Best Manual Coffee Grinder Reviews
1. Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
The Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder features ceramic conical burrs to grind your coffee to the texture you want.
Pros
- Made from durable static-free stainless steel.
- Offers a sizeable capacity of 20g.
- Comes with a robust ceramic conical burr.
- Gives good value for money.
Cons
- The consistency of the grinds might be different.
- Takes a long to grind a large number of coffee beans.
This grinder has a diameter of 47mm with a total capacity of 20g. With a 20g capacity, you can easily brew more than one coffee depending on the potency of the beverage you are brewing. The 13cm tall Japanese coffee grinder is made from stainless steel thus, it will not rust.
Bottom line
This coffee grinder would be suitable for those who need an affordable small portable model for making a small number of grinds at a go.
2. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Settings
The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is another great small grinder that you can purchase for your home or office.
Pros
- Made from robust stainless steel.
- Features ceramic burs and a grind selector to make your preferred grinds.
- Easy to use.
- Gives good value for money.
Cons
- Takes a while to produce finely ground coffee.
- Produces inconsistent course grinds.
This model comes with ceramic burrs that are designed to grind the coffee beans within a few minutes to provide the right consistency. It is fitted with a grind selector with over 18 clicks available to give you a choice over the texture of grinds you want.
This model operates quietly and it is comfortable to use because of its ergonomic handle. It measures 1.8 x 7.5 x 1.8 inches and weighs in at 9.4 ounces. It is important to read through the instructions to understand how to operate the manual grinder seamlessly.
Bottom line
This coffee grinder is great for making enough fine coffee grinds for 1-2 cups of coffee. It might be slow but it is effective.
3. KT Porex Hand-Ground Coffee Mill Ceramic Mini
Made in Japan, the KT Porex Hand-Ground Coffee Mill is another model suited to grinding little amounts of coffee to make one cup.
Pros
- Works well with AeroPress.
- The size is great for portability.
- Made from durable stainless steel.
- Possesses heavy-duty ceramic burrs.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- Coffee grinds are inconsistent in texture.
This coffee grinder is fitted with ceramic burrs to reduce the coffee beans to an acceptable size. The ceramic burrs are heavy-duty hence you can expect the coffee grinder to serve you for longer. It measures 1.81 x 1.81 x 5.31 inches and weighs 8.8 ounces.
Bottom line
This model is easily portable and it would be great for small amounts of coffee at a go. If you like premium-priced products, then this will fit right in.
4. VEVOK CHEF Manual Coffee Grinder
The VEVOK CHEF Manual Coffee Grinder is an impressive model that is also made of stainless steel.
Pros
- Offers a sizeable capacity.
- Comes with precise grind settings hence less confusion.
- Offers good value for money because it is durable.
- It looks good.
Cons
- The adjustment loop will get loose over time hence the inconsistent grinds.
- The coffee grinder needs to be shaken a bit to allow all the coffee beans to be ground.
This model comes with a conical stainless steel burr that reduces coffee beans to grounds in a matter of 45 seconds. The coffee grounds are collected in a glass container that can hold up to 48g of coffee.
This model measures 2.04 x 2.04 x 7.5 inches and it is lightweight so you can carry it around. It offers 6-grind settings to work with which limits confusion.
In addition, it has a 5.7-inch crank handle that offers smooth operation so that you don’t have to use a lot of energy. This model comes with a 2-year warranty to cater to any issues that might arise with the product.
Bottom line
We would recommend this model to those who want an affordable stainless steel burr grinder with minimal coffee grind settings.
5. HEIHOX Hand Coffee Grinder 2020 Upgraded
The HEIHOX Hand Coffee Grinder features a stainless steel body and burr for strength and durability.
Pros
- Possesses a durable stainless steel burr.
- It looks good.
- Takes a short time to grind the coffee beans.
- Provides a decent capacity.
Cons
- No instructions were provided.
- Coffee grind adjustment may shift often, as the grinder gets older.
This model is of small size, therefore, you can take it anywhere from the office to a camping trip. It features a wooden knob handle to facilitate adequate grip when grinding coffee to different textures.
Like all good coffee grinders, it comes with a grind selector so that you can brew different types of coffee.
It takes about 45 seconds or more to crush the coffee beans but, depending on how fine you want the coffee grounds, it might take longer. This model measures 8.19 x 5.67 x 2.83 inches and it offers a 30g capacity.
Bottom line
This model not only looks good but it is durable. It would be an acceptable coffee grinder for those who need a small model that offers a larger capacity compared to others in its range.
6. 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder
Weighing in at 400g is the 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder. This lightweight coffee grinder measures 4.6×13.8 cm which is smaller than a can of soda even with its wooden handle.
You can easily carry it with you wherever you go. This model gives you over 60 clicks to create the perfect coffee grinds for the type of coffee you want to make.
It is made from 420 stainless steel and it features aluminum gear which is more durable than plastic. The coffee grinder can easily produce 15-20g of coffee at a go and you can get a good 300kg of coffee grounds before the model starts to show wear and tear.
Last but not least, this model is accompanied by a 1-year warranty and excellent customer service to handle any queries that you have.
Pros
- Works well with AeroPress.
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty.
- Lightweight and easy to keep clean.
- Features aluminum gears for longevity.
Cons
- The numbers to select the coffee grinds texture is in reverse.
- Guidelines on how to use the click system are vague.
Bottom line
This model would be suitable for those who want a small coffee grinder with durable metallic gear that is comfortable to use.
7. ROK Manual Coffee Grinder
The ROK Coffee Grinder uses stainless steel burrs to reduce the coffee beans to the texture you want.
Pros
- Uses little effort to grind coffee beans.
- Features a non-slip ring for stability.
- Comes with a free cup.
- Comfortable to use.
Cons
- The coffee grinder is not static-free hence it creates a mess.
- Coffee grinds are not consistent, especially for a coarse grind.
Its 48mm burrs crush the coffee beans without taking up a lot of energy and time. After about 62 revolutions, you can produce some acceptable espresso grinds. The 8.27 x 6.81 x 11.02-inch model comes with a set of washers that can be interchanged to facilitate step less or step grinding.
This aluminum body coffee grinder is comfortable to use whether you are left-handed or right-handed and it features a non-slip ring. The non-slip ring helps with stability as you grind using the ergonomic handle. Use the free cup provided to measure out your coffee beans or collect the coffee grinds.
Bottom line
If you want a coffee grinder for a permanent location in your kitchen, then this model will be ideal thanks to its robust non-slip ring.
8. Evelyne GMT-10012 Burr Manual Coffee Grinder
The Evelyne GMT-10012 Burr Manual Coffee Grinder takes you back to the vintage era.
Pros
- Comes with a beautiful design.
- Made from robust cast iron.
- Comes with a wooden coffee grounds collection box.
- The mechanical burr is adjustable to produce different coffee grinds.
Cons
- The gears are made of plastic.
- Takes time to grind the coffee beans.
The cast-iron model features a beautiful design that is hard to ignore. It features plastic gears that turn to crush the coffee beans into a coarse/fine grind. You can easily adjust the grinder to produce the exact texture of coffee grinds by using the instructions provided.
All the ground coffee is collected in the wooden box below the cast iron top. It has a comfortable-to-use wooden handle that also bears an interesting design. The coffee grinder measures 5.6 x 5.5 x 10.2 inches and it weighs 3.7 pounds.
Bottom line
The cast-iron coffee grinder would be a good addition for those who love vintage-looking coffee grinders.
Best Manual Coffee Grinder Buying Guide
A good manual coffee grinder could be the difference between normal and excellent coffee. Selecting the best manual coffee grinder allows you to brew your favorite cup of coffee whether day or night. In this section, we will cover the benefits of using manual coffee grinders and some of the features to look out for.
Why use manual coffee grinders
- They are a means to get fresh coffee from your favorite brand of roasted coffee beans. The aroma and flavor are more distinct compared to coffee brought from the supermarket.
- Manual grinders intended for domestic use often come in small. You can carry them anywhere.
- You can adjust the texture of the coffee grinds to match the kind of coffee you want thus they are versatile tools.
- They cost less than electric coffee grinders and they produce less noise.
- Some of them bear beautiful designs that could be a collector’s pride. Vintage-looking manual grinders are especially popular because they represent a majestic era.
Body material
Manual grinders need the best materials to keep up with the constant wear and tear. A manual grinder made of poor materials may work for some time but eventually, it will break down. If the materials used are robust, you can guarantee that the coffee grinder will be in use well past the warranty provided.
Stainless steel is a favorable material because it is robust and easy to maintain. You will find that they can take some impact without incurring irreparable damage.
Cast iron models bear the most beautiful designs but they are a bit heavier thus, less portable.
Aluminum is also used in making manual coffee grinders because the material is lighter than cast iron and steel. The only drawback is that the material is prone to impact damage. Some are so light that if you step on them, the body incurs a dent.
Plastic-bodied manual coffee grinders do exist at a cheap price. These models are not that durable but they would do for occasional use.
Burr material
The burrs are responsible for crushing the coffee beans into the grind size that you want. Some materials are more durable than others but overall, they do provide commendable service.
Ceramic burr grinders are very popular because they preserve the flavor of the beans. They are great because they do not produce any heat and they are long-lasting. The only issue is that if you drop the coffee grinder from a great height, the ceramic burrs will not survive.
Metallic burrs, which include stainless steel and aluminum, are durable and very sharp. They are perfect if you want a course grind rather than a fine grind. Because they lose their sharpness over time, you might have to replace the burrs to keep getting consistent grinds.
Plastic burrs are available and some of them do a good job for a short period. They are more affordable than ceramic or metal burrs but they do not last as long. You can choose to buy a manual coffee grinder with plastic burrs if you will use the model occasionally to preserve its structural integrity.
Handle
The handle is an important piece of the puzzle because it churns the coffee beans as the burrs crush them. You want to select a model whose handle is fitted correctly to avoid any wobbles or squeaks. The handle should be comfortable to use and give a smooth finish to avoid tagging the user’s skin.
There are manual coffee grinders that have short handles and long handles. Longer handles require less energy to move than short handles in some aspects. Depending on your preference, you can choose the handle that suits you the best. If you are short, you may want to consider using a model with a short handle to reduce the amount of energy you use.
The knob could be made out of plastic or wood. What matters is that the turning knob is robust and comfortable to use. It should possess a firm grip so that you can grind your coffee beans consistently.
Capacity
How much coffee do you want to make? Understanding the number of coffee grounds you need to make a cup of coffee will help you select the right size. Some models offer a small capacity of 7g while others can produce more than 40g. Manual coffee grinders that offer a large capacity will probably cost more than smaller ones.
You can always find out the capacity of the coffee grinder by looking at the product description. If the information provided is vague, just check the customer reviews section. Also, remember to consider the size of the hopper.
You can only hold as many coffee beans as the hopper allows you to. If you have a large number of beans to grind then a small-sized hopper will take you a while
Grind adjustment
Among the features that you should focus on in great detail is the grind adjustment feature. Naturally, many of the manual coffee grinders in the market come with grind adjustment settings. What differs is the quality of the adjustment features because some are poorly designed.
Badly designed grind adjustment features will always give you inconsistent grinds. They will slip and move from the preferred setting without notice.
A well-designed grind adjustment system will maintain the position of the grind setting and follow through until you are done grinding.
Another thing to remember is the number of settings provided. Some models come with extensive settings while others have fewer settings.
Extensive settings are good if you want to brew a variety of different coffee. Fewer settings are perfect if you have a specific coffee brew in mind and you do not want any confusion.
Ease of use
A manual coffee grinder requires physical effort but still, it has to be easy to use. By this, we mean that the burrs should move fluidly and the model should be easy to clean. The parts should be easy to dismantle to prevent dirt build-up in hidden areas of the coffee grinder.
A coffee grinder with an anti-static feature prevents the coffee grinds from flying everywhere and causing a mess. If you are particular about keeping a clean space, then look for a model that has this feature.
Warranty
To make you feel better about the coffee grinder you are buying, you might want to select one with a warranty. This way, you are assured to get a solution just in case there is something amiss with the product.
FAQs
Are all small coffee grinders compatible with AeroPress?
No, this is a common misconception. Just because the manual coffee grinder is small, it does not mean that it is compatible with your AeroPress machine. Always look at the product description or customer reviews to find out if the model you are purchasing is compatible with your AeroPress.
Why are all manual coffee grinders not entirely good for espresso making?
Espresso requires consistent fine grounds to produce the best flavor profiles. Some grinders do not produce the consistency of grounds required to fulfill the high standards of the espresso world. If you are an espresso fan, look for a manual coffee grinder designed specifically for espresso.
How do I clean the manual coffee grinder?
After disassembling the coffee grinder, dip the parts in warm soapy water and let the dirt dissolve into the water. You can use a Q-tip to scrub off any stubborn dirt in the small areas. After the dirt is dislodged, rinse, let the parts dry completely, and assemble the coffee grinder.
Final Conclusion
You can have as much fun as you want to try to brew different types of coffee with the best manual coffee grinder. We have shown you all the ropes when it comes to getting a reliable manual coffee grinder and we hope you have been taking notes. Out of the models presented, which one stood out for you?
For us, the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is the best model. This is because it is robust and affordable and it offers well-designed adjustable grind settings. The grind settings provided are many but they are not too many to become overwhelming/confusing.
We like that it is fairly priced therefore, it will fit those working with a tight budget. You might have spotted another model that works best for you, so feel free to go after what you want. Once you make your choice and it is delivered, join us in spirit for a delicious cup of coffee.
