We Found the Best Manual Coffee Grinders for Consistent Coffee at Home

How We Tested Manual Coffee Grinders

We have tested manual coffee grinders in our official testing lab as well as in our own at-home kitchens. In our lab we tested the grind size against a control group using 15 grams of coffee beans and sifting them after grinding. We then had our testers pay close attention to smell, color, noise, and, finally, the taste of the ground coffee after brewing it and blind taste testing it. We also had them clean the coffee grinders and describe any strengths/weaknesses the machines have.

Other Options We Tested

• VSSL Java Coffee Grinder: The VSSL Coffee Grinder offers several advantages like a compact design, high-quality materials, and 50 grind settings. However, during testing, we were disappointed by a couple of key details. The handle is short, which makes it arduous to grind coffee beans. It's also difficult to tell how fine or coarse the grind setting is, so trial and error is often required to find the proper size. Due to the item's hefty price tag, we think there are better models that offer more value for money.
• KitchenAid Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder Combo Pack: Unfortunately, this grinder's performance was inadequate in a number of ways, preventing us from recommending it. The grinding process itself was messy during our testing process, and the resulting coffee grounds were often uneven. This was confirmed by a test taste in which the coffee ended up flat and lacking in flavor.

What to Look for in a Manual Coffee Grinder

Blade vs. Burr 

One of the first things to figure out when looking for a coffee grinder is whether you want one with blades or burrs. We give an in-depth breakdown of the two below, but the difference, in short, is that blade grinders are less consistent and more affordable, while burr grinders are more consistent but also more expensive. To decide between blades and burrs, consider your budget and how often you plan on using a grinder. Also, note that most manual grinders use burrs instead of blades, but both options are available.

"We recommend that you get a burr grinder [instead of a blade grinder]," says Allie Caran, a Product Manager at BaristaValet. "A burr grinder will grind your coffee evenly and consistently and make all your little coffee particles the same size. A lot of people buy a blade grinder because they're super cheap. The problem is that it gives you all different size grinds."

Capacity

Manual coffee grinders generally have smaller capacities than their electric counterparts, but there is still a wide range of sizes to choose from. Would you rather have a device that can grind and store enough coffee for an entire week? Or could you get by with a smaller grinder that you use every single day? This decision can also affect how large your grinder is and, as a result, how much space it takes up in your kitchen.

Grind Sizes

Since different brewing devices require coffee grounds of all different sizes, the vast majority of grinders can be adjusted from a fine to coarse grind. The question then becomes: How many options do you need? If you use the same brewing device every day and have a system already worked out, you may not need a grinder with a wide range of sizes. If you have multiple brewing devices at home or simply like experimenting with coffee, look for a grinder with multiple grind size options.

Ease of Cleaning

It’s not always easy to tell how rigorous a specific coffee grinder is to clean until you have it in front of you, so here are a few details to keep in mind. Are any parts dishwasher safe? Does the hopper have a large opening that’s easy to fit a brush inside? Does the grinder appear easy to assemble and disassemble? Coffee grinders don’t need to be cleaned after every use (though it couldn’t hurt), but this is still an important consideration nonetheless.

Useful Accessories for a Manual Coffee Grinder

Coffee Canister

Whether it's whole bean or freshly ground, coffee lasts longer when stored in an opaque, airtight container. Most standard kitchen canisters get the job done, but for the best results, we recommend a canister specifically designed for coffee, like the Fellow Atmos. It costs more than an average kitchen canister, but users can expel any oxygen inside the canister by twisting the lid. You'll have fresh beans for weeks, ready to grind whenever.

Coffee Scale

A coffee scale, or standard kitchen scale, is a cheap pick-up that makes a massive difference. The most accurate way to measure coffee, whether it's for espresso, drip coffee, or pour over, isn't by scoops but by weight. This Coffee Gator Coffee Scale is an excellent all-around option. It's fast, accurate, and has a protective rubber mat so you can even place a brewing device on top of it.

FAQs

What is the difference between a blade grinder and a burr grinder? 

There are a couple of different ways to categorize coffee grinders. One is whether it’s manual or electric. Another depends on the type of grinding mechanism it uses, and there are two main options: blades and burrs. 

What is the difference between the two? Well, blade grinders rely on a spinning metal blade to chop up coffee beans, similar to a blender. They are less consistent than burr grinders and, consequently, much cheaper. Blades also create a lot of heat when in use, which can alter the flavor of your coffee beans. 

Burr grinders are a higher-quality option but are generally much more expensive. There are two kinds of burr grinders—wheel and conical—both essentially crush coffee beans to your desired grind size instead of chopping them. Conical burrs are considered superior because they are slightly smoother, slower, and quieter than wheel burrs. There are great options out there for both blade and burr grinders, but try going with the latter if your budget permits.

What grind size should I use?

To learn what grind sizes suit different brewing methods, we talked to Allie Caran, the Product Manager at BaristaValet. If you plan on making espresso, Turkish coffee, or coffee from a Moka pot, try using finely ground coffee. Those brewing with a drip coffee maker, pour over, or AeroPress should use a medium grind. Chemex owners should lean toward a medium-coarse grind. Finally, French presses, percolators, and cold brew coffee makers work best with coarse-ground beans.

How long does it take to manually grind coffee beans?

The exact time varies based on the number of beans you are grinding, how finely you are grinding them, and of course, how quickly you crank. Anticipate grinding for at least a minute or two for small batches and even longer when you want large batches or finely ground beans. Some manual grinders may even take around ten minutes at a steady pace. Manual grinders are, expectedly, much slower than electric grinders, so factor in how many minutes you want to spend grinding each morning. 

How do I clean a manual coffee grinder?

Coffee grinders are made to get messy. Between the leftover oils and chaff from coffee beans, you should clean your manual grinder at least once a month. What’s the best way to keep it looking and functioning like new? Here are the steps:

• Start by disassembling the grinder, including the burrs. 
• Tap any loose coffee grounds out into the sink, the trash, or over a towel.
• Scrub each part with a dry toothbrush or bottle brush.
• Rinse or soak the conical burrs with warm water, and then scrub with a toothbrush or bottle brush. You can use dish soap if needed to remove coffee stains.
• Make sure all pieces are completely dry and reassemble the grinder.
  

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Cheyenne Elwell uses manual coffee grinders, some of which are on this list, as she regularly brews specialty coffee at home. She also owns a coffee blog in which she writes about coffee brewing tips, coffee hacks, and new coffee products, making her an expert in this category.

This piece was updated by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He uses the Hario Skerton Plus at home to grind coffee beans and considers it an excellent value-for-money option.

Sources

Allie Caran is the Product Manager at BaristaValet—a delivery service that brings fresh coffee right to your doorstep every day. She previously worked as the director of education at Partners Coffee. Allie has been in the coffee industry for more than 15 years.