If you’re a little more than a casual coffee connoisseur, you must’ve heard about all kinds of tips and myths about finding the best manual coffee grinders. While most of that is debatable, there’s no denying that grinders play an important role in determining the quality of your java. That’s why in this article we’re going to talk about the most recommended grinders on the market. We’ll also discuss a little about the manual vs electric coffee grinders and how to use the Javapresse manual coffee grinder. Sounds good? Let’s get started then!
How to Choose Best Manual Coffee Grinders
Finding the best manual coffee grinders isn’t actually the most difficult task in the world. Mostly because there aren’t too many things to consider. Apart from the type, the two things that really differentiate a Javapresse manual coffee grinder from the rest are the technology and the use-cases. And if you don’t really care about the “manual coffee grinder vs electric” thing, things will get easier.
But with that being said, you still need to take a few things seriously before deciding on any manual coffee grinders. So, here’s our version of the three factors you need to take into account when choosing a Javapresse manual coffee grinder.
Portability
If you really can’t kick off your day without caffeine intake, chances are you’ll be bringing those best manual coffee grinders around. And in this case, we recommend looking for grinders that are smaller and portable. They’ll fit easily in most bags or suitcases and won’t make your trip a hassle.
Style
Next, think about what kind of coffee style you like best. Is that espresso? Or do you prefer filters? Either way, you should know that a Javapresse manual coffee grinder generally only excels at one thing. Yes, there are some best manual coffee grinders that can work with different styles, but they’re quite difficult to find and are offered at a premium price.
Budget
Best manual grinders are available in all different types and prices. But one thing you must remember: You’ll get exactly what you paid for. So, you’re gonna want something that works really well. Especially considering the fact that you’ll spend a lot of time grinding all of those pre-caffeinated states.
Are Manual Coffee Grinders Any Good?
Compared to electric grinders, manual coffee grinders are much more consistent and durable. They’ll give you maximum and satisfying results, without forcing you to break the bank. And for frequent travelers, a manual coffee grinder would be a better option.
Is Hand Grinding Coffee Better?
Basically, yes. Manually ground coffee beans taste a lot better since they aren’t exposed to heat. However, it also depends on what kind of coffee bean you’re using, the size setting, and the quality of the grinder itself.
How Do You Know What Size Coffee Grind to Use?
This will really depend on your personal preference. But our advice, start with a medium-fine setting and make slight adjustments from there. If you end up with an under-extracted brew, use the finer settings next time. But if you end up with a bitter brew, go for a coarser grind.
Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill
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It would be a crime to talk about the best manual coffee grinders without mentioning the Zassenhaus Santiago. This German classic has been used by more than thousands of coffee connoisseurs worldwide and has a proven reputation for nearly a century. So when it comes to the Javapresse manual coffee grinder, you can tell that they’re quite knowledgeable.
As you would expect, the Zassenhaus Santiago is made from high-quality materials. As a form of commitment to total consumer satisfaction, they provide an amazing guarantee of up to 25 years! If you want something classic and works well, you definitely won’t be disappointed. As for portability, this may not be the best choice for travel. The design isn’t very compact, but if you’re like us, you would prefer to leave this gorgeous classic safely at home.
What We Love
A classic German that has stood the test of time and built a great reputation over 100 years
Pros:
- High-grade tool steel
- Carbon steel grinding mechanism
- Adjustable grind
- Built for coffee lovers
Cons:
- Not ideal for travel
Hario Mini Slim Manual Grinder
12
If you don’t plan to spend too much on your best manual coffee grinders, the Hario Mini-Slim would be one of the most remarkable options to consider. This latest version comes with a few minor improvements compared to its older sibling. It has better handles and a black-transparent color scheme, which makes it look so sleek and cool.
Since this grinder is light and small, you’ll have no trouble carrying it on any trip. It has a total capacity of about 8.7oz, which shouldn’t take up much space in your backpack or trunk. And in case you’re wondering about build-quality, this compact grinder is made of super-sturdy plastic. It also features ceramic burrs, although we thought it should’ve been much more stable. Overall, this is a Javapresse manual coffee grinder that offers one of the best bangs for your buck.
What We Love
A manual grinder that is insanely cheap, with several advantages that make it worthy of being called one of the best manual coffee grinders around.
Pros:
- Reinforced hexagonal adapter
- Ceramic mill
- Lightweight
- Slim design
Cons:
- The ceramic burrs should be more stable
Rok Hand Crank Coffee Grinder
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Judging from the design alone, you might immediately think that the Rok Hand Crank Coffee Grinder is a fantastic product. Especially considering the fact that it comes from a company that has produced hundreds of fantastic gadgets. Sadly, that’s not the case here.
Let’s start with the dimensions. The Rok is a giant machine. It’s made to be placed on a large table and to complement other coffee processing equipment. If you want to have a great home barista set up in your dining room, this would be a great option. Next, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. For what it offers, this product is arguably too expensive. Especially considering the fact that the burrs are not really the best. Also, the grinder feels heavy at the top, forcing you to use one hand to make it more stable.
In short, if you’re looking for the best manual coffee grinders that look and work great, this is it. But with the price tag, we advise you to go with the other options.
What We Love
Fantastic design. Looks solid and sturdy. It should be a great addition to any home barista setup.
Pros:
- Electric grinders
- Quieter than other similar products
- Non-slip rings
- Easy to adjust for left-handed use
Cons:
- It comes in a massive package
Handground Precision Grinder
10
The Handground Precision Grinder is the product of a successful Kickstarter campaign. It attracts a lot of attention thanks to its bold and unusual design. But does it really work? Well, it’s safe to say that this is one of the best manual coffee grinders for those interested in the new model.
The Handground tries to create a sense that the grinder is turning vertically, not horizontally. On paper, it’s great since you’ll get even more ergonomics. But in real life, it’s quite difficult to hold the grinder steady. Apart from that, the handle is a little short. On the bright side, Handground comes with 40 mm burs, which makes it faster than most grinders around. In short, this is an intriguing product, maybe a little impractical, but great if you’re interested in collecting the Javapresse manual coffee grinder.
What We Love
Built to be more ergonomic. Come up with an unusual design.
Pros:
- Adjustable grind selector
- 15 different settings
- 40mm conical ceramic burr mill
- Triple mounted axle
Cons:
- It’s hard to hold it steady
Hario Skerton Pro Ceramic Burr Hand Mill
9
Hario Skerton Pro Ceramic Burr Hand Mill is perhaps one of the most iconic hand grinders among coffee connoisseurs. It has been widely used and has been able to build a good reputation for almost 10 years. Here, we have the ‘pro’ version, which is said to come with some massive enhancements.
Compared to the old version, this new model carries a completely new burr design. It provides much better overall stability, thanks to its carefully-assembled construction. Apart from that, setting the grind is much easier. It’s all based on ‘clicks’ now. You shouldn’t have much trouble repeating certain grinds. Add to that with a new handle that feels more solid and you’ve got one of the best manual coffee grinders around.
What We Love
The ‘pro’ version of a much-loved coffee grinder. Comes with a variety of significant improvements.
Pros:
- Ceramic conical burrs
- The simple grinder adjustment mechanism
- Detachable handle
- Nonslip rubber base
Cons:
- The ground receptacle lacked much protection
Orphan Espresso Lido 3 Swiss Burr Grinder
8
The Orphan Espresso Lido 3 Swiss Burr Grinder is one of the most-recommended manual grinders in specialty coffee communities. The manufacturer, Orphan Espresso, has years of experience in producing some of the best manual coffee grinders and other excellent espresso-related accessories.
When it comes to dimensions, most will agree that Lido 3 is big and bulky. The pictures may not show it, but in reality, it’s quite massive and feels heavy in the hand. You get a 48 mm conical steel burrs, which is solid and fast. Sadly, it has a shorter handle than its competitors. So in terms of convenience, Lido 3 is definitely not the best. With that being said, this is still a great Javapresse manual coffee grinder to consider. It’s sleek, sturdy, and its industrial design is definitely appealing to many.
What We Love
A manual grinder you can rely on. It comes with a cool design and feels great when used.
Pros:
- 48mm Swiss-made steel conical grinding burr
- Diecast folding crank handle
- Soft grip handle knob
- Large capacity
Cons:
- The grind settings are too complicated
Porlex Mini Portable Hand Grinder
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If you really can’t start your day without freshly ground coffee, Porlex Mini will be your best friend on any trip. It has a compact design, making it popular among coffee connoisseurs and heavy travelers alike. Apart from its miniature size, this tiny little device has all the muscles it takes to produce a delicious coffee.
Like we mentioned at the start, the Porlex Mini is one of the most portable manual grinders around. You can even put it in an Aeropress, which should make things more convenient. As for the material, this grinder is made of high-quality stainless steel. In other words, shocks during a flight or road trip are unlikely to inflict any harm on the product. Apart from that, you’ll get ceramic burrs with great consistency and an impressive handle. Basically everything you expect from the best manual coffee grinders. Make sure you check out this product if you can.
What We Love
Comes in a compact size, fits in an aeropress. Great solution for all coffee connoisseurs and heavy travelers.
Pros:
- 20-gram capacity
- Ceramic conical burrs
- 47mm in diameter
- Stainless steel body
Cons:
- It has a fairly limited capacity
1ZPresso Q2 Travel Burr Grinder
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Here comes another great option to consider, especially for frequent travelers. The 1Zpresso Q2 Travel Burr Grinder is a small but powerful device. You can fit into an Aeropress, allowing you to carry a great combination, wherever you go. And just like the other best manual coffee grinders on this list, you can expect lots of great things from the Q2 Travel Burr Grinder.
First of all, it comes with an aluminum unibody. Meanwhile, the shaft and burrs are made of stainless steel. There’ll be no room for malfunction, no matter how intensely you use the grinder. Furthermore, there are two ultra-smooth bearings, which are specifically made to ensure that the grinding process is significantly faster. Another feature that made us fall in love with the Q2 Travel is its magnetic wooden handle. It’s detachable, which allows you to get more comfortable transportation.
What We Love
A compact yet powerful grinder. Plus, it has a detachable magnetic handle, allowing for easier transport.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Dual squeaky
- Triaxial design
- Detachable handle
Cons:
- The hopper only has a maximum capacity of 24 grams
Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade
5
The Germans always know a thing or two about the best manual coffee grinders. The Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade is proof of this. This fantastic product comes from Das Land der Dichter und Denker and it’s insanely popular. Looking at the specifications, we can immediately see why. First of all, it has conical steel burs and an axle fixed on the ball bearings. Apart from that, the handles are ergonomically designed, allowing you to get a nice hold and turns.
If there’s one thing we have to complain about with this product, it’s the material. You see, the C40 MK3 is made of glass. For everyday use, it’s an excellent choice, as you’ll get less static. But if you’re planning on taking it on a trip, you’ll probably want to spend some extra cash on a really rugged carrying case. Overall, this would make a great contender in any manual coffee grinders vs electric showdown. Don’t miss it if you can.
What We Love
A manual grinder made in Germany with a thoughtful design. Built to give you an absolutely satisfying performance.
Pros:
- 100 percent stainless steel
- Oakwood handle knob
- Magnetic axle
- Conical steel burs
Cons:
- It’s made of glass
1Zpresso JX
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1Zpresso is actually a relatively new name in the coffee equipment industry. However, they did rise to popularity in a fairly short period of time. All thanks to their relatively affordable products. When it comes to the “best bang for your buck”, IZpresso is a name you can trust. And their latest offering, the JX 48 mm Steel Burr Grinder, is no exception.
You’re not going to get an Oxford-standard material here. But don’t worry, as this grinder is guaranteed not to disappoint. It has above-average consistency. From Turkish coffee to French press, JX can do it all! Furthermore, there are 48 mm steel burrs, a great recipe for an aggressive, high-speed grinder. As an illustration, you should be able to grind about 24 grams of coffee in about 34 seconds! The only thing preventing this product from getting a higher place on our list of best manual coffee grinders is its size. It’s quite bulky, which makes it not ideal for traveling.
What We Love
A fast and consistent grinder. Great for almost anything, from Turkish coffee to French press.
Pros:
- 48mm conical burr
- Easy to clean
- Great consistency
- The fine adjustment dial design
Cons:
- It’s pretty big
Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder
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For those who don’t plan to spend a lot on a manual coffee grinder, Akirakoki will be a remarkable option. Even though it’s labeled as an entry-level product, this grinder manages to deliver above-average performance and design. The body is made of solid wood, which is said to be less likely to crack. As for the burr, Akirakoki uses cast iron to prevent rust formation and minimize heat.
And since Akirakoki has a compact design, it’s considered by many to be one of the best manual coffee grinders for travelers. It can fit easily in most backpacks and luggage. Furthermore, with a capacity of up to 85 grams, you can serve up to three cups of coffee in one grind.
While you’re here, why don’t you check out our other coffee-related content? We’ve got a list of the 13 best-rated coffee mug warmers. And for those planning on going to the backcountry in the near future, check out our 13 best coffee makers for camping.
What We Love
An affordable grinder that offers a great balance between functionality and design.
Pros:
- Made of solid wood
- Cast Iron burr
- Affordable price tag
- The capacity of 85 grams
Cons:
- Not as fast as other grinders
Timemore Chestnut G1
2
Form and function are two things that differentiate Timemore Chestnut G1 from other similar products on this list. It carries the perfect blend of metal and wood, a combination that was rewarded with the prestigious Red Dot Design award in 2017. And thanks to its aluminum-alloy body, you get a lightweight grinder that’s perfect for any weekend trip.
As for its grinding mechanism, Chestnut G1 uses two ball bearings to give you great stability. Apart from that, there are aggressive 38 mm conical steel burrs that perform really well. And in case you’re asking about adjustment, Chestnut uses a stepped system. This way, re-creating your favorite grind sizes won’t be that difficult. In short, this is a product that wouldn’t even make you think of manual vs electric coffee grinders.
What We Love
Using a light aluminum alloy body. Features aggressive conical steel burrs.
Pros:
- Stepped adjustment system
- Light
- Unibody design
- Two ball bearings
Cons:
- Not the best option for Turkish and Greek coffee
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
1
If you don’t care much about style, JavaPresse Manual will easily become one of your best manual coffee grinders. This effective product is designed to be as portable and efficient as possible. Its tough body is made of stainless steel. Inside, you’ll find a ceramic conical burr with a dual plate system for much greater consistency and stability.
As for grind settings, JavaPresse uses a click system. They’re actually easy to use, but it may take some getting used to. Apart from that, the hand crank is detachable, meaning you’ll have no trouble packing it in your trunk or backpack. To conclude, this is a great grinder for those who want something that’s affordable and just works well.
What We Love
An efficient grinder, feels stable in the hand, features a double plate system for better consistency.
Pros:
- 18 click settings
- Removable hand crank
- Signature burr grinder blades
- Minimal noise
Cons:
- The grind setting takes some getting used to
