(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best manual coffee grinders

Chemex is what I used throughout college. It's easy cleanup, but it's not quick.

French press is pretty low effort, so you could honestly make coffee while you're brushing your teeth or something of the sort. You also wouldn't need paper filters, so that would help with the expenses.

AeroPress is pretty quick, and since it's plastic, it's pretty easy to clean, easy to store, and hard to break.

As for beans, search for specialty coffee shops in your area on Google. If the shop's website talks about caring about bringing out flavors or about having different brewing methods and such, see if they sell any beans. That's your best bet.

As for a burr grinder, if you want quality coffee, you should invest in a grinder. Blade grinders can't produce the kind of consistency in grind that you need for good coffee. Burr grinders are honestly not all that expensive if you get a manual one. I have the Zingy grinder, and it's on sale right now for $15.85. It even comes with a scoop and a carrying bag.

Best of luck.

If it's the bitter taste of coffee you're trying to avoid, there's several things I can suggest.

Type of coffee to try: Find yourself a nice mocca variety. The Egyptians make the best mocca, but Ethiopian is also awesome. Also, try sticking to medium roasts, they're less bitter. Find yourself a good Tea and Coffee specialist in your local area. Talk to the sales staff, they usually know their stuff and can reccommend some wonderful coffees to suit your tastes. There are more varieties of coffee than you can imagine.

You could also try some flavoured coffee. I prefer using these for brewing espresso, especially the Dark Rum Truffle one I picked up a few weeks ago.

Try Chemex brewing. I haven't tried it yet myself, but have been told by many who have that it makes the cleanest tasting coffee. I personally prefer a dark roast brewed in a caffetier, but a nice medium roast in chemex comes very highly reccommended.

Get yourself a good manual grinder to grind fresh. You can pick these up for around $20-50 at a good coffee store or online. Burr grinders are best (something like this). Freshly ground coffee tastes infinitely better than grounds that have been sitting around for a while, no matter how well they've been stored. If you are storing pre-ground coffee, make sure it's in a air-tight container in a cupboard, not in the fridge as the temperature change kills the flavour.

However, given all this, I still add a spoon of sugar or two, and occasionally make it with hot milk and espresso (no water) which is awesome.

That link does not work for me. I am not a mod but you might want to look at this for lnks. Also if you look to the right side if the page above the price section there is a share link. If you click on that that will make a even shorter link.

I fount the grinder. This is it right?. That is what you call a Porlex knockoff. On Amazon a Porlex is cheap but Porlex will not warranty it if from Amazon. If not from Amazon you are looking at $80. At that price a Encore looks good.

I had the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder. Another Porlex knockoff but JavaPresse was really nice and helpful and warrantied it every time something messed up on it. Like 4 times. After that I gave up on the Porlex knockoffs. Let me say again though JavaPresse was very nice and helpful and I think good people work there they just don't have the greatest grinder lol.

After months and months of problems and receiving new grinders I got the LIDO E-T and I am very happy that I did. If I was going to get another cheap grinder it probably be the Kuissential EvenGrind. It is a Hario Skerton with the mods. Do a search for Kuissential EvenGrind and you will see what others say. In general good things. I would get at least a Encore and if you can bump up to a LIDO or Helor. The difference is huge going from a Porlex or cheap knockoff Porlex to a LIDO. You would not regret it.

Thanks, I was thinking of getting a nice Bodum one for ~$70, but then I realized I could get one like this, and to be honest, it looks like it would work just fine. I've looked around and seen the replacement parts, and even a good quality conical burr is $4. The markup for the word "coffee" is just insane. The actual materials are pennies, and the manufacturing and shipping by the OEM is a couple dollars.

I may not be an expert on coffee, but I know about manufacturing, and I'll be able to tell if there's any inconsistency in the grind even if I don't see a difference in flavor.

I'm gonna get that, some Koffee Kult Huila (lots of good reviews on Amazon, and South American is apparently what I want), some Kicking Horse Grizzly Claw (the one I have is good, so I'll try a whole bean of theirs), a scale, and a french press.

Worst case, I return it and get my money back, or I enjoy it. Best case, it does as well as a $100 grinder albeit with less durability. But if I just went straight for a $500 grinder, I'd never be able to do better, and I'd miss out on that.

OKAY LISTEN TO ME NOW BECAUSE I LOVE COFFEE AND THIS CHANGED BY LIFE:

Invest in an aeropress, and a hand crank grinder (couple options). I'm guessing you already have a water kettle or just a pot to boil water in. After the initial investment (shouldn't be more than 50 bucks if you go with the options above), you can buy as expensive coffee as you want (I personally just use dunkin donuts whole bean coffee for most days and have a bag of expensive fresh roasted local coffee in a vacuum sealed container for the weekends) and it's still totally affordable. Grinding the coffee takes less than a minute (I just do it while the water's boiling), and the aeropress makes incredible coffee super fast. Making coffee in the morning takes less than 5 minutes, and it's better than anything I've ever bought, even from super bougie coffee shops like Intelligentsia or Blue Bottle. Grinding the beans fresh for each cup makes a huge difference, and the control and quickness of the aeropress just makes it a no-brainer.

Package Contents:

• Pitcher: Rattleware Steaming Pitcher ($18) Having something with a spout helps pour cleanly into the Aeropress in addition to being a good heating vessel.
  
• Water Heater: Norpro water heater ($11) The time to get enough water to temp is a little longer than the grind time on the hand grinder.
  
• Grinder: Cozyna Grinder ($20): Less than half the price of the Porlex option. I figured if it breaks I can get another one or upgrade to the Porlex.
  
• Brewing: Aeropress ($35)
  
• Filter: Able Aeropress Metal Filter ($13)
  
  Optional:
  
  
• Scale: American Weigh Scale AWS-600-BLK ($10) Just don't get it wet. This could easily fit in the pouch, but by now I've been able to eyeball the bean/water volume required for a particular weight.
  
• Thermometer: Thermapen ($79, refurbished): This was not purchased specifically for this kit. But it's a great thermometer to have in your kitchen anyway! At $10, a simple drink thermometer [like this one](Taylor Precision Products Classic Line Hot Beverage Thermometer for Coffee or Tea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U1XRA8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L9b3xbTDWY3MS) would be perfect.
  
• Mug: Ultimo Coffee Camping Mug ($12): Any small mug will do. Ultimo Coffee is one of my favorite local roasters so I'll be traveling with a piece of home wherever I go
  
• Silicone mat (~$15) About the size of a mouse pad. Lets me not worry about putting hot/wet/messy things on the hotel or Air B&B desk.
  
• Bag: S.A.W. Pouch (~$11) designed to hold 6 standard 30 round magazines for automatic weapons... or coffee gear. Got it at my local army surplus store.

This is the cheap grinder I got to start with. Decent enough and still going strong a couple years later. As others said, an Aeropress or clever dropper are great, inexpensive tools that are easy to clean and pretty portable.
Then you just have to find your preferred beans and go from there. If you're in the US, Iron Bean sells a pound for the same price as 12oz from other vendors, and they're excellent. Tons of options tho, so good luck!

Local coffee roasters/shops of decent quality will grind for you (if you but their beans which can be good if the people know whats up). Ot by a Manuel grinder like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015EWL750?psc=1 for $10 on ebay or amazon, the results are great for the price I mean its no encore but its better than that chunky cookie cake you have. Even a cheap conical burr will be better than an expensive electric blade.

Question for a grinder here.
I own an Ascaso Dream piston machine and want to start improving my brew by including a grinder. My budget is very limited and, although I have looked through the gear guide, I haven't been able to find a great deal (europe). I have stumbled upon the Graef grinders CM800 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Graef-CM-800-grinder-aluminium/dp/B00CS2DAEG and CM702 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manual-Adjustment-Conical-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B00EO26GGC/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1450563157&sr=1-1&keywords=graef+cm702. They are priced about 110$ and 150$ respectively.
Following the criteria listed on the guide page they seem to be pretty decent. I like the fact that they are made for piston machines and thus the coffee is directly grinded into the piston itself.
Are these machines a fair buy or should I pass them up for something else?

Porlex is much more inconsistent than the Encore, and will have a relatively short lifespan - I do not recommend it for daily use. Handground doesn't produce the greatest quality grounds, but it will definitely outlast the Porlex, and it's under $100. Knock is supposed to be well engineered and produce good quality grinds, but is a little more expensive and takes longer to get. I think Knock would still be close to your budget though, and produce the best results of your 3 manual options vs the Encore.

That does look awesome. Have never used one, but did just find a generic version on amazon for 1/3 the cost and better reviews than the original [](Infinite Coffee's Grind and Brew Master - Manual Coffee Grinder and Bonus Portable Coffee Brewer - Unique Manual Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder that Can Also Brew https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HB068TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NeRSyb1C9Z26C)

Just an FYI for those interested in this deal. There are tens of these generic grinders on Amazon that frequently fall to this price point. They're basically the same grinder with a different brand each time.

With that said, a few weeks ago I purchased one from "Brilliante" that dropped to $12 and it's actually fantastic. for fine to medium grinds it works extremely well for. However when it comes to coarse grinds(french press), it's really, REALLY inconsistent! That's not to say it doesn't work- it does. But if you want to reduce over extraction and have a slightly cleaner french press, I'd steer away from these.

You don't have to spend that much for good coffee.

You can get a pour over dripper for $12 on Amazon

100 filters for $6

Electric kettle for $12

Manual coffee grinder for $10

Digital scale for $10

That's $50 for gear, (you can probably pick up some of that even cheaper if you look around) and then you can spend what you want on beans. I'm really into Stumptown coffee right now, which is $18 for 12oz. but you can definitely go a little cheaper or a lot more expensive depending on your tastes.

You can spend as much as you want making coffee, but I haven't noticed a discernible difference between coffee from that setup and coffee from a $500ish setup. A large part of what makes a cup of pour over good is the skill level of the person pouring it, and there's no reason to spend more than $75-$100 on gear until you reach a point where you know for sure your bottleneck is your equipment. I've been making my own coffee this way (as well as french press and espresso) for a few years and I still don't feel like I need to upgrade.

EDIT: Ignore the scale I linked, refer to /u/throwswithfats comment below instead.

This particular grinder is for pulverizing seeds and not for grinding coffee (despite the maker's claim to the contrary). With burr coffee grinders, the burrs are actual blades that cut the coffee into consistently sized pieces whereas grinders like these have dull millstones that are designed for pulverization to make nut butters or flour. The result with coffee is that unless you want a fine powder, you will get a huge spectrum of grind sizes which could cause you a lot of headaches if you are using a paper (and even metal if the hols are small enough) filtration pour over system like a Chemex or V60.

If you are looking for a hand grinder with decent burrs that you don't (technically) need two hands for, you could get a Zassenhaus grinder model that has the bowed sides like this. You use the grinder sitting in a chair and you put your knees against the bowed sides (which is why they are made this way).

Other options would be to get a Hario grinder and use two quick release clamps where you clamp the sides of the grinder with one clamp and then use the other clamp to clamp the bar of the first clamp to the table. Or, find a way to mount the grinder to a flat piece of plywood and then clamp the plywood to the table.

You may be able to find a source for an especially large mouthed locking plier that could anchor the grinder to the table without using two of them. Do a google image search on "vise grip quick release clamp" and you'll see a number of options.

Yeah, I didn't realize it was until I started messing with it.

I have this one: Most Consistent Hand Coffee Grinder & Coffee Press - Ceramic Burr Grinder made with Professional Grade Stainless Steel. Manual Coffee Grinder - Perfect Coffee Grinder for French Press, Espresso or as a Spice Grinder or Herb Grinder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W47J1EI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3N5vxbTCNT0FQ

for that price you'll probably have to go with a hand grinder, like THIS one.

You could also try one of the cheap melitta electric ones. I have THIS one, and it actually works surprisingly well for the price.

I've done this with the bottom of a glass cup and a pyrex mixing bowl. it's a lot of work and you're still not going to get it any better than what your grinder is capable of. Do your self a favor and just buy a cheap ceramic burr grinder off amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Manual-Coffee-Grinder-Ceramic-Tablespoon/dp/B07F2CFSHR?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_18216627011

Good point, crossed that one out. As a disclaimer, of the items I recommended, I personally have a Skerton knockoff, French press 1, the Aeropress, a Hario Buono and scale 1. Everything else I recommended is based on Amazon reviews/other coffee people. I have a Kalita 155 and a Virtuoso, too.

And just found a real good alternative for Baratza here in Europe. Graef CM702 for 100$ in Croatia. I think I will go that route. Not too big and the reviews seem pretty good for an entry model.

Java Pura and Fusion beans are both Located in Houston. IF your looking for some higher end roaster I can recommend some but you will have to buy from there online site. I know 50 is your budget but you should really really try and get him a burr grinder. It grinds way more evenly and makes a better cup of coffee. Maybe something like this.

I had your same problem, Im no barista, i just really enjoy making coffee for me and my girl, so buying a $60 gringing was hard at first, but It's Really worth it. Besides, at first $60 looks like alot, but (if it's well made) the grinder can last you alot.

I can't find exactly the one that i bought, but it's like this Same specs.

I second the call for an aero press. Grab one, a coffee grinder, and a storage container (mason jars work fine too) for your locker or safe location.

After the initial investment (less than two weeks of your 5$ a day), this plus hot water gets you coffee at pennies a cup. The container keeps your beans fresh, and you only grind what you need every time.

Unlike what one said above, I think you would be fine with a properly made prolex clone. I have one of these I can travel with, and I take a kalita and filters, or an aeropress with me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019YO1DRQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Use this for a while and see if grinding your own coffee this way is really worth it to you. Grinding your own coffee, and understanding how coffee extraction works are the two biggest steps you can take to better coffee. After doing this for a while, see if you want to step up to a prosumer quality electric grinder (like a baratza).

I have the handground manual coffee grinder, and have been really happy with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Handground-Precision-Manual-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B01GQVHPLI?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_18114799011

Yeah that sounds like a lot of work but i dont see why its not doable. Just remember that if the coffee isnt ground to a uniform size it might taste wrong. Smaller grounds would 'cook' in the water and lead to a burnt taste, while larger grounds would be under extracted.

A good electric grinder, especially a burr grinder, will run multiple hundreds of dollars.
If you like to manually grind it mayber try this Bialetti Manual Burr Grinder. Its what i use and i get decent results.

Hey there, so I'm a fairly clueless coffee enthusiast, currently living in the UK and I don't have a whole lot of disposable income to spend on this just yet... thinking of buying this manual burr grinder and was looking for opinions.

Also I couldn't find much on storage... so do I buy the beans, and store those and just grind however much I'm looking to use each day? Do I grind a set amount and store that as well?

Thanks.

A manual burr grinder doesn't have to be that expensive. Will it take a minute to grind up your cup? Yes, but compared with instant, totally worth it!

https://www.amazon.com/Consistent-Hand-Coffee-Grinder-Press/dp/B00W47J1EI/

What about something like this?

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Firlar-Premium-Grinder-Adjustable-Stainless/dp/B01KO4DYV8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549833838&sr=8-3&keywords=ceramic+burr+grinder

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I just bought a Melitta Molino for 35€ -- £30 or so. Burr / electric / seems good. https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-80395-Coffee-Grinder-Discontinued/dp/B0084ZKZ62

They are burr grinders. He means something like this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2CFSHR/

Actually was using this Bialetti Grinder: https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Manual-Adjustable-Grinder-Ceramic/dp/B00018CXRO

Different brew methods are more picky than others with grind size. French press and Aeropress are less finicky and more forgiving with inconsistencies and incorrect grind sizes while the V60 is just about as picky as you can get.

Sorry, I posted earlier before my morning coffee and didn’t clarify my Kinu setting. Have mine at 4,1.2. To find that setting, go all the way back to ‘zero’ where the burrs should almost rub against each other. Now that it’s calibrated, 1 full rotation (zero to zero) would be written as 1,0.0. So to get to 4,1.2 you would rotate from 0 to 0 a total of 4 times to get to 4,0.0. Then just a bit more to the 1 mark, and then a smidge to the 2nd divided line should bring you to my setting of 4,1.2

Hope that wasn’t too confusing, but keep in mind that with different coffees and different roasts come slightly different settings.

I use one of these. I use it for all the coffee I grind, all the time. I have a decent burr grinder, but I prefer to just do the work myself - it doesn't take but a minute or two for a french press' worth of coffee.

Cannot find the one you are mentioning, I do like the thought of a manual one, hate having plug in appliances unless they need to be. I think this one looks good:

https://www.amazon.com/Macinino-Bassani-Adjustable-Assembly-Precision/dp/B071LR2GHY/ref=sr_1_35?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1525728701&sr=1-35&keywords=burr+grinder

any opinion?

I use an aeropress every single day with a cheap Cozyna grinder. The grinder works exceedingly well for the price... and fits in the aeropress for travel.

It took me some hours of reading to find blades do a poor job of grinding coffee, I went with this one Best part is it fits in Aeropress.

> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HB068TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NeRSyb1C9Z26C

Yes..i want this..but with a french press and warming capability

What I did in your situation was get a Bonavita kettle, used Zassenhaus, and Chemex. There's no way to make good coffee for an office without hiring a barista.

A lot to think about. I hadn't really even thought about grinder. I bought one of these not a year ago. I didn't even know grinders got so pricey.

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/Consistent-Hand-Coffee-Grinder-Press/dp/B00W47J1EI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465137956&sr=8-1&keywords=ceramic+espresso+grinder

For added leverage, Zassenhaus actually sells a box mill specifically designed to hold between your legs while seated.

https://www.amazon.com/Zassenhaus-Santiago-Coffee-Grinder-Varnished/dp/B000VZEKMI

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W47J1EI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=VZZHUJDVFXXS&coliid=I3F0BM58JORNCY

Here you go.

I'm starting my journey into home-made coffee and just bought a press. Now I need a grinder.

As a total noob, I'm not looking to break the bank for one. Is there anything objectively bad about these grinders that are everywhere on Amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/KitchenPRO-Portable-Stainless-Aeropress-Compatible/dp/B015EWL750?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A1JF0FEJIRJQ6I