Manual Coffee Grinders

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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 GrinderLong Life Ceramic Burrs + 18 Grinds
Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill Original Design + Long Tradition
Porlex Mini Stainless Steel GrinderStatic-free Body + Personal Size
Peugeot Bresil Coffee MillClassic 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

Tips for Best Results

Buyer's Checklist

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 

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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

YouTube video

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

YouTube video

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

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