We’ve tested a range of hand coffee grinders and found out how well they grind for different brewing methods and how easy they are to use.
Our test includes manual coffee grinders from Wacaco, Hario, Porlex, Rhino and more. We also include a cheap electric blade grinder from Kmart for comparison.
Overall score breakdown
Our hand coffee grinders test includes the following:
Coffee grinding performance
We grind fresh, whole coffee beans with each grinder at its finest grind setting, then at espresso grind, a medium grind, coarse and extra-coarse. We note the number and range of grinds available.
And we assess the consistency of the grinds at each tested grind setting. A good coffee grinder produces particles all the same size, irrespective of how coarse or fine the grind.
Ease of use
For each hand coffee grinder, we assess how easy it is to identify and adjust the grind. We check the effort required to grind the coffee beans across a range of grind settings and how comfortable the shape, size and grip are while grinding.
We also consider each grinder’s size and weight in respect of portability – for example, how comfortable it would be to take on a hike.
We check whether or not each coffee grinder balances upright on a benchtop, assembled with the handle on. We also check whether the upper section can balance with the grinds cup removed – otherwise the upper part could roll off the bench while you’re emptying the grinds cup.
Finally, we check how easy it is to tap or brush out residual grinds and whether the grinding mechanism can be disassembled without tools for a deeper clean.
