Tips for Buying and Using A Manual Coffee Grinder But for some, a sore arms may be far preferable to a din of an electric model. NoiseĪ manual grinder is generally much quieter and more compact an electric versions, though it’ll require some real elbow grease. However, if you’re not concerned with traveling with your coffee grinder, feel free to opt for a larger style that can grind larger quantities if that makes sense for you. Less is obviously more when it comes to portability. (A dirty machine doesn’t do its job as well.) Portability & Weight Maintenance & Cleaningįrequent and thorough cleaning of your manual coffee grinder will not only extend its lifespan, but also impact the quality of your coffee, too. Grind Settingsīecause different coffee making methods require different grind levels-medium for drip pots, coarse for French press, et cetera-it’s best to pick a grinder with adjustable settings. Stainless steel burrs are a better bet if you’ll be taking your grinder on the go (say, for a camping adventure or road trip), as they’re easier to clean and more durable. Ceramic or stainless steel burr grinders are pricier but yield superior results. Quality Blade grinders are essentially small blenders they are inexpensive, but they grind irregularly and the heat they generate (friction!) destroys the beans’ aromas and nuance. But if you’re caffeinating a couple people at once or want a refill at the ready, pick something that’ll hold 100 grams of beans. Sipping solo? A 20-gram capacity grinder, the sort of size you’d also be looking for in a travel-friendly model, should do the trick.
Size & CapacityĬonsider how many cups of joe you tend to brew at a time when choosing a manual coffee grinder. The number one tip? Steer clear of blade grinders that function just like little blenders-the blade mechanism makes for an irregular grind and creates friction and heats the beans, which can adversely affect their flavor. Once you start grinding your own beans, it is hard to go back to the packaged, powdery stuff. What to Consider When Buying the Best Manual Coffee Grinder
For hot brewing methods, bring water up to a full boil then wait a few seconds before pouring for the best extraction of flavor, aim to get the water between 195 and 205° F. And don’t forget that good water is essential for good coffee: start with cold, filtered tap or bottled water. So how do you choose the right manual coffee grinder? There is no one-size-fits-all answer-with high quality beans and the right technique, you can brew a great cup of coffee using any of these standout manual grinders.
WEARABLE PICK or BEST DESIGN: VSSL Java Handheld Coffee Grinder, $145 How to Select The Best Manual Coffee Grinder For Your Needs? BEST PORTABLE LARGE CAPACITY GRINDER: Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder, $55ġ0. RUNNER UP, TRAVEL GRINDER: 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder, $99ĩ.
TOP TRAVEL GRINDER, UPGRADE PICK: OE Fixie Travel Grinder, $200Ĩ. TOP TRAVEL GRINDER: Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder, $78ħ. INVESTMENT BUY: Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder, $94Ħ.
ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT GRINDER: Hario Mini Mill, $34ĥ. UPGRADE PICK: Peugeot Bresil 8.75″ Coffee Mill, Walnut, $109Ĥ. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Hario Skerton Ceramic Plus Coffee Mill, $38ģ. BEST OVERALL: Snow Peak Barista Field Grinder, $136Ģ.
Read on for our top picks, as well as everything else you need to know about selecting the best manual coffee grinder for your needs.ġ. Sure, you may work up a sweat grinding by hand, but the subsequent mug of coffee makes it all worth it. Plus, a manual grinder is typically a lot cheaper than its electric equivalent. Affordable electric options rarely heat water sufficiently to get the most out of your beans, and sometimes you just don’t want another appliance cluttering up your countertops when there are so many great manual choices. Coffee, there are a lot of reasons you might find yourself drawn to the myriad unplugged grinding and brewing options out there. While you can’t argue with the reliability of a good old Mr.