6 models

Hand Grinders

Burr, adjustment and body — in that order

A hand grinder is bought for the burr and the adjustment, not the handle. Ceramic burrs grind cooler and cost less; CNC-cut steel burrs cut more evenly and hold an edge longer, which is why the price gap between them is wide. Adjustment is the second decision: a stepped dial clicks into known positions and repeats, a stepless collar lets you chase a shot but not return to it exactly. Then the body — stainless, aluminium or wood — which mostly decides how it feels and how much it weighs in a bag. Everything on this page grinds for filter; the espresso-capable ones say so in their adjustment range.

• Ceramic or CNC steel burr, and what that costs
• Stepped clicks versus stepless adjustment
• Capacity per fill and whether it fits in a travel bag