Manual coffee grinders have been with us for centuries, but their reputation has changed completely in just the last couple of decades. What started as a slow-moving category dominated by wall-mounted crankers in 19th and early 20th century kitchens, and later the stiff, pressed iron (sometimes steel) burr grinders from Zassenhaus, was more about nostalgia than performance. For decades, progress was measured in small increments, if at all.
That changed near the end of the 2000s with the arrival of the Porlex Mini. Slim, metal-bodied, and designed with storage in mind thanks to its removable, storable crank, it wasn’t perfect, but it reset expectations.
Suddenly, manual grinders weren’t dusty antiques or big brass turkish mills; they were real contenders for daily coffee. The Porlex’s weak ceramic burrs showed the ceiling was higher, and soon companies like Comandante and Made by Knock stepped in to prove it. By the mid-2010s, the Asian brands followed: 1Zpresso, Timemore, Kingrinder, and others, pushing design and performance further than anyone expected while dropping prices way lower than Comandante. They were producing machines that rivalled and sometimes beat electric grinders in consistency and versatility.
Today, manual grinders aren’t a niche or novelty. They’re a legitimate choice for anyone who values grind quality without giving up counter space or spending big money on an electric burr grinder. They’re equally at home in a student’s dorm, a small apartment kitchen, or a seasoned enthusiast’s brewing station. For some, they’re about affordability; for others, the ritual of hand grinding. And for many, they’re simply the smartest way to brew better coffee.
Every grinder in this guide has been tested, reviewed, or personally used by the CoffeeGeek team, and each earns its place on merit, not marketing. A note on transparency: about two-thirds of the grinders here connect to affiliate partners, which helps keep CoffeeGeek alive and free to read. But those links never dictate our choices. You’ll find several excellent grinders in this guide that we make zero revenue from, including some of our top picks.
So what stood out in 2025? From versatile daily drivers to finely tuned espresso specialists, we’ve pulled together the best manual grinders available right now. Scroll on, and find the one that fits your brewing style.
Feature Guide Information
This is the original version of this purchasing feature guide, published September, 2025. It will be updated once in 2025. A badge that manufacturers and vendors can use will be coming soon.
Our Top PicksManual Coffee Grinders
If we were doing this list 10 years ago, it’s possible there would only be 2 or 3 selections even if we kept the list to under $300. Things have really changed in the coffee grinder market since then. We have twelve choices for you, including a $100 electric model, four manual grinders with three under $100, and two selections from Baratza. We also have a new flat burr selection this year that is under $250, unheard of a few years ago.
1Zpresso X-Ultra
A versatile grinder for everything from fine espresso to coarse pour-over. Compact, robust, and thoughtfully engineered, it makes manual grinding approachable and precise.
Timemore C3 ESP Pro
The all metal C3 ESP Pro offers extra clicks in its grind adjustment for espresso tuning, without costing a fortune. The unique folding handle design is one of the best in the industry.
Kingrinder K6
The Kingrinder K6 balances affordability and performance with consistent grind quality, sturdy build, and thoughtful design, making it a standout manual grinder for versatile home brewing.
Made by Knock Aergrind
The Aergrind is a compact powerhouse that fits inside an AeroPress. With stepless grind adjustment and durable build, it’s ideal for coffee lovers who value precision and portability.
Orphan Espresso Lido 3
The Lido 3 is a heavy-duty manual grinder with 48mm Swiss steel burrs, stepless adjustment, and folding handle. Built for precision and durability, it’s perfect for dedicated coffee enthusiasts.
1Zpresso Q-Air
The Q-Air proves that a small grinder can deliver serious performance. Lightweight, precise, and built for practical use, it’s great for AeroPress fans and anyone needing a lightweight solution.
Timemore C2 Series
A reliable, entry-level grinder that doesn’t compromise on quality. The C2 Standard makes daily manual grinding simple, consistent, and enjoyable for anyone on a budget.
1Zpresso J-Ultra
The J-Ultra is built for espresso enthusiasts. Large titanium-coated burrs, precise 8um adjustments, fantastic ergonomics, and steady performance make dialing in espresso shots effortless.
MHW-3Bomber Blade R3
The Blade R3 is a sleeper hit in the manual grinder world. With its external adjustment and included sieves and comfortable handle, it offers versatility and performance at an unbeatable price.
Kingrinder P2
The P2 proves great manual grinding doesn’t need to cost much. Compact, consistent, and easy to use, it’s perfect for small kitchens or anyone who appreciates efficiency at a tiny price.
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All AboutBudget Coffee Grinders
Manual coffee grinders have been around longer than most people realize. The German company Zassenhaus has been making them since the 19th century, and for decades they were the default choice if you wanted a hand grinder. Their classic box mills and crank-top designs set the template, but they weren’t without issues. Pressed metal (sometimes iron, sometimes steel) burrs often wore quickly, adjustment systems lacked precision, and consistency left something to be desired. Still, they carried the manual grinder banner for generations.
Fast forward to the 2000s and the Porlex Mini emerged from Japan. This small stainless steel grinder, often paired with an Aeropress, became a travel companion for coffee lovers worldwide. It was lightweight, durable, and reliable enough to set a new standard, even if its burr set and adjustment weren’t exactly groundbreaking.
The real shift came around 2013–2014, when two things happened: Comandante launched its now-legendary C40 grinder, and a small Scottish company called Made by Knock introduced the Hausgrind (later the Feldgrind). These grinders brought engineering precision, sharper burrs, and serious attention to ergonomics. They proved manual grinders didn’t have to be compromises anymore: they could rival, and sometimes even surpass, electric grinders in grind quality.
From there, the floodgates opened. Timemore, 1Zpresso, and later Kingrinder and MHW-3Bomber pushed innovation in materials, burr geometry, and usability. We got external click systems, magnetic catch cups, dual-bearing stabilization, and grinds not only fine enough for true espresso but even precision powder for Turkish coffee. Suddenly, manual grinders weren’t just a curiosity for camping or travel; they became serious brewing tools at home.
Today, you can choose between grinders built to handle everything (think 1Zpresso’s X-Ultra) and those optimized for one style, like espresso-first models (1Zpresso J-Ultra) or budget, punch way above their weight class specialists (Timemore’s C3 series). The category is wide enough that most people can find a grinder that feels purpose-built for their setup.
And the pace of development isn’t slowing down. We’re seeing experimental gearboxes like the Sou Sik P1’s planetary drive, which reduces torque for easier grinding, and dual burr concepts like Momentum’s upcoming system. Both suggest that manual grinding will only get more efficient and versatile in the years ahead.
At CoffeeGeek, when we evaluate grinders, we look at several key factors: overall value versus cost, included features, usability and ergonomics, build quality, burr design, output quality (particle distribution, fines, consistency), and ease of use day to day. These are the measures that separate a solid budget pick from a truly outstanding grinder.
The good news? Manual grinders today have never been better, with incredible options across the price spectrum. Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry point, a travel companion, or a serious home tool, the following guide will walk you through the very best currently available in 2025.
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Name: 1Zpresso X-Ultra
Maker: 1Zpresso
MSRP: $169USD / $240CAD
Typical Sale Price: $159USD
Introduced: Late 2023
Features: 40 mm stainless-steel heptagonal burrs, dual-bearing spindle, magnetic catch cup, wide grind adjustment range, compact and portable, ergonomic crank, durable aluminium body, precise calibration with 12.5 µm click steps.
The 1Zpresso X-Ultra doesn’t just grind coffee, it makes daily brewing feel effortless considering we’re talking manual grinders here. From fine espresso to chunkier pour-over, it handles everything with precision and consistency. The foldable handle tucks to the side of the grinder neatly, the magnetic catch cup stays put, and the all-metal build feels like serious engineering rather than a delicate gadget.
The burrs are are one highlight among many. The 40 mm heptagonal stainless-steel set delivers an impressively uniform grind, while the dual-bearing spindle keeps the crank steady no matter how ambitious your wrist gets. Adjusting grind size is smooth, repeatable, and surprisingly satisfying, making jumps between espresso and filter coffee feel intuitive.
This grinder sets the standard for anyone who wants one tool to do it all. It fits neatly on a small counter, makes single or double brewing a breeze, and hits every sweet spot in quality, convenience, and value. For home brewers serious about their coffee, the X-Ultra is hard to beat and, frankly, might just be the best overall manual grinder on the market right now.
We recently reviewed this grinder, if you’d like to see a more detailed look.
Name: Chestnut C3 ESP Pro
Maker: Timemore
MSRP: $109USD
Typical Sale Price: $80USD
Introduced: Winter, 2022-23
Features: 40 mm stainless steel burrs, stepped, internal micro adjustment, unique folding handle, dual-bearing spindle, aluminium body, low retention, compact design, extra precision for espresso.
The C3 ESP Pro from Timemore is one of those coffee machines, once in hand, you struggle to believe it can cost under $100 (when on sale, which happens frequently). From the exceptional folding handle design (also addictive in how it folds and unfolds), to the all metal construction, to the S2C burrs (spike-to-cut), to the rigid internal burr mount system, so much about this grinder screams quality. It really seems 10 generations ahead of the Porlex Mini.
It is sturdy, easy to use, and has a decent dose volume. It does lack some features the latest grinder designs boast: the grind adjustment is internal; the grinds bin is screw on, and the adjustment range is a bit long for espresso based on some other grinders on the market today.
Still, when this is at the regular price of $109, you’re getting a ton of value here and a product that should work just fine for decades. At the occasional $80 price, it’s a steal. I mean think about it, the Porlex was around $80, nearly 15 years ago!
Name: Kingrinder K6
Maker: Kingrinder
MSRP: $130USD
Typical Sale Price: $100
Introduced: Spring, 2024
Features: 48 mm heptagonal stainless steel burrs, 16-micron clicks, external adjustment, aluminum body, all-metal construction (lid is plastic), dual-bearing spindle, 35 g capacity, low retention, tool free cleaning, power-drill adaptable.
The Kingrinder K6 is a bit of an enigma. In many ways, it offers similar performance, style and ability to the J-Ultra and K-Ultra grinders from 1Zpresso, but at half the price (or less). You do give up a few things: a non folding handle, no magnets holding the grinds bin or top caps in place, and a burr set that, while really good, isn’t in 1Zpresso’s league, but you also get a bevy of features that the $100 to $130 price point doesn’t seem to make possible.
The external adjustment system is great with 240 clicks per rotation, and there’s even an indicator for how many 360 turns you’ve made, something the X-Ultra grinder lacks. One particularly unique feature is the electric drill compatibility: not only is is capable of using a drill (bigger, beefier spindle) but Kingrinder designed the lid so it can be converted to drill use, keeping your beans inside (with the 1Zpressos, you cannot use the lid while using a drill, so beans can fly out).
The burrs are clearly a copy of the K-Utra, but not quite the same. They do a good job as a full multipurpose burrset, being heptagonal 48mm hardened steel burrs. They mount on the spindle with the bottom plate design, something 1Zpresso had gotten away from (to the improvement of their grinders). We did see some static issues with our sample unit when compared to 1Zpresso’s Ultra lineup. Normally a RDT would help here, but Kingrinder says absolutely no liquids (even spritzes) should go inside this grinder.
Though our staff’s testing of this grinder showed it to be durable and well built, we do have to note we’ve heard from CoffeeGeek readers who feel the build quality could be much better in this grinder. Something to keep in mind. Overall, the price is the true champion here. This is one of the best bang for buck manual grinders on the market in 2025.
Name: Knock Aergrind
Maker: Made by Knock
MSRP: $180USD
Typical Sale Price: $180USD
Introduced: Spring, 2022
Features: Unique top mounted grind adjustment; stepless adjustment, 38mm titanium-nitrade coated conical burrs, anodized aluminum body, magnetic top cap, threaded grinds bin, 25g capacity, multiple silicone grips, magnetic crank handle, full AeroPress compatibility.
The Made by Knock Aergrind is a boutique manual grinder that blends precision, versatility, and thoughtful design. At its core are 38 mm titanium-nitrided Italmill conical burrs that deliver impressively uniform grounds for espresso, AeroPress, pour-over, and French press.
The stepless top-mounted adjustment dial rotates smoothly, giving fine control across the grind spectrum, while the magnetic top cap and threaded metal catch bin keep every step reliable and solid.
Despite its compact 16.5 cm × 5 cm footprint, the Aergrind is substantial in feel. It fits inside an AeroPress plunger tube even with the silicone grip attached, making loading, grinding, and dosing straightforward. The anodized aluminum body paired with grippy silicone collars ensures comfortable handling, and the walnut magnetic crank handle clicks into place with satisfying precision.
Capacity tops out around 25 g, so it’s best for single brews or small batches. Ideal for AeroPress enthusiasts or anyone wanting a stepless, well-engineered manual grinder, the Aergrind pairs portability with premium performance without compromise. It’s a thoughtful, beautiful manual grinder option that really stands apart from a lot of what’s on the market right now. We recently reviewed this grinder.
Name: Lido 3
Maker: Orphan Espresso
MSRP: $195USD
Typical Sale Price: $170
Introduced: 2020
Features: 48mm Swiss-made steel conical burrs, stepless grind adjustment, folding handle, 70g hopper capacity, dual bronze axle bearings, anti-static stainless steel catch jar, BPA-free plastic body, die-cast aluminum handle, includes cleaning brush and travel bag.
The Orphan Espresso Lido 3 doesn’t mess around. At 1.1 kg, it’s solid enough to feel like it could survive a minor apocalypse, but every gram is packed with purpose. The 48 mm Swiss-made steel burrs chew through beans with precision, and the stepless adjustment dial makes dialing in espresso or pour-over settings smooth and repeatable.
The folding handle tucks away neatly, the 70 g hopper holds enough beans for the largest single-batch brews, and the anti-static stainless steel catch jar keeps grounds from going rogue. We’ve been using the (now discontinued) 3 ET, the espresso-focused, “travel” version of this grinder for years now, but the current model not only incorporates all that version’s improvements, but adds some more. We had a full review of this product on a previous version of our website, and it scored extremely high.
Sure, it’s not the lightest grinder out there, so if you’re dreaming of something pocket-sized, this isn’t it. But for home baristas who care about build quality, consistency, and a grind that won’t suddenly wobble or slip, it’s a dream. Also remember who Orphan Espresso is: a tiny cottage industry company that builds products based on careful feedback and interaction with the coffee and espresso community. In some ways they are the real definition of rural boutique. To be honest, I’m amazed this grinder is only $170 these days.
Solid, precise, and built to last, the Lido 3 ET feels like a grinder you’ll actually want to use every day. And pass down to your kids.
Name: 1Zpresso Q-Air
Maker: 1Zpresso
MSRP: $79USD / $93CAD
Typical Sale Price: $69USD
Introduced: Spring, 2024
Features: 38 mm conical burrs, heptagonal burr design, plastic body, metal internal frame, metal burr carrier and spindle, internal grind adjustment, dual-bearing spindle, low retention, compact, portable, fits AeroPress.
The Q-Air is small but thoughtfully engineered. Its 38 mm heptagonal burrs provide clean, consistent grinds for filter methods and even espresso-adjacent settings. The plastic body keeps the grinder light while the internal metal frame and burr carrier handle the torque, giving it rigidity and durability.
Indexed grind clicks move the burrs roughly 25 µm per step, letting you dial in repeatable settings. The short, curved crank with wooden ball knob is balanced and smooth, and the silicone sleeve adds extra grip when needed. The grinder fits neatly in the AeroPress plunger, making it highly practical for compact setups.
Performance is impressive for the price. Output is cleaner than the other super budget grinder on this list (the P2 from Kingrinder), and even a tad cleaner than the Timemore C2 series, thanks to the more modern burr design. Tool-free disassembly keeps cleaning simple. The Q-Air does well for single-cup filter coffee or AeroPress enthusiasts who value portability and precise burrs without spending a fortune.
We recently reviewed this grinder if you’d like a deeper dive.
Name: Chestnut C2
Maker: Timemore
MSRP: $69USD / $81CAD
Typical Sale Price: $45-55USD
Introduced: 2019
Features: 38 mm stainless steel burrs, stepped adjustment, aluminum body, ergonomic handle, low retention, compact footprint, versatile grind range, travel friendly.
The Timemore C2 Standard is simple, reliable, and hard to beat for the price. With its all-metal construction, it can sometimes drop below $50 on sale, making it one of the most affordable metal manual grinders we recommend.
The 38 mm five-point milled steel burrs cover a wide grind range, from filter coffee to near-espresso levels. The stepped adjustment system is easy to dial in, repeatable, and beginner-friendly, though you do need to remove the grinds bin to change settings.
Build quality, as they say, punches above its price. The textured aluminum body feels solid, the ergonomic handle is comfortable for longer grinding sessions, and the compact footprint is perfect for small kitchens or dorms. Cleaning is simple thanks to a no-tools disassembly.
This grinder won’t make you an espresso wizard, but for most everyday grinding it performs well and makes a solid pour-over grind quickly. Students, minimalists, and budget-conscious home baristas will appreciate its combination of value, reliability, and simplicity. We’ve owned the C2 since COVID times, and our test unit’s been on many day trips and camping adventures, doing full AeroPress and Siphon coffee duties.
Name: 1Zpresso J-Ultra
Maker: 1Zpresso
MSRP: $199USD / $285CAD
Typical Sale Price: $179USD
Introduced: Late 2023
Features: 48 mm titanium-coated stainless steel burrs, conical burrs, 8-micron adjustment, dual-bearing spindle, electric drill friendly, solid aluminium body, foldable handle, low retention, ergonomic design.
The J-Ultra is designed with espresso in mind. The 48 mm titanium-coated burrs deliver durability and consistent grind quality. The external adjustment system moves in 8-micron increments, allowing for precise dialing in of espresso shots. Whether you’re chasing a slightly finer or coarser grind, the adjustments are repeatable and reliable. The output is some of the best you’ll currently get for espresso brewing.
The dual-bearing spindle ensures a steady crank, eliminating wobble that can affect consistency. The aluminium body is robust yet light enough for everyday handling, and the foldable handle makes storage or countertop use simple. Low retention design keeps wasted grounds to a minimum, making cleanup easier. The materials mix means low static too.
While it excels at espresso, the J-Ultra is versatile enough for occasional pour-over experimentation. Its combination of precise burrs, reliable adjustment, and solid build quality makes it a grinder that feels intentional at every step, rather than a compromise. We detailed this grinder recently in a First Look.
For anyone serious about espresso but still wants flexibility and ease of use at home, the J-Ultra is a top choice. It represents what modern manual grinders can achieve when thoughtful engineering and high-quality materials come together in an ergonomic, user-friendly package.
Name: Blade R3
Maker: MHW-3Bomber
MSRP: $109USD
Typical Sale Price: $100USD
Introduced: Summer 2024
Features: 48 mm stainless steel burrs, external adjustment, triple-bearing spindle, magnetic catch cup, integrated sieving system, 5 sieves, 60 clicks per 360 rotation, 20g capacity with sieves (25g without), tool free disassembly.
The MHW‑3Bomber Blade R3 is a surprising powerhouse for its price. Its 48 mm stainless steel burrs, triple‑bearing spindle, and precise external adjustment dial give you the kind of control usually found in far pricier grinders. The standout feature is the integrated sieve system, which separates fines for cleaner, brighter cups on pour-over. It adds a step and limits capacity to about 20 g, so don’t plan on brewing for the whole office.
Adjusting the grind is satisfying with sixty butter-smooth clicks per rotation, each moving roughly 16 microns. Espresso is achievable if you are patient, while filter methods really benefit when the sieve is engaged. The extra-long crank arm and all-metal build with a walnut handle make every grind feel deliberate. Watch out for static though, it can make your grounds do a little magic trick on their own.
Aside from static and the modest max dose, there is little to complain about. For home brewers who want precision and clarity without emptying their wallets, the Blade R3 is a bargain. Large batches or mornings when you need speed might test your patience, but for one-cup enthusiasts and curious tinkerers, it performs far beyond its price.
We are currently working on the full review for this grinder, which will be published this fall.
Name: Kingrinder P2
Maker: Kingrinder
MSRP: $65USD
Typical Sale Price: $45USD
Introduced: Nov, 2023
Features: 38mm SUS420 stainless steel conical burrs, 33-micron stepped adjustment, 20g capacity, 330g weight, ABS plastic body, dual-bearing system, compact design, easy disassembly for cleaning, rubber grip band, included cleaning brush.
The Kingrinder P2 is a standout for a budget grinder. Its seven-edge stainless steel burrs deliver fairly consistent grinding across many brewing methods. While Kingrinder claims 33-micron changes per click, testing shows an effective resolution of about 15-18 microns. That precision allows it to approach espresso and excel for AeroPress and pour-over, offering clarity well beyond its price.
Dialing in espresso can be tricky, as each click produces noticeable shifts in grind behaviour. Fine-tuning may take trial and error, but for filter methods like V60, Kalita, or French press, the P2 fares better, delivering bright, reasonably clean flavours, sometimes with highlight notes. It does produce more fines than other grinders on this list, including the Q-Air.
Its compact 330-gram design keeps it light and manageable on your countertop, and the plastic body paired with the dual-bearing metal burr system keeps the action smooth. Grinding action is “okay”, or what you’d expect for a budget grinder. I do like how easy everything is to take apart.
The main tradeoffs for this grinder are the espresso dial ability, the fines produced in the V60 range (nothing terrible), and static, which is pronounced at times due to the mix of materials inside. That said, a quick spritz of water – using the Ross Droplet Technique – tames most of the mess.
For anyone upgrading from a blade grinder or stepping into budget manual grinders, the P2 offers a good balance of performance vs price. It’s not trying to compete with premium metal-bodied grinders on ergonomics or espresso finesse, but for pour-over and light-roast coffee fans, it delivers nice flavour clarity for every cup. Our full review is being published soon.
Manual GrindersNot On This List
While we’ve covered some of the top manual grinders available, several noteworthy models didn’t make this list, either due to pricing, availability, or our current review status. Here’s a brief overview:
- Momentum Dual Burr Grinder: This grinder features a dual-burr system, offering consistent grind quality. Availability is limited, and we have no hands on experience with this grinder, and for those reasons it isn’t officially recommended.
- Comandante C40: Renowned for its exceptional grind consistency and build quality, the C40 is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. However, its high price point and ongoing legal disputes over questionable design patents have led us to exclude it from this guide.
- Made by Knock Feld 47: A premium grinder from Knock, the Feld 47 offers precise grind adjustments and a robust build. There’s apparently a dual burr version too! While we aim to review it in the future, it hasn’t been included in this guide.
- Kinu M47: Known for its precision and durability, the Kinu M47 is a top-tier grinder. This is another grinder that our team has not had any hands-on experience with.
- Pietro Grinder: A newcomer in the manual grinder market, the Pietro Grinder offers innovative features. We did reach out at one point about reviewing this grinder but the company did not get back to us; since we have no hands on experience, it’s excluded from our guide’s picks.
Each of these grinders has its unique strengths and may be suitable for different brewing preferences and budgets. As always, we recommend considering your specific needs and preferences when selecting a manual grinder.
4 Responses
Thanks for the manual grinder comparisons. I was surprised, though, that you opted for the 1Zpresso X-Ultra as the best grinder, over their top of their line, K-Ultra. It’s not even on the “honorable mention” list. Why is the X-Ultra better?
Hi Bill. I cover this a lot in the First Look for the X-Ultra; it comes down to how it feels in hand, how it works, and also the finer grind adjustment.
Thanks for the in-depth guide! Would you recommend the OE Lido over the 1zpresso J Ultra for someone looking for an all around grinder with a focus on espresso? I have the Breville Barista Pro and I’d like to upgrade my grinder and maybe experiment with pour over too. Mainly drink coffee for the chocolate and caramel notes. Thanks!
imo the p2 is all i need for medium and dark roasted beans for my hario v60 pour over. it’s basically a grinder built to grind 1 serving size of coffee. the k6 is built to grind 2 servings of coffee but is much costlier in price. the burr size is 48 mm on the k6 but since it is made to grind double the amount of beans at a time versus the 1 serving portion with the p2 that is to be expected. the p2 housing is made of a durable plastic composition, versus the k6 in which the housing is metal, but baring severe abuse the abs plastic should not crack from an accidental fall. if one does not expect to grind espresso and only needs 1 serving of coffee at a time the 44 dollar cost of the p2 is all one needs to spend.