The 9 Best Manual Coffee Grinder Brands You Should Try

What many coffee lovers don't know is the key to an exceptional cup of coffee is properly ground beans. Uniformly, ground beans can produce a flavorful cup of coffee, and to achieve this, you need a high-quality grinder.

Electric grinders are great, but it's always a great idea to have a manual grinder, especially if you need a portable option. You won’t have to worry about power outages or being off-grid on camping trips if you have a manual grinder.

Grinders are made differently and vary in price and size. Therefore, it's important to get a hold of the best manual coffee grinder that matches your brewing method. 

Here are my top picks.

The Best Manual Coffee Grinders Are

1. 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder — Overall Best

Because I love the outdoors, I always look for valuable devices I can carry when I go fishing or camping. Since I can't stay for more than six hours without a cup of coffee, my main concern when looking for a grinder is always portability. 

Like most coffee lovers, I literally need a hand grinder that doesn't sacrifice quality for size and price. So I was surprised when I was introduced to the 1Zpresso Q2 grinder.

1Zpresso Q2 surpassed all my expectations. It is small, affordable, and durable. Weighing about 385grams, this is the smallest grinder from 1Zpresso. 

This unit takes up only a tiny space in my bag. In fact, it's smaller than a soft drink can. But don't let its size and price fool you. 1Zpresso didn't sacrifice quality when making this grinder. 1Zpresso made their Q2 using high-quality materials, which is why it's referred to it as a premium grinder in a travel-friendly package.

The high-quality materials used to produce the Q2 make it is perfect for making small batches of coffee. Its triaxial design, dual bearing, and increased stability mean that grinding coffee will no longer be a hassle. This is why it has been one of my best options for camping. I even have one at the office… just making sure that I always get fresh coffee every time in the office or outdoors.

The only issue I have with the Q2 grinder is its capacity, which can be lowered by the kind of beans you are grinding. This means that it can prepare coffee for a single brew at a time. Therefore, I have to do more work when my buddies join me for a cup of Joe.

Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5

Verdict: Thanks to its size and weight, the Q2 is the best option for camping or for the office.

2. Zassenhaus-40098 Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder

Even though portability is important when looking for a reliable hand grinder, it is not always the only thing to consider. Besides, we all need a perfect backup that we can use in case of a power outage or if our electric grinder breaks down. 

So if you're looking for an exquisite hand grinder that can improve your interior decor, then you should try the Zassenhaus Santiago grinder.

This grinder has a unique natural varnish finish that can make it stand out in your kitchen. You can also get a grinder with a black beechwood or beechwood finish that complements your backsplash. 

If your home has a rustic finish, this is the best option. It's bigger than most hand grinders and smaller than the electric ones, but its unique mahogany veneer finish is a bonus.

Another thing that I love about the Zassenhaus grinder is the number of grind settings it comes with. With this machine, you can prepare coffee beans for any brewing method, including espresso and Turkish. 

I love the traditional lap mill design; in fact, we used to grind coffee while growing up. But what stands out for me is the fact that it comes with a 25-year warranty. This means that they believe in their product and know that it can serve you for a lifetime without breaking down.

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5

Verdict: Traditional lap mills produce uniformly ground coffee, and Zassenhaus Santiago is exceptional. This grinder can guarantee you a cup of espresso every morning.

3. Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder

As I’ve mentioned, I am an outdoors kind of person; therefore, it's no surprise why this portable grinder is on our list. Just like 1Zpresso Q2, this unit has a capacity of about 0.71 ounces and weighs less than a pound. 

But one thing I love about the Porlex mini is the fact that it has a rubber grip. The rubber grip will help keep this unit in place while you are grinding.

In fact, some of the traveling coffee lovers I have met can't stop raving about this grinder. After all, this unit was designed for anyone constantly on the move. Its easy-to-grip and portable cylindrical design make it the best option for biking and hiking. Thanks to its size and weight, you will never have to worry about it taking too much space in your suitcase.

This grinder has a solid stainless steel body that makes it indestructible despite its size. So you will never have to worry about it, even when it falls. Plus, it guarantees you an accurate grind, whether it's a coarse or fine grind. 

To remind you of the perfect grind you love producing, it has a little dial. So you can use the same setting every morning. But unlike the 1Zpresso Q2, the Porlex mini grinder is a bit costly.

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5

Verdict: Thanks to its size and weight, the Porlex Mini grinder is an exceptional manual grinder for camping and fishing.

4. Hario “Skerton Pro” Ceramic Manual Coffee Grinder

If you love Skerton and Skerton Plus, you will love Skerton Pro. According to Hario, Skerton Pro is their response to all their feedback from Skerton and Skerton plus users. It is an upgraded version of the Skerton grinder but still pocket-friendly. One of the problems Hario solved was grinding consistency.

Most users complained that the grind consistency of Skerton Pro's predecessors reduced as the grind size increased. This made it hard for them to produce ground coffee for cold brew coffee or French press. Hario introduced a lower burr spring and stabilizing shaft that prevents the blade from wobbling to solve this issue. This guarantees you a consistent and precise grind.

Skerton Pro is an exceptional tool with a wide array of grind settings. But if French press and Turkish coffee are your thing, you need to look at another machine. And that is because the coarse grind it produces is not as uniform as you would require for a French press. 

But Skerton Pro does tick lots of boxes when it comes to quality. This unit is lightweight, has a vast storage capacity, and has a slip-free base. Plus, its ceramic burr produces additional grind precision than its predecessors. 

So, if you're looking for a reliable hand grind with a large hopper and great precision, then this is the right option for you.

Skerton Pro can grind a considerable amount of beans without sacrificing the aroma. The ceramic burrs never heat up; therefore, they don't interfere with the beans' aroma and natural oils.

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5

Verdict: Skerton Pro is an upgraded version of Skerton Plus and Skerton grinders. Even though it still retains Hario's classic shape, Skerton Pro is a more precise grinder than its predecessors.

5. Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder

In terms of visual appeal, manual grinders with a wooden finish are amazing, and the Akirakoki grinder is no exception. Akirakoki grinders are available in brown, black or white wood, so you can get an option that matches your rustic interior décor.

Akirakoki manual grinder is a perfect travel and camping appliance. But unlike the other portable grinders on our list, the Akirakoki grinder has a bigger hopper capacity. 

Aside from its unique aesthetics, another thing that many users love about it is its premium cast iron burr. The premium cast iron doesn't produce odor, rust, or heat, so you will never have to worry about the quality of your coffee.

Another unique feature that this grinder comes with is its crank. Its ergonomically designed crank provides enough leverage for a silent and smooth grind. So, you can grind your beans without worrying about waking up everyone in the house. In fact, the only thing that will wake people up is the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

The downside is that cleaning is way more complicated than cleaning steel grinders. You will need a small brush to help sweep the inner parts of this machine in order for it to remain dry. You may also have to shake out the remaining grounds after preparing your morning coffee.

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5

Verdict: its premium iron cast burr plays a crucial role in maintaining the beans' flavor and aroma.

6. Chestnut g1 Manual Coffee Grinder With Adjustable Settings

Timemore produces high-quality products, and the Chestnut G1 manual grinder is no exception. Its unique blend of wood and metallic body is why this grinder won the 2017 Red Dot Award. Other than its stunning looks, this portable manual grinder doesn't disappoint. In terms of portability, Timemore made its body using an aluminum alloy, so it is lighter and durable. On the other hand, its burrs, driveshaft, and crank arm are made from stainless steel.

Its rounded shape is easy on your hand when grinding, and the black walnut exterior is exceptional. Other than appeal, the most crucial factor to consider when looking for a manual grinder is the ability to produce uniform ground coffee. Fortunately, the G1 does this perfectly using its sharp conical steel burrs. This grinder uses 2 ball bearings to keep its mechanism stable.

This unit relies on stepped adjustment; therefore, you can easily remember your favorite grinding size. Plus, it can produce ground coffee for a wide range of brewing methods, including French press and Turkish coffee.

Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5

Verdict: Chestnut G1 grinder delivers more than its unique aesthetics to the industry. This durable grinder can produce French Press and Turkish coffee ground coffee using its sharp conical burrs.

7. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder - Silent Grinder

Designed to fit a wide array of homes, a Javapresse grinder is an exceptional unit, thanks to its stainless steel design. This grinder is lightweight and small in size. It is perfect for people who are not concerned with style but portability and functionality. 

Even if it's not the biggest option in the market, this unit's 1.41-ouncecapacity is ideal for homes with many coffee drinkers.

One of its huge appeals is its ceramic burrs that are very quiet. So this can be an exceptional option for parents who grind coffee while their children are asleep. 

Another unique feature to like is it clicks when you adjust it. More clicks will mean a coarser grind, while few will guarantee you a finer grind.

Plus, the fact that it's easy to disassemble mean that packing it for trips and cleaning it can be very easy. It does come with a detachable crank.

Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5

Verdict: JavaPresse is a perfect option for anyone looking for a simple unit to deliver flavorful coffee. It's a silent grinder, so that’s a bonus.

8. 1Zpresso JX Coffee Grinder - Fastest Manual Grinder

Despite being a new player in the manual grinder industry, 1Zpresso has produced some of the best options in the market. This Taiwanese brand that focuses on manual grinders alone has produced some of the fastest manual grinders. The JX series is not faster than electric grinders, but they are the fastest manual grinders.

1Zpresso JX is the fastest manual grinder in the market that can grind a gram of coffee beans per second. Therefore, your 0.71 ounces of coffee beans will be ready for brewing within less than 30 seconds. 

The good thing about the JX series is that it grinds faster without sacrificing quality. This unit is attractive to quality and price-conscious individuals, thanks to its price.

Besides its sleek design, this Taiwanese grinder comes with a 20 clicks range for espresso lovers. Its unique design makes grinding more exciting and not a chore that you force yourself to do every day. 

Another feature that I love about the JX series is that it's easy to clean. The fact that it's easy to dismantle means that it's easy to clean and pack when traveling.

Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5

Verdict: 1Zpresso JX grinder is even faster than JX-pro; therefore, you can be enjoying your coffee within minutes.

9. Vevok Chef Manual Coffee Grinder Hand Coffee Grinder

The Vevok Chef grinder is an exceptional option in terms of value for your money. This unit retails for a very budget-friendly price but produces an unmatched uniform grind. And just like the JX series, the Vevok Chef is a very fast grinder. The Vevok Chef grinder can grind 0.71 ounces of coffee beans within 45 seconds; therefore, it is exceptionally fast.

With a holding capacity of 1.69 ounces, you can grind more than 0.71 ounces of beans before pouring the ground coffee into your coffee maker. 

One of its unique features is its ability to produce uniformly ground coffee. In fact, many coffee lovers claim that the quality of its ground coffee is harder to produce, even with electric grinders.

This unit can produce coffee for a wide array of brewing methods using its 6 setting levels, including Mocha and espresso. If you love experimenting with different types of coffee, then this unit is the right option for you. 

The bad thing about this model is that cleaning is not as straightforward as with most portable grinders. To clean this unit, you need a dry brush for the burrs and water for the hopper. But make sure you dry it as soon as it's clean.

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5

Verdict: Vevok Chef grinder is one of the fastest manual grinders in the market. This grinder can produce high-quality coffee within seconds.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Manual Grinder

Most hand grinders produce unparalleled coffee for different brewing techniques despite being manually powered. Therefore, they are the best replacements for your high-end electric coffee grinder. If you’re having a hard time deciding which manual grinder to pick, here are a few factors to consider when buying.

Burr vs. Blade

When buying a manual grinder, the first factor you must consider is whether you need one with burrs or blades. The main difference between the two is burr grinders are costly and consistent, while blade ones are cheaper and less consistent. 

Blades tend to leave halved coffee beans after the grinding session and produce heat that can affect the flavor of the coffee.

Burrs are known for producing pretty uniform sizes, and depending on the material used to make them, they can produce less heat. Therefore, they have a low likelihood of affecting the quality of the roasted coffee. Burrs are made from either steel or ceramic, and they last longer than blades. So your choice will depend on your brewing technique and budget.

Capacity

Hand coffee grinders are smaller; therefore, they have less capacity than electric grinders. But there are many options that vary in size. So you can either go for a small-sized option that you can use every day, or would you prefer a bigger one that can even store coffee for an entire week? Well, the decision will depend on your preference. But if you want a portable option, you should go for a small one.

Number of Grind Settings

Owning a manual grinder means more than just owning a unit that can grind coffee. It means having a machine that grinds for taste and produces the best coffee. So the number of grind settings your machine comes with matters a lot. The more settings it has, the more types of coffee you can enjoy at home or on the road.

Longevity

A considerable percentage of electric grinders have warranties, but not all hand grinders have warranties. So make sure you get an option with a lifetime warranty and replaceable parts. This way, you can replace any damaged part and continue brewing if it doesn't have a warranty.

Ease of Cleaning

It is very hard to tell how hard it is to clean a coffee grinder until you purchase one. So here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Does the grinder have a huge opening that can be accessed by a brush?
• Is the grinder easy to assemble and reassemble?

So even though you don't have to clean it every day, it's always a good idea to consider the above questions. After all, a dirty coffee grinder can affect the quality of the ground coffee.

FAQs

What grind size can I use?

The ideal grind size to prepare will depend on the type of coffee you plan on preparing. If you want to drink Turkish coffee, espresso, or Mocha, then you should go for finely ground coffee. If you're brewing using drip coffee makers, then you need a medium grind. Finally, coarse-ground beans are ideal for cold brew, French presses, and percolators.

How long will it take for me to grind coffee beans manually?

The amount of time to grind coffee beans will depend on the number of beans being ground and how finely you need them ground. But you should set aside at least two minutes for small batches of coffee beans. 

Some hand grinders can even take more than 10 minutes to produce finely ground beans. Remember, manual coffee grinders are slower than electric ones.

How can I clean my manual coffee grinder?

Manual coffee grinders are designed to be messy. So between the chaffs and leftover oils, you may need to clean it once per month. 

The first thing you should do is disassemble the burrs and tap all the loose beans into your sink. Scrub the inner parts of the grinder and the conical burrs using a bottle brush. But make sure every part is dry before reassembling the coffee grinder.

Conclusion

There are numerous types of coffee drinks that require either coarse or finely ground coffee beans. The size of the ground coffee also plays a crucial role in the quality of the freshly brewed cup of coffee. So make sure you pick the right grinder that matches your brewing technique and is easy to clean. If portability is your main goal, then you can go for the smaller and lightweight manual grinders.

While all hand grinders in our list are exceptional, I can't go past the 1Zpresso Q2 coffee grinder. This manual grinder is a unique option for outdoor persons. This premium grinder doesn't sacrifice size for its cost. So you shouldn't let its stature fool you.