7 Best Hand Coffee Grinders for Espresso 2023 (Reviews & Buying Guide)

Are you looking for the perfect cup of espresso? It all starts with grinding beans the right way, and a good hand coffee grinder for espresso is key. Discover the best option for espresso brewing to create cafe-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. 

What are Hand Coffee Grinders?

Before the invention of electric coffee grinders, manual grinders were a staple in every kitchen. 

The process of grinding coffee beans by hand can be a meditative and enjoyable task and can produce amazingly high-quality grinds for espresso.

Hand coffee grinders require more time and effort to use, but also give you greater control over the coarseness or fineness of the grounds. Hand grinders are perfect for traveling, outdoor activities, and if you don’t want to rely on electricity or find yourself in an emergency situation where access to power is limited. 

They are also much quieter than electric grinders and allow you to grind on demand which preserves the flavor and aroma of your beans.

There are many different types of hand coffee grinder available today, ranging from traditional wooden models with ceramic burrs to modern stainless steel versions with ceramic or steel burrs. 

So let’s look at some key features that define a great manual grinder and how they all compare to Espresso grinding!

Benefits of Using a Hand Coffee Grinder

Using a hand coffee grinder has several distinct advantages when it comes to crafting delicious espresso. First, manual grinders allow you to grind your beans to the exact consistency you desire, which can enhance flavor and provide the perfect texture for an aromatic espresso. 

Furthermore, using a manual grinder gives you control over the speed and duration at which your beans are ground; this flexibility is designed to help ensure optimal extraction of flavors.

Lastly, adjusting blades or burrs on a hand grinder allows baristas to tailor their grinds according to personal preferences and varieties of beans.

When using a hand coffee grinder for espresso, it’s important that the consistency and texture of the grind be uniform so that each shot will pull evenly. 

Most manual grinders come with features such as adjustable burrs or blades that allow users to adjust the fineness or coarseness of their grounds to produce consistent results each time. 

Moreover, these features can also be set differently depending on how fine or coarse different types of espresso require–which makes them especially useful for those who want to be able to craft different varieties for customers with varied preferences.

Best Hand Coffee Grinders for Espresso 2023

Here we’ll look at the best hand coffee grinder for espresso available on the market today and help you choose the right one for you. 

We review 6 of the best manual coffee grinders in 2023. 

1. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder (Best Overall Portable Manual Grinder)

Looking for a manual coffee grinder that will let you enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee anywhere you go? The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is perfect for camping, hiking, or backpacking trips. 

It’s also a great choice for your home kitchen if you want to avoid the noise of an electric grinder. This manual grinder has a professional-grade ceramic conical burr that provides a consistent grind for various brews. 

It’s also been tested to last 5 times longer than comparable stainless steel coffee burrs. The JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder comes with a manufacturer warranty giving you peace of mind in case anything happens with it, which is quite unlikely. 

The JavaPresse manual grinder is one of the best hand coffee grinders we have tested so far. It features a conical burr grinding mechanism and an adjustable grind selector to ensure uniform and consistent grounds every time. 

The sleek stainless steel design is easy to maneuver and handle. Buying this grinder gives you a cleaning brush and a travel bag for easy portability.

2. Hario Skerton Ceramic Coffee Mill (Best Ceramic Hand Burr Manual Grinder)

This grinder is designed with ceramic burrs that help to reduce heat during grinding and preserve your coffee’s flavor. Its compact design makes it easy to store and transport, and its adjustable settings allow you to choose the perfect grind for your favorite brew.

Japanese-designed and made with quality materials, the Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill is a must-have for any coffee lover.

3. TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 Manual Coffee Grinder (Best Hand Burr Coffee Grinder for beginners)

The TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 Manual Coffee Grinder is excellent for grinding efficiency and espresso quality. 

It uses the same but mini version S2C burr as the top TIMEMORE X hand grinder, which saves time and produces good powder quality. 

The elegant black obsidian color all-metal shell with 3D lattice pattern is non-slip and easy to hold. 

The sturdy and consistent dual bearings fixed structure and the SUS420 S2C conical burr result in smooth and effortless grinding.

4. VEVOK CHEF Manual Coffee Grinder

If you’re looking for a durable and precise coffee grinder that will make your mornings much better, look no further than the VEVOK CHEF Manual Coffee Grinder.

This grinder is made of heavy-duty stainless steel burrs that are sharp and blunt, making grinding coffee beans a breeze.

The six adjustable settings let you customize your grind to perfection, whether you’re using an espresso machine, Moka pot, pour over, or French press. We also love the portable design and quiet operation make it perfect for taking on the go.

5. Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 (Best Value Grinder)

The Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 is a high-quality hand coffee grinder designed for everyday use. It features a unibody design cut from a single aluminium alloy block, with a widened chamber access for easier bean loading. 

The 38mm contemporary burrs are made of stainless steel and are designed to perform excellently at all grind settings, particularly effective at fine settings like espresso and Turkish coffee. The stainless steel rolling bearings provide smooth and stable grinding for extra consistency, while the fixed thumb silicone band prevents the grinder from rotating while in use. 

The stepped adjustment allows for 24 clicks per rotation with a fine 0.5 mm thread pitch, able to set grind settings ranging from fine to coarse, from espresso to French Press. 

The Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 is travel-ready in every way, thanks to its durable build and small size.

6. Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder Wooden (Best Portable Wooden Manual Grinder)

The Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder is the perfect tool for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee anywhere, anytime.

Made with high-quality wood and cast iron, this grinder is durable and will never rust. The adjustable grinding feature allows you to control the fineness of your coffee grind, while the easy-to-clean design makes it simple to disassemble for thorough cleaning.

The compact size and portability make it easy to take with you on the go, and the ergonomically designed crank handle provides effective leverage for a smooth and easy grind.

7. Zassenhaus M040012 Brasilia Beech Wood Manual Coffee Mill: (Best Wooden Manual Coffee Grinder)

The Zassenhaus M040012 Brasilia Beech Wood Manual Coffee Mill is the perfect tool for serious coffee enthusiasts. 

Made with a high-grade steel conical burr grinding mechanism, this hand coffee grinder can provide years of service. 

The traditional manual design makes it quick and easy to use, and the cold grind preserves the aroma of every bean. 

With an ergonomic handle and a handy drawer for collecting grounds, this coffee grinder is a must-have for any kitchen.

8. The Royal Tower Hand Coffee Grinder (Simple, Versatile Manual Grinder)

The Royal Tower’s Hand Coffee Grinder is perfect for anyone who loves freshly ground coffee, whether you’re using an espresso machine, pour-over brewer, or French press. 

The Upgraded 7-Axis conical burr and double bearings on the central shaft of this grinder produce highly consistent grinds with precise control of over 48 sizes. 

The sharpness of the burr also enhances the taste and aroma of any coffee type by removing thin layers of skin that may remain on the bean.

Its easy grip design makes grinding quick and easy and includes a brush for thorough cleaning. 

Whether you’re travelling or camping, never miss your perfect cup of coffee with Royal Tower’s portable hand grinder. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Hand Coffee Grinder

When it comes to choosing a hand coffee grinder, there are several factors you should consider.

• The size of the grinder is important as smaller grinders may not be able to produce a fine enough grind for espresso, so look for one that can produce an evenly-ground espresso-grade powder.
• You’ll also want to consider the type of burrs you prefer – conventional or burrless – as different types may affect flavor, texture, and speed differently.
• Different grind levels will also determine the end result of your coffee and it’s important to have a burr that can accommodate all types of grinds.
• Any good hand coffee grinder should be lightweight and easy to handle while grinding, so choose one made of materials such as stainless steel or ceramic that are both light and strong. 
• A good quality grinder should make minimal noise while grinding and be easy to clean when necessary.

With all these features in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect hand coffee grinder for your espresso needs. 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hand Coffee Grinder

Achieve the perfect brew with the desired flavor and aroma you desire by learning about the qualities of your hand coffee grinder that are best suited for espresso. Selecting, setting it up and caring for your hand grinder takes knowledge and skill. We’ll provide you with helpful tips on how to get the most out of your grinder:

• Select the right grind size: A good espresso should be ground very fine so that more aroma, flavor, and crema can be extracted from it. Your hand coffee grinder should have clear instructions on which grind size to select for espresso – typically a number between three and six.
• Dial in the dose: Dose is an important factor in extracting quality espresso, so aim to achieve consistent numbers when dialing in a dose. Most grinders come with preset doses that are adjustable with knobs or buttons – begin experimenting by adjusting them accordingly.
• Check for stale beans: Check your beans to ensure they are not stale ahead of time as old beans will not provide good extraction for your espresso drink. Try testing their freshness by rubbing two beans together – if it cracks or snaps, you’re good to go!
• Stick to one method of grinding: Find consistency in one method instead of mixing methods every time you need coffee grounds – this way, you can establish results that are repeatable every time you brew coffee.
• Clean thoroughly after each use: If there is anything worse than bad-tasting coffee, it’s mouldy-tasting coffee! In order to prevent build up make sure to do a quick clean up after each use and occasionally deep clean it when necessary according to manufacturer’s instructions.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best hand coffee grinder for espresso. What you ultimately select should be based on your personal taste, the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest in grinding your beans, and your budget.

Manual grinders require more effort but are often much more affordable and offer more flexibility regarding grind size options.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which grinder will best suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions