More than 1 billion people enjoy coffee every day, and most of them believe that a coffee grinder is actually more important than a coffee machine. Don’t get me wrong; there’s no doubt that a good espresso maker will allow for the best extraction to give you a full espresso shot with a rich aroma and delicious taste. But you can always use pre-ground coffee to prepare a nice espresso shot, right? Not really. So what is the best hand grinder for espresso?
Although pre-ground coffee is accessible, you actually have no say in what goes into the packet. As a result, even the most expensive brands can taste stale after a while.
But if you’re looking for the freshest and tastiest coffee beans, you need to buy the best hand grinder for espresso. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best grinders and explain what to look for when you’re shopping for one. So, keep on reading.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
Reviews of the Best Hand Grinders For Espresso
Grinding coffee beans on the spot grants you the freshest and richest aroma in your espresso shot. But unfortunately, good coffee grinders usually come with hefty price tags. Nevertheless, if you’re on a tight budget, then a hand grinder for espresso is what you need.
Unlike the electric ones, hand grinders are quite affordable. They require some effort, but they allow for maximum versatility because you can grind the coffee beans to the right size that works for your brewing method.
Moreover, manual grinders are more accessible when you’re on the go, so you can prepare fresh coffee wherever you are, even when there’s no access to electricity. So, check out our top picks.
1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Coffee Grinder
This is a great hand grinder that delivers consistent coffee grounds to be used for various brewing methods. It works exceptionally for espresso that requires the coffee grounds to be fine for better extraction.
With 48 mm stainless steel burrs, you can grind your coffee a lot faster than most of the other manual grinders. It’s designed to grind 25 grams of coffee beans in 35 seconds. As a result, it will be a good choice for preparing coffee in the morning. This is an excellent choice for those who want to grind a large amount of coffee because it can hold up to 35 grams of coffee.
In addition to being fast, this grinder is extremely easy to use. Grinding up to medium grounds is almost effortless. It takes more effort to grind your coffee beans to fine when you’re preparing espresso, but it’s still straightforward and your hands won’t feel sore. After you’re done grinding your coffee, you can easily disassemble this grinder and clean it.
Author Note: There are 40 different settings that allow you to change the size of the coffee grounds. With 200 clicks and each shifting by 12.5 microns, you can fine-tune the size for maximum accuracy.
This is not a wobbly grinder because, unlike other manual grinders, it doesn’t contain plastic parts. However, it’s more expensive than other models, but if you’re looking for a reliable coffee grinder, this will be the right one for you.
What We Like
- Durable stainless steel grinder with no plastic parts.
- Fast and effortless grinding.
- 40 coffee grounds adjustments for maximum versatility.
- Ability to hold up to 35 grams of coffee.
- Easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other models.
Anzid Manual Coffee Grinder
This affordable manual grinder provides precise grinding control from coarse to fine powder, so you can brew your coffee in multiple ways. It features a long handle that minimizes grinding effort by 20%, allowing you to grind more coffee beans without feeling any discomfort. In addition, the base allows you to see your grounds for more control.
The strong ceramic burrs deliver uniform grounds, and the ergonomic crank handle reduces noise, so you can grind your coffee whenever and wherever you like. The ceramic burrs stay cold, so they won’t produce heat to oxidize your coffee beans and change their flavor and taste, and you can enjoy the best taste and aroma.
When you’re going away from home, the handle folds for more convenience. So, if you’re into outdoor adventures, this will be a great grinder for you because it won’t occupy much space in your backpack.
The lockable compartment prevents the coffee beans from spilling and will guarantee that the grinder will stay stable while you’re grinding for more consistency. After grinding your favorite coffee beans, this grinder will be extremely easy to clean because the parts are removable and washable.
However, compared to other grinders, this one can only grind a small amount at a time. So, if you need to grind a large amount of coffee beans, it might not be the best one for you.
What We Like
- Affordable manual grinder.
- Long handle to reduce effort.
- Ceramic burrs to eliminate heat buildup.
- Handle folds for convenience while traveling.
- Removable and washable parts for easy cleaning.
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for grinding a large amount of coffee beans.
PARACITY Manual Coffee Bean Grinder
Enjoying fresh coffee will never be a problem wherever you go because this grinder allows you to grind your favorite coffee beans on the spot. It also comes with an extra glass jar, so you can keep your ground coffee and coffee beans separately if you’re heading outside.
This grinder features durable ceramic burrs to ensure precise and uniform grinding. Unlike stainless steel, ceramic burrs don’t get hot, thus guaranteeing the highest level of freshness to maintain the bold flavor of your coffee. While grinding, the non-slip silicone base will keep the grinder in place to facilitate your job.
You can adjust the size of the coffee grounds from coarse for French press to fine for espresso, allowing you to pick the right size for your favorite brewing method. The stainless steel handle makes your job easier, so you won’t feel tired while grinding your coffee beans.
After you’re done grinding your coffee, cleaning this grinder won’t be an issue because all the parts are removable and washable. This guarantees that your coffee will always taste and smell fresh.
Because it looks elegant, this manual grinder will be a great addition to your coffee corner. However, you need to know that you will probably need more time to get the fine grounds needed for brewing espresso.
What We Like
- Elegant grinder with an extra glass jar.
- Ceramic burrs to prevent heat buildup.
- Non-slip silicone base.
- All parts are removable and washable.
- Adjustable grounds sizes.
What We Don’t Like
- Needs more time to deliver finer grounds.
TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder
Featuring high-quality stainless steel burrs, this manual grinder guarantees uniform grinding to allow for better extraction. This is a well-made yet lightweight grinder with a durable aluminum body to last for long. It features 38mm burrs, which are strong enough to grind any kind of coffee beans to the desired consistency.
It allows you to choose between 36 different settings for different brewing methods. The adjusting nut allows you to go from extremely coarse to really fine ground, so you can enjoy coffee however you like.
There’s always the risk of making too much effort with manual grinders, but not with this one. It features a Z-shaped handle that minimizes effort and allows you to use it conveniently. The handle and the compact size of the grinder make it suitable for everyone, even people who have small hands.
After you release your hand, the grinder keeps on grinding a little, so it’s easier to use than other hand grinders. This grinder will work perfectly if you want to grind a large amount of coffee beans and will always deliver consistent results. Nevertheless, for espresso, you’ll probably need more time to achieve the level of fineness that you need for this brewing method.
Author Note: You don’t have to worry about cleaning it because you just have to use the brush to remove any residue, and it will be good to go. However, the plastic bottom is a bit flimsy. Moreover, it’s a bit expensive compared to other hand grinders.
What We Like
- Durable yet lightweight aluminum grinder.
- Strong burrs to grind coffee beans into 36 different settings.
- Easy to hold handle that minimizes work.
- Delivers consistent results.
- Suitable for grinding a large amount of coffee beans.
What We Don’t Like
- The bottom feels a bit flimsy.
- More expensive than other manual grinders.
IMAVO Vintage Manual Coffee Grinder
Not only will this fantastic grinder give you fresh and tasty coffee grounds for your espresso, but it will also be a perfect addition to your kitchen or coffee corner, thanks to its vintage style. It’s an elegant, versatile grinder made of high-quality pine wood and features a strong core made of ceramic and cast iron to grind your coffee beans to perfection.
The hand crank features a ceramic grinding core that can be washed easily. It doesn’t cause heat to build up and oxidize your coffee beans, so you will always enjoy a fresh taste and aroma. The ground coffee is collected in the bottom drawer for easy access. The wooden drawer also retains a fresh aroma.
You can easily adjust the size of the grounds thanks to the built-in polygon adjustor, which allows you to precisely determine the right size of the grounds. In addition, because it’s so versatile, you can use this grinder to grind herbs and spices.
However, compared to other grinders, this one can be a little slower. Moreover, some of the internal parts are made of plastic.
What We Like
- Vintage-style manual grinder.
- High-quality pine wood to retain the freshness of the coffee.
- Easy to use handle and adjustable grounds size.
- Ceramic burrs to prevent heat buildup.
- Can be used to grind herbs and spices.
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for grinding a large amount of coffee beans.
- Slow compared to other manual grinders.
Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
With a 20 grams capacity of coffee beans, this manual grinder features 47 mm ceramic conical burrs that offer consistent grinding. At the same time, the ceramic burrs don’t generate heat to ruin the taste of your coffee. The grinder is easy to clean, so it will always be ready for use.
You can easily adjust the size of the grounds from coarse to fine, so you can brew your coffee in different ways. The neat dial will allow you to pick between 13 different settings, and you can always maintain the right setting for your favorite brewing method.
This is a durable stainless steel coffee grinder that is designed for grinding coffee beans quickly and easily. It’s a great choice for travelers because it has a portable easy-to-grip design. It’s also lightweight, so it won’t add much weight to your backpack or outdoor gear.
Because it’s made of stainless steel, this grinder will be durable and easy to clean. However, for a compact grinder like this one, this model can be a little expensive.
What We Like
- Compact coffee grinder.
- Easy to clean grinder.
- Ceramic conical burrs retain the taste and aroma of your coffee.
- 13 adjustable grounds size.
- Lightweight design that is suitable for travelers.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive given its price.
Why Do You Need to Buy a Hand Grinder For Espresso?
Freshly ground coffee is an instant mood changer. This is why there are different types of grinders that you can choose from.
But why would you consider buying a hand grinder instead of an electric one? Here are a few reasons why manual grinders are great.
- Compared to electric grinders, hand grinders are definitely more budget-friendly. Even the most expensive manual grinder would still be more affordable than an electric one. So, if you’re on a tight budget, a hand grinder will work for you.
- Burr manual grinders are designed to deliver ground consistency to allow for uniform extraction.
- No matter how fast you can grind your coffee using a hand grinder, it will still be slower than an electric grinder. This means that even if you’re using a grinder that features steel blades or burrs, it won’t generate much heat compared to an electric grinder that goes too fast.
- Hand coffee grinders are suitable for travelers and people on the go. You don’t need access to electricity, so you can grind your coffee beans wherever you are.
- Manual grinders are less noisy than electric grinders. So, you can use them in the house or office to grind different amounts of coffee.
How to Choose the Best Hand Grinder For Espresso
With lots of manual coffee grinders on the market, finding the right one can be really challenging. Here are a few things to consider before choosing one.
Grinding Mechanism
You can either choose blades or burrs to grind your coffee. Blade grinders are usually compact and budget-friendly, so they will work for you if you’re on a tight budget. They break the coffee beans, but the grounds might not be consistent in size.
Author Note: However, burr grinders are designed to deliver more consistent coffee grounds. As a result, you can easily choose the right size of your grounds according to your favorite brewing method.
Steel burrs are affordable and durable, but when used for long periods, there’s a risk of heat buildup. This heat will oxidize the coffee and eventually alter the taste and aroma. Ceramic burrs are more expensive, but they don’t get hot. So, you can always guarantee that your coffee will taste delicious.
Ease of Use
Make sure that you pick a grinder that can be easily used. There are different models on the market, so you need to make sure that your grinder features an ergonomic handle that you can use to grind any amount of coffee.
Adjustment
Pick a grinder that allows you to choose the right size of coffee grounds. Your grinder should also be able to maintain the right setting, so you can always have your coffee whenever you like. Some of the best hand grinders can be fine-tuned for better extraction.
Size
Bigger hand grinders are able to grind more coffee beans in one go. These will work for you if you’re planning to grind a lot of coffee beans for several people. However, smaller coffee grinders will be more suitable for travelers and people on the go because you can easily pack your manual grinder when you’re away from home.
FAQs
- Are Hand Grinders Suitable for Espresso?
A hand grinder will work for grinding your coffee beans for espresso if you can adjust it to fine. This is the best size for espresso extraction as it delivers the best taste and aroma. You might need to grind your coffee a little bit more, but you can still achieve the right consistency.
Wrap Up
Although there are lots of good hand grinders for espresso on the market, we chose the 1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Coffee Grinder as our top choice because it’s well made and easy to use. This is a great stainless steel grinder that allows you to pick between 40 different ground sizes to help you brew coffee just the way you like it.
If you’re looking for an affordable model, we recommend that you take a look at the Anzid Manual Coffee Grinder. It features ceramic burrs that won’t generate heat, so you’ll always enjoy fresh and tasty coffee.