bearing capacity of over 200lbs, you can pack and play as hard as you need to.
- BEST-IN-CLASS COMPONENTS: No matter where you find yourself prepping your morning brew, our premium ball bearings and threadless end-cap work together to ensure your grind stays uniform, resulting in a smooth, balanced taste. QUICK RELEASE TOP: Adding your beans is a breeze with the quick access one press release.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 6 inches
- Burr material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Grind Settings: 24
- Capacity: 20g
The VSSL Java hand grinder is distinguished by its sturdy construction, compact size, and adorable copper-colored highlights.
The grinder’s crank converts into a carabiner that could be attached to your bag. This becomes useful if you’re constantly on the move. It’s popular among hikers since you can clip it to your backpack.
It also includes well-calibrated grinding controls, making it simple to modify the grind settings. The stainless steel burr grinder produces uniform grind sizes.
With a 20-gram capacity, the VSSL Java grinder is only suitable for individual use. But if you spend a lot of time outdoors, want solid coffee on the road and have the budget, this is the best manual coffee grinder for you.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Sturdy build; perfect for camping and other outdoor settings
- Uniform grind
Cons
- Costly
- Limited capacity
Zassenhaus- 40098 Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder
- CARBON STEEL GRINDING MECHANISM: Serious coffee enthusiasts demand a serious coffee mill. Zassenhaus mills make grinding your own fresh beans for that perfect delicious cup of coffee quick and easy. This hand coffee grinder features a durable German made, conical burr grinding mechanism that is made of high grade, hardened steel to provide years of faithful service.
- TRADITIONAL LAP MILL: Simply pour whole coffee beans into the top compartment, and move the adjustment knob below the crank for a finer or coarser grind. Then, in a seated position, place the mill in your lap between your thighs. The narrow form and curved sides provide ultimate stability and grinding comfort. Of course, you may also place this manual coffee grinder on the counter to grind too.
- COLD GRIND FOR EXTRA FLAVOR: Cold grinding your own fresh coffee beans is the hottest trend! With this hand crank coffee grinder, the delicate aroma of every bean is preserved thanks to no increase in heat as you grind. And with the ability to grind as fine as a Turkish grind, the Santiago offers the highest standard in functionality and milling excellence.
- DESIGN FEATURES: With an ergonomically designed hand crank and a sturdy carbon steel grinding mechanism that is made in Germany, this coffee grinder makes quick, easy work of grinding coffee beans. It is constructed of beautiful beechwood and features a drawer to collect coffee grounds for easy removal. It measures 8.25” x 3.5” x 8”.
- ZASSENHAUS TRADITION: Founded in 1867 as an export store for small steel goods and tools, Zassenhaus has become the epitome of high quality spice and coffee mills. They know that enjoyment and quality of life are more related to the kitchen and cooking than almost anything else. That's why Zassenhaus combines classic, timeless styles with reliable functionality and innovative design.
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 x 7.8 inches
- Burr material: Stainless steel conical burrs
- Weight: 30.7 ounces
- Capacity: 30g
The grinders listed above feature contemporary designs. If you are a lover of vintage-style coffee grinders, you should know about this legendary model.
Zassenhaus is a German brand with over a century of history. The grinder is manufactured from superior materials like stainless steel conical burrs and beechwood.
With an ergonomic hand crank and a German-made carbon steel grinding mechanism, this grinder makes grinding coffee beans fast and effortless. It’s made of gorgeous beechwood and has a drawer for conveniently removing coffee grounds.
If you want your coffee gear to complement your vintage home décor style, this is the best manual coffee grinder for you. It also has an attractive Amazon rating of 4.4/5 stars.
Pros
- Vintage-style built, featuring top-quality materials
- Highly efficient and fast
- Top-quality steel burrs that produce consistent coffee grounds
- It has a sliding door, making it simple to add fresh coffee beans
Cons
- Inferior ergonomic design
- Changes in grind settings may occur during grinding
- Clunky and heavy, which makes it not easily portable
Buyer Guide: What To Consider When Selecting the Best Manual Coffee Grinder for your needs
There’s a staggering variety of manual coffee grinders currently available. Too many manual coffee grinders are being released to keep count of. And not only by unknown enterprises but also by coffee industry titans like Mazzer.
So, what do we look for when we compile this list of best manual coffee grinders? Here are some of the factors to consider when shopping:
Coffee Consistency
It should come as no shocker that the consistency and quality of the grind is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting a hand coffee grinder. Non-uniform coffee grind size will always result in either under or over-extracted coffee, which has an extremely unpleasant flavor.
Therefore, the objective is always to achieve the best grind consistency. Although pricing certainly plays a role, the goal should be to choose the most reliable grinder under your budget. And this is considerably simpler than it was, say, two or three years ago.
Top tip: if you have the budget always go for a burr grinder, not a blade grinder. Burr grinders are much more consistent than blade grinders. You’ll taste the difference.
Price
Premium coffee is traded at a premium price. Thankfully, the best manual coffee grinder are still relatively affordable. Occasionally, the price is comparable to that of a Moka pot.
However, there are means to reduce the cost of a coffee grinder. The choice between steel and ceramic burrs is frequently significant.
Ceramic burr coffee grinders are typically more expensive and of higher quality, but you’ll probably save cash on replacing burrs and other components.
Steel burrs are likely the most cost-effective option. They are efficient but less expensive and, based on usage, could still last several years.
The material of the walls, handle, and other parts could also impact the price. Plastic is low-cost. Steel and wood are typically more expensive, especially if you choose a prettier design.
Portability
The portability of most manual coffee grinders is a major selling factor for caffeine lovers who carry their coffee beans and brewing equipment on a trip.
Coffee grinders have burrs and blades wrapped in other materials, safeguarding the grinding motor and collecting the grounds. If you’re looking into a portable grinder, consider the product’s weight, materials used, and size. This information is available on the product packaging or description.
Hand grinders exist in various sizes, but it’s easy to find portable models. They have limited grounding capacity but are lightweight and easy to carry.
Plastic-encased grinders might not be attractive, but they’re light. Ceramics are generally heavy but visually appealing. Stainless steel and wood can be light or heavy based on the wall thickness.
Grind Capacity
If you’re a coffee fanatic, you know that capacity is crucial. Whereas it’s possible to grind other beans in a new batch, most people would prefer to do so in one go.
Most hand grinders can accommodate 20-30g. This is adequate for most single-cup brewing techniques.
Some techniques, though, utilize more coffee grounds. If you‘d like to create drip coffee, Chemex, or a larger French press, you’ll want to pick a coffee grinder with a 30 to 40-gram capacity or more.
It’s a great idea to estimate the average daily consumption of coffee in your home. More consumption means you need a bigger grinder capacity.
Grind Settings
Though occasional coffee drinkers might not recognize it, the grind size is crucial. Whether you use an electric or manual grinder, the grind setting controls the fineness of your grounded coffee.
Manual grinders generally feature various grind settings or sizes. Not all hand-operated coffee grinders can produce espresso-quality grounds. Nevertheless, achieving a coarse grind is often straightforward.
Turkish coffee, Espresso, and AeroPress enthusiasts require a hand grinder that can produce a fine grind. French press and Cold brew demand coarsely ground coffee. Other techniques fall somewhere in the middle.
Select a grinder with a user-friendly grind adjustment system that can grind to any degree required. A coffee connoisseur who loves various delectable coffees will want a more complex and versatile grind adjustment system.
Material
Pay close attention to the burr material while selecting a manual coffee grinder. Ceramic burrs are attractive and durable options. The weighty ceramic efficiently crushes beans and is difficult to damage, rendering it a cost-effective option. They’ll retain their sharpness for years!
Ceramic burrs are perfect for espresso roasting because they provide more nuanced flavors.
Steel burrs are renowned for producing uniform, crisp grinds. These burrs reign supreme for grinding specialty coffee with flawless symmetry. They’re initially sharper than ceramic but do not keep their edge as long.
Warranty and Spare Parts
The finest hand coffee grinders will provide contingency plans.
As with any device, ensure that a grinder’s warranty is adequate. Most brands will replace a discontinued model in a year, while others may honor a promise for up to 25 years.
It’s also prudent to determine whether a brand sells or provides spare parts. Long-standing firms tend to provide standard-sized replacement components, particularly burrs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re familiar with our top ‘Best Manual Coffee Grinder’ picks, understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all coffee grinder. You’ll have to narrow it down to one that suits your needs. But overall, they’re all excellent options for various preferences and situations.