A hand grinder is a great piece of equipment if you take your coffee seriously. In this post we’ll take a closer look at some of the most attractive models out there.
It’s been a wild few years in the manual grinder world.
Since I got my first hand grinder exactly 10 years ago, the market has completely changed.
Back then, you had to choose between janky ceramic burr grinders that took forever or expensive options that almost cost more than your espresso machine.
Not anymore.
Today you can get steel burrs, external adjustment, and magnetic catch cups for the same price as a good meal out.
The competition has gotten fierce, which is awesome for coffee drinkers. But bad for brands. Some of my previous recommendations have been dethroned by newcomers and ejected from the list for this 2025 edition.
In this updated roundup, I’ll cut through the noise and show you the grinders that are still relevant in this era.
At the end of the article, I’ll also tell you which formerly popular grinders I think aren’t really worth it anymore.
Coffee Chronicler top pick 👍
The right balance of value and performance
The K-Ultra from 1Zpresso is one of my absolute favorite hand grinders. The flavor profile is world class (it's used at international competitions), and the grind consistency is superb.
The UX and design is overall excellent. It's a goldilocks grinder.
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9 of my Favorite Manual Coffee Grinders in 2025
Here are my current recommendations across different needs and budgets:
Quick Picker:
Best Overall: 1Zpresso K-Ultra
Best Value: Mavo Phantox Pro
Espresso Focus: 1Zpresso J-Ultra
Luxury: Millab M01
Budget workhorse: MHW-3Bomber R3 Blade
Travel: 1Zpresso Q Air
Mavo Phantox Pro
The Phantox Pro offers a modern flavor profile, especially for light roast pour over and contemporary espresso.
The UX is just excellent. With refined touches like a premium handle and unique burr geometry, it blends new ideas with a familiar, intuitive feel.
Standout features
The 45mm in-house conical burrs create a more balanced profile compared to typical heptagonal designs. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. But in a good way.
They produce a unique flavor profile with enhanced mid-notes, subtle florality, and a bit less acidity compared to grinders like K-Ultra and the Comandante.
CNC machining on the aluminum body is excellent, offering a premium finish that competes with much pricier grinders. At 614 grams with the handle, it feels substantial without sacrificing portability.
In daily use
The external adjustment is a pleasure to use. It includes 120 total settings with 16.7-micron steps. Most brew types can be dialed in within one rotation, which is great for daily use. Espresso falls around settings 1.0–1.5, and pour over ranges from 7–11.5.
Where most manual grinders struggle with light roast espresso, the Phantox Pro excels. It delivers shots with balanced acidity and clarity, avoiding the harshness often found in other conical grinders. The result feels closer to flat burr performance. This is pretty unique.
For pour over, it produces a clean cup with balanced body, plenty of sweetness, and a layered aftertaste. The large burrs grind quickly: 15 grams typically take 25-30 seconds.
Drawbacks
The Phantox is not great for traditional espresso styles or medium to dark roasts, as it tends to produce thin, hollow shots in those cases! It’s clearly optimized for modern, lighter profiles.
Disassembly requires a hex key, making cleaning less convenient than tool-free alternatives.
The calibration system discourages zero-point tinkering, which might frustrate users who enjoy fine-tuning.
Conclusion
The Phantox Pro does everything pretty well. It’s reasonably affordable and the form factor also strikes a nice balance between compact without being too tiny.
This is pretty much flagship performance at midrange price. Especially, if you’re primarily a light roast drinker. Definitely one of my favorites in 2025.
1Zpresso K-Ultra is the current flagship model from 1Zpresso. It’s probably the most well-rounded coffee grinder on the market with a great mix of ease of use and consistent grinding across all brewing methods.
Standout Features
The standout is the intuitive external adjustment dial, which makes switching between brew methods super simple.
In daily use, it’s just a pleasure. to use It makes it incredibly easy to switch between different settings. For instance, I grind for espresso at setting 2.4 and pour over at 6-7.5. I can change the grind setting in seconds without having to count “clicks” or fiddle around underneath the burrs. This is super convenient if you use the grinder for many different brewing methods.
The magnetic catch cup is another highlight, eliminating threads and making workflow smoother.
Finally, the foldable handle makes the grinder less likely to be knocked over between uses.
In daily use
This grinder is very fast and grinds a 15 gram pour over dose in 23-28 seconds. Espresso is a bit slower, expect a 16-18 gram dose to take between 40-50 seconds.
In hand, the grinder feels sturdy, yet light enough. The ergonomics are excellent. It’s easy to transmit force through the crooked handle design, and the body of the grinder is easy to grip (I’m talking as a man with relatively large hands here – if you have smaller hands you might prefer something like the Q Air or Timemore C2).
The K-Ultra delivers a cup that’s interesting to sip through. There’s plenty of layers and acidity, but also sweetness. It’s great for light and medium roasts.
If you’re a more conventional coffee drinker, enjoying body and texture you might not be able to appreciate these subtle nuances, and you can get away with a cheaper model. But if you’re the kind of person who buys light roast coffee and is experimenting with water quality, then you’ll be able to enjoy it.
Espresso is also excellent, although on the slightly more acidic side as is the case with most heptagonal burrs.
It’s rare to find grinders that are this good for both pour over and espresso. I think you’ll have to consider the semi-professional electric flat burr grinders before you find something that can rival K-Ultra as a multipurpose grinder.
Drawbacks
The K-Ultra is quite a bit more expensive than many of the mid-range models in this article. For people appreciating strong and textured cups, there are cheaper and more suitable choices on the market today.
Textured grip zone can get a worn-out look, if you store the grinder in a bag without protection. Luckily, the grinder comes with a travel case.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a manual grinder that got all bases covered along with a best-in-class workflow this is it.
(However, if espresso is your main thing, then check out my review of the J-Ultra down below)
The 1Zpresso ZP6 Special is a high-end manual grinder that was re-issued in 2022. This grinder is aimed at pour over and manual brewing enthusiasts.
I’m a little bit conflicted about including it in this article, because this is not a grinder that will suit most people reading this. Some people will boldly declare that it’s the “ultimate manual grinder” – end of discussion. But I think that’s far from the case – in my opinion this is a grinder that is aimed specifically at light roast lovers who do pour over and outside this group the grinder will be more divisive.
Despite its fancy name, the ZP6 Special is essentially an 1Zpresso K-Pro equipped with a different burr set, so that means a pretty good UX, but not quite as nice as the newer K- and J-Ultra that have magnetic catch cups.
Standout Features
This unique 6-sided cone burr used in the ZP6 Special that has generated a lot of excitement and speculation among coffee geeks over the years.
After thoroughly testing the grinder, it’s clear that it is exceptional for drip coffee.
In blind tests, I consistently preferred the cups from the ZP6 Special over most other manual grinders when using very light roast third wave beans (although sometimes I prefered the K-Ultra, which offers a more interesting blend of sweet and acidity, while ZP6 tends to be more analytical.)
In daily use The ZP6 Special is a very “clear/clean” tasting grinder that excels with fruity, light roast beans and high brew ratios like 1:17.
Drawbacks
The grinder can easily taste dull with medium roasts that have more nutty or chocolate notes, and for that reason I definitely don’t recommend it to everyone.
ZP6 can’t grind for espresso since it doesn’t grind fine enough. But it can work for AeroPress or Moka pot grinds.
This grinder is also slower than other top 1Zpresso models, which is a drawback if you’re in a hurry but can be helpful if you have less grip strength or wrist issues.
Conclusion
The 1Zpresso ZP6 Special is a top performer for pour over brewing, offering exceptionally clean and complex cups that can rival or even beat some flat burr grinders.
However, it’s a specialized tool best suited for hardcore coffee enthusiasts primarily drinking light roast third wave coffees.
The 1Zpresso J Ultra is the latest espresso grinder from the popular Taiwanese brand.
On the inside and outside, it’s basically a K-Ultra with a different set of burrs and an axle that allows for finer adjustment.
All this makes it more suitable for espresso than the K-Ultra.
Standout features
The J-Ultra features a slimmer profile and a lighter weight compared to its predecessor J-Max, making it more comfortable to hold and operate.
It also comes with 1Zpresso’s new foldable handle, which makes it less likely to be knocked over by accident.
The adjustment system on the J-Ultra is uber-precise, with each click representing just 8 microns of adjustment. This means you’ll have a wider range to work with when dialing in your shots.
In daily use
The J-Ultra truly shines when it comes to espresso, producing balanced, sweet, thick, and complex shots that rival much more expensive electric grinders. The flavor profile is also much more balanced compared to its predecessor, the J-Max, which I often found a bit astringent or one-dimensional.
Compared to the K-Ultra and the Comandante C40, the shots are also thicker and more textured.
Static and retention are well-managed, thanks to the improved burr coating, and you can expect to get your full dose with minimal waste.
The grinder is not slow and not super fast. In daily use, it’s a comfortable speed and will take 40-55 seconds for a 16-18 gram shot.
Drawbacks
Not great for pour over coffee. It produces a less focused and more watery cup compared to dedicated filter coffee grinders.
8 micron steps can make it difficult to adjust from espresso to coarser settings without getting confused. Takes some time getting used to.
While it can work for “modern” espresso, it’s more of a traditional grinder emphasizing body and texture.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re primarily an espresso drinker looking for the top-performing manual grinder, the 1Zpresso J-Ultra is my top pick. Shots taste similar to much more expensive electric grinders.
The Timemore C2 has been on the market for more than 5 years now. When it came out it was a bit of a game-changer, because it offered so much for the money. Nowadays? Less so, even though it has been slightly upgraded and is now known as “C2s”.
But I still want to include it in this article for several reasons that I’ll get into below.
Unique features
The C2s is minimalist. It’s elegant. But it’s still very affordable.
It has this unique textured surface that makes it easy to hold. This is a nice touch if you don’t have the grip strength of a rock climber.
Also, the diameter of the C2s is slimmer than most other premium grinders. Again, this makes for a less strenuous UX.
When the grinder was first released it featured a plastic internal frame, but it has now been upgraded to aluminum and integrated in to the body, so it’s a sturdy design with less potential for burr wobble or misalignment.
Many people would probably say that the C2s has a perfect size; it’s small enough to be easy to hold but still has a decent capacity for daily use. For example, you can fit around 25 grams of coffee there for two large cups.
💡Pro tip: There is also a C3-model, which is better for espresso. However, I still think C2 is more suitable for most people due to being faster as well as sweeter in the cup
In daily use
The Timemore C2s grinds exceptionally fast. It’s one of the fastest hand grinders on the market.
The cups from the grinder are sweet with a bit of blending going in. It’s a good choice for a round medium roast. There’s still some way up to the flagship models, especially for light roasts, but overall, the cups are still good enough for many regular coffee drinkers.
For instance, the grinder produces a more consistent grind than the Baratza Encore, and that model is often recommended as a great choice for beginners.
Drawbacks
Grind adjustment underneath the cone burr. Less convenient than external adjustment.
Extremely slow for espresso grinding – not recommended.
Conclusion
The Timemore C2 is one of the cheapest ways to get good coffee at home.
The device looks good, and it feels good in the hand. If you compare this with previous entry-level models such as the Hario Skerton, we’re in a different league.
If you want to try grinding at home, but don’t want to invest too much this is a solid choice.
The Chestnut S3 is Timemore’s new flagship model. Over the last few years the brand has been more famous for their budget hand grinders, but this is probably about to change. I have been really impressed with the Chestnut S3 after having it in my collection for more than a year.
Standout features
The S3 stands out with its sophisticated design and high-quality construction. It looks and feels great in hand. The texture on the body makes it very easy to grip.
The foldable handle is very satisfying to use. It’s sleek and clicks into place in a snappy way.
Having a foldable handle provides improved balance on your coffee station, so it’s less likely to get knocked over. It also makes it more convenient for travel.
The external adjustment system is rather similar to the one employed in 1Zpresso’s top models.
In daily use
In terms of performance, the S3 is surprisingly fast. However, the straight and rather long handle design may take some getting used to, as it requires more engagement from your non-grinding hand compared to hand crank designs where the handle is slightly crooked.
One drawback is that the S3 struggles to grind fine enough for espresso, with the finest setting only suitable for turbo shots. It’s not recommended for those primarily seeking an espresso grinder, but it can grind fine enough for Moka pot and AeroPress.
It’s actually possible to hack the grinder slightly and make it grind a bit finer by using home-made plastic shims – read more about that hack in my full review here. However, if espresso is your brewing method of choice, look elsewhere.
The new burr set, while not quite on par with the top-tier manual grinders like the K-Ultra, still produces extremely tasty brews. It’s sweet and complex. Very suitable for natural or anaerobic coffees.
It easily outperforms the Timemore C2 and C3 models and should satisfy most users’ needs for various roasts and brewing methods.
Drawbacks
The main downside is that it’s not grinding quite fine enough for espresso.
For those seeking a stunning grinder with a good UX and design, this is an excellent choice.
The Q Air is 1Zpresso’s cheapest option. I think of this as either a super portable travel grinder. Or an affordable way into manual grinding.
The reason it can be this cheap is because the exterior is plastic. But don’t let the humble plastic construction fool you – where it really matters, it’s still built to proper standards. When disassembled, removing the plastic shell reveals the same steel frame and bearing system you’d find in the more expensive Q2, which I have had for years. It also has proper quality 38mm heptagonal burrs.
Standout features
The Q Air weighs just 360 grams and is compact enough to fit inside an AeroPress plunger – a neat feature for travelers.
It produces a quality cup profile with a beautiful balance of clarity, sweetness, and mouthfeel. It’s not a clarity or acidity monster like other grinders in this article. But it will do a decent job for most roasting styles, whether light, medium, or dark.
I do think the cup quality is higher than the other budget grinder in this article: Timemore’s C2s.
The adjustment system uses the familiar stepped approach with clear markings. While not as great as the external adjustment used in the higher-end models, it’s relatively easy to return to preferred settings for different brewing methods.
In daily use
The bearings used in the Q Air are super smooth and make cranking the grinder quite nice. I also own the very similar P2 from Kingrinder, and the bearings used on that grinder are noticeably worse, so the slightly more expensive price of Q Air is justified.
The coffee from the Q Air punches way above its weight class and competes with electric grinders costing three times as much. I’d even pick this over a Baratza Encore.
Grinding 15 grams for pour over takes about 35 seconds, which feels neither particularly fast nor frustratingly slow. The rhythm becomes meditative rather than laborious.
It can grind for espresso, although it’s a bit of work due to the small handle. It probably takes 60-70 seconds to grind a 16 gram dose.
Drawbacks
Small capacity – 16-19 grams depending on roast degree and bean density
Less premium feeling
Plastic catch cup makes it prone to static – RDT is recommended
Conclusion
The Q Air proves you can get serious coffee performance at rock-bottom pricing if you’re willing to accept plastic construction. This grinder makes perfect sense for ultra budget-conscious people or folks who want a super lightweight travel companion.
It’s cute, but still very useful. I might bring this next time, I’m only traveling with carry-on!
For international orders, visit the official 1Zpresso Shop 🌍
MHW-3Bomber Blade R3
The R3 Blade is one of the most feature-rich grinders in this price range. It offers a seriously impressive build quality, with an all-metal body that pretty much feels like a “flagship” product.
Standout features
Features like a magnetic catch cup, external adjustment system, and built-in sifting screens make the R3 Blade surprisingly refined for its price. The sifting system includes five interchangeable screens for fines removal.
The external adjustment dial offers 60 clicks per rotation with 16-micron steps, which gives plenty of precision for both espresso and filter brewing.
The metal body sports has textured ridges that improve grip during grinding. The magnetic catch cup stays securely in place, and actually has way more magnets than much more expensive models, like the K-Ultra.
In daily use
Grinding 16 grams for espresso takes around 50 seconds, while 15 grams for pour over doses takes 30 seconds. The super long ergonomically pleasing handle gives you a lot of leverage.
In terms of flavor, the R3 Blade strikes a balance between traditional and modern. It produces sweet, somewhat blended cups with less of the clinical clarity that most other grinders in this article chase. This makes it forgiving across roast levels and brew methods. It can smooth out some harshness when it comes to darker roasts.
It handles espresso well, though here it’s especially suited for medium-dark roasts, and not very good for light and light-medium.
Using the sifting screens can help to clean up pour over flavors, and I’m sure some people will love it. Personally, I think it’s a bit inconsistent to rely on. Sifting does really change the flavor, and not always for the better. You risk losing body/sweetness with too much sifting. So you have to put in some time to figure how to make it work optimally.
Drawbacks
Static buildup is a common issue if not using RDT
Tracking grind settings over multiple rotations can also be a bit cumbersome without a revolution counter
Deep cleaning requires a specialized triangular driver, unlike some competitors that offer tool-free burr access.
Conclusion
The R3 Blade really over-delivers. On most metrics it’s flagship level, yet the price is budget. I see it as the spiritual successor to the 1Zpresso Jx. It’s a grinder for the people. It’s just a workhorse that gives you a lot for your money.
The Millab M01 is Timemore’s high-end take on manual grinding. Despite the name, Millab is actually a Timemore brand, just more focused on luxury.
Visually and mechanically, this is one of the most luxurious and innovative grinders on the market. It’s just stunning.
However, weighing in at 1.1 kg, the M01 is a serious tool. It’s constructed almost entirely from aluminum and steel, with just a tiny bit of plastic around the handle.
Standout features
At the core of the M01 is Timemore’s Pineapple Burr. This multi-phase design creates a grind distribution that almost reaches flat burr performance in terms of uniformity and extraction balance.
The espresso is incredibly focused and precise, which makes it excellent for modern espresso. (In fact, it’s in my top 2 for modern espresso along with Mavo Phantox Pro) However, it’s a bit too clinical in its presentation for traditional Italian shots.
The catch cup locks in place with a twist rather than magnets, providing a secure but quick-removal system.
A textured aluminum body prevents slippage, which matters given the weight.
In daily use
The M01 produces complex and clean cups with low bitterness, even at high extractions. Acidity is balanced, and the overall profile leans refined. You can push this grinder in many different directions.
A 20-gram pour over dose grinds in around 35 seconds, putting it between ultra-fast grinders like the K-Ultra and more traditional options like the Comandante.
The external adjustment is a pleasure to use, and you can quickly go from espresso to pour over and back.
However, the pretty heavy weight and straight handle pose ergonomic challenges. It’s more of a workout compared to most other grinders in this article. Still it can feel pleasing to use just because of the heft and quality it emanates.
Drawbacks
Espresso grinding is a bit slow and demanding. A 16-gram dose takes 55–60 seconds and requires significant effort. The straight handle and wide body, while beautiful, sacrifice comfort for style.
The handle also has a very tight fit to the shaft, which can be a bit annoying, when trying to take it off.
In spite of the premium construction, I think the general UX is nicer with of its more nimble rivals like the K-Ultra.
Conclusion
The M01 is a gorgeous, innovative grinder that performs well but requires more effort to use than many of its rivals. It’s best suited for design-conscious users or coffee lovers who value a balanced and clean cup profile.
At full retail price, it’s still worth it, however, it’s worth noting that Timemore has been running a generous discount for a while, and at that price it’s a fantastic deal.
The Comandante grinder has become one of the most popular grinders in recent years. It’s easy to understand why. It’s a beautiful device where every detail has been obsessively engineered in Germany.
Nowadays, the C40 is starting to become a slightly dated design. Still, many of the other brands on the market today follows the same general design template that it pioneered.
Standout features
The Comandante is famous for having burrs that are designed in-house by German engineers. That means that you don’t find quite the same geometry and material elsewhere.
The brand also points out that the burrs are made out of special “high nitrogen” steel that’s more durable.
Another cool thing about joining the Comandante family of users is that you can easily share brewing recipes and specs with other coffee drinkers. It’s quite common to see recipes that reference a certain number of Comandante “clicks.”
In daily use
The grinder feels pleasant in the hand, although a bit “girthy”. If you have small hands it might not be a good fit for you.
The grinder is also a bit slower than many of the rivals on the market.
However, the flavor profile makes up for these cons. In my testing, I have found that the burrs are very suitable for both espresso and pour over coffee. The burrs offer a elegant cup for both styles of brewing.
The catch cup on the C40 used to be made out of glass; however, a shatter-proof polymer version has been introduced on the newest version called the C40 Mk4. You get the glass version AND the new and more sturdy catch cup when you buy the grinder.
The Comandante C40 is available in a lot of different finishes. You can get the classic one with wood veneer or the newer versions in solid colors.
Drawbacks
While the Comandante’s adjustment mechanism is quite straightforward and easy to use, it lacks the ultra-granular adjustment that some rivals offer. This means that it will be more difficult to dial in espresso on the grinder. There’s a special “Red Clix” add-on you can buy if you want an even more precise adjustment.
It’s a bit slow. The C40 took 50 seconds to grind 20 g of coffee in my testing.
The circumference of the body can make it awkward to hold if you have small hands.
Conclusion
The Comandante grinder is one of the most popular models on the market. Undoubtedly, it’s a well-designed device that produces a consistent grind. However, you can find cheaper models that are very close to it in terms of performance. You do pay a bit extra for the brand name and EU manufacturing here.
If money is no object, and you’re primarily looking for a grinder for manual brewing, this is still a solid choice.
Unlike magazines and newspaper who write about everything under the sun, one of this website’s main jobs is to test grinders, including manual grinders. So I’m continuously following industry discussions around new and promising manual grinders and get most of them on my test bench eventually.
My commitment to grinder testing also means that I use advanced tools such as refractometers, particle size analysers and sifters in my testing. Testing coffee equipment properly does require a lot of knowledge and well-trained tastebuds. Otherwise much will be left to randomness and subjective taste. By using measurements of TDS and extraction yield as well as longer on-going test periods, I believe I’m able to truly assess how each grinder performs.
Things to look for in a serious hand grinder?
Manual grinders are more simple to buy than normal burr coffee grinders. Why is that?
Well, there are just fewer types, technologies, and use-cases, which means there are fewer things to consider altogether.
However, there are 3 main considerations:
Travel: Go for something smaller and more portable, if you want to bring the grinder on trips.
Espresso or filter? Most grinders excel at one thing only, but a few work well for both styles of coffee.
Budget: Today, hand grinders are available at all price levels. I’d suggest setting a budget with a bit of legroom. Remember; you get what you pay for. And with hand grinders, it can be especially annoying to realize that you should have gone for something better since you’ll be spending a lot of time grinding in that cranky, pre-caffeinated state.
You can achieve a level of consistency similar to commercial grinders with a premium model
Of course, there are also various features that you should consider.
Don’t listen to the manufacturers and their marketing BS. Let me break down the features for you here, so you know what to go for in a grinder.
Ceramic or steel burrs? The burrs are the most important aspect of a grinder. All hand grinders have conical burrs (except one or two outliers). They come in either ceramic or steel. Steel is a LOT sharper and better. It’s both faster and more consistent than ceramic. If you have the budget, I definitely recommend a grinder with steel burrs
Handle length: The handle can make or break a hand grinder. If it’s too short, you have to spend a lot more energy grinding the same amount of beans. See the picture below for some different types.
Bearings? The premium models have double or triple ball bearings, which makes grinding a lot smoother and easier. If you choose a model without bearings, you’ll have to expend a lot of unnecessary energy.
Size & Portability? If you want to bring your grinder on a trip, size is important to consider. Also, if you have smaller hands, you don’t want something that’s difficult to hold.
Grind adjustment: This is an important one. Choose a grinder, where you can easily switch back and forth between different settings from filter, and AeroPress, to espresso. Internal adjustment or step-less models can be tricky to operate.
Handle design is important to keep in mind. In general, slightly bend and longer handles transfer energy better.
How long does a manual coffee grinder take?
In general, manual coffee grinders take around 30-60 seconds to grind enough for a big cup. It does take some effort to grind by hand — I’m not going to sugarcoat it.
However, most flagship models can grind rather fast. The cheaper entry-level models with ceramic burrs are a lot slower; it will typically take 2 minutes to grind 3 scoops of coffee.
Keep in mind: The finer you grind, the more times you’ll have to turn the crank. For that reason alone I suggest people who want a grinder for espresso to opt for an electric one.
Grinders That Didn’t Make the List
1Zpresso J
The J had a great run. It was once my top pick among manual grinders due to its amazing value proposition.
However, the market has evolved significantly since the its launch. Today’s grinders offer external adjustment systems and magnetic catch cups as standard features, making the J’s internal adjustment feel dated. The newer R3 Blade delivers similar performance with external adjustment and additional features at a cheaper price point.
1Zpresso Q2
The Q2 gained legendary status among enthusiasts, particularly for the version with heptagonal burrs. It established the template for compact, capable travel grinders.
The newer Q Air surpasses the Q2 by offering similar performance in an even more budget-friendly package and thus steals its place on the list.
Kingrinder P2
The P2 attempts to replicate the Q Air’s formula with 38mm burrs in a plastic housing at an ultra-budget price. While it produces similar cup quality to the Q Air, everything feels just a little cheaper throughout.
The bearings don’t operate as smoothly, the plastic construction feels more fragile, and the straight handle design is less ergonomic than the Q Air’s approach. The price difference is small enough that it doesn’t make sense to go for the P2.
Kinu M47 Phoenix
In 2025 the Kinu grinders feel a bit dated. While the burrs and grind quality are still excellent , the overall UX hasn’t evolved since the early days of manual grinding. And that makes it tough to recommend today.
The adjustment mechanism is cumbersome compared to what’s found on modern grinders. The Phoenix also comes with flimsy plastic catch cup that’s prone to breaking. Many users struggle to find replacements. At its premium price point, these compromises are hard to ignore.
Hario Skerton Pro and Mini Slim
These grinders represent the old guard of budget manual grinding. The explosion of affordable steel-burr grinders has simply left these models behind in the dust. Stay far away from these.
Lido 3
Despite its cult following, the Lido 3’s bulky design and awkward adjustment system make it feel outdated compared to modern alternatives. At over 1 kilogram, it’s impractical for travel despite being marketed as portable.
The locking ring adjustment mechanism is cumbersome compared to modern external adjustment systems, and grinders half its size now deliver better speed and consistency.
More reasons to get one
A manual coffee grinder is in most cases fantastic value for the money, and even the cheapest models will outperform most electric grinders in the sub $100 category.
Let me tell you this quite frankly; when you first start your journey into the world of specialty coffee, you’ll hear a lot of superstition when it comes to grinders.
Just ignore most of the advice. By getting a manual grinder,you’ll be ahead of just about 98 % of the other coffee drinkers out there, and you’ll be able to make delicious coffee at home consistently.
Yes, it does require more work than merely pressing the “on” button, but in most cases, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck, when choosing a hand grinder over an electric version.
They are cheap
An awesome thing about manual grinders is that they are very affordable compared to what you are getting. Think about it. When you buy an electric grinder most of the manufacturing expenses cover the motor, housing, and electric parts – not the burrs themselves.
That means that for the same price you can get a solidly built hand crank grinder with excellent burrs. Or you can choose to go ultra-budget and still get a hand mill that is capable of producing a good cup.
A hand crank mill is very durable
One of the most common complaints I hear from other coffee lovers is that their electric grinder is broken and needs repair. That’s not fun at all. So it’s worth finding a sturdy grinder you can rely on.
Manual grinders, in general, are very durable. Of course, it depends on each model, but most will go on for years or decades.
They are travel-friendly
If you’re like me, you like to get good cuppa’ joe everywhere you go. Often that means brewing it yourself. In that case, a hand grinder is indispensable. Many models are extremely portable and don’t take up much space in the bag or suitcase.
Pro-tip: Both the Porlex Mini and the 1Zpresso Mini Q actually fit inside an Aeropress which makes them ideal for travel!
They don’t develop any heat while grinding
A common problem with electric burr grinders is that they produce heat while grinding because the RPM (revolutions per minute) is so high. That causes a lot of friction, which produces heat. You don’t want any heat near your ground coffee until you’re brewing. Heat makes the volatile aromas of the coffee dissolve into the air. You want them all in your cup!
THEY ARE OPTIMIZED FOR SINGLE DOSING & Zero Retention
One of the biggest trends in coffee during the last couple of years has been single dosing and zero retention grinders.
The idea is that you grind just what you need and don’t have any beans left in the hopper. At the same time, it’s ideal to have a grinder with a chute and grind pathway that is designed to retain as few coffee particles as particles. The goal is to have “zero retention”. This is actually quite difficult for an electric grinder to achieve. But most (if not all) hand grinders will deliver when it comes to this aspect.
Since you will have a minuscule amount of retained, stale grounds, you can be sure that that the next dose you grind, will taste fresh.
A hand grinder can help you make delicious coffee
There are so many things to consider when getting a new grinder. However, the main thing is this: Does it help me make delicious coffee? Hand grinders, even the cheapest ones, can certainly deliver in this area.
How I tested
Unlike magazines and newspaper who write about everything under the sun, one of this website’s main jobs is to test grinders, including manual grinders. So I’m continuously following industry discussions around new and promising manual grinders and get most of them on my test bench eventually.
My commitment to grinder testing also means that I use advanced tools such as refractometers, particle size analysers and sifters in my testing. Testing coffee equipment properly does require a lot of knowledge and well-trained tastebuds. Otherwise much will be left to randomness and subjective taste. By using measurements of TDS and extraction yield as well as longer on-going test periods, I believe I’m able to truly assess how each grinder performs.
Things to look for in a serious hand grinder?
Manual grinders are more simple to buy than normal burr coffee grinders. Why is that?
Well, there are just fewer types, technologies, and use-cases, which means there are fewer things to consider altogether.
However, there are 3 main considerations:
Travel: Go for something smaller and more portable, if you want to bring the grinder on trips.
Espresso or filter? Most grinders excel at one thing only, but a few work well for both styles of coffee.
Budget: Today, hand grinders are available at all price levels. I’d suggest setting a budget with a bit of legroom. Remember; you get what you pay for. And with hand grinders, it can be especially annoying to realize that you should have gone for something better since you’ll be spending a lot of time grinding in that cranky, pre-caffeinated state.
You can achieve a level of consistency similar to commercial grinders with a premium model
Of course, there are also various features that you should consider.
Don’t listen to the manufacturers and their marketing BS. Let me break down the features for you here, so you know what to go for in a grinder.
Ceramic or steel burrs? The burrs are the most important aspect of a grinder. All hand grinders have conical burrs (except one or two outliers). They come in either ceramic or steel. Steel is a LOT sharper and better. It’s both faster and more consistent than ceramic. If you have the budget, I definitely recommend a grinder with steel burrs
Handle length: The handle can make or break a hand grinder. If it’s too short, you have to spend a lot more energy grinding the same amount of beans. See the picture below for some different types.
Bearings? The premium models have double or triple ball bearings, which makes grinding a lot smoother and easier. If you choose a model without bearings, you’ll have to expend a lot of unnecessary energy.
Size & Portability? If you want to bring your grinder on a trip, size is important to consider. Also, if you have smaller hands, you don’t want something that’s difficult to hold.
Grind adjustment: This is an important one. Choose a grinder, where you can easily switch back and forth between different settings from filter, and AeroPress, to espresso. Internal adjustment or step-less models can be tricky to operate.
Handle design is important to keep in mind. In general, slightly bend and longer handles transfer energy better.
How long does a manual coffee grinder take?
In general, manual coffee grinders take around 30-60 seconds to grind enough for a big cup. It does take some effort to grind by hand — I’m not going to sugarcoat it.
However, most flagship models can grind rather fast. The cheaper entry-level models with ceramic burrs are a lot slower; it will typically take 2 minutes to grind 3 scoops of coffee.
Keep in mind: The finer you grind, the more times you’ll have to turn the crank. For that reason alone I suggest people who want a grinder for espresso to opt for an electric one.
Grinders That Didn’t Make the List
1Zpresso J
The J had a great run. It was once my top pick among manual grinders due to its amazing value proposition.
However, the market has evolved significantly since the its launch. Today’s grinders offer external adjustment systems and magnetic catch cups as standard features, making the J’s internal adjustment feel dated. The newer R3 Blade delivers similar performance with external adjustment and additional features at a cheaper price point.
1Zpresso Q2
The Q2 gained legendary status among enthusiasts, particularly for the version with heptagonal burrs. It established the template for compact, capable travel grinders.
The newer Q Air surpasses the Q2 by offering similar performance in an even more budget-friendly package and thus steals its place on the list.
Kingrinder P2
The P2 attempts to replicate the Q Air’s formula with 38mm burrs in a plastic housing at an ultra-budget price. While it produces similar cup quality to the Q Air, everything feels just a little cheaper throughout.
The bearings don’t operate as smoothly, the plastic construction feels more fragile, and the straight handle design is less ergonomic than the Q Air’s approach. The price difference is small enough that it doesn’t make sense to go for the P2.
Kinu M47 Phoenix
In 2025 the Kinu grinders feel a bit dated. While the burrs and grind quality are still excellent , the overall UX hasn’t evolved since the early days of manual grinding. And that makes it tough to recommend today.
The adjustment mechanism is cumbersome compared to what’s found on modern grinders. The Phoenix also comes with flimsy plastic catch cup that’s prone to breaking. Many users struggle to find replacements. At its premium price point, these compromises are hard to ignore.
Hario Skerton Pro and Mini Slim
These grinders represent the old guard of budget manual grinding. The explosion of affordable steel-burr grinders has simply left these models behind in the dust. Stay far away from these.
Lido 3
Despite its cult following, the Lido 3’s bulky design and awkward adjustment system make it feel outdated compared to modern alternatives. At over 1 kilogram, it’s impractical for travel despite being marketed as portable.
The locking ring adjustment mechanism is cumbersome compared to modern external adjustment systems, and grinders half its size now deliver better speed and consistency.
More reasons to get one
A manual coffee grinder is in most cases fantastic value for the money, and even the cheapest models will outperform most electric grinders in the sub $100 category.
Let me tell you this quite frankly; when you first start your journey into the world of specialty coffee, you’ll hear a lot of superstition when it comes to grinders.
Just ignore most of the advice. By getting a manual grinder,you’ll be ahead of just about 98 % of the other coffee drinkers out there, and you’ll be able to make delicious coffee at home consistently.
Yes, it does require more work than merely pressing the “on” button, but in most cases, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck, when choosing a hand grinder over an electric version.
They are cheap
An awesome thing about manual grinders is that they are very affordable compared to what you are getting. Think about it. When you buy an electric grinder most of the manufacturing expenses cover the motor, housing, and electric parts – not the burrs themselves.
That means that for the same price you can get a solidly built hand crank grinder with excellent burrs. Or you can choose to go ultra-budget and still get a hand mill that is capable of producing a good cup.
A hand crank mill is very durable
One of the most common complaints I hear from other coffee lovers is that their electric grinder is broken and needs repair. That’s not fun at all. So it’s worth finding a sturdy grinder you can rely on.
Manual grinders, in general, are very durable. Of course, it depends on each model, but most will go on for years or decades.
They are travel-friendly
If you’re like me, you like to get good cuppa’ joe everywhere you go. Often that means brewing it yourself. In that case, a hand grinder is indispensable. Many models are extremely portable and don’t take up much space in the bag or suitcase.
Pro-tip: Both the Porlex Mini and the 1Zpresso Mini Q actually fit inside an Aeropress which makes them ideal for travel!
They don’t develop any heat while grinding
A common problem with electric burr grinders is that they produce heat while grinding because the RPM (revolutions per minute) is so high. That causes a lot of friction, which produces heat. You don’t want any heat near your ground coffee until you’re brewing. Heat makes the volatile aromas of the coffee dissolve into the air. You want them all in your cup!
THEY ARE OPTIMIZED FOR SINGLE DOSING & Zero Retention
One of the biggest trends in coffee during the last couple of years has been single dosing and zero retention grinders.
The idea is that you grind just what you need and don’t have any beans left in the hopper. At the same time, it’s ideal to have a grinder with a chute and grind pathway that is designed to retain as few coffee particles as particles. The goal is to have “zero retention”. This is actually quite difficult for an electric grinder to achieve. But most (if not all) hand grinders will deliver when it comes to this aspect.
Since you will have a minuscule amount of retained, stale grounds, you can be sure that that the next dose you grind, will taste fresh.
A hand grinder can help you make delicious coffee
There are so many things to consider when getting a new grinder. However, the main thing is this: Does it help me make delicious coffee? Hand grinders, even the cheapest ones, can certainly deliver in this area.
Asser Christensen
Hello, and welcome! I'm the editor & founder of this site. I have been a coffee geek since I started home roasting more than a decade ago. Since then, coffee has taken me on countless adventures: From ancient coffee ceremonies in Ethiopia to the volcanos of Sumatra. My background is in journalism, and today I'm also a licensed Q Grader under the Coffee Quality Institute.
