As a cold brew coffee enthusiast, you may already know that grinding your own beans is essential to making the perfect cup. But what's the best manual coffee grinder for cold brew?
We've compiled a list of the 11 best manual coffee grinder for cold brew lovers with those things in mind. So whether you're looking for the best value, the most durable, or the easiest to clean, we've got you covered.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a manual coffee grinder for cold brewing.
- First, you'll want to make sure the grinder can handle coarse grinds. Cold brew coffee is typically made with a coarse grind, so you'll want a grinder that can handle that.
- Second, you'll want to make sure the grinder is durable and easy to clean. Cold brew coffee can be messy, so you'll want a grinder that won't give you any trouble when it comes time to clean it up.
- Third, it needs to meet your budget and storage constraints. Buying a large grinder can help leverage the grinding action, but what if you like to travel? Is price a factor for you?
Hand Grinding Coffee: A Labor of Love
Love Cold Brew Coffee? Well, we sure do. And if you love cold brew coffee, you know that the key to a great cup is using fresh ground coffee while introducing as little heat as possible. This limitation actually gives manual grinders the edge over electric grinders.
Sure, electric grinders may be more convenient than manual grinders, but they are also way more expensive. If you are in the market for electric coffee grinders, we can talk about those another time. However, if you want the best manual coffee grinder for your coffee arsenal, then keep reading.
You see, manual coffee grinders are the perfect solution for grinding your own beans each morning. But with so many different options on the market, it can be challenging to know which grinder is suitable for your situation.
Our 11 Best Manual Coffee Grinder Picks for Cold Brew
The best manual coffee grinder for you depends on a few factors, including how much coffee you drink, your budget, and your preferred brewing method. In general, however, the best manual grinders are durable, easy to use, and adjustable to create a consistent grind size.
So what are you waiting for? Check out our list of the 11 best manual coffee grinders for cold brew now!
Highest Capacity Option
1.) Hario "Skerton Pro" Ceramic Manual Coffee Grinder
The Hario Skerton Pro is a ceramic manual coffee grinder that has been redesigned for greater stability and ease of use. Its conical ceramic burrs provide a precise and uniform grind.
Pros
Cons
The newly designed detachable handle and improved burr shaft make it easier to achieve the desired grind size. In addition, the non-slip rubber base keeps the mill in place during grinding, ensuring a consistent grind each time.
It also has the best grind capacity, meaning you'll spend less time disassembling and reattaching all the parts to fill your cold brew coffee maker.
Most Versatile Option
2.) VEVOK CHEF Stainless Burr Mill Manual Grinder
The VEVOK CHEF Stainless Steel Burr Mill Manual Grinder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable and efficient grinder.
The CNC stainless steel conical burr is more durable and efficient than other grinders, and the six precise grind settings allow you to get the perfect grind size each time. (5-6 are meant for cold brew).
The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry. In addition, the easy-to-clean aluminum alloy surface prevents ground coffee from sticking.
Pros
Cons
Overall, the VEVOK CHEF Stainless Steel Burr Mill Manual Grinder is excellent for anyone looking for a durable and efficient grinder.
The CNC stainless steel conical burr is more durable and efficient than other grinders, and the six precise grind settings allow you to get the perfect grind size each time.
Best Designed Product
3.) HEIHOX Manual Hand Coffee Grinder
The HEIHOX Manual Hand Coffee Grinder is a great way to make your morning coffee, and it's easy on the pocketbook. Suitable for any budget, you can enjoy fresh ground coffee anytime and anywhere.
It features an ergonomic crank handle that provides an easy and smooth grind every time without making any noise waking up your family.
The HEIHOX also comes with a cleaning brush and drawstring carry bag, so it's easy to keep clean and transport.
Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for taking on the go. The 1-year warranty means you can be confident in its quality.
Pros
Cons
Suppose you're looking for a manual coffee grinder that is easy to use and produces consistent results. In that case, the HEIHOX Manual Hand Coffee Grinder is a great choice.
It's easy to clean and disassemble so that you can keep it in good condition with minimal effort. The aluminum alloy surface will also prevent ground coffee from sticking, making it easier to use and clean.
Additionally, the compact and portable design makes it perfect for taking on the go. The only downside is that the glass jar can break if dropped.
However, overall, the HEIHOX Manual Hand Coffee Grinder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and affordable manual coffee grinder.
Best Companion for Travel
4.) 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Grinder Mini Slim Travel Sized
1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder Mini Slim Travel Sized is a highly compact and lightweight coffee grinder.
It can fit in the plunger of an AeroPress, making it perfect for those who love to travel. With a dual bearing and triaxial design, this grinder guarantees improved stability which leads to better consistency of the grind.
There are over 60 click grind settings, so you can easily find the perfect setting for your coffee. This grinder is also easy to clean without any tools. 1Zpresso ensures no wobbly parts or burrs that come loose. This product includes a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
The 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder Mini Slim Travel Sized is an excellent choice for those who want a compact and lightweight coffee grinder that can produce consistent grinds.
With over 60 click grind settings, it is easy to find the perfect setting for your coffee. This grinder is also easy to clean without any Tools and is the ideal travel companion.
Best Budget Option
5.) TRIPLETREE Manual Grinder with Ceramic Burrs
Suppose you're looking for a manual coffee grinder that will help you get the most flavor out of your beans. In that case, the TRIPLETREE Manual Coffee Grinder with Ceramic Burrs is an excellent option.
This grinder features ceramic burrs, which will not add heat during grinding, unlike steel burrs, and retain the flavor of your beans better as a result.
In addition, this Manual Coffee Grinder has a larger capacity of 50 grams of coffee beans, so you spend less time disassembling and emptying than other models.
That said, the ergonomic stainless steel handle provides for efficient grinding, and the grinder is easy to disassemble for cleaning when you are done.
Pros
Cons
Overall, the TRIPLETREE Manual Coffee Grinder with Ceramic Burrs is an excellent option for getting the most flavor out of their coffee beans. The ceramic burrs will not add heat during grinding and retain the taste of your beans better.
At the same time, the ergonomic design and stainless steel handle provide for efficient grinding. The grinder is also easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Suppose you're willing to spend a bit more for a higher-quality manual coffee grinder. In that case, the TRIPLETREE is an excellent option. Plus, it's so nice having 2 jars for storage.
Best Stainless Steel Option
6.) Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
The Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder is the perfect choice for those who want the convenience of a hand grinder without sacrificing quality or performance.
This top-rated grinder has ceramic conical burrs that stay sharp longer and provide a consistent grind. At the same time, its stainless steel body ensures that your grinds are static-free.
However, its lack of grind size settings means that you are limited to whichever brewers have filters fine enough to prevent sediment.
Pros
Cons
If you want to make sure your coffee is as fresh as possible and don't mind putting in a little elbow grease, the Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder might be for you.
Depending on your setting, the ceramic conical burrs can grind beans from coarse to fine. Still, the lack of additional grind settings leaves this much desired.
Most Compact Option
7.) Houselog Portable Manual Coffee Grinder Set
If you're any sort of regular coffee drinker, you know that freshly ground coffee is the key to a perfect cup of joe. Suppose you're looking for a portable manual coffee grinder set that will let you grind your beans on the go.
In that case, the Houselog Portable Manual Coffee Grinder Set is perfect for you. This grinder is made of 304 brushed stainless steel, is lightweight, and easy to disassemble and clean – perfect for when you're traveling.
In addition, the comfortable non-slip grip and easy-to-use crank make it a breeze to use. However, the 30g capacity means you'll have to empty and refill the grounds catch to meet most cold brew recipe requirements.
Pros
Cons
There's really not much to say here. Overall, the Houselog Portable Manual Grinder Set is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want a durable, travel-friendly grinder that is easy to use and clean. The steel burrs may heat up your coffee grounds more than ceramic burrs, but this heat is negligible.
Best Classic Model
8.) Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder
The Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder is perfect for those who want to grind their own coffee beans at home. This grinder is made of high-grade steel and features a carbon steel grinding mechanism that ensures efficient grinding.
The ergonomically designed handle makes grinding easy. In addition, the conical burr grinder can achieve a Turkish grind size, perfect for those who want a fine grind. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or simply looking for a fresh cup of coffee, the Zassenhaus Santiago Coffee Mill Grinder is a great choice.
Pros
Cons
Classic manual coffee grinders with a square form factor make them more challenging to hold and use for long durations.
The fine grind size makes it perfect for Turkish coffee but not ideal for most cold brew applications. Still, it is a great showpiece that will start conversations.
Best Overall Value
9.) Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Mini Slim Plus
The Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Mini Slim Plus is a small, lightweight coffee mill that is easy to read and adjust. It features a consistent grind and a two-cup capacity. This mill is perfect for those who want an easy-to-use, reliable grinder.
Pros
Cons
The Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Mini Slim Plus is a great little grinder. It's straightforward to use and produces a consistent grind.
The stepped grind adjustment mechanism is very user-friendly, and the 2 cup capacity is perfect for small batches. I highly recommend this grinder to anyone in the market for an affordable, reliable coffee grinder.
Editor's Choice
10.) 1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Coffee Grinder
Do you love the taste of fresh-brewed coffee but dread the high price tag that comes with it? Then check out the 1Zpresso JX-PRO Manual Grinder.
This affordable grinder lets you grind your own beans right at home and produces a cup of coffee that rivals anything you'd get from a café. With its precision adjustment dial and durable construction, the 1Zpresso is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, delicious coffee without breaking the bank.
Pros
Cons
Overall, the 1Zpresso JX-PRO is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh-brewed coffee at home without spending a fortune on expensive electric grinders.
If you're looking for an affordable, high-quality coffee grinder, the 1Zpresso JX-PRO is an excellent option. With its precision grind settings and durable construction, it can produce a cup of coffee that rivals anything you'd get from a café.
It's also easy to clean and use, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, delicious coffee without spending a lot of money.
In addition, the 1Zpresso JX-PRO produces any grind size you could want for your coffee and is an excellent option for cold brew applications.
Best Overall
11.) Javapresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Do you love the taste of fresh, gourmet coffee but balk at the high prices? With a Javapresse Manual Burr Grinder, you can get that same delicious flavor for a fraction of the cost. In addition, this handy little grinder is easy to use and even easier to clean, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Pros
Cons
The JavaPresse manual coffee grinder is an excellent option for anyone who loves coffee and wants to enjoy it on the go. Its compact size and durable build make it perfect for traveling.
In addition, its multiple grind settings allow you to customize your brews to perfection. The only downside is that it may not be ideal for large volumes of coffee, but for most people, this won't be an issue.
With the JavaPresse manual coffee grinder, you can have fresh, delicious coffee anywhere you go - hiking up a mountain or taking a break at your local park.
Its small size means it won't take up much space in your bag, and its durable construction will ensure that it withstands any bumps or continue.
FAQs
Is grinding coffee beans by hand better?
Not necessarily, but it certainly has its merits for cold brew applications or anyone who has a bit of a passion for doing things manually. The main thing to consider is how electric grinders tend to heat up when in constant contact with the beans.
The heat may release acids and oils within the beans, making them taste bitter. This heat problem is less likely with manual coffee grinders and even less when those manual coffee grinders use ceramic burrs.
Is grinding coffee manually a hard task?
Yes, manually grinding coffee can be tricky because it requires a lot of elbow grease to produce your desired result. In addition, if you are brewing a large batch of cold brews, you may start to feel fatigued in your attempt to reach the number of grinds you need for your brew.
Are manual coffee grinders worth it?
Overall, the answer is yes. A manual coffee grinder is a great way to get the most out of your coffee beans by ensuring grind consistency and mitigating heat from electric grinder models. They're also relatively easy to use and clean. Plus, you don't have to plug them in, and they are usually very durable.
How long does manually grinding coffee take?
It could take anywhere from 5 to 40 minutes, depending on the grinder you're using, how much you need to grind, and how fine a grind you prefer. Consider manually grinding coffee beans to be a labor of love that you perform while doing something else.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Here are some benefits to reiterate when thinking over your choices. Should you go with a manual coffee grinder for cold brew? Let's look at what we've learned:
- You can have complete control over the grind.
- You don't have to plug it in.
- Most manual coffee grinders are travel-friendly.
- You aren't releasing heat into your coffee grounds.
- It does take longer, so you might not have time to do this daily.
We've got great news for you if you love the taste of cold brew coffee but don't love the price tag of high-end automatic burr grinders.
By grinding your coffee beans at home with a quality manual grinder, like any of the manual coffee grinders from this list, you can enjoy a fresh, delicious cold brew without spending a fortune on an electric grinder.