The Best manual coffee grinder under 100 dollars in 2017
Nothing beats the aroma of a pot of fresh-brewed coffee. Even people who don't drink coffee seem to love the smell. Real coffee lovers often enjoy creating their own special blend by mixing different beans and grinding the mixture themselves. This best manual coffee grinder review will help you to choose the best manual coffee grinder in your budget.
In your search for the best manual coffee grinder, reading current reviews can help. What helps, even more, is having a way to compare different manual coffee grinder reviews.
By finishing this, you will hopefully have a better idea of the top manual coffee grinder 2017.
Don't worry about expenses, you don't need to spend much. Our goal is helping you to save your money and get the best thing in your budget. We list down 5 best manual coffee grinder which is under 100 dollars.
Today's Market
Today's market is set up to give consumers a chance to experience the same luxuries they have come to expect at a lower price. Consumers also seek out products that are easy to use, portable and space-saving.
The hand coffee grinder or burr mill has found a permanent place in the lives of many coffee lovers because it fulfills all these requirements. Today's products often find themselves being packed in suitcases, gracing the counters of tiny homes and finding space in the office.
Another thing today's consumers often seek is a product that is good for the environment or at least does not harm it. A hand grinder makes this possible by eliminating the need for electricity, saving energy.
Our picks
Having things all together in a comparison chart is sometimes better for making decisions quicker. The following chart lists the five grinders down the left-hand side and various features across the top. In this way, you can either locate a particualr grinder and see its features or you can locate a feature you are seeking and find out which grinder has that feature.
Grinder | Portable | Variation | Burrs | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Porlex JP30 | Yes | Very fine-very coarse | Ceramic | |
Adjustable | Yes | Med-coarse | Ceramic | |
Hario | No | fine-coarse | Metal | |
Zassenhaus | Yes | Very fine-very coarse | Metal | |
Chainmail | Yes | Very fine-very coarse | Ceramic |
The Art of Hand Grinding Coffee
Anyone who has ever ground their own coffee beans for brewing knows that doing so is an art. It is something that only the most discerning of coffee drinkers want to take the time to do and these individuals often create rituals around the process.
Some people find a combination of bean, grind, and brewing method that they love and won’t settle for anything else. More adventuresome individuals experiment with different blends of beans and even spices to create their own personal blend.
Whatever your style, learning the art of hand grinding your own beans offers many benefits over pre-ground coffee and coffee that is ground with an electric grinder.
- A manual grinder doesn’t heat the bean, which preserves the flavor better.
- Ground coffee quickly loses its flavor. Hand grinding allows you to get the most of the flavor by only grinding what you need for the day.
- It is easier to control the coarseness of the grind.
- Hand grinders are normally easy to transport for trips, camping, or to take to the office.
- Hand grinders are normally less expensive and they don’t cost money to operate.
Importance of Proper Grind
After the bean itself, a good coffee flavor is dependent upon the grind you choose. Many times the grind fineness is best determined by the brewing method you are using. In general, you want a finer blend for fast brewing methods and a coarser grind for slow brewing.
Finer grinds are often stronger than coarse ones so you will be able to adjust your grind depending on the taste. If your coffee is too weak, try grinding it more. If it is too strong, don’t grind as long and leave the final grind coarser.
Storing Your Beans
You will most likely be buying your beans in bulk to prevent having to run to the market often. It is important that you store these properly or your entire grinding process will end up being for nothing because of the lack of flavor.
Some things to keep in mind regarding storage are:
- Never grind more than you can use in a day. The longer coffee sits, the weaker the flavor becomes. Find an airtight storage container to hold the ground coffee or buy a hnad grinder that includes a storage compartment.
- Never store beans in the refrigerator. Condensation will develop and ruin any beans quickly. If you have a large quantity, opt for the freezer to avoid this problem.
- Don’t thaw any beans you have frozen. Grinding your beans while still frozen will prevent condensation and help retain the flavor of the beans.
The Best Way of Choosing a Coffee Grinder
Choosing the best coffee grinder does not have to be difficult as long as you know what you are looking to accomplish and avoid some of the most common mistakes that some people make when trying to narrow their choices.
The first thing you need to do is decide what you are looking for in a coffee grinder. This will help you narrow your choices considerably. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How much coffee do you want to grind at a time?
- If you only want one or two cups of coffee a day, you don't need a grinder that is capable of large quantity grinding.
- Will you want to be able to transport your grinder?
- If you travel a lot and want something you can easily pack, it will require a smaller grinder than if you only want one that stays at home or work.
- Do you have any sensitivities to materials such as plastic?
- Grinders are made with different materials, especially the actual grinding blades. If you have sensitivities, you will need to look for a grinder that doesn't contain the offending material.
- How do you like your grind?
- Some coffee grinders are capable of extremely fine or very coarse grinds. Unless the grind you are most likely to want falls somewhere in the middle, you will want to make sure the grinder is capable of providing your preferred grind.
Once you have decided what you want to be able to accomplish with your new grinder, you need to avoid some of the most common errors that others have made when choosing. These errors include:
- Thinking all grinders are the same.
- Each grinder has a unique combination of qualities that combine in a way to make the grinder unique. You need to consider all the components together.
- Not checking on how much the grinder is capable of handling at any one time.
- This refers back to knowing how much coffee you will want to grind at a time. Buying a small capacity grinder when you tend to need several pots of coffee a day will see you spending way too much time on the process. You will need to seek a larger capacity model.
- Do you have physical limitations that may cause operating issues?
- Manual coffee grinders often require several minutes of physical turning to achieve the required result. If you have arthritis or any other physical issues that don't allow this action, you are better off with an automatic grinder.
- Not checking customer reviews.
- The best judge of how well a product performs is reading about what others who have actually used it have to say. One or two reviews can be skewed, but if the product contains several reviews, you can get a better idea of its positive and negative traits.
- Waiting until the last minute.
- Waiting to buy a grinder when you are desperate can result in you spending too much money or purchasing a product that does not fit your needs. Taking the time to do your research now, you have a better chance of finding the grinder that is best for your particular needs.
Our Choices For the Best Manual Grinders
Now that you know what actions will help you determine what hand grinder is best for your needs, here are our picks. We hope this will help make your choice easier.
Keep in mind that these are not listed in any particular order. Your needs will determine which is ultimately the number one choice for you.
1. Porlex JP30-Best portable manual coffee grinder
The Porlex JP30 made our list of top coffee grinders because it has many of the features that make portable hand grinders stand out. The choice of grinds runs from almost dust to very coarse. The ceramic grinding blades are long-lasting and easy to clean without the chance of rust.
The sturdy construction makes this grinder almost indestructible. For traveling purposes, it is not only small and lightweight, but the handle is removable, making it easy to fit this coffee grinder in a corner of your travel bag without worrying the handle will break during travel.
>>>You can read full review HERE!
The stainless steel body of the Porlex JP30 is strong enough to withstand the bumps and drops that are inevitable when you travel. It is large enough to grind two full servings of coffee. This is not only one of the smallest grinders on our list but is also one of the most portable to be found anywhere.
The makers of this hand grinder are well-known in the food grinding industry. They specialize in grinding, meaning their efforts are put into making their products as effective as possible. Amazon users have given this a 4.5 star rating because of its durability, versatility and compact size.
The fineness of the grind is controlled by the number of turns of the crank, making it easy to get the perfect grind every time once you determine the number of turns that produce what you like. The grind remains consistent until you change the setting.
Design and Features
The Porlex JP30 is very portable. It measures a mere 1.9 x 7.6 x 1.9 inches and weighs only 11.4 ounces.
This makes it excellent for international travel as it helps keep luggage weight within required limits. The grinding handle is easily detached so that you can pack it beside the body and not have to arrange your other items to accommodate an off shape.
Grinding is done by conical burrs made of ceramic. This makes it easy to simply wipe the inside blades to clean and you do not have to worry about the burrs rusting over time. Adjustment is done with a nut that is located under the main body. Customers state that unlike other grinders of this type, the nut stays tightly in position until you change it. This guarantees a consistent grind.
The body is made of stainless steel and resists dents and breakage. This is one tough grinder that travels well. Bean size does not seem to be a problem for this grinder as it handles both small and large equally well.
The difficulty in grinding is determined by how fine you want your grounds. The tight setting needed for very fine grind takes a greater effort than a coarser grind.
Best Feature
We believe the best feature of the Porlex JP30 is that its small size makes it very portable yet does not seem to limit performance.
The number of choices you have regarding grind fineness is comparable to larger, more expensive models. With high quality and small size, you get the best that is to be offered in a hand grinder.
Limits
This is not a grinder that you want to buy if you have trouble with arthritis or weakness in your hands. The necessity to turn the crank for a full two minutes for some grinds makes it difficult in these cases.
It is also not a grinder you want to purchase if you drink a great many cups of coffee on a daily basis or are seeking to serve several people.
We listed some features that we like most & we considered. May be you have not considered all things what we considered. We list it down for help to choose the best manual coffee grinder for you.
Pros
- Made of long-lasting stainless steel and ceramic
- Very portable in both size and weight
- A large variety of grind choices
- Quality rivals more expensive models
- Grind consistency is exceptional
- Accommodates a variety of bean sizes without jamming
Cons
- Limited to approximately two cups of grounds at a time
- Finer grinds may be too difficult for some hands to achieve
- Included instructions are in Japanese so not readable by most
- It takes trial and error to determine the best setting for your particular grind preference
- Best grinding position requires two hands
2. Ceramic Burr Grinder-Best adjustable manual coffee grinder
This ceramic burr grinder made our list for a variety of reasons. It is portable yet looks nice if you keep it sitting on your work desk or kitchen counter. The ceramic burrs grind beans without crushing them and the entire unit is dishwasher safe.
We like the size, appearance, and convenience this hand grinder offers It’s small enough to make it easy to take when you travel or need an office grinder.
The base makes it easy to operate without slipping and the operation is easy enough to make it assessable to users who may have minor hand issues.
>>>You can also read the full review HERE!
This adjustable burr grinder is 9 x 4.8 x 4.8 inches in size and weighs 1.4 pounds. It comes with a non-slip base that makes it unnecessary to use both hands to operate. You control the fineness of the grind by turning a knob under the handle.
This grinder comes apart easily for cleaning and you don’t have to hand wash it like many models. The upper chamber is for beans and the lower chamber not only holds your ground coffee but also includes a lid that allows you to store the ground coffee until you need it.
Being true to Italian tradition, it is designed for both functionality and aesthetic appearance. The manufacturers are so confident in their product that they offer a full satisfaction money-back guarantee. There aren’t as many options for diverse grinds as other hand grinders, but there are enough to satisfy most users.
Design and Features: Ornaments of a grinder
The first thing that comes to mind when you see this grinder is that it resembles a slightly large pepper mill. The clear base container is accented by black, giving the appearance of expense even though the price refutes this.
It is the coffee grinder you might give as a gift for a housewarming. The ceramic burrs remain cool so that the flavor of the beans is retained. The grinder comes with a non-slip base, container for ground beans, a lid for storage, coffee bean feed and top with a crank grinder. Each piece is easy to remove for cleaning.
Once you have discovered the best setting for your coffee, the adjustment knob stays in place to provide an even grind that remains consistent over time. Reviewers with slight cases of arthritis have commented that this grinder is easy to use.
It does require a lot of time to grind the beans, however, so it may not be feasible for extreme hand problems. There is enough room in the storage chamber to hold a day’s worth of coffee for most users.
The biggest issue expressed about the grinder is that it’s finest grind setting compares to most grinder medium settings.
Best Feature
In addition to its appealing appearance, the thing we like best about this hand grinder is the storage jar with lid. The more coffee beans are exposed to air the more flavor they lose. The lidded container allows the ground coffee to retain as much flavor as possible.
It also makes it possible to grind your day’s worth of coffee and toss the container in a bag, purse or briefcase and take it to the office without having to transport the entire unit.
This is also a convenient feature for overnight road trips when you don’t want to pack a grinder or risk going without until you get home.
Limits
There are two limitations to this grinder that keep cropping up in reviews. The biggest is the lack of a fine setting. Some users have said they had to put the beans through two or three cycles in order to get a fine grind (Not for all).
The second complaint is that it takes a great deal of time to grind enough beans to fill the storage container.
We listed some features that we like most & we considered. May be you have not considered all things what we considered. We list it down for help to choose the best manual coffee grinder for you.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Removable lidded storage compartment for easy transport
- Appearance nice enough for gift giving
- Easy for most users to operate
- Non-slip base
Cons
- Takes time to grind enough beans
- Lack of a very fine grind setting
- Takes several tries to find the exact setting you prefer
- May be difficult for those without a lot of energy in their arms
3. Hario Canister Ceramic Hand Coffee Grinder
If there is any coffee grinder on this list that will make you feel like you are living in the days when grinding your own coffee was something everyone did, it is this one. The Hario grinder may look like a time traveler forgot to take it back with them but don’t let its antique charm fool you.
This grinder offers you the same function and quality as any of the other hand grinders available today. The mixture of charm and functionality make it one of our favorites.
The Hario Canister Ceramic hand coffee grinder is a glass and metal hand grinder that is designed to look like an antique grinder. The bottom section is created to hold your ground coffee neatly until you want it.
>>>You can also read the full review HERE!
This grinder is a small capacity model that grinds approximately two mugs of coffee at a time. This is ideal for the person who only drinks one or two cups of coffee to get their day started. Grind adjustment is done by removing the handle and turning a nut located there.
The settings are numerous enough to give you a choice of grinds from fine to coarse. The grinding and adjusting mechanisms are stainless steel, which makes for durability. The non-slip bottom is made of rubber and does a fairly good job of keeping the grinder from sliding off the counter while in use.
Design and Features
This grinder is 4.4 x 7.4 x 4.3 inches and weighs in at two pounds. It is a bit heavy to transport regularly and is best for sitting on a counter-top or a counter at the office. It would be at home in a fishing cabin, where its antique look would set off any rustic decor.
While the manufacturer does state this grinder is dishwasher safe, they also caution against using any harsh cleansers on the glass. This isn’t a grinder that can take a lot of bumps.
Adjusting the grind is a simple matter of turning the nut to either the right or left and then locking the nut in place. With the nut located under the handle, it is kept tight. Operation is quiet and allows you to prepare your morning brew without disturbing anyone else.
The instructions only come in Japanese, but there are several places online that will help you if you can’t figure something out. The attached rubber pad at the bottom works with the weight to keep the grinder from sliding if you take the time to work slowly.
This is one of the few grinders that the reviews aren’t full of complaints about how long grinding takes.
Best Feature
The best feature of this grinder is the look. The performance is good and the durability exceeds many other models of comparable price, but people are more likely to opt for this grinder if they want a unique gift for someone or are looking for a conversation piece that adds to the decor of whatever room it is located in.
Those who are attracted to the antique look might even purchase this if they are not coffee drinkers. It is a nice piece to have around for visitors who may stop by for a cup of coffee and casual conversation.
Limits
This is not a hand grinder for people who drink a lot of coffee. It only grinds approximately two mugs worth of beans at a time.
It is also not for those who are impatient and try to make it grind faster as this tends to make the grinding mechanism wobble and cause uneven texture.
We listed some features that we like most & we considered. May be you have not considered all things what we considered. We list it down for help to choose the best manual coffee grinder for you.
Pros
- Unique look
- Will fit in small areas without looking crowded
- Ideal for light coffee drinkers
- Steady operation due to rubber pad on base
- Durable metal and glass construction
Cons
- Glass could be ruined with certain cleansers
- Not meant to travel often
- Uneven grind if you operate it too quickly
- Instructions only in Japanese
- Handle needs to be removed before you can adjust grind
4. Zassenhaus Stainless Steel Manual Coffee Grinder
The Zassenhaus Panama made our list of top hand grinders because the fineness and consistency of the grind tops the other models reviewed. The stainless steel burrs are strong and last longer than many other grinder burrs.
The small size makes this grinder completely portable and it can easily fit into a backpack for a hike or into your suitcase for an overnight trip. Created by the company that has provided professional chefs with many of their kitchen tools, you know you are getting a quality product.
The Panama coffee grinder is a must-have for those who are particular about consistency in their coffee grinds. The longer handle makes for easier operation than grinders with shorter handles.
>>>You can also read the full review HERE!
If you avoid getting the blades wet or using salt in the grinder, this unit will remain in excellent shape for many years. When using, you can prevent the mess that comes from the small container by placing a sheet of paper under the unit.
This is a nice-looking and fine-quality product that would be excellent as an executive gift or as a reward for a job well done to office staff members. The stainless steel exterior would even make engraving possible without weakening the structure.
Design and Features
The small size of this coffee grinder makes it portable but since it only holds approximately one coffee mug’s worth of ground beans at a time, it is not made for people who drink a lot of coffee during the day.
The stainless steel construction makes this grinder nearly indestructible and the high-quality steel burrs stay effective for years as long as you avoid getting them wet. Cleaning the unit can be done with a long-handled brush or canned air.
The plastic window made for viewing your progress creates static over time and you need to make sure you clean the blades regularly to prevent this from happening. The long handle makes it easier to get leverage when grinding.
This allows you to get a finer grind without having to cause your hands to over tire. Reviewers were often surprised at how smooth the grinding process was. The storage container located at the base of the unit is small and holds only enough grounds to make a large mug of coffee.
Users caution that when you open the unit, you risk having a mess because the ground coffee barely fits in the unit. This is the one grinder on our list that does not provide a clean experience, but the phenomenal grade of the final grind makes it worth it to most users.
Best Feature
The best feature of this hand grinder is the very feature that included it on our list of best grinders, it’s consistency in creating fine grinds that were uniform over a long period of time.
For those who take their coffee serious, this grind consistency is very important as even the slightest variation can change the taste of the final brewed cup.
This grinder is the preferred choice of AeroPress users and it fits perfectly inside those units for easy storage.
Limits
Two things stand out that need improvement on this grinder. The bottom section needs to be a bit bigger so coffee doesn’t spill out when the grinding is complete. Several reviewers also felt they would rather forgo the plastic window if it eliminates the buildup of static, which can affect the final taste.
We listed some features that we like most & we considered. May be you have not considered all things what we considered. We list it down for help to choose the best manual coffee grinder for you.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Long-lasting construction makes it last longer than many other models
- Grinding operation is easier than with many hand grinders
- The unit is both functional and great looking
- Grind is very fine and remains consistent
Cons
- Small capacity limits usefulness to active coffee drinkers
- Removing ground coffee can be messy
- Cleaning is nearly impossible without a long brush or canned air
- Viewing window creates static
- Water and salt can cause rusting over time so need to be avoided at all costs
5. Chainmail Scrubber For Cast Iron Cookware-Grinder
This grinding bundle made our list because it has everything you need to grind not only coffee but also spices, herbs, salt and pepper. It essentially eliminates the need for several grinders.
This small hand grinder packs a ton of functionality into a compact form that makes it an ideal grinder for transporting. As if that wasn’t enough, the bundle also includes a cleaning brush, measuring spoon, and a storage bag to keep everything together.
It also holds your ground coffee safely in the included chamber so you can transport your coffee easily and without mess.
>>>You can also read the full review HERE!
The Life Essential manual grinder is small and easily held in your hands. Its stainless steel body features ceramic burrs that stay cool during the grinding process. The entire unit is designed to come apart easily for cleaning and a simple rinse with warm water often does the trick.
For those stubborn specks that get caught on the burrs, a swipe with the included brush will have you back in business quickly. The body is not only for catching freshly ground coffee but also serves as a storage container.
Adjusting the level of fineness is quick and easy and you have your choice of the five most popular grind settings. If you love adding spices to your coffee, this grinder is an great choice that will allow you to grind both beans and spices at the same time for a more uniform mixture.
Design and Features
The Life Essential manual grinder is only 9.1 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches in size and weighs a mere 7.2 ounces. The compact size and included storage bag make this the ideal travel grinder. It is simple to use.
Once you get the setting you want you pour in the beans, turn the crank and empty the canister. It is quick and quiet. Reviewers are impressed by how well even the beans grind. The unit comes apart easily for cleaning and the ceramic burrs won’t rust over time.
The bonus measuring spoon has a clip to attach it to the storage bag, ensuring you will always know where to find it. This grinder is easy to pack in a suitcase or take along on your next camping trip.
The company offers a full year money back guarantee, which indicates their confidence in the product. You would expect a grinder that can replace your spice and herb grinder to cost a lot more than this bundle does.
With five grind settings, you can enjoy your coffee exactly as you prefer it. Add in the money back guarantee and you are getting a high value product at a more than reasonable price.
Best Feature
It is difficult to choose which feature is the best in regards to this grinder. If we have to pick one it would have to be the versatility. It isn’t often you find a grinder in this price range that is capable of serving multiple grinding tasks, offers five grind levels and is easy to travel with.
This grinder does what many high-priced manual grinders can’t. This product is one you would consider a treat you deserved for a special accomplishment.
Limitations
Everything has some limit. High volume coffee drinkers might find this grinder a bit limiting unless they enjoyed the ritual of grinding beans. You need to use your both hands when operate it.
We listed some features that we like most & we considered. May be you have not considered all things what we considered. We list it down for help to choose the best manual coffee grinder for you.
Pros
- Has five grind settings from very fine to coarse
- Can be used for coffee beans, herbs, spices, salt and pepper
- Easily cleaned with warm water
- Included accessories make it a complete package, minus only the beans
- Small enough for any travel needs
Cons
- Not made for large quantities of grinding
- You need to take some physical work especially for coarse grind
- Requires both hands to use
- Getting the perfect grind requires some practice
Final Thoughts
We chose these hand grinders for various reasons and we described it already. Only you will decide to buy depend a great deal on what your personal needs are in regards to your coffee drinking. We tried to cover all the important features each of our choices. We hope that it will help you to take a right decision before buy one.
No one hand grinder is perfect for everyone. You know very well what you need to buy or not. In the end, you are the best one to decide what is best for you.