[Top 10] Best Manual Coffee Grinder – Reviews and Buying Guide

To achieve a truly exceptional cup of coffee, utilizing freshly ground coffee beans that are ground evenly and to the appropriate size for your brewing method is crucial. This ensures that every sip delivers a distinct and noticeable difference in flavor.

To assist you in attaining the finest outcomes, we conducted thorough testing of various leading manual coffee grinders and have curated a selection of our preferred options below.

Our Top Picks: Best Manual Coffee Grinder

Ratings on Amazon at the time of publication

Product	Brand	Ratings	Details
Best Manual Coffee Grinder Overall	1Zpresso	~1,200	See
Best Hand Coffee Grinder For Beginners	Hario	~90	See
Best Coffee Grinder High-End	Comandante	~11	See
Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Design	TimeMore	~211	See
Best Coffee Grinder For Consistency	Normcore	~474	See
Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Hikers	VSSL	~264	See
Best Grinder For Most Budget-Friendly	Vevok Chef	~1000	See
Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Pour-Over	TimeMore	~1,500	See
Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Traveling	Porlex	~702	See

The 10 Best Manual Coffee Grinder In-depth Review

Discovering the ideal Manual Coffee Grinder may present a daunting task. However, rest assured, as I have thoroughly examined and evaluated the top 10 options. In the following assessment, you will find detailed insights into the advantages and disadvantages of each model. This unbiased information is designed to assist you in making an informed and well-suited decision.

#1. Best Manual Coffee Grinder Overall

PROS	CONS
Offers forty dial settings for maximum grind precision. It is equipped with 48-mm conical burrs for smooth and consistent grinds. It can hold up to 35 grams of coffee, making it ideal for brewing multiple cups. Ample coffee bean capacity.	Calibration can be challenging, making it more suitable for those experienced in coffee grinding. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent beans from getting stuck inside the adjustment ring.

Product Highlights

The IZpresso JX-Pro is a user-friendly manual coffee grinder that offers consistent and efficient performance. Load your beans into the grinder, turn the handle, and enjoy finely ground coffee.

This grinder provides versatility for different brewing methods, featuring over forty clicks per rotation. This enables precise adjustments to grind espresso beans according to your taste preferences.

With a generous capacity of 35 grams of coffee grounds, the JX-Pro is suitable for individuals who consume multiple cups throughout the day.

The 48-mm stainless steel conical burrs ensure a uniform grind, making delicious and consistent coffee every time.

The rubber center and wooden knob handle are also designed for a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended use or when making numerous beverages.

The calibration process may be challenging, so it is more suitable for individuals with some prior coffee grinding experience.

#2. Best Hand Coffee Grinder For Beginners

PROS	CONS
Features ceramic conical burrs, ensuring rust resistance. It boasts a minimalist design, making it user-friendly. Easy-to-remove parts facilitate effortless cleaning. Offers excellent grinding power and consistency, particularly suitable for pour-overs.	Coffee beans may escape through the small hole on top during grinding, resulting in potential messiness. Its simplicity may not appeal to coffee enthusiasts seeking advanced features.

Product Highlights

The Hario Ceramic Coffee Mills is an updated version of the Skerton design, featuring a transition from transparent plastic to a combination of natural olive wood and BPA-free plastic.

Adding rubber feet at the bottom enhances the grinder’s stability and prevents it from slipping during the grinding process.

One notable feature is the hole on the top of the grinder that provides easy access to the main chamber for quick bean loading, eliminating the need to remove the entire top.

Being a ceramic burr grinder, the Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill offers corrosion and rust resistance.

Cleaning the grinder can be a chore, but this model’s advantage lies in its easily detachable parts, making it convenient for handwashing.

The main compartment of the grinder can hold up to 30 grams of coffee beans. It excels in achieving a consistent grind resembling coarse sea salt, making it ideal for pour-over or cold-brew coffee.

However, one drawback is that coffee beans can occasionally pop out of the small hole in the lid, leading to a potential mess while grinding.

#3. Best Coffee Grinder High-End

PROS	CONS
Nitro Blade Burrs provide efficient cutting and grinding, producing consistent grind quality. Large coffee bean capacity, making it suitable for households with higher coffee consumption. Ergonomic and easy-to-grip handle for comfortable use. Available in different finishes, adding a cool aesthetic to your kitchen.	It lacks an ultra-granular adjustment feature, making the grind adjustment process difficult. Not dishwasher safe, requiring manual handwashing. Relatively slower compared to other manual coffee grinders, increasing the brewing time.

Product Highlights

The Comandante C40 MK3 manual grinder is available in various finishes and colors, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing coffee accessory. Additionally, each grinder boasts a crank knob crafted from pure oak wood, adding to its visual appeal.

One notable feature of this manual coffee grinder is its Nitro Blade Burr. Constructed from high-nitrogen and high-alloy stainless steel, these burrs ensure precise and efficient cutting and grinding of your coffee beans. The Nitro Blade Burr also guarantees consistent and uniform-sized coffee grounds.

With a coffee bean capacity of 40 grams, this grinder allows you to grind enough beans in one go to prepare coffee for yourself and a friend or multiple cups for yourself.

However, adjusting this hand coffee grinder can be challenging. While it allows for grinding many beans simultaneously, achieving the desired consistency may require extra effort.

#4. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Biggest Capacity 

PROS	CONS
Affordable, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious individuals. Ample coffee bean capacity, ideal for larger households or frequent coffee consumption. Offers consistent grind settings, ensuring uniformity in coffee preparation. Multiple settings cater to various brewing methods.	The plastic material may become flimsy after a year of use, affecting its durability. The heavyweight design makes it unsuitable for travel purposes.

Product Highlights

The Lido 3 is a manual grinder manufactured by Orphan Espresso, a renowned company known for producing high-quality coffee grinders. While marketed as a travel grinder, many argue that its size and bulky design hinder its portability.

Despite being made of plastic, this manual coffee grinder exhibits a sturdy construction that provides a premium feel. The inclusion of a neoprene carry pouch further enhances its perceived quality.

The Lido 3 delivers consistent and uniform grinding results with its adjustable settings. It offers versatility, allowing for the preparation of smooth pour-over or French press coffee.

Compared to other machines, this grinder boasts a larger capacity, holding up to 70 grams of coffee beans. As a result, it is well-suited for those planning to make large batches of espresso.

However, its considerable size renders it impractical for most individuals to pack into a suitcase. The Lido 3 is also relatively heavy, which can be inconvenient when traveling with limited baggage.

#5. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Design

PROS	CONS
Wide grind range suitable for various brewing methods. Durable 38-mm titanium burrs. The stepped adjustment setting allows for precise grind control. Enhanced stability with the inclusion of ball bearings.	Calibrating the grinder may be challenging due to the need for micro-adjustments.

Product Highlights

The TIMEMORE C2 Portable Hand manual grinder received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2017, capturing my attention with its exceptional design.

Crafted from aluminum alloy, the grinder’s lightweight construction makes it an ideal companion for camping or travel.

This grinder boasts durability and longevity and features stainless steel burrs, a crank arm, and a driveshaft.

The rounded-square shape of the TIMEMORE C2 Portable Hand offers a comfortable grip during the grinding process.

Equipped with two ball bearings, the grinder maintains stability in its grinding mechanism.

With 38-mm steel conical burrs, the TIMEMORE C2 Portable Hand ensures precise grinding, and for enhanced longevity, titanium burrs can be purchased separately.

The stepped adjustment setting simplifies the process of achieving your desired grind size.

The only drawback is that fine-tuning the grinder requires micro-adjustments, which can be challenging.

#6. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Consistency

PROS	CONS
Its lightweight and portable design makes it an excellent companion for travelers. It is constructed with stainless steel and devoid of plastic, ensuring longevity. Suitable for all manual brewing methods, catering to coffee drinkers seeking diverse flavor profiles. The affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly choice.	The grinder’s top can quickly come off, particularly during grinding, leading to potential messiness. The limited 25-gram capacity restricts the number of cups brewed at a time.

Product Highlights

The Normcore V2 hand grinder immediately stands out with its elegant design and impressive build quality. Crafted from aluminum alloy, it showcases a durable construction without plastic components.

A notable feature is the silicone band that wraps around the middle of the grinder, providing an anti-rotational knob for improved grip and maneuverability.

To ensure smooth and stable grinding, the grinder incorporates an aluminum-supported steel shaft and a rolling bearing made of stainless steel. The walnut knob at the end of the handle allows for effortless rotations.

The grinder’s power lies in its 38-mm conical burrs, which deliver smooth grinding with minimal surface friction. The burrs are available in titanium or stainless steel options, with titanium being recommended for its superior rust resistance.

On the downside, the Normcore V2 hand grinder has a modest 25-gram coffee bean capacity, sufficient for single servings or making coffee for oneself.

#7. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Hikers

PROS	CONS
Highly portable, making it a convenient option for individuals on the go. Sturdy construction ensures durability, suitable for camping and rugged environments. Consistently grinds beans, resulting in consistent brews. Extended handle design facilitates easy usage.	Higher price point, making it less suitable for those seeking budget-friendly options. Small capacity restricts the amount of coffee that can be ground at once.

Product Highlights

The VSSL Java manual grinder stands out for its sturdy design, compact size, and attractive copper-colored accents.

One notable feature is the grinder’s crank, which can transform into a carabiner, allowing you to attach it to your bag conveniently. This feature is handy for individuals who are frequently on the go, making it a favorite among hikers who can clip it to their daypack without worrying about it getting lost or buried.

The grinder also features well-labeled grinding dials, ensuring easy adjustment of the grind settings. With its stainless steel burr, it consistently delivers uniform grind sizes.

On the downside, the VSSL Java hand coffee grinder has a limited 20-gram coffee bean capacity, suitable for single-use or small servings. Additionally, it is relatively expensive, making it less ideal for budget-conscious individuals.

#8. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Most Budget-Friendly

PROS	CONS
An affordable option for budget-conscious individuals. Six adjustable settings enable precise grinding. Durable construction due to its stainless steel material. Large capacity is suitable for larger families or those brewing multiple cups.	The grinding process may be time-consuming, especially for those seeking faster results. The lack of an included brush makes cleaning the grinder more challenging.

Product Highlights

The Vevok Chef Stainless Steel manual grinder is an excellent option for travelers, especially considering its affordable price.

One notable feature of the Vevok Chef grinder is its ability to provide constant grinding, ensuring consistent coffee flavors in every cup.

With six precise adjustment settings, this grinder accommodates coarse and fine ground coffee, making it suitable for various brewing methods such as drip coffee or cold brew.

Equipped with stainless steel conical burrs, the Vevok Chef grinder efficiently cuts and grinds coffee beans.

The grinder boasts a 48-gram coffee bean capacity within the glass container and an additional 20 grams in the hopper. This allows you to grind enough coffee for multiple cups before refilling.

A standout feature is the quiet operation of this hand grinder, making it ideal for enjoying freshly ground coffee early in the morning without disturbing the peace in your home.

It’s worth noting that this machine can be challenging to clean, and grinding beans can take a while, especially when using finer settings, which may inconvenience those in a rush.

#9. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Pour-Over

PROS	CONS
It is lightweight and portable, making it an ideal choice for travel purposes. The textured surface offers an ergonomic grip, enhancing usability. Suitable for medium to coarse coffee grounds, catering to French Press and cold brew enthusiasts. The quick grinding operation allows for a faster coffee preparation experience.	Limited bean capacity makes it more suitable for individuals than larger households.

Product Highlights

The Timemore Chestnut C2 hand grinder may not excel in producing fine grinds, but it offers coarse to medium coffee grind settings, making it an excellent choice for French Press and pour-over brewing methods.

One notable aspect of this grinder is its lightweight design, which makes it highly suitable for travel. Weighing only 430 grams and measuring less than 20 cm in length, it is easily portable.

The textured surface of the grinder enhances handling by providing a better grip, ensuring comfortable and secure operation.

The standout feature of the Timemore Chestnut C2 is its exceptional grinding speed, making it one of the quickest manual coffee grinders available.

With a capacity to hold up to 25 grams of beans, it can produce enough coffee for two large cups. However, the bean capacity is relatively minor compared to other manual grinders, making it better suited for small households or individuals.

#10. Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Traveling

PROS	CONS
Offers 13 grind settings for easy customization. Boasts a durable and sturdy construction for long-lasting performance. It is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel. Ergonomic cylindrical shape for comfortable handling.	Limited grinding capacity, making it unsuitable for heavy coffee drinkers. It lacks a window, making determining when a refill is needed is difficult.

Product Highlights

The Porlex Mini manual grinder is renowned for its exceptional portability, making it the most travel-friendly option. Despite its compact size, this grinder does not compromise on grinding consistency, which has earned it praise from coffee experts.

Constructed with a stainless steel body, the Porlex Mini ensures durability and longevity.

Its cylindrical shape is easy to grip and allows for convenient packing and storage. Weighing 8 ounces, it can easily fit inside an Aeropress for added convenience.

This grinder has 13 settings and ample flexibility to achieve your desired grinding consistency.

The self-contained design of the Porlex Mini eliminates any concerns about coffee grounds scattering on your countertop.

However, it’s important to note that this machine, while excelling at consistent grinding, has a small capacity. You’ll grind frequently if you consume a significant amount of coffee.

What to Consider When Choosing a Manual Coffee Grinder

The current market for coffee grinders in 2023 offers an astounding range of options and diversity. This oversaturated market benefits consumers by providing many choices, even from well-established coffee industry giants like Mazzer. Whether you prioritize style, size, consistency, or price, there is undoubtedly a coffee grinder that suits your preferences.

Consistency of Grind

The most crucial factor to consider when selecting a manual coffee grinder is the uniformity and consistency of the grind. Inconsistent grind sizes result in unpleasant flavors, with coffee being over-extracted. Therefore, the goal is to find a grinder that offers optimal grind consistency within your budget. Fortunately, achieving this has become much easier in recent years.

Price

Manual coffee grinders generally fall into two price brackets, each reflecting the quality of the ground coffee they produce and the overall grinding experience. The first bracket ranges from $50 to $200, providing surprisingly good grinders sufficient for various brewing methods, including entry-level espresso. In this price range, finding grinders that can be considered premium is possible. We do not recommend going cheaper than the options within this range.

The second price bracket is $200 and above, offering high-end burr coffee grinders that rival commercial grinders in grind quality. These grinders are excellent in every aspect and are suitable for any brewing method, including smooth brews and espresso. You can expect an elegant manual grinder that delivers lasting excellence at this price point.

Grind Settings

Consider the brewing styles you intend to cater to with your manual grinder. Cheaper manual grinders are better suited for pour-over and Aeropress, which require grind sizes around the middle of the spectrum. However, these grinders may struggle to achieve the fineness and consistency necessary for espresso or Turkish coffee. Similarly, many manual grinders face challenges in producing a uniform grind for the French press, which requires very coarse grounds with consistent particle size. For guidance on grind sizes for different brewing methods, refer to our Guide to Coffee Grinding with Grind Size Chart.

Stepped vs. Stepless

Decide whether you want your grinder to be dedicated to a specific brewing style, such as Aeropress, or if you will frequently switch between types. If you prefer versatility, opt for a stepped grinder with preset settings, allowing easy adjustments. However, if you plan to set the grinder for a specific brewing method, such as pour-over, and leave it there, a stepless grinder without preset settings but with an adjustable knob or screw might be suitable.

Grinder Capacity

Take into account how much coffee you typically grind at a time. More powerful and less portable grinders generally have greater capacity, while smaller and more portable options have limited ability. Therefore, consider your grinding needs and determine the appropriate accommodation for your usage.

The Final Verdict on the Best Manual Coffee Grinder

When it comes to determining the best manual coffee grinder, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences. However, if you’re seeking the top all-around hand grinder, the 1Zpresso JX Grinder stands out. This grinder excels in its construction, delivering exceptional grind consistency and impressive grinding speed and featuring large 48mm steel burrs. Furthermore, it offers excellent value for money, making it a highly recommended choice.