3 Best Manual Coffee Grinders for French Press and AeroPress (Updated for 2022)
Coffee is a beverage that is loved by many people all over the world.
Many of us find our morning brew such as essential part of our day that we struggle to get through the day without it.
While others still use a warm cup of coffee as an invitation to gather with friends and catch up what you've missed.
While coffee is a ubiquitous part of daily life, many people forget that proper coffee grinding is an essential part of the coffee brewing process.
Coffee starts out in its wonderful natural form in beans. Yet in order to turn the beans into the brew in your cup coffee goes through a process of processing, transportation, roasting, and grinding.
Each of these activities can impact on what ends up in your mug. Often times the toughest process is grinding the coffee to achieve the same quality of the original beans.
Best Hand Coffee Grinders of the Year | 3 Top Picks of 2022
(Staff Pick) Orphan Espresso Lido OG Manual Coffee Grinder
GRINDS EXCEPTIONAL FOR: French Press, Aerorpess & Espresso GREAT FOR: TRAVEL, HOME
Hario Plus Skerton Ceramic Coffee Grinder
GRINDS BEST FOR: French Press, Aerorpess & Espresso GREAT FOR: HOME and might be TRAVEL (if you don't mind glass jar)
Porlex Mini Manual Burr Hand Coffee Grinder
GRINDS BEST FOR: Aerorpess, Single Serve & Espresso GREAT FOR: TRAVEL and might be HOME
Hand Coffee Grinder Comparison Chart
Manual Coffee Grinder |
Capacity per load (coffee beans) |
Travel | Burrs |
Orphan Espresso Lido OG | 100 g. | YES | 48mm Swiss-made conical steel burrs |
Hario Skerton Plus | 100 g. | MIGHT BE | ceramic burrs |
Porlex Mini II | 24 g. | YES | ceramic burrs |
Burr Coffee Grinder produces consistently uniform coffee grounds. Why is this important?
As coffee beans are made up of soluble solids, they have to be extracted into the coffee brew.
The right balance needs to be achieved with the right amount of soluble solids extracted from the coffee beans.
The amount of soluble solids extracted from the coffee bean into the brew must be the correct amount or percentage. The ideal brew strength for a cup of coffee is around 98.5 percent water to the 1.15 to 1.35 percent of brewed solids.
Proper extraction, aided by correct grinding provides the ideal area for coffee surface areas.
Grind size has an impact on surface area in breaking coffee beans down into particles.
The amount of particles changes for different types of brews. For example, French Press coffee requires fewer particles (between 100 and 300) while an espresso brew requires more (around 3,500 particles).
Uniform coffee grind size also contributes to the ideal brew. Coffee that isn't ground uniformly can result in either over or under extraction which causes coffee to taste bitter or off.
Particle size can also impact on brew time, with extraction time causing the brew to taste differently. The time that hot water is exposed to a coffee particle must be in relation to its exposed surface area.
So when the particle size, uniformity of grind, and brewing time all match up correctly, you have a better tasting cup of coffee.
Best manual coffee grinder for French Press
Thus, getting your coffee right with the right kind of grinder is essential. If you're unfamiliar with hand coffee grinders, we've outlined this year's 3 best burr coffee grinders so you can make an educated decision.
#1 - Orphan Espresso Lido OG Manual Coffee Grinder
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- EXEPTIONALY CONSISTENT GRIND (from FRENCH PRESS to ESPRESSO)
- PORTABLE DESIGN FOR TRAVEL
- EASY TO GRIP HAND GRINDING ACTION
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION, MADE TO LAST
- LARGE CAPACITY HOPPER
Lido OG Video Review
The Orphan Espresso Lido OG Manual Coffee Grinder is a big step up from the manufacturer's other Lido models, which are often hailed as some of the best hand grinders ever made.
- The Lido OG weighs just one kilogram, so it's easy to take it along with you wherever you want to go. Its lighter construction and ergonomic handle also incorporate an improved funnel top which is beneficial for loading beans.
- Perhaps most importantly, the Orphan Espresso Lido OG offers a more consistent grind and takes less time to produce the right amount of grind. Its 48mm Swiss-made steel burrs have a more aggressive cut than other burr coffee grinders, so you can grind your coffee without losing too much of its quality.
- The Lido OG's grind adjustment allows you to set specific grinds while a grinding axle stabilizes the device to reduce burr wobble. The manual grinder is adept at everything from Turkish coffee to French Press grinds and anything between.
PROS:
- Ability to choose a setting for each brew method
- High quality materials
- Large hopper and receptacle
- Very Easy to grind
CONS:
- Heavier than other hand coffee grinders
- More expensive than some of the other options on this list
What's in the box:
- LIDO OG hand coffee grinder
- Cleaning brush (Natural bristle)
- Owners manual
#2 - Hario Skerton Plus Ceramic Coffee Grinder
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- GOOD GRIND (from FRENCH PRESS to ESPRESSO)
- PRACTICAL DESIGN
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS
- LARGE CAPACITY HOPPER (up to 100 g.)
- 2-1 GRIND/STORE OPTION
The Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Grinder is a sturdy option made with reinforced, durable ceramic blades that produce a consistent coffee grind.
- The grinder is designed by the Japan-based Hario company and it offers a convenient way to enjoy freshly ground coffee.
- With the device you can choose from several different types of grind, whether you need a super fine, medium, or coarse grind. It features an airtight lid that will keep your coffee grounds fresh and aromatic. The device's ceramic burrs don't generate as much heat so it doesn't damage the essential coffee oils of the beans. What you'll get in cup after cup of freshly ground, richly flavored coffee every single time.
- The coffee mill is also small and lightweight enough that you can take it with you while traveling.
PROS:
- Ability to choose a setting for most brew methods
- High quality materials
- Easy to clean
- Storage lid with Cover
CONS:
- Grind adjustment is difficult
- Less efficient for small grinds
What's in the box:
- Hario Skerton Plus coffee grinder
- Stainless Steel Handle
- Heat proof Glass Bowl (holds up to 100 g.)
#3 - Porlex Mini Manual Burr Hand Coffee Grinder
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- CONSISTENT GRIND (sprig-loaded ceramic burrs)
- PORTABLE DESIGN (take it anywhere)
- SMALLEST OF ALL HAND GRINDERS
- EFFICIENT, EASY TO FIT IN TRAVEL BAG
- VERY DURABLE MATERIALS
Porlex Mini vs Tall Comparison
The Porlex Mini Manual Burr Hand Coffee Grinder (best hand grinder for aeropress)
- The device utilizes sturdy ceramic burrs which produce less static than plastic burrs and maintain their sharpness for longer. The ceramic burrs also won't rust throughout frequent washing and are easier to clean. The burrs can handle any type of coffee bean, whether you desire Turkish coffee or French press.
- The mini device features a more handheld design with a rubber grip that makes grinding a breeze. You can also attach the handle to the side of the grinder housing while it is detached, meaning that the grinder can fit nicely into an Aeropress with the band removed. The device's steel handle has a stable connection to the grinder that allows it to be used with one hand while being cranked with the other.
PROS:
- Great for Travel
- High quality materials
- Very Durable
CONS:
- Too small for French Press
- Expensive for a small hand grinder
What's in the box:
- Porlex Mini Manual Coffee Grinder
- Silicone Ring (handle holder)
- Stainless Steel Handle
- Manual
View all Coffee Grinders