Manual Coffee Mills

Manual coffee mills are nostalgic but labor intensive

Manual coffee grinders (also called coffee mills) are an option for people who don't mind working for their coffee. You can find manual grinders in a wide range of styles, from machines that look like old-fashioned box grinders to machines that resemble a peppermill. Some owners purchase old-fashioned manual grinders simply for their nostalgic appeal. The trouble with manual coffee grinders is that they are very difficult to find in the U.S.

We found no professional reviews of manual coffee mills, and only a few websites offer owner-written reviews, including Epinions.com and CoffeeGeek.com. Zassenhaus, a German company, produces an array of manual grinders. Both the box mill (*Est. $100) and knee mill (*Est. $100) have solid-wood housings and metal levers. The knee-mill model has indentations that allow the user to grip the mill between his or her knees while grinding.

Zassenhaus also makes solid-brass Turkish mills (*Est. $90) , which have a more cylindrical shape. All Zassenhaus grinders have conical burrs that, with some adjustment, can grind finely enough for espresso machines. Manual grinding takes longer than an electric mill (one to two minutes), and manual mills are best suited to coffee drinkers who pull one or two espresso shots a day, or brew a single pot of coffee.

Zassenhaus mills earn high average ratings at CoffeeGeek.com. Owners say that the box mill is affordable and easy to use, and they appreciate its solid craftsmanship and Old World look. Several owners say that they plan to pass their Zassenhaus mills down to their children; one owner says that his Zassenhaus box mill has been producing a fine grind for more than 20 years. Reviews are mixed for how well these manual mills actually grind coffee; their primary appeal is their craftsmanship. Be advised that high humidity can lead to static buildup in manual grinders, but this problem is easily remedied by tapping the grounds box. Zassenhaus coffee mills are not that easy to find aside from online specialty shops such as SweetMarias.com.

OrphanEspresso.com refurbishes antique models, restoring their function and conducting thorough testing before selling them. This website also offers details on using hand grinders.

The Hario Skerton Hand Grinder (*Est. $50) is also widely praised by users commenting on various Chowhound.com threads. Although owners say it doesn't produce a fine enough grind for espresso, they agree that it's ergonomically-designed and easy to use. A few owners mention that the entire unit is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. It's made up primarily of a glass bulb (grinding area) and hopper, with ceramic conical burr grinders. Opinions on Amazon.com are a bit more mixed; the Hario Skerton Hand Grinder earns an average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 in nearly 25 owner-written reviews. Some owners point out that it can be messy because there is no lid, although many report getting a consistent grind suitable for a French press or Mokka Pot. That said, some also say that coarser grinds tend to be less consistent. If you prefer an inexpensive manual grinder, the Hario Skerton is an easy-to-use and portable model.