In the quest for the perfect cup of coffee, choosing the right manual grinder is key. As a coffee connoisseur with years of experience, I understand the importance of precision in grinding. Manual grinders offer control over grind size, crucial for various brewing methods, and preserve the beans’ essential oils. In this article, we’ll delve into the best manual coffee grinders in the UK, thoroughly tested and selected for their quality, efficiency, and user-friendliness. From burr materials to adjustability, we’ve scrutinized every aspect to help you make an informed choice.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the top manual coffee grinders available in the UK to help you achieve the perfect grind and elevate your coffee experience. Enjoy!
Hario Mini Mill Plus
A fantastic choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for an affordable, consistent, and portable manual coffee grinder.
Pros
- Easy to hold and use
- Precise and consistent grind
- Lightweight and travel friendly
Cons
- May not perform as well as higher-end grinders
- Plastic construction, although durable, might not suit everyone’s taste
- Limited capacity, suitable for small individual batches
We got our hands on the Hario Mini Mill Plus, and the experience of using it has been enjoyable. The ergonomics of this manual coffee grinder is excellent, as it is extremely comfortable to hold and the large handle ensures a quick and consistent grind, transforming the coffee beans for the perfect cup.
The adjustable, sprint-mounted, ceramic burrs in the Hario Mini Mill Plus provide a consistent and precise grind, without transferring heat or altering the coffee’s flavour. This design choice certainly improves the coffee brewing experience as the ground coffee is perfect for a variety of brewing methods such as French Press or Espresso.
The Hario Mini Mill Plus is remarkably lightweight and portable. With no glass parts and the entire chassis made of plastic, it has proven to be travel-friendly and less susceptible to damage during transit. However, the plastic construction may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t compromise the grinder’s performance or durability.
The grinder’s capacity, holding up to 24g of coffee, is ideally suited for two cups. This might limit its use for larger batches, but it is perfect for those who prefer freshly ground coffee in smaller servings.
In summary, the Hario Mini Mill Plus offers exceptional value for those looking to purchase an affordable, consistent, and portable manual coffee grinder. It is an excellent addition to any coffee lover’s kit.
Azontion Coffee Grinder Manual
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We highly recommend the Azontion Coffee Grinder Manual for its exceptional performance, build quality, and user-friendly design.
Pros
- Exceptional stainless steel burr for even grinding
- Portable and cost-effective for coffee lovers
- Ergonomic handle with real wood grip
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some other manual coffee grinders
- Could take time to find the perfect grind adjustment
- Only suitable for grinding small amounts of coffee
The Azontion Coffee Grinder Manual is an excellent option for anyone in the UK looking for a reliable and high-quality manual coffee grinder. Its stainless steel burr, specially designed with Tiger Shark Teeth blades, generates minimal heat while grinding, ensuring that your coffee beans are evenly ground and maintain their original flavour.
We were particularly impressed with how easy the Azontion Coffee Grinder is to use. The ergonomic handle with real wood grip provides comfortable grinding, making it feel like an enjoyable ritual rather than a chore. Additionally, the grinder’s compact and portable size makes it perfect for home use or travel.
Coming with 36 clicks for fine adjustment, this coffee grinder caters to varied preferences, offering a wide range of grind sizes suitable for different brewing methods such as espresso, hand pour coffee, cold brewing, and French press. However, some users might find the process of finding the perfect grind setting a bit time-consuming.
Please note that the Azontion Coffee Grinder Manual has a maximum grinding capacity of 25 grams, making it suitable for small servings. This may be insufficient for those who require more significant amounts of coffee at a time.
All in all, with excellent grinding performance, user-friendly design, and high-quality build, the Azontion Coffee Grinder Manual is a top choice for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts in the UK.
Oliver James Manual Coffee Grinder
Invest in this Oliver James Manual Coffee Grinder for a consistently perfect grind, ideal for various coffee-making methods.
Pros
- Adjustable grind selector for different brewing methods
- Professional-grade ceramic grind burr for consistent results
- Compact and travel-friendly design
Cons
- Can be tricky to grip while grinding
- Requires some effort to use
- Inconsistent grind size at times
We recently tried the Oliver James Manual Coffee Grinder and were impressed by its adjustable grind selector. This feature gives you complete control over the coarseness of your coffee beans, making it suitable for different brewing methods, from espresso to French press.
The hand grinder is equipped with a professional-grade ceramic burr, ensuring consistent and even grinds. We also appreciated that it doesn’t heat up the beans, preserving their aroma and flavour.
However, we did find that gripping the grinder while in use can be a bit challenging, which might make manual grinding difficult for some users. Nevertheless, the compact size and travel bag make it an excellent option for coffee enthusiasts on the go.
Cleaning this manual coffee grinder is also a breeze since all parts are easily removable. It’s not dishwasher safe, but a quick hand wash will get the job done.
Overall, despite some minor drawbacks, the Oliver James Manual Coffee Grinder offers excellent value for money. It’s perfect for those who enjoy freshly ground coffee and need a portable, easy-to-use option for their daily brew or while travelling.
UNIFUN Manual Coffee Grinder
The UNIFUN Manual Coffee Grinder is an affordable and portable option for those seeking freshly ground coffee on the go.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Compact and portable design
- Quiet, manual operation
Cons
- Handle durability concerns
- Requires handle removal for bean input
- May feel cheap despite metal construction
The UNIFUN Manual Coffee Grinder has caught our attention for its high-quality stainless steel design and compact size, making it perfect for coffee enthusiasts who are always moving. The ceramic burr ensures durability and consistency in grinding coffee beans, providing a great coffee experience wherever you are. The manual operation is a big plus as it’s both energy saving and produces low noise, allowing discreet use without disturbing those nearby.
One concern we’ve noted is the durability of the handle, which could potentially be improved with a sturdier attachment rather than a flimsy rivet. Additionally, the handle needs to be removed each time you add coffee beans, which isn’t the most convenient design. Some users might feel that the grinder appears cheap despite the metal construction, possibly due to the thinness of certain areas.
However, these minor drawbacks shouldn’t detract from the overall value and convenience the UNIFUN Manual Coffee Grinder offers. Besides serving as a coffee mill, it can also grind various spices to your desired level. We believe this grinder is great for those who need a portable and convenient way to enjoy freshly ground coffee, whether they are in the kitchen, camping, hiking, or travelling. With a satisfaction guarantee and a 60-day full-refund option, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.
WACACO Exagrind Manual Coffee Grinder
The WACACO Exagrind is a high-quality, portable, and budget-friendly manual coffee grinder perfect for brewing various coffee styles.
Pros
- High precision grinding with micro click adjustments
- Durable and robust aluminum unibody frame
- Compact and travel-friendly design
Cons
- Handle may not stay securely in position
- Feels heavier than necessary for a portable grinder
- Smaller bean capacity than some other grinders
The WACACO Exagrind manual coffee grinder is an impressive device that showcases both durability and precision, making it suitable for various brewing methods such as espresso, pour-over, and cold-brew. The 38mm stainless steel conical burrs offer a consistent grind, while the 60-click range with 33-micron adjustments per click allows you to find the perfect grind for your desired coffee style.
We love the compact design of the Exagrind, as it stands at just 14.3 cm tall, holds 20 grams of coffee, and features a space-saving carrying handle position. The silicone sleeve covering the body offers an improved grip, making grinding more comfortable. Moreover, the stainless-steel center shaft with dual bearings ensures a smooth grinding experience, even at the finest espresso settings.
However, we noted a few downsides to the Exagrind, such as the handle not staying securely in place, and the overall weight of the unit feels heavier than necessary for a portable grinder. Lastly, the bean capacity is on the smaller side, which may be inconvenient for those who require more coffee.
Despite these drawbacks, we believe the WACACO Exagrind offers great value for its price, and its portable design makes it an excellent choice for those who love coffee on the go.
Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2
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The Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who value consistent grind and a durable design.
Pros
- Consistent grind with 38mm stainless steel burrs
- New two-segment unibody design for easy bean loading
- Portable and travel-ready
Cons
- Fixed silicone band may be uncomfortable for some users
- Stepped adjustment can be a learning curve
- Price might be higher than other manual grinders
Having recently tried the Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2, we were quite impressed with its consistent grind results. This is mainly due to the 38mm contemporary stainless steel burrs, which work well across various grind settings, even for fine espresso and Turkish coffee.
The new two-segment unibody design, made from a single block of aluminium alloy, feels very solid and has a widened chamber for easier bean loading. This sturdy construction helps make this grinder a reliable choice for those who frequently travel and want to enjoy freshly ground coffee on the go.
However, we did find that the fixed thumb silicone band might be uncomfortable for some users, especially those with larger hands. It takes some getting used to, but once you find the right grip, it does make the grinding process more relaxed.
The stepped adjustment system offers 24 clicks per rotation, allowing for a wide range of grind settings. While this is great for coffee aficionados, it can be slightly overwhelming for first-time users. Over time, you’ll learn how to fine-tune your grind settings for perfect results, suited to your preferred brewing method.
In conclusion, the Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 stands out with its durable design and consistent grind results. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this grinder is well-suited to frequent travellers and coffee enthusiasts who are serious about their coffee quality.
TIMEMORE Chestnut C3s PRO
The TIMEMORE Chestnut C3s PRO is a fantastic manual coffee grinder for those who appreciate quality and precision in their coffee-making process.
Pros
- Durable all-metal integrated body
- Patented sharp burrs for better flavour
- Precise and adjustable coarseness settings
Cons
- Somewhat heavy at 530 grams
- Limited to 20-25g of coffee beans at a time
- Foldable handle may not feel as sturdy
We tried the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3s PRO manual coffee grinder and were impressed with its all-metal body and double bearing central axis, providing a robust and durable build. The non-slip design pattern on the body also allowed us to maintain a tight grip while grinding, ensuring stability during use.
The coffee grinder utilises patented S2C660 sharp burrs designed to “spike to cut” the coffee beans, ensuring that the maximum flavour is retained. We could taste the difference in our coffee, as the grounds were consistent and of high quality in comparison to store-bought grounds.
One feature we appreciated was the ability to adjust the grind settings, allowing us to achieve different coarseness levels with each click. This made our coffee-making process versatile and suitable for making espresso, pour-over coffee, and French press. The foldable handle also made the grinder more portable and user-friendly, particularly when utilising it outdoors.
However, we did notice that the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3s PRO is on the heavier side and can only handle 20-25g of coffee beans at a time. This might be a small limitation for avid coffee drinkers needing to grind a larger amount of coffee at once. Additionally, the foldable handle, while convenient, may not feel as sturdy as a fixed handle.
Overall, the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3s PRO manual coffee grinder offers a fantastic coffee grinding experience with its durable body and precise coarseness adjustments. Despite its few limitations, we highly recommend this manual grinder for coffee enthusiasts seeking an upgrade from store-bought coffee grounds.
SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder
The SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers seeking a portable, durable grinder that delivers a consistently good grind.
Pros
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Black ceramic burr for long-lasting grind quality
- Compact size, perfect for travel and outdoor use
Cons
- Handle may not stay on securely during grinding
- Grind speed on the slower side
- Limited grinding capacity (15-20g per use)
We recently used the SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder, and our experience with it was quite impressive. The 304 stainless steel body of the grinder not only looks sleek, but it also offers durability that lasts much longer compared to some other grinders on the market.
One of the standout features of this grinder is its black ceramic burr. The burr is harder than traditional white ceramic burrs and doesn’t heat up, even after consistent grinding. As a result, the coffee grounds maintain their original flavour, which is crucial for a truly enjoyable cup of coffee.
When it comes to portability, we found the compact size of the SimCoker grinder to be incredibly convenient. If you enjoy camping, hiking, or just want a fresh cup of coffee while travelling, this grinder is undoubtedly a must-have.
On the downside, the handle doesn’t always stay securely in place during grinding, but that’s a minor issue considering the overall performance of the grinder. Also, the grinding capacity is limited to 15-20 grams per use, which is suitable for 2-3 people. This might not be ideal for those looking to make larger batches of coffee; however, it might not be a significant concern.
In conclusion, the SimCoker Manual Coffee Grinder boasts an impressive combination of aesthetics, functionality, and portability. Although it has a couple of minor drawbacks, they’re easily overshadowed by its top-notch grinding performance. So if you’re in search of a quality manual coffee grinder, we highly recommend giving this one a try.
TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder
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The TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality, easy-to-use manual coffee grinder.
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel burrs
- Adjustable grind settings
- Easy to disassemble and clean
Cons
- Might take longer for finer grinds
- Small capacity (25g)
- Reattaching lower section can be tricky
The TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 manual coffee grinder really impressed us with its high-quality 420 stainless steel burrs, which are formed through five-axis CNC cutting. This ensures an even and consistent grind, perfect for a variety of coffee brewing methods. We particularly appreciated the built-in grind degree adjustment knob, which allowed us to easily customise our coffee’s taste to our preferences.
In addition to its performance, we found it relatively simple to disassemble and clean the grinder without the need for any tools. Although it’s not recommended to frequently disassemble the grinder, following the included instructions should lead to no issues if needed.
However, we noticed that the grinder might take a bit longer to achieve finer grinds, which could be an inconvenience for espresso enthusiasts. Furthermore, the 25g capacity might be limiting for those who need to grind larger quantities of coffee beans. Reattaching the lower section of the grinder could be a tad tricky due to the lead-in thread for some users.
Despite these minor setbacks, we believe the TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 manual coffee grinder offers fantastic value for its performance, ease of use, and customisability. It’s an excellent option for coffee lovers seeking a reliable and versatile manual grinder for both home and travel use, and we confidently recommend it.
KINGrinder K 2 Iron Grey Manual Hand Coffee Grinder
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The KINGrinder K 2 is an impressive choice for those seeking an easily adjustable, durable and portable manual coffee grinder.
Pros
- 140 adjustable grind settings for various brewing methods
- Robust design with stainless steel burrs and aluminium body
- Highly portable and easily cleaned
Cons
- May require some learning curve for first-time users
- Grinding may take a bit of time due to manual operation
- Slightly higher price point compared to other manual grinders
The KINGrinder K 2 Iron Grey Manual Hand Coffee Grinder boasts a wide range of versatility with its 140 adjustable grind settings. This feature makes it perfect for experimenting with various brewing methods, including Aeropress, French Press, Drip, and Espresso. We found it rather simple to shift between fine and coarse settings, all thanks to its helpful 18 um per click interior adjustment design.
In terms of build quality, the KINGrinder K 2 scores high marks. Its aluminium body and stainless steel conical burr mill ensure consistent grinding and longevity. The dual bearing design also adds to the overall sturdiness of the grinder. During our hands-on experience, we noticed the grinder’s ability to produce uniformly ground coffee, which significantly enhances the flavour of the brew.
Portability is another strong suit of the KINGrinder K 2. With its compact design and 20g to 25g hopper volume, it easily fits into luggage or a backpack, making it an ideal companion for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, we found the dismantling and cleaning process to be straightforward, requiring only our hands and a brush to reach all the components.
In conclusion, the KINGrinder K 2 Iron Grey Manual Hand Coffee Grinder is a solid investment for those who value adjustable grind options, sturdiness, and portability. Though slightly pricier than some manual grinders and may take a bit of time to grind coffee, its performance and features make it an ideal choice for coffee lovers seeking control and consistency in their daily brew.
Buying Guide
As coffee enthusiasts, we understand the importance of getting the perfect grind for your beans. In this buying guide, we will walk you through the process of selecting the best manual coffee grinder in the UK. We will discuss essential features to look for and how to make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.
Type of burr
The burr is the most critical component of a coffee grinder, responsible for delivering consistent grinds. There are two primary types of burr:
Conical burr: These burrs consist of a cone-shaped, inner burr with grooved edges, rotating inside a fixed, complementary one. Conical burrs are known for their low heat production and comparatively quiet operation.
Flat burr: Comprising two horizontal, parallel, abrasive flat discs, one static and the other rotating, flat burrs offer a high level of grind consistency but can produce more heat due to increased friction.
We recommend considering the burr type that best suits your grinding preferences, grind size consistency, and noise tolerance.
Grind size adjustability
Different brewing methods, such as French press, espresso, or pour-over, require different grind sizes to achieve optimal results. A good manual grinder should provide easy and precise grind size adjustability, letting you switch seamlessly between brewing styles.
Material quality
The durability, function, and aesthetics of your grinder are influenced by the materials used in its construction. Common materials include:
- Stainless steel offers excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Ceramic burrs are tough, long-lasting and less likely to generate heat.
- Plastic components can reduce the grinder’s weight, but may compromise its durability.
Depending on your priorities, you may prefer a grinder with a balance of durability, portability, and style.
Capacity and size
If you regularly grind coffee for multiple people, select a grinder with a larger capacity to avoid the need for repetitive grinding sessions. Compact grinders offer portability and lower weight, but ensure they have sufficient capacity for your brewing needs.
Price
Manual coffee grinders are available in a wide price range, from affordable models with essential features to premium ones designed for optimal performance and style. Determine your budget and balance it with your expectations so you can choose the best grinder for your needs.
By considering these factors, you can confidently select the best manual coffee grinder for your preferences and enjoy a perfect brew every time.