Manual Coffee Grinders: Coffee is something that everyone enjoys, especially if brewed fresh. If you love freshly brewed coffee and want to make the best coffee possible at home, you will need a manual coffee grinder or an electric burr coffee grinder. Even though this isn’t a luxury item for a Barista, it’s as necessary as the coffee brewer or machine itself.
If you don’t grind your coffee beans, brewing specialty coffee beans at home might not be as tasty. This is especially true in the case of espresso, in my opinion. There is just no way to get decent espresso results with pre-ground coffee unless you are incredibly fortunate, and the pre-ground coffee you buy happens to be ground perfectly.
Some domestic espresso machines have pressurized portafilters to make it easier to use pre-ground coffee. But regardless of how you brew your coffee, grinding your coffee beans fresh will give you the best overall experience.
It is also worth noting that pressurized portafilters are included with entry-level espresso machines because they are much easier to use. But they may not always provide the best-tasting espresso.
Best Manual Coffee Grinders
1. 1Zpresso JX-Pro Manual Coffee Grinder
My top favorite is the 1Zpresso JX-PRO because of its stylish look and expert functionality. The upgraded Pro version includes more grinder settings and over 200 click settings. Because of the variety of grind sizes available, you can enjoy a fine espresso grind or a coarse grind for the French press.
For your cold brew, you can even get an extra-coarse grind. If you want to experiment with different brewing methods, this grinder is a good choice. The durable stainless steel burs are used to grind the coffee. These burs are durable, and they are hard to break.
The design is straightforward but elegant, with an ergonomic handle and a wooden knob. The handle’s shape keeps your wrist from staying in an unnatural position. This helps keep your wrist from getting sore every time you grind some beans.
Things I Like:
- It has a fine adjustment dial, and you can do as much as 40 clicks in a full rotate and each click shifts by 12.5 microns.
- It has 200 click settings you can choose from, which provide greater accuracy.
- The burr grind has a size of 48mm and grinds efficiently.
- Easy to clean without any tools.
Things I Dislike:
- The grind setting might get coarser over time without adjusting.
- The clear disk and wooden knob on the grinder’s handle might make it look cheap.
2. Hario “Skerton Pro” Ceramic Manual Coffee Grinder
Hario “Skerton Pro” is a well-priced coffee grinder in size and has a sturdy construction. Hario is a Japanese word that means “the king of glass.” You can be confident that you are purchasing a high-quality glass because the company has been producing it for over a century. The inner ceramic burrs outperform stainless steel burrs in terms of consistency.
The Hario Skerton’s ceramic coffee mill has a glass chamber where you can store your coffee. This tells you if you have selected the correct grind setting. You will also tell when you have enough grounds to begin brewing. The durable glass has a nonslip rubber base, allowing you to set it on the counter while grinding. The ergonomic handle will also help in reducing strain on the wrist.
Things I Like:
- It retains the shape of Hario’s classic design and adds some sleek and modern lines.
- The grinder’s ceramic burrs ensure that the grind is accurate and uniform.
- They have introduced a new burr design with a simpler grind adjustment mechanism.
- The newly designed detachable handle and an improved burr shaft can help grind smoothly and steadily.
Things I Dislike:
- It might get challenging to crank over time.
- The grind consistency can also worsen over time.
- It might get jammed when using the finer grinder settings with lighter roasts.
3. Vevok Chef Stainless Steel Burr Mill
The Vevok Chef’s stainless steel burr mill is excellent for people who want to make two cups of coffee at a time. It has a slim cylindrical shape which is small enough to take it with you while traveling and comfortable to hold when grinding. It comes with a storage bag that helps protect the grinder from scratches if you pack the hand grinder in your luggage.
The mill has six clearly labeled grind settings, making it easy to select the appropriate size. It also has a grind setting ring to change the grind size. You can then use the mill for various brewing methods, ranging from French press to espresso. When grinding, you must maintain a firm grip on the ring to prevent it from shifting.
Things I Like:
- Has durable and efficient CNC stainless steel burrs.
- Gives a consistent grind size each time.
- Compact, lightweight, and portable.
- Has an aluminum alloy surface that keeps the ground coffee from sticking.
Things I Dislike:
- The grinder’s whole system runs on three thin spindles.
- The crucial interior parts are made of plastic.
4. HEIHOX Hand Coffee Grinder
This hand coffee grinder by HEIHOX is another excellent option that I have used. HEIHOX proves that hand grinders don’t always need to be straightforward. The grinder is gold with an aluminum finish and has a nonslip rubber grip pad.
Moreover, it features a wooden knob on the crank handle, which helps reduce wrist pain and injury. The hand mill is visually appealing, but it also has a versatile size range with 24 click settings.
With this wide range, you can enjoy a variety of brewing styles, from a Moka pot to a cold brew. You can also take it while traveling, thanks to its small size.
Things I Like:
- Features over 24 click settings to choose from.
- Has a stainless steel burr of 38mm.
- Its ergonomically designed crank handle allows you to have a nice, smooth and consistent grind while eliminating noise.
- It is easy to clean and disassemble, and you don’t need any special tools. Also, the aluminum alloy surface prevents ground coffee from sticking.
Things I Dislike:
- The grinder’s coffee ground chamber generates static that may create a mess when opening.
- The dials that adjust the coarseness of the grind might slip off near the settings.
- The consistency of the grind might not be good.
- The center shaft might have a side-to-side movement.
5. Houselog Portable Manual Coffee Grinder Set
This coffee grinder set offers a neat option for a manual coffee grinder. The stainless steel is coated with a rust-resistant layer. Moreover, the mill fits neatly into a leather sleeve, though it may slip a little while grinding, making it more challenging to hold.
It’s an excellent set for trips or camping, especially with the included cleaning brush. The mill also has ceramic inner burrs that produce a consistent grind. The grind size is adjustable, but the settings are not labeled.
Things I Like:
- Features a strong crank and gives you enough leverage for easy grinding.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Things I Dislike:
- The grinder settings are difficult to read on the dial.
- Has some design flaws that make it a bit difficult to use.
6. Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder
Coffee lovers who appreciate vintage items will love the Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder. The box-shaped mill in the larger design adds a nostalgic touch to your home. The beechwood material adds a one-of-a-kind touch to your home.
Furthermore, the Santiago model has a drawer that collects coffee grinds without messing. For consistent effort, this vintage-styled grinder is fitted with conical burrs. It also comes in a variety of grind sizes. You can choose from various types of coffee, such as Turkish coffee to a coarse grinder for the French press.
Things I Like:
- It has a carbon steel grinding mechanism that ensures efficient grinding.
- High-quality stainless steel conical burr grinder.
- Maintains a consistent grind temperature, preserving the flavor of your beans.
Things I Dislike:
- It might break at some point due to the plastic parts.
- It can be a bit difficult to load the beans because of the small opening.
7. Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Mini Plus
Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Mini Plus is great for people looking for a smaller and compact model from the Hario brand. Its slim design makes it easier to hold than other models’ rounded shapes. The grinder is made of rigid plastic, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking soon anytime soon.
This is a good alternative if you don’t like glass grind chambers. The grinder is reasonably priced while still providing high-quality materials. This is why I would choose it as the best value option. Even though the model is portable, it is a little bulky, so it may not be the best option for you if you travel frequently. And yes, the double-walled grinding chamber could be made more compact.
Things I Like:
- Has a hexagonal adapter that increases grind consistency and reduces wear.
- Its ceramic mill is suitable for providing consistent grind.
- Has easy-to-read measurements.
- Small and lightweight.
Things I Dislike:
- The burr might fall out.
- Its handle keeps coming out while grinding, especially with hard beans.
- Not much compact as it should be.
Conclusion
The manual coffee grinders are great for keeping while traveling for brewing a delicious coffee on the go. Even though these manual machines are smaller in size, they enhance your coffee-making experience further.
All in all, I have found 1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Coffee Grinder to be the best as it is stylish and robust and has a well-designed body. It has an ergonomic handle that reduces wrist strain while grinding. Furthermore, it also has a variety of grind sizes, allowing you to grind coffee by using any home brewing method.
