Will you stop at nothing when it comes to creating a perfect cup of coffee?
Most coffee experts would probably agree that one of the most important factors, is the consistency of your grind.
Which means that it is all about your grinder.
And if the process of making a coffee is like a cherished ritual then you should consider buying a hand crank coffee grinder.
Features To Look Out For
#1. Capacity
How much coffee do you want to grind?
It depends whether you’re brewing a single espresso or a batch for the whole office.
You don’t want to under grind and have to do another load. You don’t want to over grind and waste freshly-ground coffee.
#1a. Design
If you want to take your coffee grinder on business trips, you’re better off getting something small.
If you’re looking to add style to your kitchen, then you could go for something bigger.
Good leverage is crucial. You want something you can grip.
#2. Material
You can buy a grinder made of anything you want.
But, try to choose ceramic or stainless steel.
Both materials are easy to clean and look great.
Stainless steel is much better for travel grinders. Both materials last forever too.
If you buy a plastic one, you’ll regret it.
#3. Function
You want something to craft your beans into the perfect grind.
You want a grinder with precision.
You want to produce the same grind, consistently.
Look for something with a solid mechanism.
#4. Warranty
What happens if your grinder breaks?
You don’t want the mechanism jamming.
Buy something with a lifetime warranty if possible.
If not available, a long-term warranty is great too.
Never buy a grinder with no warranty: it suggests they don’t trust their own product.
#5. ceramic/ steel burrs
Ceramic burrs don’t heat up as much as steel.
Most coffee aficionados believe the heat changes the flavour.
It burns away the emulsifying oils.
Ceramic burrs create a more complex traditional flavour profile.
Steel burrs create a more uniform grind, giving a cleaner and smoother taste.
#6. Length of handle
This is crucial for leverage.
The longer the handle, the easier it is to turn.
It’s best to try before you buy if possible.
Bad grinders often feel more like gym equipment.
#6a: Side mounted handles are easier to use than top mounted handles.
If the handle is on the top, it’s awkward to use.
If it’s on the side, gravity helps you turn it.
Side-mounted handles just feel more natural.
#7. Grind adjustment
Do you like using a variety of different brew methods?
Espresso, French press and Moka pot?
Then, you want to be able to adjust the settings for a finer or coarser grind.
Poor quality grinders don’t give you any choice and are inconsistent.
Advantages of Hand Grinders
#1. Cheap
Hands down, the price is the biggest advantage hand grinders have over electric.
The motor costs most of the money.
Hand grinders are much cheaper and don’t hit your electricity bill.
Better for the environment too.
#2. Durable
Electric grinders break all the time.
Most hand grinders are extremely durable.
Aim for something made from quality plastic or steel.
They chew through coffee beans for years if you take care of them.
#3. Travel friendly
If you want a freshly-ground cup of coffee wherever you go, then a hand grinder is indispensable.
Most designs are portable and fit into backpacks and suitcases.
#4. Don’t heat or burn beans
Electric grinders tend to create heat while grinding.
It burns off the coffee oils and the aromas.
If you want each coffee to be a work of art, manual grinders win, hands down.
#5. Help make delicious coffee
Even the cheaper and lower quality hand grinders improve the quality of your coffee.
Nothing beats freshly ground coffee on the go.
Hand grinders do it the best.
#6. Smaller than electric ones
If you’ve not got much space in your kitchen, a hand grinder is ideal.
Not only do they come small enough to fit in the drawer, some can mount on your walls.
They fit into a small kitchen without wasting space.
#7. Quieter
Electric grinders can wake up the neighbors.
Even if someone is sleeping in the next room, you should be able to use a hand grinder without waking them.
#8. No electricity
A hand grinder doesn’t require power.
It’s not a big deal if you make coffee in your kitchen.
But, if you like to take your artisan coffee on the road, the hand grinder is perfect.
It’s great for those who like camping or hiking.
There’s nothing like a fresh cup of java in the wilderness.
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Ideal Buyer – a coffee connoisseur with a love of the big outdoors
Details
Features
Would you like fresh coffee on a mountain?
Want something tough yet portable?
The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder should do the trick.
It has an adjustable ceramic burr with over 15 settings.
It takes just a few minutes to grind.
It’s incredibly quiet, so shouldn’t disturb the people in the tent next door.
The hand crank is removable for easy transport.
The whole thing is small, sleek and fits in a handbag.
Whether backpacking in the Andes or hiking around the Great Lakes, this is the perfect solution.
Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill “Skerton”
Ideal Buyer – the coffee addict who wants something tougher
Details
Features
Do you want a grinder that’s built to last?
Do you want something strong and easy to use?
Then the Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill “Skerton” might be just what you need.
It’s reliable, well-made and easy to clean.
It’s got a high-quality ceramic burr that grinds the beans.
Its non-slip rubber base stops you slipping on the kitchen counter.
You can remove the crank handle to take it on holiday.
It fits onto a regular mason jar too.
The size of the grinds can sometimes be inconsistent.
But, overall, it’s a quality product.
Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder
Ideal Buyer – the home barista with an eye for the professional
Details
Features
Want a bit of precision?
Want to feel like you’re a professional?
Want to make coffee at home that’s better than at the café?
Give the Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder a go.
With its 40mm ceramic burr, it has an consistent grind.
It’s fully-adjustable too.
It boasts 15 grind settings, so you can make anything from espresso to cold brew.
The gear mechanism sometimes slips when you crank, so it changes the grind.
But the burr doesn’t stick, and the side-mounted crank saves a lot of sweat!
Gourmia GCG9310 Manual Coffee Grinder
Ideal Buyer – the entertainer who loves sharing coffees in the kitchen
Details
Features
Do you want something with style?
Do you want to show off your grinder to friends and family? Do you want something that grinds with panache?
Give the Gourmia GCG9310 Manual Coffee Grinder a whirl.
It’s got a stunning traditional design.
It has a cast iron hopper on the top, a beautifully-stained pine body with a stylish draw that catches the grinds.
At its core is a power ceramic burr.
It’s got tons of settings for different grinds.
It’s a pleasure to use and a pleasure to look at.
It works perfectly for a traditional homely kitchen.
Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill “Mini-Slim”
Ideal Buyer – a coffee lover with a small kitchen
Details
Features
Want something a bit smaller?
Lack storage space in your kitchen?
Want the best ground coffee but don’t have the room to spare?
The Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill “Mini-Slim” might be for you.
It’s small. It’s only 7 inches tall and 2 inches wide.
It’ll fit in any cramped kitchen or travel bag.
Despite its size, it still has enough room in it for two coffees.
It’s also got a quality ceramic burr and grinds.
The only thing that would make it better would be a few more options.
If you have little space, this is the ideal grinder for you.
Kona Manual Coffee Grinder
Ideal Buyer – the coffee lover who wants quality on a low budget
Details
Features
Want something with tons of options?
Want something powerful?
Want something easier on the hands? Give the Kona Manual Coffee grinder a try.
It’s a tough bit of kit.
It grinds all the way from ultra-fine to extra coarse, using a crank handle with excellent torque.
It lasts for ages and doesn’t wear out.
The ceramic cone burrs are made from industrial-grade ceramic.
They don’t come tougher. The glass bowl at the bottom is lovely, and so much more pleasant to use than plastic.
It’s affordable too. A quality product for a fair price.
Soulhand Portable Coffee Grinder Set
Ideal Buyer – the on-the-go professional who likes clever kit
Details
Features
Want to grind, brew and drink coffee with the same bit of kit?
Do you want something you can take with your wherever you go?
Try the Portable Coffee Grinder Set.
It even comes with a practical carry case.
It’s an all-in-one coffee maker.
It sports a drip coffee maker, a place to store your beans, a reusable filter dripper, and even a mug.
Its adjustable settings help you get the perfect grind.
It’s ideal if you’re on a rushed business trip.
It’s amazing when hiking far from civilisation.
One of the best travel coffee grinders out there.
EZE Hand Burr Coffee Grinder
Ideal Buyer – the newbie coffee nut on a tight budget
Details
Features
New to grinding your own coffee?
Want to try out a coffee grinder but don’t want to break the bank?
The EZE Hand Burr Coffee Grinder might be the pick for you.
It’s portable and looks great.
It has a heavy-duty hand crank and grinds easily.
Its professional grade ceramic burr produces a consistent grind.
The grinder does the job and feels solid.
It can be hard to clean the grinder when it gets clogged up.
But, it’s easy to travel with and is designed to work with the AeroPress.
It’s a great price too, so give a go.
Manual Coffee Grinder Travel Companion for Home & Camping
Ideal Buyer – the coffee expert with an eye for precision
Details
Features
Do you want something precise?
Do you want to adjust your grind to precision?
Then the Manual Coffee Grinder Travel Companion might be the grinder for you.
It’s infinitely adjustable.
You can change it to suit your needs and needs of your ideal coffee maker.
The grinder is one of the quietest around too.
What’s more, it’s easy to take apart and clean.
And, it holds enough to make a pot.
It comes with a 1-year warranty, a carry bag and scoop.
It’s a quality product that grinds a surprising amount for its size.
Give a shot!
Shanik Stainless Steel Manual Coffee Grinder
Ideal Buyer – the travelling barista who wants quality
Details
Features
Want your grinder to both look good and work like a charm?
Want something exquisitely-designed?
Give the Premium Quality Stainless Steel Manual Coffee Grinder a try.
It comes with a measuring cup in the base, so you don’t need a scoop.
If you’re prone to losing things, you’ll like that the handle folds away without coming off.
It uses an awesome silicon grip with excellent leverage.
It’s compact and comes with a bean storage container.
It’s super easy to clean.
The whole thing is well-built and makes an excellent blend of coffee.
It comes with a stylish travel pouch you can hang from your belt when on the move.
One of the coolest grinders on the market.
