If you enjoy the ritual of making coffee, using a manual coffee grinder is a great way to add an even more hands-on and personal element to your routine. The charm of using a hand grinder is that you supply the power to grind the coffee beans to an even consistency by turning the handle yourself. No loud buzzing of a motor, no beeps, no screens, or timers. And because a manual coffee grinder doesn’t require electricity, you can take it with you for a trip mountain climbing or camping. Manual coffee grinders are sold by manufacturers like COMANDANTE and 1ZPRESSO, and we’ll help you find one that brews delicious coffee quickly and easily.
We collected 10 popular manual coffee grinders from the latest and top-selling offerings from a range of manufacturers. We then evaluated them using six quality measures and based on our results, ranked them so you can see which grinders topped the list.
At mybest, we think the best manual coffee grinder is one that’s easy to use, portable, and can help brew delicious coffee. We will explain what features to look for in a manual coffee grinder based on our testing, so you can use this buying guide as a reference to help you make an informed purchase.
Matt S is the creator and host of Lifestyle Lab. He started his YouTube channel and blog in early 2020 to help aspiring “home baristas” make informed buying decisions and get the most out of their existing equipment. As an engineer by training, he tries to bring a systematic approach to his reviews and techniques, breaking things down so that people of all skill levels can understand. Over two years and 100+ videos later, he has built a supportive community of coffee lovers eager to learn (and help him learn) and look at the newest, most exciting products in the home brewing space.
For seven years, Daisuke has served specialty coffees as a barista and taught hand-drip latte art seminars. Currently, at mybest, he conducts the verification for all coffee-related products and equipment, including major manufacturers such as Kalita, Hario, and De'longhi, and specialty coffee brands such as Starbucks, UCC, Maruyama Coffee, and Blue Bottle Coffee. He creates content with the motto of "making ordinary coffee more delicious" by utilizing his experience as a barista. In addition, he also operates his own coffee roastery.
Our team looked for manual coffee grinders that can achieve "virtually uniform granularity."
We tested for products that can grind beans in a short amount of time so you can get to brewing faster.
To make grinding easier, looked for manual grinders with blades that don’t catch and a handle that is easy to turn without straining the hand.
We checked products for a blade and grounds catcher that can be disassembled, and also that all parts can be cleaned with water.
For use outdoors, portability is important, so our team evaluated products based on how easily they could be carried around.
Our tested each product and checked whether it can grind and decent amount of beans at once, let users adjust the granularity easily, and is easy to hold during use.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
The appeal of a manual coffee grinder is that you can use one anywhere. Since you don't need to plug it in, you can easily grind beans and make delicious coffee both at home and in the outdoors.
Manual grinders are sometimes wrongly assumed to be more labor-intensive and challenging to grind beans evenly than electric models. But actually, they are quite innovative. In fact, many new manual grinders feature blades that are as precise as those found in high-end electric models, and they are widely available for purchase.
When we tested grind consistency, we found that many modern hand grinders can produce a grind as consistent as that yielded by a high-end electric model. Additionally, nine out of ten products we tested provided an even grind, and many baristas we spoke to said manual grinders make coffee with fewer impurities and a more balanced taste.
In addition to costing less than premium electric models, the ability to grind your own beans is a charming feature of manual grinders. Below, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to find the best one for your preferences.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Manual Coffee Grinders.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a manual coffee grinder is how easy it is to use. For a convenient and savory cup of coffee each time, pay attention to the grinding time and adjustment method. We’ll explain how to determine each measure below.
To find a manual coffee grinder that you can use every day, it’s important to choose one that won’t make your hands excessively tired simply from grinding a single dose.
During our testing, we found that the manual coffee grinders that could grind enough coffee beans (15g, or about .53 oz) for one cup in less than 40 seconds didn’t strain the hand. One tester noted that "I could turn the handle with a light pressure, and I finished grinding before I felt tired."
Meanwhile, manual grinders that took longer—more than four minutes—to grind enough beans for one cup put a great deal of strain on our testers’ hands. One said, "I had to keep turning it, and my hand felt very tired afterward."
To ensure a pleasant experience, we recommend you choose a manual device that can grind enough beans (15g) for one cup in less than a minute. We factored in the time each manual coffee grinder took to grind beans in our rankings, so be sure to check our list to see how the models compared.
Grinding adjustment methods in manual electric grinders can largely be divided into two types: stepped and step-less. If you want to adjust the grind size easily, choose a grinder with a stepped adjustment type. They adjust the grind size by turning an adjustment screw according to the markings inside the grinder body or by counting the number of times you turn the handle. Once you find a grind size you like, you can replicate it time and again.
On the other hand, stepless grinders lack defined clicks, and you have to adjust the device each time you use it, so it can be challenging to reproduce a specific grind size. You also have to remove two to three parts from the rotating shaft before using it, which might feel difficult for first-time users.
We’ve outlined which grinders are stepped or not with their grind adjustment method in our ranking, and we recommend you consult the list before making a purchase.
To help you decide which manual coffee grinder is best for you, we divided the models we tested into three categories.
If price is your top concern, we recommend the TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 MAX Manual Coffee Grinder. This product has the same features as many comparable models that cost over $100, but it's the only one under $100 that our testers gave high praise for the uniformity of its grind size.
Pressed for time in the morning? Then consider the 1ZPRESSO J Manual Coffee Grinder. This model takes just 39.08 seconds to grind a serving (15g) of beans, and it’s easy to use.
Finally, if you’re making coffee for a group and you want to grind a lot of beans at once, choose the BB Coffee Company COMANDANTE C40 MK4 Nitro Blade. Although most models can grind about 20g at a time, this grinder has a maximum capacity of 40g, so you can grind enough beans for t four servings of coffee at once.
You can’t go wrong with any of these products, which each grinds evenly. Just weigh your preferences and pick the best one for your needs.
There’s nothing like a fresh cup of coffee in the great outdoors. To pack light for camping or climbing, look for a manual coffee grinder that’s easy to carry. It should be lightweight (under 1.5 lb.) and compact enough not to take up too much room in your backpack. If you’re looking to brew freshly ground coffee on the go, be sure to check our ranking for manual coffee grinders that are best for outdoors.
If you’re someone who finds maintaining appliances a hassle, we recommend you choose a manual coffee grinder with a ceramic blade. Stainless steel blades are precise and easy to use, but they are prone to rusting when you wash them with water, a drawback that may impact how often you choose to clean your grinder.
On the other hand, ceramic blades do not rust, so you can clean them thoroughly and easily once removed, keeping them hygienic and functioning properly.
Although grinders with ceramic blades grind more slowly than those made with stainless steel, products like Hario North America's Mini-Slim+ MSS-1DTB and TRIPLE TREE BRANDING's Manual Coffee Grinder grind beans evenly. If you're interested in a grinder with ceramic blades, we recommend these two options.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uniformity of Grind | Speed of Grinding | Ease of Grinding | Ease of Cleaning | Portability | Ease of Use | Width | Depth | Height | Width (when stored) | Depth (when stored) | Height (when stored) | Body Weight | Maximum Capacity | Type of Use | Blade Material | Lid | Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Blade is Washable With Water | Accessories | Includes Band | Body Surface | Lever Shape | Handle Material | Handle Shape | Grind Time(15g) | Percentage of Evenly Ground Beans(15g) | Features | ||||||
1 | TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 MAX Manual Coffee Grinder | ![]() | 4.78 | mybest's Top Choice: Compact, Easy to Use, and Grinds Beans Quickly and Evenly | 5.00 | 4.98 | 4.80 | 4.50 | 4.25 | 4.50 | 6.2 in. | 2 in. | 6.7 in. | 2.01 in. | 2.01 in. | 6.30 in. | 1.54 lb. | 20g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Rough | Curved | Plastic | Inverted triangle | 47.32 second(s) | 93.3% | Compact | |||||
2 | 1ZPRESSO J Manual Coffee Grinder | ![]() | 4.75 | The Appeal Is its Stability and That It Takes Virtually No Time to Grind | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.80 | 4.50 | 4.00 | 4.50 | 6.69 in. | 2.24 in. | 7.28 in. | 2.17 in. | 2.17 in. | 6.10 in. | 1.56 lb. | 20g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Curved | Wood | Mushroom-shaped | 39.08 second(s) | 88.0% | Compact | |||||
3 | BB Coffee Company COMANDANTE C40 MK4 Nitro Blade | ![]() | 4.73 | Currently unavailable | Expensive, But You Can Evenly Grind a Lot of Beans at Once | 5.00 | 4.72 | 4.90 | 4.25 | 4.00 | 5.00 | 2.36in. | 2.36in. | 7.17in. | 2.36 in. | 2.36 in. | 6.3 in. | 1.63 lb. | 40g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Curved | Wood | Inverted triangle | 70.50 second(s) | 92.7% | |||||
4 | Survival Light Products VSSL|Java Coffee Grinder | ![]() | 4.64 | Perfect for Those Who Want to Brew Delicious Coffee Outdoors | 5.00 | 4.75 | 4.40 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4.00 | 2 in. | 2 in. | 6.2 in. | 1.97 in. | 1.97 in. | 5.71 in. | 0.8 lb. | 15g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Straight | Plastic | Inverted triangle | 68.06 second(s) | 90.7% | Compact | |||||
5 | Orphan Espresso Fixie Manual Travel Coffee Grinder|OE-FG | ![]() | 4.42 | It’s Hard to Turn the Handle Smoothly, but It Grinds Beans Evenly | 5.00 | 4.55 | 3.40 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 5.00 | 1.75 in. | 1.75 in. | 6.5 in. | 2.09 in. | 2.09 in. | 7.80 in. | 0.728 lb. | 40g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Straight | Carbon Fiber | Cylindrical | 85.78 second(s) | 90.7% | Compact | |||||
5 | OXO International Brew Manual Coffee Grinder | ![]() | 4.42 | It Can Grind a Lot of Beans Quickly, but It's Hard to Get a Consistent Granularity | 4.20 | 5.00 | 4.40 | 4.25 | 4.00 | 5.00 | 3.1 in. | 3.1 in. | 9 in. | 2.36 in. | 2.36 in. | 8.86 in. | 0.931lb. | 30g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Straight | Plastic | Mushroom-shaped | 42.84 second(s) | 81.3% | ||||||
7 | Hario North America Mini-Slim+|MSS-1DTB | ![]() | 4.40 | Affordable and Grinds Evenly, but Often Gets Stuck and Grinding is Difficult | 5.00 | 4.29 | 3.40 | 4.50 | 4.25 | 5.00 | 5.9 in. | 2.83 in. | 8.66 in. | 2.91 in. | 2.91 in. | 7.09 in. | 0.66 lb. | 30g | Portable Type | Ceramic | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Curved | Polypropylene | Mushroom-shaped | 127.51 second(s) | 91.3% | ||||||
8 | TRIPLE TREE BRANDING Manual Coffee Grinder | ![]() | 4.28 | It Can Grind a Large Amount of Beans at Once, but It’s Difficult to Adjust and Not Very Portable | 5.00 | 4.31 | 3.60 | 5.00 | 3.50 | 3.84 | 3.54 in. | 3.54 in. | 8.07 in. | 3.66 in. | 3.66 in. | 7.48 in. | 0.68 lb. | 60g | Tabletop type | Ceramic | Adjustable freely | Smooth | Curved | Plastic | Mushroom-shaped | 125.03 second(s) | 90.0% | ||||||
9 | JavaPresse Coffee Company Manual Burr Coffee Grinder | ![]() | 4.10 | It's Portable and Easy to Maintain, but Coffee Ends Up a Bit Powdery | 4.70 | 3.38 | 3.30 | 4.50 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 1.8 in. | 1.8 in. | 7.5 in. | 1.89 in. | 1.89 in. | 7.36 in. | 0.552 lb. | 30g | Portable type | Ceramic | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Curved | Plastic | Mushroom-shaped | 254.12 second(s) | 84.7% | Compact | |||||
10 | Orphan Espresso OE LIDO 3 Manual Coffee Grinder|OE-L3-OE | ![]() | 3.86 | It’s Difficult to Get an Even Grain Size, Plus It Takes Up a Lot of Space | 3.44 | 4.94 | 4.00 | 4.50 | 3.00 | 5.00 | 3 in. | 3 in. | 13.5 in. | 2.76 in. | 2.76 in. | 11.50 in. | 2.422 lb. | 70g | Portable Type | Stainless steel | Adjustable by stages | Smooth | Straight | Plastic | Rectangle | 51.02 second(s) | 75.3% |
Maximum Capacity | 20g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 47.32 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Chestnut C2 MAX Manual Coffee Grinder from TIMEMORE features a conical stainless-steel burr blade. The product can grind beans for a range of brews, from super-fine grains for espresso to coarse grains for French press coffee. During our test for grinding speed, this product ground a cup's worth (15g) of coffee beans in 47.32 seconds, earning high marks for speed.
Additionally, the textured body makes this grinder easy to grip and less of a strain on the hand. This model also excelled at grinding beans evenly. Out of a cup's worth of beans (15g), this model was able to convert 93.3% (14g) evenly into a medium grind while minimizing the amount of fine grains.
Baristas who tasted the brewed coffee complemented its smooth texture and balanced flavor. Grain size can be adjusted in steps, and by turning the dial along the indicated scale, you can replicate your preferred grind size repeatedly.
The maximum capacity is 20g, enough for you to grind two cups worth of coffee beans at once, which is pretty handy. In terms of maintenance, we like that you can remove the top blade and coffee grounds receptacle from the body without tools. While you can’t wash the stainless steel blade in water to prevent rust, this grinder comes with a cleaning brush, so maintaining small crevices is quite manageable.
In terms of portability, this model is relatively compact, with a volume of 416.16cm3 and weighing 1.54 lb., light enough to take with you for outdoor activities. With its high-precision blades, this grinder is great for brewing tasty coffee. It’s also user-friendly and easy to maintain. Even though it’s made of stainless steel, this grinder’s affordable price makes it perfect for those seeking cost-effectiveness and high performance or for those who want to try it out.
Width | 6.2 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 2 in. |
Height | 6.7 in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.01 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.01 in. |
Height (when stored) | 6.30 in. |
Body Weight | 1.54 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Rough |
Lever Shape | Curved |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Handle Shape | Inverted triangle |
Features | Compact |
Maximum Capacity | 20g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 39.08 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The J Manual Coffee Grinder by 1ZPRESSO is equipped with a non-slip rubber band for a better grip. Designed with an easily foldable handle, this grinder converts into a compact size. When we tested for speed, this device managed to grind a cup's worth(15g)of coffee beans in a short time of 39.08 seconds, an impressive result. In addition, the main body of the grinder is substantial, which provides stability and the handle rotates smoothly, going easy on your hand when you grind. Another plus? This device’s ability to grind beans evenly. It was able to grind 88% (13.1g) of a cup's worth(15g) ofbeans to a uniform medium grind.
Baristas who drank the brewed coffee reported: "a flavor that is easy to drink, doesn’t taste off, and has mild bitterness." You can adjust the grind size in steps; by turning the dial in the direction of the indicated scale, it’s simple to replicate your preferred grind accurately any number of times. The maximum capacity is 20g, meaning it can grind the beans for two cups of coffee at once.
When we evaluated this grinder for maintenance, it was a plus that you could detach the upper blade and powder catcher from the main body without any tools. Though you can't wash the blade with water to prevent rust, the included cleaning brush makes it easy to maintain small crevices.
In terms of portability, this grinder volume-wise is 468.88cm3, and its body weight is somewhat heavy at 1.56 lb., so this model isn’t the best for outdoor use.
This grinder's best features are that it’s fast and doesn’t tire your hand out. Although it’s a bit pricey, we recommend it for those looking for a product that can quickly grind beans.
Width | 6.69 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 2.24 in. |
Height | 7.28 in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.17 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.17 in. |
Height (when stored) | 6.10 in. |
Body Weight | 1.56 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Curved |
Handle Material | Wood |
Handle Shape | Mushroom-shaped |
Features | Compact |
Maximum Capacity | 40g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 70.50 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
BB Coffee Company's COMANDANTE C40 MK4 Nitro Blade is known for its 100% stainless-steel blade. Thanks to its unique grinding technology, it promises to keep the amount of micro-powder to a minimum. This device is also reasonably fast, grinding out a one-cup serving(15g)of coffee beans in 70.50 seconds.
Although the main body does not have features to prevent slipping, a tester said that "the beans don't get stuck, and the handle turns smoothly, making it less tiring for the hand." Another plus is that out of a single cup serving(15g),92.7% (14g) of the beans were evenly ground to a medium grind, and the amount of micro powder was very small. The barista who tasted the brewed coffee commented, "I was able to fully enjoy the inherent flavor of the beans."
The grind size adjustment is step-based. And by turning the dial in the direction of the indicated scale you can reproduce your preferred grind time and time again. With its maximum capacity of 40g, you can grind about four cups worth of coffee beans at once. As for ease of maintenance, we appreciate that you can detach the upper blade and powder receptacle from the main body without tools.
However, the blades cannot be washed with water, and a cleaning brush is not included, so you will need to use your own tools to clean the device. As for portability, this grinder is relatively compact at 540cm3, and the main body weighs only 1.63 lb., so it’s not too heavy to carry around. Although this model is expensive, it can grind a large amount of beans quickly and evenly. If you don't need to take a grinder on the go, this model is well worth considering.
Width | 2.36in. |
---|---|
Depth | 2.36in. |
Height | 7.17in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.36 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.36 in. |
Height (when stored) | 6.3 in. |
Body Weight | 1.63 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Curved |
Handle Material | Wood |
Handle Shape | Inverted triangle |
Features |
Maximum Capacity | 15g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 68.06 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The VSSL Java Coffee Grinder by Survival Light Products features 50 unique settings that allow you to grind with precision. You can disassemble it and store it when you’re not using it. During testing, this device was able to grind enough coffee beans for one cup(15g)in a short time of 68.06 seconds.
The small size makes this grinder easy to hold, but the body doesn't have any anti-slip features, and beans may get caught inside. One plus is that this device provides a consistent grind size. It ground 90.7% (13.6g) of the beans evenly to a medium grind for one cup(15g). A barista who tasted the brewed coffee raved, "I could fully appreciate the aroma and flavor, and the aftertaste lasted quite a long time." You can adjust the grind size by different levels. By turning the dial according to the indicated scale, you can reproduce your favorite grind size anytime.
That said, the maximum bean capacity is 15g, so you cannot grind beans for two cups of coffee at once. In terms of maintenance, we liked that you can detach the top blade and the receptacle from the body without tools. Although you cannot wash the blade with water, a small cleaning brush is included, which makes it easy to clean.
In terms of portability, this grinder is quite compact at 362.5cm3 and light at 0.8 lb., so it would be easy to stow in a backpack. If you are looking for a grinder that you can take camping that can grind beans evenly, consider this product.
Width | 2 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 2 in. |
Height | 6.2 in. |
Width (when stored) | 1.97 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 1.97 in. |
Height (when stored) | 5.71 in. |
Body Weight | 0.8 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Straight |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Handle Shape | Inverted triangle |
Features | Compact |
Maximum Capacity | 40g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 85.78 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Fixie Manual Travel Coffee Grinder OE-FG by Orphan Espresso features a carbon fiber handle. But it can only be adjusted to three levels: coarse, medium, and fine grind. In terms of speed, it was able to grind 15g of coffee beans in 85.78 seconds, longer than it took some other models on this list. A lot of the beans got caught during the process, which made it hard to turn the handle smoothly.
On the plus side, this device was able to grind 90.7% (13.6g) of 15g beans evenly to a medium grind. Of the baristas who drank the brewed coffee, one said, "It had a smooth texture, pleasant aroma, and mellow flavor." You can adjust the grind size in stages, and by simply turning the dial in the direction indicated on the scale, you can reproduce your preferred grind time and again.
Another benefit to this grinder is its maximum capacity of 40g, which allows you to grind beans for about four servings of coffee at once. When it came to maintenance, this grinder earned high marks for its detachable blade and powder catcher However, since you cannot wash the blade with water and it doesn’t come with a cleaning brush, you will need to use your own tools to keep it clean. If you want to take this grinder on the go, it's a relatively compact 556.18 cm3, and with a body weight of 0.728 lb., it's light enough to bring with you outdoors.
Width | 1.75 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 1.75 in. |
Height | 6.5 in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.09 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.09 in. |
Height (when stored) | 7.80 in. |
Body Weight | 0.728 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Straight |
Handle Material | Carbon Fiber |
Handle Shape | Cylindrical |
Features | Compact |
Maximum Capacity | 30g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 42.84 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Brew Manual Coffee Grinder from OXO International is designed with a stainless-steel burr. It features 40 stages of grind-size adjustment ranging from very fine to very coarse. This device is fast. It managed to grind a cup's worth(15g)of coffee beans in just 42.84 seconds.
That said, the beans did have a tendency to get stuck, but it’s likely not a problem because this model grinds so quickly. It didn’t perform as well as some other grinders on this list when it came to the uniformity of the grind. Just 81.3% (12.3g) of a cup's worth(15g)of beans were evenly ground to a medium size. It’s easy to adjust the grind size step-by-step. Simply turn the dial according to the indicated scale, and you can replicate your preferred grind size as many times as you like. Baristas who tasted the brewed coffee, however, commented, "The balance isn't bad, but the taste tends towards being bitter."
With a maximum capacity of 30g, though, you can grind more than two cups worth of beans at once. As for cleaning, we appreciated the ability to detach the top blade and ground basket from the body. However, as the stainless-steel blades cannot be washed with water, and this grinder doesn’t come with a cleaning brush, you'll need to use your own tools.
In terms of portability, its 810cm3 size is somewhat bulky. However, it’s relatively light at 0.931 lb., so you should be able to take it with you outdoors as part of your luggage.
Width | 3.1 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 3.1 in. |
Height | 9 in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.36 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.36 in. |
Height (when stored) | 8.86 in. |
Body Weight | 0.931lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Straight |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Handle Shape | Mushroom-shaped |
Features |
Maximum Capacity | 30g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 127.51 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Mini-Slim+ MSS-1DTB from Hario North America features a visually easy-to-understand design with a reservoir for ground coffee that has a memory to track how much coffee you have ground. It’s made with ceramic mill blades, and the company claims that it produces less frictional heat. When it came to speed, it took 127.51 seconds to grind enough coffee beans(15g)for one cup, longer than many of the grinders on our list. Grinding requires some effort with this device. The handle tends to snag, so this grinder got low marks for ease of use.
On the other hand, when we tested for uniformity of particle size, 91.3% (13.6g) of the beans were evenly medium-ground for a single serving(15g). Baristas who drank the brewed coffee commented, "You can enjoy a good balance of bitterness and sweetness." The grain size is adjustable in stages by turning the dial according to the indicated scale, so you can replicate your preferred grind as many times as you want.
When we measured, the maximum bean capacity was 30g, which is convenient as it allows you to grind enough beans for two cups of coffee in one shot. For maintenance, the grinder was praised for its removable top blade and reservoir. While a cleaning brush is not included, both the ceramic blade and the reservoir are washable, which means it's easy to keep this grinder clean even without sweeping. This grinder is a bit bulky at 985.68 cm3. However, at only 0.66 lb., it's relatively light, so you can take it with you on your next camping trip.
Width | 5.9 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 2.83 in. |
Height | 8.66 in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.91 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.91 in. |
Height (when stored) | 7.09 in. |
Body Weight | 0.66 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Ceramic |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Curved |
Handle Material | Polypropylene |
Handle Shape | Mushroom-shaped |
Features |
Maximum Capacity | 60g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable freely |
Grind Time(15g) | 125.03 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
TRIPLE TREE BRANDING's Manual Coffee Grinder comes equipped with a silicone lid and an anti-slip silicone pad on the bottom, which provide a stable base for grinding. It took 125.03 seconds to grind a single serving(15g)of coffee beans, which is slower than many other grinders on this list. In addition, we found that the beans often got caught and that our hands got tired during the manual cranking.
When we tested grind consistency, 90.0% (13.6g) of a single serving(15g)resulted in evenly distributed coffee grounds. Baristas who tasted the brewed coffee noted, "The flavor is robustly strong, leaving a bitter aftertaste." There was no maximum capacity advertised, but we found this grinder was capable of grinding as much as 60g of beans at once, the equivalent of about two cups of coffee. However, the grind size adjustment is free-adjusting, making it hard to gauge how much you've adjusted the screw. Consequently, it’s tricky to go back to the original grind size once you’ve made adjustments.
On the other hand, this grinder is easy to maintain because you can remove both the blade and the ground grounds catcher and wash them with water. Although this model doesn't come with a brush, if you properly clean it after each use, this grinder should be easy to maintain. In terms of portability, with a volume of 1643.31 cm³, this grinder is rather bulky. Although it’s comparatively light at 0.68 lb., we don’t recommend bringing this grinder on the go.
Width | 3.54 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 3.54 in. |
Height | 8.07 in. |
Width (when stored) | 3.66 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 3.66 in. |
Height (when stored) | 7.48 in. |
Body Weight | 0.68 lb. |
Type of Use | Tabletop type |
Blade Material | Ceramic |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Curved |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Handle Shape | Mushroom-shaped |
Features |
Maximum Capacity | 30g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 254.12 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
JavaPresse Coffee Company's Manual Burr Coffee Grinder features a ceramic burr blade and can grind beans for a range of coffee drinks, from French press to espresso. It took 254.12 seconds to grind enough coffee beans(15g)for one serving—the slowest on our list.
The handle on this grinder doesn't require much strength to turn, but the continuous motion did tire out the hand, so this device got low marks for ease of grinding. In terms of uniformity, 84.7% (12.7g) of one serving(15g)of beans we ground produced an even medium grind. Although this device ground relatively evenly, baristas who tasted the brewed coffee said, "The texture on the tongue is slightly gritty, and it lingers after drinking."
You can adjust the grind size in stages, and by turning the dial according to the indicated scale, you can replicate your preferred grind as many times as you want. The maximum capacity we measured was 30g, which means you'll be able to grind beans for more than two servings of coffee beans at once.
The blade and catch cup can be removed for cleaning. Both the glass cup and ceramic blade can be washed in water, so it's easy to keep them clean even without an included brush. The compact size of 430.85cm3 and the light weight of 0.552 lb. make this grinder easy to take outdoors.
Width | 1.8 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 1.8 in. |
Height | 7.5 in. |
Width (when stored) | 1.89 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 1.89 in. |
Height (when stored) | 7.36 in. |
Body Weight | 0.552 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable type |
Blade Material | Ceramic |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Curved |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Handle Shape | Mushroom-shaped |
Features | Compact |
Maximum Capacity | 70g |
---|---|
Method of Adjusting Grind Size | Adjustable by stages |
Grind Time(15g) | 51.02 second(s) |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The OE LIDO 3 Manual Coffee Grinder OE-L3-OE by Orphan Espresso is a large device that’s about 30 cm (11.81 inches) high. It can produce a variety of grind sizes, from French press to Turkish coffee.
This grinder took 51.02 seconds to grind enough coffee beans(15g)for one cup, faster than many on this list. That said, the beans can get caught, and it can be difficult to hold the large body securely, making it somewhat tiring to use. It fell short on grind size consistency; only 75.3% (11.3g) of the desired medium ground size could be achieved from one cup's worth of beans(15g). After tasting the brewed coffee, baristas noted that it had a slightly gritty texture and a bitter taste.
You can adjust the grind size in steps and reproduce your desired grind size as often as you want by turning the dial in the direction of the indicated scale. What sets this grinder apart is how much it can produce in one session. With a maximum capacity of 70g, you can grind enough beans for more than seven cups of coffee at once.
When it came to maintenance, the ability to remove the blade and grinder cup from the body to clean was a plus. Although the blade cannot be washed in water to prevent rusting, a cleaning brush is included, making it easy to keep the smaller areas of the grinder tidy. That said, you’re not going to want to take this grinder camping. At 1430.8cm3, it is bulky, and at 2.422 lb., this device is heavy for a grinder.
Width | 3 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 3 in. |
Height | 13.5 in. |
Width (when stored) | 2.76 in. |
Depth (when stored) | 2.76 in. |
Height (when stored) | 11.50 in. |
Body Weight | 2.422 lb. |
Type of Use | Portable Type |
Blade Material | Stainless steel |
Lid | |
Accessories | |
Includes Band | |
Body Surface | Smooth |
Lever Shape | Straight |
Handle Material | Plastic |
Handle Shape | Rectangle |
Features |
At mybest, we define the best manual coffee grinder as a product that is easy to use, portable, and produces tasty coffee.
To find the best products, we gathered the top-selling manual coffee grinders from popular manufacturers, the latest items on Amazon, Walmart, and others sites, then did an in-depth review of 10 products based on the following six points.
Products we tested
Our team looked for manual coffee grinders that can achieve "virtually uniform granularity."
Grind 15g of coffee beans to medium, and then sift the grounds through a fine powder sieve to filter out the fine particles, leaving only medium-ground coffee. We then measured the proportion of the remaining medium-ground coffee. In addition, we scored the recommendation based on how little weight is lost, with a maximum limit of minus 7g. The less the weight reduction, the better we consider the grinder to be.
Inspection Equipment: Powder Sieve (1mm mesh)
Inspection Equipment: WATCHGET Coffee Sifter
Inspection Equipment: TANITA Weighing Device
Used coffee beans: STARBUCKS "CAFE VERONA"
We tested for products that can grind beans in a short amount of time so you can get to brewing faster.
Five male and female testers ground 15g of coffee beans at a speed of 110 BPM and measured the time it took to finish grinding. They capped the time at 45 seconds, and the less strain it put on their hands and the faster the beans could be ground, the better. They scored each product based on how much they would recommend it.
Coffee beans used: STARBUCKS "CAFE VERONA"
Testers: Five people, both men and women (the average measurement time of each person was used for testing)
To make grinding easier, looked for manual grinders with blades that don’t catch and a handle that is easy to turn without straining the hand.
We had a panel of five people check the ease of grinding coffee beans, and we rated each product's recommendation level.
Tester Attribute: Intended for people with hand size (hand length) of 18cm-19cm or 7 to 7.4 inches (US average)
Test Equipment: TANITA Equipment No.558
Test Equipment: Coffee beans (Starbucks Dark Roast)
Hold the main body with your left hand and turn the handle with your right hand (for tabletop models, secure it to the table). Grind at a pace of 110 BPM per handle rotation.
We checked products for a blade and grounds catcher that can be disassembled, and also that all parts can be cleaned with water.
The testers have checked each product and scored them based on the points below, quantifying the recommendation level for each product.
Can the parts be disassembled into small pieces?
Is it possible to wash the blade and dust catcher with water?
For use outdoors, portability is important, so our team evaluated products based on how easily they could be carried around.
Each product was evaluated by testers for its portability, who scored the recommendation level of each product.
Main body weight
The compactness for carrying
Our tested each product and checked whether it can grind and decent amount of beans at once, let users adjust the granularity easily, and is easy to hold during use.
Each product has been tested for ease of use and we have scored each one in terms of recommended use.
No. 1: TIMEMORE |Chestnut C2 MAX Manual Coffee Grinder
No. 2: 1ZPRESSO|J Manual Coffee Grinder
No. 3: BB Coffee Company|COMANDANTE C40 MK4 Nitro Blade
No. 4: Survival Light Products|VSSL|Java Coffee Grinder
No. 5: Orphan Espresso|Fixie Manual Travel Coffee Grinder|OE-FG
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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