Manual coffee grinders are a hands-on alternative to electric blade and burr models. They offer the significant advantages of a burr grinder, which are widely agreed to result in the best coffee flavor. But they are more affordable and portable than electric burr versions. They are a simple way to get the most out of your beans. Whether you’re in the kitchen or in the great outdoors, a hand coffee grinder can be the best step to a better cup of coffee.
Pick the Best Manual Coffee Grinder for Home or Away:
Highly Rated Models for 2020
Model
Quick Description
| JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder | Long Life Ceramic Burrs + 18 Grinds |
| Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill | Original Design + Long Tradition |
| Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Grinder | Static-free Body + Personal Size |
| Peugeot Bresil Coffee Mill | Classic Wooden Style + Lifetime Warranty |
Manual Grinder Basics
Manual coffee grinders use burrs, similar to electric burr grinders, but are smaller and powered by hand. The coffee beans are ground between two sharpened surfaces, which rotate as the result of turning a handle or crank.
Some people prefer a manual version as their everyday grinder. They are quiet, less expensive than electric burr models, and don’t take up much space. Plus many coffee lovers find they really enjoy the ritual of preparing the coffee in this manner as part of the overall experience. Others like to use an electric version on a daily basis and have a manual one for traveling and outdoor living. Wherever you go, a hand grinder can probably go with you.
The hand grinder gives you the more consistent grinds that burr grinders are known for, allowing for better flavor from more even extraction. This is something you won’t get from a blade grinder, no matter how expensive. So if you are looking for the best from your beans, but are looking for a less expensive burr option, you can have both with a good manual grinder.
Pros and Cons
- Produces the consistent particle size characteristic of burr grinders
- Great choice for traveling and outdoor activities because they are portable and don't require electricity
- Less expensive than an electric burr grinder
- Quieter to operate than electric grinders, which can be very loud.
- Offers a hands-on experience that many people enjoy
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Doesn't generate heat that can affect flavor and aroma
- Not all models create all sizes of grinds equally
- Takes more time to use than an electric grinder
- Grind size adjustment probably not as precise as an electric burr grinder
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid grinding flavored beans in your manual burr grinder. The flavored coating can adhere to the grinder, transferring the taste to other coffees you grind, and be very difficult to thoroughly remove.
- Match the grind size to the brew method you’re using.
Buyer's Checklist
- Materials - Manual grinders can have wooden, stainless, ceramic, glass and/or plastic components.
- Design - What design features are you looking for ... portable, decorative, ergonomic?
- Grind Range - Does the grinder do a good job with the size(s) of grind you use? Look at user reviews.
- Warranty - Things can break. Check for a warranty or guarantee from the manufacturer.
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Long Life Ceramic Burrs + 18 Grind Settings
Enjoy a precise grind from this popular, highly-rated stainless steel hand grinder. The ceramic burrs of the JavaPresse are designed and tested to last multiple times longer than stainless steel. Detach the handle to save space during travel and make excellent ground coffee, quietly, anywhere you go, even without electricity.
✓ Ceramic burrs designed to last longer than steel
✓ Choose from fine to coarse grind with 18 settings
✓ Includes comprehensive guide
✓ 365 Day Money-Back Guarantee
Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill
Original Design + Long Tradition
Hario has been manufacturing glassware since 1921, and the Skerton conical grinder is an example of their long tradition. It’s such a popular model that competitors have produced lower-quality knock-off versions. But you’ll want to be sure to get the real Hario. This personal grinder is suitable for home use, small enough to travel, easy to use, and creates consistent grounds for great flavor.
✓ Simple to operate
✓ Adjustable from very fine to coarse
✓ Holds about 3.5 ounces of ground coffee
Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
Static-free Body + Personal Size
When you’re on the go, this mini grinder allows you to make great coffee wherever you are. With the detachable grinding handle secured against the body, this personal-sized accessory takes up very little room.
✓ Holds 20 grams (.7 ounces) of ground coffee
✓ Made in Japan
✓ Stainless Steel
Peugeot Bresil Coffee Mill
Classic Wooden Style + Lifetime Warranty
This grinder is fully adjustable to create grounds from coarse to fine … fine enough for even espresso. Load up to about 2 ounces of beans in the hopper and fill the drawer with up to 1/2 cup of ground coffee. You’ll get the benefits of a burr grinder with the charm and warmth of wood.
✓ Made in France since 1840
✓ Built with Beechwood
✓ Measurements: 5″ x 5″ x 8.75″
✓ Lifetime warranty on the grinding mechanism
✓ 5 year warranty on the exterior
