Manual Coffee Grinder

Choosing a coffee grinder is not a step to be taken lightly when you want to control your coffee results. The choice of coffee grinder is just as important as the choice of coffee machine !

With a coffee grinder adapted to the extraction method , it is possible to sublimate the flavours and quality of the coffee beans you have chosen. In fact, I think that a grinder is more significant than the machine itself. Here's why:

The basic principle of coffee grinders , whether manual or electric , is simple: they are used to grind the coffee beans to the correct grind for the extraction method. This allows you to enjoy the freshness and aromatic oils of the coffee, which provide all the complexity of flavour that we love about coffee.

However, it is clear that there are many factors to consider. Several criteria should be taken into account: the types of grinders , the grinding wheels as well as the impact of the diameter and material, and the programming possibilities. How to choose a coffee grinder? Which one to get and why?  We will help you to analyse what a coffee grinder is, in order to find the most suitable one for your needs.

Manual or electric coffee grinder, which is better?

One might think that the mere presence of an electric motor would make an electric grinder more efficient than a manual grinder . This is partly true.

Only partly, because there are now manual mills with performances that far exceed electric mills. But then, how do you differentiate between these two types of grinders , and which one to choose?

Legend has it that a manual grinder is unsuitable for extraction methods that require precision (such as espresso ).

However, the legend remains a legend... Historically, a manual grinder is either decorative and somewhat functional, or nomadic but suitable for a small list of extractions.

Today, we find all types of manual coffee grinders:

The traditional wooden grinder , which we knew from our grandmothers, and which will allow us to make filter coffee . The stainless-steel grinder , with notches, to make Aeropress everywhere, and also micrometric grinders that allow to make espresso , and even espresso on E61 groups .

The advantage of a manual grinder is that there is no retention . Retention is the ground coffee that can remain in the duct from one grind to another.

Moreover, most of them can be completely dismantled for thorough maintenance.  And last but not least, it's environmentally friendly! No electricity, just a little strength and patience!