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Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => The Culinary Circle => Topic started by: FullRangeMan on 18 Mar 2019, 06:20 pm

Title: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 18 Mar 2019, 06:20 pm
Hi,
Anyone could suggest me a reliable manual coffee grinder?
What model not to buy would be a good info also.
Gracias
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: WGH on 18 Mar 2019, 06:39 pm
JavaPresse works for me, it's easily adjustable and the replaceable ceramic burr is available for only $5. I grind 2 tablespoons of beans at a time for an excellent cup of coffee, if you need to grind more beans at one time then you will need a bigger machine.
https://www.javapresse.com/ (https://www.javapresse.com/)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: avta on 18 Mar 2019, 08:35 pm
What kind of coffee will you be using it for? French Press? Espresso? Other type like pour over?
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: JLM on 18 Mar 2019, 08:36 pm
Onore Caffe is what I use with Aeropress, both work fine.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: randytsuch on 18 Mar 2019, 09:08 pm
Budget?  There are some fancy hand grinders out there that cost two hundred or more.

Travel or home use?

I've had a Hario mini mill slim for years for traveling, but these days there may be better options.
But it works fine for the times I out on the road, but still want decent coffee.

That javapresse looks interesting, and the price is right.
What is it's max capacity?

Randy
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: WGH on 19 Mar 2019, 01:27 am
That javapresse looks interesting, and the price is right.
What is it's max capacity?
4 heaping tablespoons max. The JavaPresse can be a little slippery so I wrap one of those rubber jar opener pads around it and comfortably grind away.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: Larkston Zinaspic on 19 Mar 2019, 01:49 am
Those Porlex knock-offs are not very good, IMO. 8 dollar grinders being rebranded and sold for triple its worth on Amazon. The cheapest grinder I would recommend would be the Hario Skerton, which has its flaws but will do medium/ med. fine well enough.

Something like the Aergrind would be a definite step up for portability at least. Comandante looks good beyond that. I currently own a Kinu, which I'll be the first to admit is not worth the money, but in general you do get what you pay for.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 19 Mar 2019, 09:26 am
Thanks boys for your guidance I appreciated.
I will use it only to my personal coffee recipe, I mix the coffee powder with hot milk, no sugar.
Budget is under $50usd for home use only to a mug serve, so low capacity.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: murphy11 on 19 Mar 2019, 11:35 am
Also use the javapresse daily with Aeropress. Can easily make 1-2 cups from a single grind. Rubber grips are a great idea - thanks!
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: WGH on 19 Mar 2019, 03:08 pm
Here is a handy grind chart with pictures
https://www.homegrounds.co/coffee-grind-chart/ (https://www.homegrounds.co/coffee-grind-chart/)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 19 Mar 2019, 07:45 pm
Here is a handy grind chart with pictures
https://www.homegrounds.co/coffee-grind-chart/ (https://www.homegrounds.co/coffee-grind-chart/)
I have to read it before purchase, thanks.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: bummrush on 19 Mar 2019, 11:40 pm
Heres one.  Handground. Great price. I'm going to get one. My solid is ok. The usual Grimes up from bigtime use.Sturdy as ever.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: johnto on 20 Mar 2019, 01:59 am
Be sure to get a quality grinder it makes a huge difference.( like a good cartridge)
I purchased a used Zassenhaus on ebay fantastic grinder .
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 20 Mar 2019, 02:17 am
Houston we have a problem, various buyers report plastic internal part broken so early as one week and an month on this model, scroll down the page to users comments:
https://www.amazon.com.br/MOEDOR-MANUAL-CERAMICA-MOINHO-GRAOS/dp/B07CV248Q7
Seems the part is the central axe, anyone had any prob?
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: Tyson on 20 Mar 2019, 03:48 pm
What about using a spice grinder instead?  They are often all-metal and very robust.  And should give you the quantity you need for small batches.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 20 Mar 2019, 05:03 pm
Do you mean say a peper grinder?
Any link?
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: johnto on 20 Mar 2019, 07:27 pm
Maybe a hand one would be okay but avoid cheap electric grinders they just ruin coffee.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: Tyson on 20 Mar 2019, 10:45 pm
Something like this: 

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zawAAOSwH-daOujc/s-l300.jpg)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: randytsuch on 20 Mar 2019, 11:45 pm
The grinder I have, the Hario mini, and the Hario skerton have been around for a long time, and are good grinders except for a design flaw where the top burr only has one bearing, so at courser settings the top burr can move and you get inconsistent grinds.

There is a "mod kit" for the skerton that seems to fix this flaw.

That combination should make a good coffee grinder.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 21 Mar 2019, 09:17 am
Thanks boys I will look into it to see what I can get.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 23 Mar 2019, 07:46 pm
Found this inexpensive grinder, anyone can see any issue/prob in it?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MP6CFRV/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07MP6CFRV&pd_rd_w=eiUzC&pf_rd_p=733540df-430d-45cd-9525-21bc15b0e6cc&pd_rd_wg=4VGL2&pf_rd_r=F8BP7C5CY6XT6S6JMVG7&pd_rd_r=3784f547-4d9f-11e9-96ba-09dd5d4e5c18
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: stlrman on 24 Mar 2019, 02:01 am
Why not get the JavaPress?
I just got one
Works great !!
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Mar 2019, 02:04 am
The moving parts are metal?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQPWGN9/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07MQPWGN9
Just see the inards are metal, price is similar;  :scratch:
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Mar 2019, 03:51 am
Do you had washed it?
Your JavaPress enters water in the storage cup after washing?
as in this Lucky&Sons:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71KKKX3pIyL._CR0,412,1060,1060_UX175.jpg)
Grinder Link (https://www.amazon.com/LUCKY-SON-Grinder-Adjustable-Portable/dp/B075WFXS9D/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_pop_srecs_sabr_0_3/145-2706477-5482627?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075WFXS9D&pd_rd_r=561fdf96-b5ef-4430-a6e3-ef1cbef1f8aa&pd_rd_w=ssqxY&pd_rd_wg=swrbp&pf_rd_p=0d95006f-c338-4c7d-b2ce-9329f0ff78ca&pf_rd_r=SWQXC8S5PFQ95P3DFRA9&psc=1&refRID=SWQXC8S5PFQ95P3DFRA9)
 
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: thebrieze on 6 May 2019, 10:46 pm
The Hario pro grinder is very good. However if you have smaller hands, maybe one of the slim travel grinders might be more suitable.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2019, 01:55 am
Hi,
I have just ordered this bargain:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manual-Coffee-Grinder-Adjustable-Ceramic-Conical-Burr-Mill-Brush-Spoon-Bag/143144605261?hash=item215415564d:g:8M8AAOSwslJccP7Y
I was unable to determine what was the best grinder so I ordered this cheap model, if it breaks will no be a loss.
I wish thanks all yours suggestions and posts :thumb:
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 15 Aug 2019, 01:25 pm
I have received it today, seems a Java clone for less price, all parts looks quality inox steel inclusive the spoon and the same used on the Java grinder except the handle that is not inox but carbon steel, but I can live with it at this price.
Thanks to all posters for the help, much appreciated.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: twitch54 on 15 Aug 2019, 01:57 pm
keep us in the loop as to how it performs and holds up  ...  :)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: Doublej on 24 Aug 2019, 12:39 pm
Hi,
I have just ordered this bargain:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manual-Coffee-Grinder-Adjustable-Ceramic-Conical-Burr-Mill-Brush-Spoon-Bag/143144605261?hash=item215415564d:g:8M8AAOSwslJccP7Y
I was unable to determine what was the best grinder so I ordered this cheap model, if it breaks will no be a loss.
I wish thanks all yours suggestions and posts :thumb:

How is it holding up and how easy is it to clean? I am ready to get one.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Aug 2019, 02:35 pm
I only used it 3 times and it worked fine and easy to use, I havent washed it with water yet, I just shaked it to get the dust out. I don't know if it should be washed with water or just vacuuming the dust. The only thing I did not like is that the shaft is not square but has 5 sides/pentagon and Iam afraid it will strip the shaft.

I noted all brands and grinders use a pentagon shaft.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 1 Sep 2019, 04:56 pm
I not able to get thin coffee in the first time, I have to grind 2 times to get thin powder as in this image, but I bough a great coffee at a low price.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198113)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: johnto on 4 Sep 2019, 04:12 pm
My Zassenhaus does anything from french to espresso with no problems. Its worth spending more and getting something that's good for life.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: S Clark on 4 Sep 2019, 04:41 pm
I not able to get thin coffee in the first time, I have to grind 2 times to get thin powder as in this image, but I bough a great coffee at a low price.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198113)
You only spent a few dollars, so I wouldn't expect the same performance as something better.  My Gaggia MDF is a lifetime machine, but it cost like a lifetime machine. 
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: rollo on 4 Sep 2019, 05:42 pm
  The best manual Coffee grinder is my Wife. :roll:


charles
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Mar 2020, 02:41 pm
I ordered a second unit for spare due the low price.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: johnto on 15 Aug 2020, 10:20 pm
Check eBay for a  good used grinder I got a quality Zassenhaus for a reasonable price there.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Sep 2023, 08:13 am
Hi dear coffee fans>
After more than 4 years of intense daily use,
my cheap Java clone seems to be worn, the
ceramic gears takes much time to grind in the
super fine setting.

Anyone have experience with this metal gear grinder?
I would like to know if its good on the super fine grind?
I dont use the mid and coarser settings.
https://www.amazon.com/TIMEMORE-Chestnut-Grinder-Capacity-Stainless/dp/B0833SDN8M/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1SR6JE8A32V6B&keywords=timemore+coffee+grinder&qid=1695540504&s=kitchen-intl-ship&sprefix=timemore+coffe+grinder%2Ckitchen-intl-ship%2C225&sr=1-5
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: newzooreview on 24 Sep 2023, 02:08 pm
After getting inconsistent results from electric and handheld burr grinders in the $50-$200 range, I finally got a Comandante hand grinder: the C40 Mk4 Nitro Blade.

It is a real pleasure to use, and the results have been consistent and excellent. I would have saved money if I had just gotten it in the first place. It's $310 here in the US with one of the wood veneers.

For grinding espresso, get the Red Clix RX-35 precision grind adjustment. Comandante made this for espresso grinds so that you can dial in the grind exactly how you want it.

I also like the glass grinds jar, which is a $20 separate purchase for four of them. I'm sure that the supplied polycarbonate jar is excellent, but I like the feel of glass. In addition, I got the "Big Joe" knob for the grinding arm. The supplied knob works well, so it's not necessarily an upgrade to get the larger knob.

I use it for pour-over grinds, but most of the online reviews are more focused on espresso, where consistency and fine control of grind size are critical. The reviews consistently find it excels at espresso grinds, and the US distributor actually specializes in Turkish Coffee which the Comandante will also grind very nicely. One pass, no double grinding.

Company site:
https://comandantegrinder.com/index.html#styles

US Distributor:
https://www.specialtyturkishcoffee.com/product-category/comandante-grinder/
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 25 Sep 2023, 06:20 am
Hi,
I have just ordered this bargain:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manual-Coffee-Grinder-Adjustable-Ceramic-Conical-Burr-Mill-Brush-Spoon-Bag/143144605261?hash=item215415564d:g:8M8AAOSwslJccP7Y
I was unable to determine what was the best grinder so I ordered this cheap model, if it breaks will no be a loss.
I wish thanks all yours suggestions and posts :thumb:
The inexpensive $10 Java clone I have ordered 4 years ago still is in working order, except that it takes about 15 minutes or more depend on the beans size to grind a full load of beans (2 full spoons) and in the final beans it keeps really sloow to grind, the beans dont go down into the gears, so at this point I have to loosen the adjustment one click and more some minutes to finish.

Inspecting the ceramic gears, can be seen that they are worn and have lost their sharp edge. Iam thinking in use the second unit I have purchased for spare or buy a new metal gears unit that here cust around $80usd :scratch:
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 25 Sep 2023, 06:23 am
Hi Newzoo,
Thankyou for your detailed report on your experience with the Comandante brand, very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: johnto on 6 Feb 2024, 02:03 am
I use a Zassenhaus purchased used on eBay, nice wood outside metal parts inside easy to set grind levels not a problem after 3 years daily use.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 6 Feb 2024, 06:29 am
Iam still using my first ceramic 5 point star grinder from 2019,
but it take time to grind the 15gr that I use at a time, usually
20mins why I use very thin powder, no mid or coarser.
Wonder if someone have experience with these new
7 point conical metal burr?  It is really durable ?
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kMrRacsqL._AC_SY450_.jpg)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: Chazz5 on 9 Feb 2024, 04:17 am
I've used an Orphan Espresso Lido2 for over five years now, with no discernible wear of the working parts.
See https://www.oehandgrinders.com
Here is their photo of the burr set.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=261294)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: borism on 9 Feb 2024, 06:28 pm
JX-Pro from 1Zpresso:

https://1zpresso.coffee/manual-jxpro-en/

Has been very good with easily adjustable grind size.
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: Doublej on 23 Feb 2024, 06:44 pm
My Timemore C3S just arrived. Prior to this I was using a $10 Java clone. In fact I think it was FullRangeMan that gave that recommendation many years ago.

The Timemore is a major upgrade. One cup's worth of beans ground in under a minute. No clogging of the burrs. Beans are ground as opposed to smashed. The unit has a great feel to it. Why did I wait so long for the upgrade? :duh:
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 26 Feb 2024, 12:13 am
Decided to retire the Java clone from 2019, the ceramic gears have worn, now Iam using another spare Java clone I had purchased at that time, yet ceramic gears, but have ordered a new steel 7 point star grinder at Ebay
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=261818) (https://www.ebay.com/itm/204634297274?mkpid=0&emsid=e11304.m43.l3160&ch=osgood&euid=9dd5ff96fcbe4710ba0e2f1d587a15a1&bu=44089432156&osub=-1%7E1&crd=20240212201933&segname=11304)
Title: Re: Manual Coffee Grinder
Post by: FullRangeMan on 9 Apr 2024, 04:59 am
Have received today the steel gear 7star grinder today.
Only $48 free shipping, friendly email communication.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=263063&size=small)