Few things hit the spot like a good cup of coffee.
It’s the first thing we look forward to in the morning: a rich blend of coffee beans and milk, providing a much-needed hit of caffeine.
There’s been much debate as to how to achieve the best brew. Some fork out on lavish coffee machines while others stick to cheap and cheerful instant. For those wanting to experiment with artisanal cuppas, a handheld coffee grinder is your new brewmaking BFF.
What does a handheld coffee grinder do?
A handheld or manual coffee grinder granulates coffee beans before brewing. The beans are packed with flavours and aromas which are often lost in pre-ground variations. When stored properly, whole beans lock in those delicious notes that are unleashed when you grind them at home.
A handheld grinder will put the power in your hands, in turn offering you the silkiest cup of coffee to kickstart your day. They are also less expensive than a snazzy automatic machine and take up far less space in the kitchen.
How do I choose the right manual coffee grinder?
This depends on the kind of coffee you like. Espresso enthusiasts will want to achieve a fine, precise blend so a coffee grinder with a medium-fine setting is best. For those who just want a solid cup of Joe, then you want to check the grinder you’re buying delivers a consistent blend in the medium-coarse range.
There are several things to consider coffee grinder shopping. These include:
- Price: the cost of coffee grinders varies dramatically, therefore knowing your budget is crucial before starting the shopping process.
- Material: The majority of hand coffee grinders are made from stainless steel, wood, glass, plastic or all of the above. Consider how heavy and portable you want the grinder to be. There is also the option between burr and blade grinders; the former of which offers a more fine-tuned grind, while blades are typically cheaper.
- Capacity: each handheld coffee grinder has a different capacity. This is important to consider depending on whether you want to batch-make large quantities of coffee to last the day or a single cup at a time.
- Level: There are different levels of coffee grinders for different levels of expertise. Do you want an entry-level option or something more barista-quality?
Best manual coffee grinders at a glance
- Best for high performance and sustainability: Comandante C40 Nitro Blade Coffee Grinder MK4 - £255, Balance Coffee
- Best for pro coffee makers: TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 ESP PRO Coffee Grinder Manual - £109, Amazon
- Best for on a budget: La Cafetiere Hand Coffee Grinder - £11.50, Amazon
- Best for reliability at a reasonable price: Hario MMCS-2B Skerton PRO Coffee Mill - £42.24, Amazon
- Best for premium wooden design: Fumao Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder Wooden Mill with Cast Iron Burr - £39.66, Amazon
- Best for portability: Henry Charles Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Bean Grind Size & Travel Bag - £22.99, Amazon
- Best for speed: 1Zpresso J Manual Coffee Grinder Silver Capacity 35g - £119.99, Amazon
- Best for kitchen top eye-candy: Groenenberg Coffee Grinder - £26.99, Amazon
- Best for easy washing: SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder - £19.54, Amazon
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Comandante C40 Nitro Blade Coffee Grinder MK4
Best for: high performance and sustainability
With a premium price comes a premium grinder. The Comandante C40 Nitro Blade Coffee Grinder MK4 may be the most expensive on the list, but for good reason. The gizmo can easily hold 40g of coffee and weighs just over 600g. Its modern, slick design is crafted from responsibly sourced timber, hence the natural wood grain finish.
The aesthetically pleasing coffee grinder comes with a robust Nitro burr to provide even particles. Note the product’s handy click system which allows the user to gain full control over their desired brewing method. This is one for pro brewers who can appreciate the elegant, functional design.
Buy now £255.00, Balance Coffee
Timemore Chestnut G1 Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Setting
Best for: pro coffee makers
Another pro-level coffee maker, the Chestnut G1 Manual Coffee Grinder can load up to 30g of coffee and is ideal for espresso enthusiasts. It has a streamlined design made from aluminium and walnut wood, making it an aesthetic choice for contemporary kitchens.
The award-winning device comes complete with sharp steel burrs for high grinding efficiency and two ball bearings to ensure its ease. It grinds quickly, meaning you won’t have to wait around on a rushed morning for your much-needed brew.
Buy now £134.30, Amazon
La Cafetiere Hand Coffee Grinder
Best for: on a budget
Students will love this hand coffee grinder courtesy of John Lewis. For under £15, you can swap drab filter coffee for a hearty cup to kickstart your day. Simply add your beans and turn the handle. In return, aromatic grounds will fall into the jar below, ready for brewing. The piece is fitted with a high-quality ceramic grinding mechanism which granulates quickly and efficiently.
Not only is La Cafetiere’s hand coffee grinder dishwasher safe, but it can be packed up for camping trips and holidays, ready for when the caffeine cravings set in.
Buy now £11.50, Amazon
Hario MMCS-2B Skerton PRO Coffee Mill
Best for: reliability at a reasonable price
Hario’s MMCS-2B Skerton PRO Coffee Mill is a best-seller with advanced features that demonstrate its prowess. It has a generous size yet remains easy to hold and control. The grinder has adjustable ceramic burrs for consistent grinding, a sophisticated design suitable for any kitchen interior and the ability to create any type of coffee.
The sizable hopper holds up to 100g of coffee for larger brews, meaning you can stay fuelled throughout the day. Use the detachable handle to perfect your grinding skills and take your coffee to barista levels. Although it holds enough beans to share with flatmates and family, you might want to keep its magic all for yourself.
Buy now £42.24, Amazon
Fumao Akirakoki Manual Coffee Bean Grinder Wooden Mill with Cast Iron Burr
Best for: premium wooden design
Akirakoki’s Manual Coffee Bean Grinder Wooden Mill fuses retro touches with contemporary functionality. The affordable grinder is a durable pick, made from high-quality wood that shouldn’t ever crack. It’s topped off with a premium cast iron burr for consistent granules where the process doesn’t produce heat that can alter the coffee’s essential oils. Use the screen under the grinder base to switch up the size. Cleaning is super simple, just disassemble the grinder and wipe.
Et voilà, an easy-clean, reliable grinder with an ergonomic handle. All for under £40.
Buy now £39.66, Amazon
Henry Charles Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Bean Grind Size & Travel Bag
Best for: portability
The Henry Charles design team understood the assignment. For the coffee connoisseurs who can’t go without their daily brew, even when travelling, this is the grinder for you. Once you’ve made a steaming cup of Joe, take it apart, clean it and pack it away neatly in the useful travel bag provided.
The sleek, solid coffee gadget boasts an adjustable grind selector for total control over how fine you want it, plus a solid ceramic burr for consistency with every turn of the handle. The latter is made up of a fluid crank mill that is effortless to use.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
1Zpresso J Manual Coffee Grinder Silver Capacity 35g
Best for: speed
Before rushing out the door to make your train to work, treat yourself to a quick cuppa with the 1Zpresso on hand. The brand’s manual coffee grinder is super speedy, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice your morning brew when running late. Pop up the foldable crank handle for use and unscrew for cleaning.
The best part? It’s small. Wave goodbye to bulky machines and hello to this subtle home gadget that takes up no space at all. It weighs 860g, making it ideal for carrying to and from the office. Whip up your colleagues some coffee in a jiffy for extra brownie points.
Buy now £119.99, Amazon
Groenenberg Coffee Grinder Manual
Best for: kitchen top eye-candy
Add some eye candy to your kitchen top with Groenenberg’s Coffee Grinder for manual use. Sleek silver and smart, the mid-range pick promises a rich brew, courtesy of the high precision, fully adjustable ceramic grinding features. It requires no batteries or electricity meaning a cup of delicious Joe is available at any moment of any day.
Buy now £26.99, Amazon
SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder
Best for: easy washing
In a rush? Clean your SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder with ease. The whole body of the stainless steel design can be disassembled and washed in the dishwasher, a helpful feature for parents on-the-run. The biggest advantage of the black ceramic burr? It’s a harder blade that makes for supremely effortless grinding, meaning the original flavour of the coffee is never lost. Take yours into work, camping or on holiday depending on how much you adore a manually made cuppa.
Buy now £19.54, Amazon
