Before getting into the whole, "I'm not awake enough to hand-grind my coffee beans that early in the morning just to save a couple of watts" argument, hear us out. This person-powered coffee accessory just might do the trick.
We've been struggling for the last year to find a good green balance to our coffee routine. We've made great strides: we take our own cups to the coffee shop, we bring home fair-trade, locally roasted beans by the pound, and we employ our own french press when making it at home. But we do indeed still have one of those ridiculously loud (and not very effective) grinders. While it doesn't use much energy... we were still intrigued with this hand-cranked grinder.
The folks over at Publicola bring up the point, too, that these old grinders were made to last. We had one in the kitchen growing up that my mom found at an antique shop. She insisted it still worked, but that was well before my coffee-drinking years.
Most models available, antique or new, offer adjustable grinds and many reviews we've read say that the grind is quite uniform, even on the older antique models.
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Cool! so does anyone do this? And what kind of hand grinder do you all have? And if it is new... Where did you get it? And do you like it?
I've lurked here for ages, but needed to post on this topic. After our Krups electric grinder died a miserable and far too early death, we decided to switch to a manual grinder. After much research, i decided upon a Zassenhaus grinder from Germany. I ordered through greenbeanery.ca and have been ecstatic with the results--it's both beautiful and very practical. In fact, it takes only 30 seconds or so to grind enough for a French press (from superfine espresso to course enough for French press), it's super easy and quiet, and i don't end up with grounds all over the counter. As a long-term investment, it couldn't be better--guaranteed for 25 years! On top of that, it's a smart choice for the environment. I'd definitely recommend this brand for anyone seeking a good manual grinder.
I have the Hario Mini Mill (http://shop.hariousa.com/product.sc?productId=36&categoryId=10) and have been using it for four months.
It is better than a blade grinder for sure, but there is a considerable amount of dust, even on the loosest grind. Also, while spending the time to hand grind every morning isn't a huge inconvenience, I think a larger diameter burr would cut back on the workout.
All in all, I think it is a great step up from a blade grinder without dishing out the big $ on a higher quality electric burr grinder. The fact that I'm saving a bit of electricity is a nice consequence.
Sure, these hand-cranked conical burr grinders are quiet, use no electricity, and make lovely grounds, but I've never seen one for sale in person that cost less than $75 or $80! (I hate buying online) Are they truly worth the high price? Or are there less-costly alternatives I should be seeking out?
RubyJane: If you were going to buy an electric burr grinder, you'd be spending a whole lot more than $75 or $80. Most of the manual ones that I've seen are beautiful, and come with 25 year or lifetime guarantees. I'd say they're worth it, personally. I don't have one, yet, though. I would recommend figuring out which one you like in person, then going online and reading reviews about that specific model before you buy if you're that worried about it.
We switched from a blade grinder (electric) to an electric burr grinder just a few months ago. Between that and the french press, my coffee tastes wonderful, but the mess that the grinder creates is killing me. EVERY SINGLE TIME I take the little canister of grounds out to fill the press, a bunch of coffee dusts scatters on the counter. And I have to sometimes clean the freakin' grinder in order to even put the cup back in, as the tray that it slides back into becomes clogged with grinds. I hate it. HATE IT. I've been thinking about finding a manual grinder for some time. Thanks for reminding me, re-nest.
I was able to pick up a hand-crank grinder at an antique shop for a mere $12 in perfect working order. I don't think they're too expensive, even at swap meets I've seen 'em go for no more than $30.
I have been using a hand crank grinder for the past 3 years or so and I love it. I got it at an antique store. I also found a small one later at a thrift store very cheap. They are not hard to find if you look around and they should last a very long time.
I am fed up with the inconsistent size our electric blade grinder gives. I already seem to spill dust all the time so that wouldn't bother me. I want to know how uniform the grind is on these manual grinders. Can anyone share a comparison?
Oh....the memories! My family had (has?) one of these and the kids always fought over who got to do the grinding. I specifically remember the aroma it released as you ground the beans.
http://www.amazon.com/Hario-Coffee-Hand-Grinder-Skerton/dp/B001802PIQ
I got that one for 20 bucks (boyfriend discount) at a local coffee store, retails for 40 there. It's a great little machine, you can manually adjust the grind easily, and it gets a very consistent grind. No electric grinders that make all different sized grinds, because this bad boy uses a mini mill!
I use a Hari hand grinder. http://www.amazon.com/Hario-Coffee-Hand-Grinder-Skerton/dp/B001802PIQ
It's a bit difficult to hold firmly because of my arthritis, but it works wonderfully.
I have one similar to that pictured. I find getting the beans into the top opening a little awkward. One of these days I'll fashion some kind of a funnel to avoid getting beans all over the counter.
I received a hand burr grinder for Christmas and love it. I love that it is beautiful, works well, and is not very noisy. Of course I only drink coffee at home on weekends.
I have this one: http://www.redroostertradingcompany.com/coffee.html
They used to be located here in Washington state, but recently relocated to Missouri (or were bought by someone there).
I have been using one of these for years. My father-in-law insists that it's the best choice as the electric ones have so much kinetic energy as to 'over roast' your beans.