There is a hand coffee grinder for everyone.

My first manual coffee grinder was a gateway drug into specialty coffee and the world of home brewing equipment.

I have been using various hand grinders for around 7 years now, currently I only really use them on trips but at the start they were my go-to grinder.

I have to say, that some of the best coffee I have ever consumed was ground using one of my manual grinders.

You cannot deny their fantastic portability.

A manual coffee grinder is always amongst the first few items lobbed into my backpack on a trip (usually alongside an Aeropress), they do make a great choice coffee grinder for folks on the go. 

So, if you’re in the market for a handheld coffee grinder or are just curious about whether they are for you, read on to learn more about these wonderful pieces of coffee gear.

Why Trust Me?

So, are manual coffee grinders worth it?

Like any gadget, appliance or piece of equipment, there are pros and cons. 

A hand coffee grinder is certainly not for everyone. 

So, straight off the bat - if you’re not really that into coffee, or convenience will always prevail in your eyes then maybe take a look at some of the best electric burr coffee grinders instead.

Manual coffee grinders will add an extra bit of time onto your morning brew plus a whole lot more effort.

But if you have a little time to spare and like the idea of ‘free exercise’ then read on. 

Pros of a Manual Coffee Grinder.

Precision

One may think that just because the coffee is hand-ground the quality and consistency of the grind is not as good as an electric ‘machine ground coffee.

This is in many cases false.

The level of precision that you can reach with some of the manual burr grinders on the market today is top draw and rivals even some of the best commercial coffee grinders on the market.

The fact that the grind settings can be adjusted so precisely and with very little waste (many electric grinders have to purge the previous grind settings coffee) means that you can control the grind with a huge level of accuracy.

Portability

The best thing about a handheld coffee grinder for me is the size and transportability.

Mine have been stuffed into backpacks, suitcases and the occasional handbag countless times.

They weigh very little and are normally pretty robust.

Durability

The majority of hand coffee grinders are either constructed of stainless steel or plastic, they have only a few moving parts all of which are normally manufactured to be fairly robust.

Basically, you have to try really hard to break one of these.

Price

I purchased my first manual burr coffee grinder when I was just dipping my toe into home coffee brewing and made a perfect entry-level coffee grinder for pour over coffee which suited me.

You can pick one up for pretty cheap today and whether you’re after one for a trip or just to try out some freshly ground coffee at home like me they are certainly great value for money.

Soundlessness

Have you ever been in the situation where you’re up super early and (obviously) in need of a coffee and had the predicament of making a coffee but risking waking people up with the sound of a noisy electric coffee grinder? 

If this is you then a hand coffee bean grinder may fit into your early morning routine like a glove.

Although it still does make a little noise, the difference in decibels is huge and you’ll be sure not to wake your sleeping beauty/beast upstairs.

Cons of a Manual Coffee Grinder

Effort

If you have got this far then I’m sure you’re aware of the mechanism and how a manual coffee grinder works.

Depending on the make and model you opt for there are varying degrees of effort you’ll have to assert to rotate the arm.

It would normally take me around 60 seconds to grind enough coffee for an Aeropress with a moderate amount of effort.

Once you have built up a little momentum and mastered a technique plus trained a couple of arm muscles it does get easier.

Capacity

Manual coffee grinders are designed for one or two cups of coffee at once.

If you have a big family and plan on grinding loads of coffee at once then maybe an electric grinder is for you.

The 7 Manual Coffee Grinders I Tested

Find below some of my favourite manual coffee grinders. If your favourite isn’t on the list please leave a comment at the bottom and we’ll check it out. 

Control ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight : 14.7cm x 5.2cm | 467g

• Material: Martensitic Stainless Steel Burrs and Aluminium Body

• Hopper Capacity: 20g

• Pros: ✅ Quality Burrs

• Cons: ❌ Fairly Large Increments in Grind Level for Espresso

• Price: 💰💰

Timemore is a brand that has been around for a few years now and are really starting to become a well-known name amongst coffee enthusiasts.

Their black mirror scales ranked number one in our coffee scale review earlier this year.

Timemore have a few different manual coffee grinders on the market at the moment, the Timemore Slim Plus and the Chestnut Nano are both high performing.

The Timemore C2 however has performs at such a level with and comes in at a more reasonable price point. 

The C2 comes equipped with 38mm stainless steel burrs that ensure your grind is consistent and precise.

The burrs are easily adjustable as show in the image above, just turn the dial towards your desired level of grind.

The Timemore C2 is also unique on the outside as well as the inside.

The non-slip aluminium body makes gripping the grinder much easier and the whole grinding experience a lot less tiresome.

I have had the problem of hand grinders slipping in your hands before and it make the whole process so much harder.

The combination of quality burrs and functional design makes the Timemore C2 one of the fastest on the market and can grind coffee from 1 second per gram.

Like the look of the Timemore C2? Check Price on Amazon

Control ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight : 20cm x 7cm | 300g

• Material: Ceramic Burrs and Plastic Body

• Hopper Capacity: 24g

• Pros: ✅ Robust, Classic Design, Great Value

• Cons: ❌ Can Be Hard To Grip

• Price: 💰

The Hario Mini Mill Coffee grinder is an absolute legend in the new era of cylindrical manual coffee grinders.

Priced very affordable, this particular Hario grinder is extremely popular all over the world and is often the go-to coffee grinder for speciality coffee shops to showcase as part of their back-bar coffee paraphernalia offerings. 

The slick plastic design means the Mini mill Hario coffee grinder is extremely durable.

Mine accompanied me on a year-long trip through South and Central America, squeezed into my bulging backpack.

The quality of the coffee grounds is also really great value for the price you pay.

The easily adjustable cog on the bottom of the bean hopper makes changing grind size super quick. 

Because the body is made out of plastic it can sometimes be a little hard to grip.

The upper chamber has a matte finish to increase friction but if you’re one to occasionally perspire from your hands then the handle may sometimes become a little harder to rotate.

Read the full review of the Hario Mini Mill.

Like the look of the Hario Mini Mill? Check Price on Amazon

Control ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight : 16cm x 6cm | 740g

• Material: High-Nitrogen Stainless Steel Burrs and Stainless Steel (Wood Veneer) Body

• Hopper Capacity: 40g

• Pros: ✅ Extremely Precise, Fast

• Cons: ❌ Expensive

• Price: 💰💰💰

The Comandante manual coffee grinder I think is probably leading the way in the Manual coffee grinders when it comes to quality and consistency.

Designed, manufactured and made for coffee professionals in Germany the Comandante coffee grinder has been expertly crafted for high-performance coffee brewing. 

The nitro blade burr is made out of nitrogen martensitic steel.

This is something that is extremely difficult to work with which requires special tools and machinery.

The results of the intricate engineering however are tough, highly wear-resistant blades with a high degree of edge retention (basically they’re really tough).

The exterior is also nice to look at, the upper chamber is finished in a variety of colours with an ergonomic oak wood handle.

The durable burrs make the Comandante grinder feel really heavy and weigh more than twice the amount of most hand grinders.

This is certainly a positive as the weight adds to the robust feel of the grinder plus it is still much less than a kilo so it shouldn’t affect the weight of the suitcase too much. 

The Comandante coffee grinder also comes with a pretty cool add on that some coffee connoisseurs/geeks will certainly get kicks out of.

The Red Clix is an axle upgrade that offers twice as many clicks as the original.

This means you can gain even more precision in the coarseness of your grind. 

Read more about in my Comandante C40 MK4 Review

Like the look of the Comandante C40?

• Buy Now Directly from Batch Coffee Club

• Or Check Price on Amazon

Control ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight : 20cm x 8cm | 660g

• Material: Stainless Steel, Glass, PCGT

• Hopper Capacity: 80g

• Pros: ✅ Battery Powered, Large Capacity

• Cons: ❌ Slightly Larger Than Others

• Price: 💰💰

Unlike the traditional manual grinders the Timemore Go offers something different.

This guy is the answer if you are looking for an easier option to grind you coffee than revolving the burrs with your own brut strength.

The Timemore Go operates with a rechargeable battery and grinds coffee for you on the go with a push of a button.

The large hopper capacity alongside the large (60g) glass coffee grounds container in the bottom of the device also means I can grind enough coffee foro more than just myself.

Great for those that have coffee loving partners!

The burrs have 10 adjustments so you can comfortably find the perfect grind level from moka pot to french press.

Cleaning was pretty easy too, just remove the inner burr by unscrewing the inner dial.

Looking for an easy life? Check out the Timemore Go on Amazon.

If you’re on the lookout for an portable electric coffee grinder checkout our review of the Hario Electro Solo.

Control ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight : 15.8cm x 5.7cm | 650g

• Material: Stainless Steel burrs and Aluminium Body

• Hopper Capacity: 35g

• Pros: ✅ Large Burrs, Quick Grinding

• Cons: ❌ Fairly Large Increments

• Price: 💰💰

The 1Zpresso JX comes in at a mid-range price but does have a couple of premium qualities. 

The 48mm stainless steel conical burrs are the biggest selling point for the 1Zpresso JX.

The unusually large burrs for a manual grinder means coffee can be ground in record time, almost faster than some electric burr grinders.

The grinder also is equipped with bearings inside the mechanism to lighten your effort when grinding even more. 

I think the design is slick and the ergonomic wooden ball handle makes the whole process smoother. 

The JX was created for both espresso and brew grinds but really excels at coarser grind levels.

Although the JX will certainly produce a great shot of espresso I find it doesn’t have the precision in altering the grind as much as its brother the JX Pro. 

That said, the consistency of the espresso grind is still pretty amazing so altering the dose slightly will compensate for the lack of increments in grind size.

Like the look of the 1Zpresso JX? Check Price on Amazon

Control ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight: 13cm x 4.5cm | 250g

• Material: Ceramic Burrs and Stainless Steel Body

• Hopper Capacity: 20g

• Pros: ✅ Great Travel Coffee Grinder

• Cons: ❌ Cheaper Grinders For Home Use

• Price: 💰💰

The king of travel grinders.

Compact and lightweight, this grinder is small enough to slip into my coat pocket, allowing me to enjoy freshly ground coffee beans wherever I go.

The black rubber sleeve serves a dual purpose: it neatly holds the stainless steel handle and provides a secure grip during grinding. Designed and manufactured in Japan, Porlex has nearly five decades of expertise in crafting ceramic products, and this heritage is evident in the Porlex Mini II.

The ceramic burrs in the Porlex Mini II ensure an incredibly consistent grind and retain their sharpness over extended use.

This grinder strikes an excellent balance between precision and portability, all at a mid-level price point.

Porlex’s dedication to ceramics and their focus on creating a user-friendly, compact grinder make this an outstanding choice for any coffee lover.

While the Porlex Mini II has no significant drawbacks, those who are less concerned with portability and more focused on budget might consider a less expensive manual grinder with larger components that still delivers a consistent grind.

Like the look of the Porlex Mini? Check Price on Amazon

Control ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Grind Consistency ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

• Dimensions: (Height x Diameter) | Weight : 23cm x 9.5cm | 567g

• Material: Ceramic burrs and Plastic/Glass Body

• Hopper Capacity: 100g

• Pros: ✅ Large Capacity

• Cons: ❌ Hard To Grind, Not Really For Espresso

• Price: 💰💰

The Hario Skerton Coffee grinder has been around since the start and is one of the OG manual coffee grinders of the speciality coffee world.

This iconic grinder, with its distinctive glass-bottom design, has earned its place as a staple for many coffee aficionados.

For me one of the standout features of the Hario Skerton is its impressive 100g capacity, making it ideal for those who brew multiple cups at a time.

Compared to its smaller sibling, the Mini Mill, the Skerton offers a more substantial build. The grinder feels robust and well-made, with a rubber base that provides excellent stability when used on a countertop. However, its larger, wider body might pose a challenge for individuals with smaller hands.

For those new to the world of manual coffee grinding and brewing methods ranging from stovetop to French press (excluding espresso), the Hario Skerton is a fantastic entry-level choice. It's perfect if portability isn't a primary concern. However, if you need something more travel-friendly, you might want to explore our list of the best portable coffee machines.

Like the look of the Hario Skerton? Check Price on Amazon

What to Look For When Buying a Manual Coffee Grinder?

Quality

There is an array of manual coffee grinders on the market today all of which do a pretty good job of grinding coffee.

I say this because there are a host of electric coffee grinders that use blades instead of burrs which effectively blend the coffee instead of grinding - this is a one-way ticket to butcher all the hard work that has happened prior to the coffee beans arriving in your kitchen.

Manual coffee grinders always use burrs and therefore actually grind the coffee, so no matter if you purchase an entry-level manual grinder the quality is already pretty good. 

The range of increments in each grind level and quality of the grinding burrs are factors of quality when it comes to the coffee grounds.

High-quality espresso hand grinders will have smaller more precise increments in grind level and the burrs will be made from higher quality material.

Size

Although most manual coffee grinders are pretty small when compared to an electric coffee grinder and will most of the time be able to squeeze into a backpack there are differences in size and shape between brands.

Material

Manual coffee grinders are usually constructed of either stainless steel or plastic while there are also glass, wood and ceramic coffee grinders available.

It all depends on where and how you are planning to use the grinder.

I would certainly for instance opt for plastic instead of stainless steel if I was hoping to travel with it.

Is a Manual Coffee Grinder Better Than an Electric Grinder?

Quality and consistency of coffee grinds are pretty similar as you move through the price spectrum of manual and electric grinders.

If you’re measuring in terms of ease and speed then definitely electric grinders come out on top. However portability and price is definitely in favour of manual burr grinders.

Are Manual Coffee Grinders Burr or Blade?

Manual grinders are Burr coffee grinders. The quality, material and shape of the burrs will vary depending on the hand grinder.

How Long Does a Manual Coffee Grinder Take?

On average it will take a manual grinder 1 minute to hand grind the coffee beans for one cup of coffee.

This varies according to the type of hand coffee grinder you are using, the size of the grind (fine espresso grind takes longer than a coarse cafetiere grind) and the strength of your coffee.

Why Are Manual Coffee Grinders so Expensive?

Some manual burr coffee grinders are quite expensive.

This is because the materials (usually of the burrs) are of very high quality.

The engineering and design of more expensive hand grinders is also very high quality to enable the precise grind level needed for certain brew methods.

How Do Manual Coffee Grinders Work?

There are normally two sections or chambers of a hand burr grinder.

The top chamber is where you place the coffee beans and the bottom chamber is where the coffee grounds collect.

Between the two chambers sit either steel or ceramic burrs that can be altered in proximity to each other to change the coarseness (the size) of coffee grounds.

A rod attached to a rotating handle is fixed onto the upper burr and manually revolved grinding the coffee beans.

How to Clean a Manual Coffee Grinder?

Unscrew the chambers and then unscrew the grind adjuster from the burr.

It should all separate but be careful not to lose any springs that may fall out.

With a small brush, dust away all of the excess coffee grounds and then with an ear bud clean away any oil residue.

Is it ok to Grind Coffee Beans the Night Before?

It is best to grind your coffee beans just before you brew the coffee.

Although it is better to grind them the night before than purchase pre ground coffee as it will still be fresher, as soon as the coffee is ground the flavour profile starts to deteriorate.

Can you re-grind coffee?

Once you grind coffee beans you should not pass the grounds through the grinder again. 

This will eventually damage the coffee grinder as it has been designed to grind whole beans

Can I use rice to clean my coffee grinder?

Rice can be used to clean a manual coffee grinder. 

To use rice for cleaning your coffee grinder, simply pour a small amount of uncooked rice into the grinder and grind it as you would with coffee beans.

The rice will act as an abrasive, helping to loosen any built-up oils or residue.

Once you've ground the rice, discard it and wipe the grinder clean with a dry cloth or brush.

However, it's important to note that the hard, dense grains can damage the grinder's burrs or blades over time. 

Instead, we suggest using specially-designed cleaning pellets or tablets that are specifically formulated for cleaning coffee grinders.

These products are typically made from food-safe materials and are designed to break down and dissolve easily in the grinder, leaving no residue or aftertaste.

How to Adjust a Manual Coffee Grinder?

Separate the two main parts of the grinder by either screwing or twisting the upper chamber away from the lower chamber.

Most manual grinders have an adjustment dial that is located just below the burrs on the upper chamber.

To tighten the burrs, bringing them closer together and therefore making the grind finer turn the dial clockwise (this may be the opposite on some grinders).

As you turn the dial you will feel a click so you can gauge how much finer you’re setting the grind. Repeat anticlockwise for a coarser grind.

Is It Better To Grind Your Own Coffee?

The answer is simply yes, it is better to grind your own coffee.

As soon as coffee is ground the flavour profile almost instantly starts to deteriorate.

When you buy pre ground coffee, depending on the quality there will still be some of the subtle notes present however there is no substitute to freshly ground coffee.

Check out our guide on grinding coffee beans to find out more.

How Long Does a Manual Coffee Grinder Last For?

Over 10 years or more.

This is obviously a hard number to quantify as there are many variables like the quality of the grinder and the amount of use.

Manual grinders however do not have any electrical parts or motors which are usually the culprits behind electric coffee grinders breaking down.

Many hand grinders on the market today are made from stainless steel and built to last.

Occasionally parts break, like the revolving lever however if you perform a little maintenance every now and again by cleaning the burrs it should last you a lifetime.

What Happens if You Grind Coffee Too Fine?

Your coffee will taste bitter and over extracted if you hand grind your coffee too fine for your required brew method.

Sometimes you may not even be able to brew the coffee if the grind is too fine as water will not be able to pass through the coffee grounds, this is common in stovetop and espresso coffee.

What's The Difference Between a Spice and Coffee Grinder?

There are sometimes very little differences in certain spice and coffee grinders apart from the precision of the coffee grinders burrs.

However some simpler spice grinders are extremely different and use two rotating lids that close the spices inside and grind the coffee using the teeth inside.

What is the common problem of a manual coffee grinder?

There are several common problems that can occur with manual coffee grinders, including:

1. Dull or clogged burrs: Coffee grinders use burrs or blades to grind the coffee beans, and over time, these components can become dull or clogged with coffee oils and residue, leading to uneven or inconsistent grinding.

2. Incorrect grind size: If the grind size is set incorrectly for the brewing method, the resulting coffee may be under-extracted or over-extracted, leading to a weak or bitter taste.

3. Jamming or clogging: Coffee beans can sometimes become stuck in the grinder, leading to a jam or clog that prevents the grinder from functioning properly.

To avoid these problems, it's important to clean and maintain your manual coffee grinder regularly, adjust the coffee grind size according to the brewing method, and use the manual grinder for short periods of time to prevent overheating.

It's also a good idea to use high-quality, freshly-roasted coffee beans, which will produce a better-tasting cup of coffee and help to prevent clogs or jams in the hand grinder.