Best Manual Coffee Grinder
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ceramic burrs | Produce consistent, even grind without overheating beans |
| Adjustable grind settings | Easily dial in the perfect grind size for any brew method |
| Compact, durable design | Take your grinder traveling or use daily for years to come |
| Affordable prices | Get barista-quality results without breaking the bank |
Are you tired of drinking stale, flavorless coffee? Grinding your own beans is the easiest way to massively upgrade your morning cup. While electric grinders are convenient, manual hand grinders have several advantages:
- More affordable than electric models
- Compact for easy storage and travel
- Involve you more in the brewing process
- Often made with high-quality burrs that produce excellent results
If you're ready to experience truly fresh coffee at home, a manual grinder is the way to go. We've rounded up the best options for any budget. Here are our top picks.
Best overall: Comandante C40 Nitro Blade
When it comes to manual coffee grinders, the Comandante C40 is in a class of its own. This grinder ticks all the boxes:
- High-nitrogen martensitic steel burrs for unparalleled grind quality
- Continuously adjustable grind settings (no steps)
- Beautiful, ergonomic design with walnut wood veneer or colorful finishes
- Lightweight but strong polymer for durability
Yes, the C40 carries a hefty price tag, but you truly get what you pay for. If brewing delicious coffee is a priority, you can't do better than the Comandante.
Best value: Hario Skerton Pro
For a more affordable but still high-performing option, consider the Hario Skerton Pro. Hario is a trusted name in coffee, and the Skerton Pro showcases thoughtful design:
- Ceramic conical burrs for great grind consistency
- Stabilizing plate to keep burrs in place
- Anti-slip rubber base
- Easy grind size adjustment
- Large 100g hopper capacity
- Lightweight and easy to hold
At around half the price of the Comandante C40, the Skerton Pro offers serious bang for your buck. It's a reliable daily driver that will help you brew tasty coffee day after day.
Best for portability: Hario Mini-Slim PRO
Need a compact grinder for camping, work, or travel? Get the Hario Mini-Slim PRO. Despite its small stature, this mighty grinder is up to the task.
- Slim and lightweight for easy portability
- Ceramic burrs ensure quality grind
- Adjustable grind size
- 24g capacity (enough for 1-2 cups)
- Transparent lid with silicone grip
- Detachable handle for compact storage
- Stainless steel body is durable and stylish
The Mini-Slim PRO is perfect for the traveling coffee lover or anyone with limited kitchen space. Stash it in your bag or cabinet and whip it out whenever fresh coffee calls your name.
Most versatile: Hario Skerton Plus
Another excellent all-around pick is the Hario Skerton Plus. It combines the best aspects of Hario's other models:
- Ceramic burrs provide even grind
- Stabilizing plate keeps burrs steady
- Easy to adjust grind size
- Non-slip rubber base
- Ergonomic design
- Detachable handle
- 100g hopper capacity
- Glass grounds container
From french press to pour-over to cold brew, the Skerton Plus's adjustable ceramic burrs can handle any grind size. It strikes the perfect middle ground between the Mini-Slim PRO and Skerton Pro in terms of size and capacity.
Best vintage style: Hario Standard
If you love the retro look, feast your eyes on the Hario Standard Coffee Grinder. It's a statement piece that also happens to produce great coffee.
- Gorgeous wooden housing
- Durable ceramic burr
- Adjustable grind size
- Rubber pad stabilizes grinder
- 35g capacity
- Comes in simple, natural finish
The Hario Standard is the true definition of functional beauty. Proudly display it on your counter and give the retro crank a spin each morning for some tasty brewing.
Best large capacity: Hario Ceramic Burr Canister
Need to grind a lot of coffee at once? Pick up the Hario Ceramic Burr Canister Coffee Grinder. It offers a large 120g capacity - perfect for brewing a crowd.
- Durable ceramic burr
- Adjustable grind settings
- Easy to use hand crank
- Mason jar style glass chamber holds plenty of grounds
- Air-tight hopper keeps beans fresh
- Compact footprint for easy storage
The Hario Canister Grinder's air-tight lid means you can store your beans right in the hopper. Grind what you need and keep the rest fresh for later.
Also great: Hario Mini Mill Plus
Rounding out our list is the Hario Mini Mill Plus. Like its sibling the Mini-Slim PRO, this tiny-but-mighty grinder is ready to hit the road.
- Compact, lightweight plastic chassis
- Ceramic burrs grind evenly
- Stepped grind adjustment
- 24g capacity
- Easy to read measurement markings
- Includes lid to keep grounds in
- Slender profile takes up minimal bag/cabinet space
The Mini Mill Plus is a great choice for anyone prioritizing portability. Stash it in your luggage, work bag, or hiking pack for great coffee wherever you roam.
The bottom line
No matter your budget or how you brew, investing in a manual coffee grinder is sure to elevate your coffee experience. Grinding fresh unlocks incredible flavors and aromas that pre-ground coffee simply can't match.
All the grinders on this list use high-quality ceramic burrs to crush beans to a uniform size. This helps ensure even extraction and balanced flavor. They also offer grind size adjustment, letting you dial in the perfect grind for your brew method.
If your top priority is grind quality and consistency, it's hard to beat the Comandante C40. Its premium build and über-precise grind adjustment put it in a league of its own. For a more affordable but still solid choice, consider the Hario Skerton Pro or Skerton Plus.
Need something compact for on-the-go brewing? The Hario Mini-Slim PRO and Mini Mill Plus have you covered. Their slender profiles take up minimal space in a bag or cabinet.
If aesthetics are a priority, take a look at the Hario Prism grinders, which come in chic black and silver aluminum. Or for a more classic look, the Hario Standard in natural wood is sure to turn heads.
Ready to upgrade your grinder game? Shop our full selection of manual coffee grinders to find your perfect match. Delicious, freshly brewed coffee is just a few cranks away!