(checked 2026-10-11)Small sample (220 ratings).
Wirecutter's best hand grinder: even grinds from a 42 mm steel burr, a smooth crank and a sturdy aluminum body. But it makes only one or two cups at a time, fine grinds take close to 3 minutes and get tiring, and some owners find the grind adjustment tricky.
Top complaints
- Small batches, slow at fine settings
Wirecutter says it grinds enough for only one or two cups. It took about a minute for 20 g at medium and under 3 minutes at fine settings, and dialing in espresso gets tiring.
Source: Wirecutter - Grind adjustment can be tricky
Grind adjustment is the one mixed aspect on Amazon, with some owners finding it hard to use. Wirecutter had to go coarser than the dial's suggested pour-over setting.
- Not cheap; not for serious espresso
Wirecutter says it can't be called inexpensive and lacks the espresso range of the ESP Pro.
Source: Wirecutter
What owners love
- Even grounds from steel burrs
Wirecutter found even grounds across sizes and a balanced, 'sippable' pour-over in a barista's test. Grind consistency is positive on Amazon.
- Smooth crank, sturdy build
Wirecutter praises the smooth action, grippy body, folding handle, numbered dial and steel-and-aluminum build. Build quality is positive on Amazon.
- Fine enough for espresso
Wirecutter pulled thick, syrupy shots from the start, with better results than the Encore's fine setting.
Source: Wirecutter
- You brew a full pot
- You want to grind in seconds
- You'll dial in espresso often
- Small kitchens, travel and silent mornings
- One or two cups of pour-over
- Occasional espresso without a second grinder
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best coffee grinder for manual use; its flaw is that it's not cheap, though reasonable for the quality.