The top 5 manual coffee grinders for the ultimate coffee experience

You probably already know that freshly ground coffee is the tastiest, as we previously described in the blog about grinding coffee , and you are now looking for a suitable coffee grinder.

Manual coffee grinders, also known as hand grinders or manual grinders, are a popular choice for coffee lovers who want to create the perfect coffee grind at home.

Not only do they give you complete control over the grind, they are also portable, durable, and often have a longer lifespan than electric coffee grinders.

If you're looking for the best manual coffee grinder to take your morning brew to the next level, you've come to the right place.

"From the affordable Hario Mini Mill Plus to the popular Commandante Grinder"

In this blog post, we discuss the top 5 manual coffee grinders of 2024. From the affordable and classic Hario Mini Mill Plus to the popular Commandante Grinder, we've tested and compared them all.

We look at important factors like grind quality, durability, and value for money so you can make an informed choice when choosing the best coffee grinder for your needs.

Whether you're new to hand-grinding or a seasoned coffee connoisseur, we're guaranteed to have an option to suit your style and budget. Let's get started!

Before you buy a manual coffee grinder:

Before investing in a manual coffee grinder, it's important to make some crucial considerations.

These factors will not only affect the quality of your ground coffee, but also the overall user experience and lifespan of your grinder.

Grinding capacity

The grinding capacity of a coffee grinder determines how many coffee beans you can grind at once.

This is especially important depending on how much coffee you drink daily or how often you have guests.

If you're usually alone, a smaller capacity is fine.

For a family or regular company, a larger capacity is more convenient to avoid having to grind multiple times.

Quality and material

The build quality and materials used have a major impact on the durability and performance of the reel.

Look for grinders with sturdy materials like stainless steel or high-quality ceramic for the burrs.

The casing can vary from plastic to metal, with metal usually being more robust and durable.

Also pay attention to the quality of the handle and the knob, as these parts must be able to withstand frequent use.

Price

Manual coffee grinders vary widely in price depending on brand, materials, and features.

Lower-priced grinders may be attractive for beginners or occasional use, but they may wear out faster or produce inconsistent grind sizes.

Investing in a more expensive grinder can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you are an avid coffee drinker who uses the grinder daily.

Determine your budget and look within that range for the best quality you can afford.

Ease of use

Ease of use is crucial, especially if you'll be using the grinder daily. Consider how easy it is to fill, grind, and clean.

An ergonomic handle and stable base can make grinding significantly more comfortable.

Also consider whether the grinder is easily adjustable for different grind sizes, from fine for espresso to coarse for French press.

An easy-to-use grinder makes grinding less of a chore and more of a pleasure.

Is a manual coffee grinder better than an electric coffee grinder?

A common question among coffee lovers is whether a manual coffee grinder is better than an electric coffee grinder.

The answer depends on your personal preference and needs.

A manual coffee grinder offers complete control over the grind and is therefore popular with baristas and coffee purists.

With a hand grinder you can adjust the grind precisely to the brewing method and the flavor you want to achieve.

Additionally, manual coffee grinders are typically quieter than electric grinders and don't require power, making them ideal for travel and outdoor use.

On the other hand, electric coffee grinders are more efficient and easier to use, especially if you have to grind large quantities of coffee.

Electric grinders are also faster than manual grinders, giving you more time to enjoy your fresh coffee.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for control, convenience and efficiency.

If you want complete control over the grind and enjoy creating a ritual around grinding coffee, a manual coffee grinder is probably the best option for you.

However, if you're looking for convenience and speed, an electric coffee grinder might be the better choice.

Personally, I find an electric coffee grinder much more convenient for making espresso, because you often have to work in dials and sometimes you have to grind 5-10 x 18-20 grams of coffee in a row.

If you do this with a manual coffee grinder it will take a very long time.

What are the top 5 manual coffee grinders (2024)

The coffee grinders below aren't ranked from best to worst. The best one depends on your personal situation.

1) 1Zpresso J-Ultra

Watch it here

About 1Zpresso

1Zpresso is a renowned brand specializing in high-quality manual coffee grinders.

Their products are known for their durability, precision and ease of use, allowing coffee lovers around the world to enjoy fresh ground coffee anytime.

1Zpresso strives for innovation and craftsmanship, which is clearly reflected in the design and performance of their grinders.

1Zpresso J-Ultra

The 1Zpresso J-Ultra is a high-quality manual coffee grinder with 48mm stainless steel burrs, which ensures a consistent and precise grind.

A disadvantage of this hand mill could be that it is a bit heavier than, for example, number two on this list, but that is of course due to its sturdier construction and materials.

At only 778 grams, you can still take this with you relatively easily.

One advantage of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra is the speed at which it can grind coffee beans.

In fact, according to the coffeechronicler.com review, it's the fastest manual coffee grinder he's ever tried.

This is thanks to the design of the grinder and the special gear construction, which allows you to achieve the desired grind in seconds.

We'll definitely take it with us on holiday!

Advantages:

• Consistent Grind: The 48mm stainless steel conical burrs ensure a very consistent grind, suitable for various brewing methods, from espresso to French press.
• Precise Grind Degree: The grind degree adjustment system has 40 steps per rotation, allowing for very precise adjustments, ideal for fine-tuning espresso
• Durable and robust: The mill is built of high-quality materials such as aluminum alloy and has an ergonomic design with a comfortable wooden knob.
• Fast grinding: Thanks to the large burrs, the grinder can grind coffee quickly, about 1 gram per second.
• Easy to Clean: The grinder is easy to disassemble and clean, which ensures easy maintenance​ (

Disadvantages:

• Not ideal for small hands: The ergonomic design is less suitable for people with smaller hands.
• Relatively heavy: At 800 grams, the grinder is heavier than many other manual coffee grinders, making it less portable.

Buy the J-Ultra

2) Hario Mini Mill Plus

Source: Hario.com

About Hario

Hario is a leading Japanese brand known worldwide for its high-quality glassware, coffee and tea products, and kitchen appliances.

The brand is synonymous with craftsmanship and design, with a strong emphasis on functionality and aesthetics.

Their coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper, have become iconic among coffee enthusiasts for their simple and effective design that optimally accentuates the flavor of coffee.

Hario's commitment to quality and innovation continues to set the standard in the coffee and tea accessories industry.

Hario Mini Mill Plus

This Hario coffee grinder is a budget-friendly option with a sleek and compact design, ideal for travel.

The grinder has ceramic burrs that provide a consistent grind, but it is not as durable as stainless steel burrs.

It's also important to note that it has a smaller capacity than some other manual coffee grinders, but for 2 cups of coffee per cup it's perfect.

Advantages:

• Compact and Portable : Ideal for travel and storage thanks to its slim design.
• Adjustable ceramic burrs : Provides a consistent and precise grind.
• Affordable : One of the cheapest brand hand grinders.
• Easy to use and clean : Simple operation and quick cleaning make it very user-friendly.
• Good quality for home use : Suitable for home brewers who do not grind large quantities of coffee.

Disadvantages:

• Small capacity : The grinder can only hold 24 grams of coffee, which is limited for multiple cups.
• Inconsistent grind at coarse settings : Grind consistency can vary, especially at coarser settings.

Buy the Hario Mini Mill

3) 1zpresso K-ULTRA

Source: https://1zpresso.coffee/

View this hand mill on Amazon.nl

This is a powerful manual coffee grinder with 48mm stainless steel burrs and a large bean capacity.

It has a unique design with a magnetically removable handle, which is convenient for storage.

A disadvantage is that this variant of 1zpresso is slightly larger/heavier, but in return you get a lot of solidity.

What makes this coffee grinder truly unique is that it is extremely suitable for both filter and espresso style coffees!

So you can actually grind for espressos with this!

Advantages:

• Durable and robust design : High-quality materials ensure a long lifespan.
• Consistent grind quality : Provides an even grind, ideal for different brewing methods.
• Easy to Clean : Designed for easy disassembly and cleaning.

Disadvantages:

• Higher price : More expensive than some other hand grinders.
• Weight and size : Less suitable for travelling due to its larger size.

Buy the K-Ultra

4) Timemore Chestnut C3 Max Pro

Source: Timemore

Watch it here

About Timemore

Timemore is an emerging brand known for its high-quality coffee and tea accessories, particularly manual coffee grinders and kettles.

The brand has quickly gained recognition for its focus on precision, functionality and elegance in design.

Timemore products are loved by coffee enthusiasts for their excellent grind consistency and ease of use, allowing users to prepare a perfect cup of coffee.

With a strong commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Timemore remains a prominent player in global coffee culture.

Timemore Chestnut C3 Max

This manual grinder from Timemore is a relatively new addition to the manual coffee grinder market, but it has already received a lot of praise from coffee lovers.

It has a sleek design, ideal for travel. This grinder has recently been added to our product range and sits nicely between the affordable Hario and the more expensive 1Zpresso.

Grind Easy

The TIMEMORE Chestnut C3S Max manual coffee grinder features upgraded S2C steel burrs for improved cutting performance. This ensures a consistent and fast grind, preserving the flavor of your coffee beans and maximizing your coffee's flavor.

Foldable Handle

The PRO series hand coffee grinder is designed with a sturdy, foldable crank, making it smaller and easier to carry and store. Take it anywhere!

Larger Capacity

The capacity has been increased from 20/25g (C3S PRO) to 30/35g, enough to prepare several cups of coffee daily. And at only 585g, the grinder is still easy to hold and carry.

Advantages:

• Good value for money : Combines affordability with high-quality performance .
• Durable aluminum construction : Robust and wear resistant.
• Consistent grind : The conical steel grinding discs ensure an even grind.
• Ergonomic design : Comfortable to use thanks to the slim and stylish design.

Disadvantages:

• Smaller capacity : Can only hold a limited amount of coffee, making it less suitable for large quantities.

Buy the Timemore Chestnut

5) Commander C40

Source: https://www.instagram.com/shimur

Watch it here on AMAZON.COM

Commandant

The Commandante C40 is a beautiful manual coffee grinder with a robust and durable design.

It has 48mm stainless steel burrs and is capable of producing a wide range of grinds from fine to coarse.

However, it is one of the more expensive manual coffee grinders on the market.

All of these manual coffee grinders have their own unique pros and cons.

It's important to determine which factors are most important to you, such as grind quality, durability, portability, and value for money, when choosing the best manual coffee grinder for your needs.

Advantages:

• Excellent grinding quality : Highly consistent thanks to the high-quality steel grinding discs.
• Robust and durable design : Made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel and wood.
• Ergonomic and stylish : Comfortable to use and attractive design.
• Flexible grind settings : Offers precise adjustments for various brewing methods, including espresso.

Disadvantages:

• High price : One of the most expensive hand grinders on the market.
• Large and heavy : Less portable than lighter, more compact models.

Buy the Commandante C40

What kind of coffee can you make with a manual coffee grinder?

With a manual coffee grinder you can essentially make any type of coffee you want.

Whether you want to make filter coffee, espresso or even Turkish coffee , it's all possible.

The most important thing is to have the right grind size, depending on the desired brewing method and taste.

The grinding degree options of the coffee grinder in question are crucial here.

Some manual coffee grinders offer more grind size settings than others, resulting in greater versatility when brewing different types of coffee.

The size of the reservoir and the time available are also factors that can influence how well a manual coffee grinder makes coffee.

If the reservoir is large enough, you can grind enough coffee for several cups at once. However, if you have a small reservoir, you may need to grind several times to get the desired result.

While hand grinding generally takes a bit more time, it can be worth it for those who don't mind the extra effort.

Personally, I don't think manual grinding is very suitable for setting the correct grind size for an espresso machine, unless you have a really good coffee grinder such as the 1Zpresso K-Ultra.

Manual grinding can be a relaxing and satisfying experience for coffee lovers who like to take their time to brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Looking for an automatic or electric coffee grinder? Then read my article on the top 12 incredible Burr grinders .

Manual vs. Electric Coffee Grinders: What Are the Differences?

When you're looking for the perfect coffee grinder, you'll soon be faced with the choice between a manual and an electric coffee grinder.

Both types of mills have their unique features, advantages and disadvantages.

Below we list the most important differences so that you can make an informed choice.

Manual Coffee Grinders

Advantages:

1. Price : Manual grinders are generally cheaper than electric grinders.
2. Consistency : Many manual grinders offer a consistent grind size, which is essential for good coffee extraction.
3. Portability : Their compact size and lack of a power supply make them ideal for use on the go or on holiday.
4. Noise Level : They make considerably less noise than electric grinders, which is useful for early mornings.
5. Maintenance : Manual grinders have fewer moving parts, meaning there's less chance of wear and tear and they're often easier to clean.

Disadvantages:

1. Time and effort : Grinding coffee by hand can be time-consuming and physically tiring, especially for larger quantities.
2. Capacity : They usually have a smaller capacity, which means you'll have to grind more often if you're making coffee for more than one person.
3. Consistency : While many manual grinders deliver a consistent grind size, setting the correct grind size can sometimes be more difficult than with electric grinders.

Electric Coffee Grinders

Advantages:

1. Speed : Electric grinders can grind large quantities of coffee quickly, which is ideal for busy mornings or if you often make coffee for several people.
2. Ease of use : They are easy to operate with the push of a button, which makes grinding less labor-intensive.
3. Capacity : Electric grinders generally have a larger capacity, allowing you to grind more coffee at once.
4. Consistency and Settings : Many electric grinders offer precise and easily adjustable grind sizes, ensuring a consistent grind.

Disadvantages:

1. Price : Electric grinders are generally more expensive than manual grinders.
2. Noise level : They make more noise, which can be disturbing, especially in the early morning.
3. Maintenance and repairs : More moving parts mean more risk of wear and tear and potential repairs. They are also often more difficult to clean.
4. Portability : They tend to be larger and require a power supply, making them less suitable for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best manual coffee grinder, there are many different factors to consider, such as grind settings, grinder material, and price.

The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from, and each manual coffee grinder has its own advantages and disadvantages.

As for the question of what coffee you can make with a manual coffee grinder, the answer is actually quite simple: anything you like.

The key to making great coffee with a manual coffee grinder is finding the right grind size and taking the time to brew the perfect cup.

Whether you're on the go, camping, or just relaxing at home on the couch, a manual coffee grinder is a great way to always enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee.

Grinding by hand can take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a very satisfying and relaxing experience.

With the right manual coffee grinder, you can always enjoy the best flavors and aromas that coffee has to offer.

Looking for coffee grinders? Check out our current selection of coffee grinders , including manual grinders.