7 Best Manual Coffee Grinders for French Press (2024)

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of French press coffee, a manual coffee grinder can make all the difference.

They offer precision and control over the coarseness of the grind which is important to ensure the optimal extraction. 

Despite being operated manually, 

They are known for their durability, grind consistency, and user-friendly designs.

If you are looking for them, you are at the right place.

Here, I will provide you with a list of the best manual coffee grinders for French press.

Let's start.

Things to consider when buying a handheld grinder to use for French press

1) Grind Settings

The number of grind settings it offers is needed to check. More settings allow for experimentation to find the perfect grind size for French press coffee.

If you have multiple settings you can explore other brewing methods beyond just the French press.

2) Burr Material (Ceramic or Stainless Steel)

These grinders come with burr mills made of either ceramic or stainless steel, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic burrs are lightweight and don't generate heat, while stainless steel burrs are heavier and produce minimal heat. 

However, ceramic burrs are more fragile, whereas stainless steel burrs are more durable. So, you need to make your decision based on that only.

3) Portability

If you are buying it for travel, portability is the factor that you must look for. A portable grinder is lightweight, compact, and has detachable parts for easy transport.

4) Grinding Capacity

If you often make coffee for a group, go for a grinder with a higher capacity to avoid multiple grinding sessions.

For solo coffee drinkers, a grinder with a lower capacity is sufficient.

Generally, such grinders come with a capacity ranging from 20 to 100 grams.

5) Consistent Grind

Be it a French press or other methods, grind consistency is necessary for coffee brewing.

So, look for a grinder that provides a consistent and uniform grind every time.

7 Best manual coffee grinders for French press

1) JavaPresse

1) Adjustable Grind Settings

It comes with over 18 manual grind settings, allowing you to easily control the coarseness of your coffee grind for the perfect French press brew.

2) Other Brewing Options

Besides the French press, this grinder is suitable for all other brewing methods.

3) Quiet Operation

The ceramic burr mechanism reduces noise by over 90% compared to electric grinders, making it ideal for quiet environments.

4) Portable and Convenient

It operates without power or cords which makes it suitable for home use and camping.

5) Durable Construction

The ceramic burr assembly is tested for durability and is five times stronger than stainless steel burrs.

6) Grinding Capacity

It can grind up to 40 grams of coffee, suitable for most home coffee brewing needs.

7) Easy to Clean and Maintain

The grinder is easy to disassemble and clean, making it convenient for everyday use and travel.

2) TIMEMORE

1) Anti-Slip Grip

It comes with a 43 mm anti-slip textured coating for a secure grip, ideal for new users or those concerned about holding a manual grinder.

2) Compact and Portable

At just 10 cm tall and 360 grams, it is highly portable and perfect for travelers who want freshly ground coffee on the go.

3) Grind Settings

With 36 grind settings, it offers a wide range of grind sizes, from fine espresso to coarse French press or cold brew, thanks to its 38 mm conical steel burrs.

4) Consistency

It is praised for its consistency and even particle distribution, which is essential for brewing a perfect cup of coffee.

5) Unique Design

It features a patented spring-assisted handle that folds down to shrink its size by 3 inches which makes it easy to pack in a bag during travel.

6) Material

It is made from aluminum alloy, it is lightweight yet durable for long-lasting use.

3) Khaw-Fee HG1B

1) Material

It is made with stainless steel which ensures its durability and avoids harmful materials.

2) Burr Type

It features a conical ceramic burr mill, which produces less heat during grinding which helps to preserve the aroma and flavor of the coffee beans.

3) Noise Level

It produces very little noise when being used, so it is ideal for use in quiet environments.

4) Cleaning Brush

You will also get a free cleaning brush to help you easily clean it after use.

4) Handground

1) Grind Settings

It includes 15 grind settings from fine to coarse, so along with the French press, you can use for various brewing methods. Its wide-mouth hopper can grind up to 100g of coffee beans, ideal for brewing French press coffee.

2) Burr Type

It features ceramic conical burrs which are known for their quality and ability to produce a consistent grind.

3) Handle Design

The side-mounted handle makes manual grinding easy and comfortable, addressing handling difficulties.

4) Consistency

With a 40mm conical ceramic burr mill and a triple-mounted axle, it ensures a consistent grind for every use.

5) Hopper Design

The hopper locks on with a quarter twist to prevent beans from flying out while grinding. Marks on the side of the hopper indicate approximate bean weights, even without a scale.

6) Portability

Its high portability makes it suitable for travel, camping, and other outings. The removable hand crank mechanism reduces noise by 90% compared to electric grinders so you can use it anywhere without disturbing the surroundings.

5) Porlex

1) Lightweight Design

It is known for its lightweight and compact design, making it ideal for travel or camping.

2) Grind Settings

It features 13 grind settings, providing a range of grind sizes for brewing methods like the French press.

3) Grind Size Precision

Each adjustment in the grind settings can change the grind size by 37 microns, allowing for precise control over the grind size.

4) Travel Pouch

It comes with a travel pouch, making it easy to carry the grinder with you on trips.

5) Easy to Hold

The grinder is designed to be easy to hold and use, addressing common difficulties with manual grinders.

6) Safety Features

It includes an anti-slip cover for safe use.

7) Removable Hand Crank

The hand crank is removable, making it easy to clean, store, and maintain the grinder.

6) Triple Tree

1) Effortless Grinding

It comes with a long stainless steel handle for easy grinding, reducing the effort required.

2) Burr Type

It has a ceramic conical burr mill that prevents the coffee beans from heating up during grinding, preserving the taste and aroma.

3) Additional Accessories

Includes a soft-touch silicone lid, a brush, and a scoop (2 tbsp capacity) for convenient use and maintenance.

4) Ease of Use

The grinder is easy to use and can be disassembled for portability. It offers a variety of grind settings, from fine to coarse.

5) Airtight Glass Jars

Comes with two airtight glass jars for storing coffee grounds safely.

6) Dishwasher Safe

All parts of the grinder are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

7) Stability

Features an anti-slipping silicone pad to keep the grinder stable during use.

7) Hario

1) Transparent Glass Hopper

It includes a heat-proof glass hopper that allows you to see your beans being ground.

2) Durability

While traveling, you need to be careful with the glass hopper, but overall, the grinder is durable and easy to clean.

3) Compact and Powerful

Users appreciate its compact size, power, strength, and durability, especially considering its price.

4) Portability

The bottom part, including the rings and burrs, is detachable for increased portability. The grinder can hold almost 100 grams of coffee, enough for four cups of French press.

5) Detachable Handles

The handles are detachable for easy storage in a packing bag.

6) Ceramic Conical Burr

It uses a ceramic conical burr mill that transfers less heat and preserves the natural taste and aroma of the coffee beans.

What is a manual coffee grinder?

It is a type of coffee grinder that requires hand power to operate. Unlike electric grinders, you manually turn a handle to grind the coffee beans.

They are favored by coffee enthusiasts who value control over the grinding process and the satisfaction of manually preparing their coffee grounds.

Wrapping up

Investing in a good manual coffee grinder can greatly enhance your French press coffee experience.

The precision and control offered by these grinders allow you to achieve the perfect grind size for French press brewing, resulting in a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.

The durability and user-friendly design of the grinders mentioned in this guide make them excellent choices for anyone looking to take their French press coffee brewing to the next level.

Here, I have got you covered with the best manual grinder suitable for French press coffee makers.

These grinders are highly portable and cost-effective so you can use them if you want to give coffee grinding at home a try.