10 Best Manual Coffee Grinders in 2022 (1Zpresso, Hario, and More)

Theoretically, hand-ground coffee should taste better, as the high-speed friction of electric machines might heat the beans during the grinding process. However, in practice, it's unlikely that anyone can tell the difference in taste since the grinding time only takes a few minutes. 

Many choose hand grinders because they are relatively inexpensive, portable, and ideal for making small amounts of ground coffee. Coffee beans shouldn't be ground too far in advance as they start losing flavor and aroma when exposed to air. Also, some find the act of grinding meditative.

We selected the 10 best manual coffee grinders based on the following criteria:

• The type of burr material
• The grind size settings
• How easy it is to clean
• How much coffee it makes
• Extra features for better functionality

Keeping these points in mind will help you find the best grinder for your coffee. To learn more about each consideration, read our buying guide!

We selected 10 manual coffee grinders based on the points in our buying guide, and we confirmed their performance and ease of use by reading customer reviews.

There are several points you need to consider to pick the best manual coffee grinder for you. Grinding manually takes more time and effort, so it's extra important to focus on functionality. 

Manual grinders use a set of burrs that trap and crush the beans, producing a more consistent grind size than blade-based electric grinders. Burr sizes range from 40 to 60 millimeters in diameter. Larger sizes may perform a little better, but the difference isn't significant. What matters more is the material. There are two common burr materials: steel and ceramic.

Steel burrs are durable and more affordable. However, they may lose their sharpness over time. If you prefer steel, choose stainless steel or titanium-coated steel. These types of steel are less likely to rust and will hold up better over time. Lower-grade metal may impart a metallic taste to your coffee, but this isn't common.

Ceramic burrs are generally preferred since they stay sharp and last longer. They are less durable, but this is only an issue if a hard stone is hiding in your grounds! However, both stainless steel and ceramic burrs can last for years.

Different brewing methods require different grind sizes, so we recommend manual grinders that allow you to change the grind size. Adjustable grinders come in several styles, and the type of burr also determines how precisely it can be adjusted.

There are two types of setting styles: stepped and stepless. Stepped models have a fixed number of settings, while stepless options allow you to adjust the burrs to any size. If you want the most control, get a stepless option.

There are also two styles of burrs: flat and conical. However, manual options almost always use conical burrs. The cone shape feeds the beans into the burrs' teeth as you grind. Conical burrs can be adjusted by degree and last a long time.

A manual grinder is best for methods that require medium to coarse grinds, like a French press. If you need to get a fine grind for espresso, consider an option that can be adjusted to a very small grind size. For the best results, consider a model specifically made for espresso. 

If you're using other methods, like pour-over or cold brew, any adjustable model should suffice. However, we still recommend carefully looking at the product information and reviews to confirm that it produces consistent grounds. For example, reviewers will confirm if the "fine" setting produces grounds small enough for espresso.

You might see information about the microns per click. This tells you the difference in microns, a very small unit of measurement, per click. A smaller number means more precise adjustments. 

Typically, manual coffee grinders deposit the grounds into an attached compartment made of glass, metal, wood, or plastic. We recommend clear glass canisters. Glass allows you to see the size and quantity of your grounds, and it's also a durable, easy-to-clean material.

If you want the best durability and portability, we suggest a metal option. You won't be able to see the grounds, but you won't have to worry about glass breaking. Wooden options look classic, but they are the most difficult to keep clean. Plastic is less common, and most prefer to avoid it since glass and metal tend to hold up better to wear and tear.

You can find grinders without a compartment to catch the grounds. However, these can be messier to use, especially if there's no way to attach them to a jar or cup. In general, we recommend options that come with a canister. Completely removable canisters will be easier to pour and clean, unlike models with drawers.

Typically, manual models make enough grounds for a few cups of coffee. Most sources recommend seven to 10 grams of coffee per six-ounce cup. So, a grinder with a 20-gram capacity would make about two cups. Of course, you can adjust this ratio to get the strength and amount you prefer.

Manual grinders come in two styles: handheld or countertop. Countertop models usually have larger capacities, while handheld options only grind enough coffee for one or two cups. However, handheld models are ideal if you want a grinder that's portable and easier to store. They also tend to be compact, making them ideal for travel.

You should also think about what you will find more comfortable: holding a grinder or using it on the counter. Even if you drink a lot of coffee, some people find handheld models easier to use. For others, countertop models feel more stable.

A coffee grinder has to be cleaned at least once a week. It is especially important to clean out your grinder when switching roasts. A manual grinder is relatively easier to clean than an electric grinder, as it has fewer moving parts. 

You will have to take your grinder apart to clean it, but you should be able to easily put it back together. However, if the grinder you select is a little more complicated, keep its instruction manual close. 

Storing the grinder is also a consideration. Some can be quite bulky, especially if they have large handles and canisters. Consider compact handheld options or models that can be partially disassembled, like removing the handle. However, make sure to keep track of all of the parts! If you want to keep it on your counter, aesthetics may be a consideration.

Coffee is best when ground just before drinking, and the process of weighing your beans, filling the grinder, and grinding will take some time. For this reason, we suggest focusing on functionality over aesthetics. To confirm that it's easy to use, it's best to check customer reviews.

Look for features that make it easier to grip, operate, and clean. Non-slip bottoms, hand grips, or handles will make it easier for you to hold the grinder for long periods of time. Larger handle knobs are generally easier to grasp.

Some models come with extras like canister caps for storing grounds, measuring spoons, and carrying cases. These tools are especially useful if you take your grinder with you while camping or traveling! It's also helpful to choose a model that comes with a cleaning brush. 

After disassembling your grinder, remove loose grounds with a soft brush. You can also use cotton swabs or toothpicks to get into tiny nooks and crannies. You can clean pieces with soapy water, but you must dry them completely before reassembling the grinder. 

For an easy way to clean the burrs between deep cleanings, consider purchasing burr-cleaning pellets. You run these through the grinder to remove leftover grounds and oils. Some websites suggest using rice to do this, but we don't recommend this! Rice is harder than cleaning pellets and may damage your grinder.

Some models have dishwasher-safe parts, but this is generally only advisable for the canister, handle, or other large parts. Smaller parts may bounce around and get damaged in the dishwasher, and steel burrs may rust.

To keep your grinder in the best shape, handwashing is recommended. Plus, built-up oils in nooks and crannies may require hand-scrubbing to remove.

The method of brewing is important to determine the appropriate grind size. Take a look at some of our favorite coffee makers below for some ideas! 

There are many styles of manual coffee grinders available. If you want to explore more options, take a look at Amazon's best sellers below!

Author: Amena Rahman

Updated by: Sara Chittenden, 12/22/2021

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more mybest recommendations! For questions or comments, leave us feedback via a Google Form on our Contact Us page.