Best Portable Coffee Grinder

Traveling? With a portable coffee grinder, you can enjoy fresh coffee on the go. Today, we’ll help you choose the best portable grinder out there.

In a rush? Our top pick for the best portable coffee grinder is the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder.

Just because you’re traveling, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for mediocre coffee. Especially when nowadays, there’s a ton of portable coffee-making equipment available. 

Yes, including the coffee grinder. Every coffee enthusiast brews coffee with fresh grounds. And you can, too, even on the go.

Today, we’ll go over everything you need to know about a portable coffee grinder. As a frequent traveler, finding a good coffee grinder to carry around was a must. I’ve already done extensive research, so I’ll share my findings with you.

From the benefits of having one to how to use them, we’ll talk about everything there is to know. What’s more, I’ll share with you the best portable coffee grinder options on the market today.

Let’s dive in.

Benefits of Using a Portable Coffee Grinder

Like any cautious buyer, you might be wondering whether you really need a portable coffee grinder. And if you ask me, there are numerous advantages to owning one.

If you’re often traveling, a portable coffee grinder allows you to enjoy a good cup of coffee on the go.

As you probably know, the best coffee is fresh coffee. 

Coffee starts diminishing in flavor and aroma the moment it’s ground. So, if you were to grind your coffee at home, rest assured it won’t taste as great by the end of your trip. 

But why would you drink stale coffee when you can grind it right before brewing? 

Nowadays, coffee grinders come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them can easily fit into your pocket as well. Many are also rather lightweight and built for travel, meaning they’re sturdy enough to throw into a backpack and forget about them.

Types of Portable Coffee Grinders

Just typing “portable coffee grinder” into your web browser will swarm you with options. But all of those models can be divided into two categories – manual and electric.

Obviously, one uses electric power, and the other relies on human power. But that’s only scratching the surface when it comes to the differences between them.

Since it’s powered by electricity, an electric grinder is very hands-off. Just press the button, and let the magic happen. However, this type of grinder is typically much louder than its manual counterpart due to the motor working inside. For the same reason, they’re often larger – even in the portable category.

Now, you might be wondering exactly how portable a grinder is that requires electric power. Well, while there are many models designed to sit on your countertop plugged into the wall outlet, that’s not always the case.

Nowadays, many models are smaller in size and can be powered via a USB cable. This means you can attach them to your laptop, external battery… Heck, you might even plug it into your car charger and make coffee inside your vehicle if you want. 

There are many models with a battery, so you can charge it when you have access to electric power and use it whenever you want.

With such a convenient way to grind coffee, why would one choose a manual grinder? While a manual grinder requires hands-on effort, that’s not really such a difficult task. Plus, the manual grinder will give you even more consistent results, and it’s much quieter. 

Not just that, but manual grinders are less expensive but typically more durable, as there’s no motor to break. Plus, there’s something really appealing about doing labor work when brewing your own cup of coffee. If you ask me, it just tastes better…

However, keep in mind that manual coffee grinders are usually much smaller than electric ones – even in the portable category. This is great if you’re packing everything in your backpack. But, if you’re making coffee for a group of people, get ready for some lengthy grinding.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Portable Coffee Grinder

When choosing which coffee grinder to buy, there are several key features to keep an eye on. 

Grind Settings

The number of grind settings determines the grinder’s suitability for different brewing methods. As you know, different methods require a different grind size. On one side of the spectrum, we have a cold brew coffee that uses an extra-coarse grind size. On the other, we have Turkish coffee, which is made with an extra-fine grind setting. In most cases, the more expensive the grinder is, the more settings it offers. 

But how many settings you need depends on the type of coffee you drink. Certain methods, like drip or French press, are more forgiving than espresso, for instance. Most grinders are stepped, meaning they have a preset number of grind settings. It’s up to you to choose one among them, depending on what you’re brewing.

It’s worth noting that there are also grinders that don’t have established grind settings. This basically means you have endless options in terms of grind size. However, that also means that finding the perfect setting for a specific brewing method can be difficult. 

If you’re primarily using the same brewing method all the time, then this kind of grinder is a great option. However, if you’re constantly switching between different methods, then a stepped grinder is better for you.

Burr Material

While coffee grinders can be divided into two categories – blade and burr, I’m pretending like the former doesn’t exist. Why? Well, because grinders with blades don’t give you an even grind. As a result, your coffee doesn’t taste that great. Certain particles get over-extracted, while others remain under-extracted… You get my point.

But when it comes to burr grinders, you have to choose between the two most common types of material – ceramic and steel. Between them, ceramic burrs are harder, so they don’t get dulled so easily. In fact, steel burrs, even though they’re sharper initially, will wear down twice as quickly as ceramic.

Once they get dulled, they will start producing heat. When heat is involved in grinding, it can alter the flavor and aroma of the beans. Although in the case of steel burrs, that heat is minimal, it’s still something to keep in mind. However, steel burrs are less brittle, so they’re much harder to get damaged. With ceramic, a small stone that ends up in your bean bag can cause the burrs to chip and break.

Capacity

Since we’re talking about portable coffee grinders, their capacity is limited. Still, there’s a difference between portable models. While some can only grind enough for a single serving at a time, others can make enough coffee grounds for several cups. The latter, of course, is more practical if you’re traveling with a group of coffee drinkers. But if you have a very limited storage space, a smaller grinder is not a deal-breaker. You’ll just have to use it several times to get the amount you need.

Durability

Since you’re going to carry the coffee grinder around, you don’t want it to be fragile. Whether you’re storing it in your suitcase or backpack, you don’t want it to break by accidentally hitting it. So while glass looks beautiful, keep in mind that it breaks more easily than plastic. 

Luckily, many great coffee grinders are made of sturdier materials, such as steel. They do add some weight to your stuff, but at least you don’t have to worry about keeping it intact.

Budget

Let’s be real. This is quite an important factor in today’s economy. You can find a coffee grinder in any price range. And while the expensive ones come with different bells and whistles, more affordable ones are usually simpler. However, that doesn’t mean they’re bad. In fact, you can find decent products with a low price tag, as you’ll see in the section below.

Top Portable Coffee Grinders on the Market

• ‌JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder (Best Overall)
• 1Zpresso JX-Pro S Manual Coffee Grinder (Premium Pick)
• Hario “Skerton Pro” Ceramic Manual Coffee Grinder (Best Capacity)
• Lido 3 Manual Coffee Grinder (Best Stepless)
• CONQUECO Small Coffee Bean Grinding Machine (Best Electric)

1. JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder 

This model by JavaPresse has become quite a popular option in recent years. That is no surprise really, as this grinder is affordable, durable, and, most importantly, gets the job done.

The body is completely made of stainless steel, while the burrs are made of ceramic. Nothing fancy – but these classic materials have proven over and over again to work really well with handheld grinders. 

The detachable hand crank is a nice touch, as it makes it easier to fit the grinder into your overly-packed suitcase. The whole thing weighs just 9.4 ounces, so you’ll hardly notice the weight difference once you pack it. 

As for the grind sizes, 18 settings are more than enough for most brewing methods. Whichever grind size you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll get a consistent grind with this model.

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2. 1Zpresso JX-Pro S Manual Coffee Grinder 

If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a manual coffee grinder, 1Zpresso is a brand you can’t go wrong with. Among the many great models it makes, the JX-Pro S definitely stands out the most.

First things first, I must mention the beautiful, sleek design of this grinder. It has a brushed steel finish with a black rubber band that ensures a sturdy grip when in use. The handle features a knob for easy use, and it’s foldable, for easier storing.

This model has 40 increments per rotation, which allows you plenty of adjustments for tweaking your espresso shot. So while it’s not stepless, with so many adjustments, you won’t even notice the difference.

What’s also rather impressive about this model is its speed. Within seconds, you can grind the desired dose for your cup of coffee.

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3. Hario “Skerton Pro” Ceramic Manual Coffee Grinder

If you’re making coffee for more than one person at a time, having a coffee grinder with a larger capacity is a lifesaver. Well, this model by Hario can grind up to 100 grams of coffee at once, so it’s great for groups.

Given its capacity, this model really isn’t that bulky. And sure, it’s made of glass, so it’s a bit more fragile than other models on the list. However, we’re talking about Hario Glass, which is known for its quality and ruggedness.

The handle is removable, which makes storing it easier. The non-slip silicone grip is also a nice touch, as it keeps the grinder steady in your hand while you’re grinding.

The bottom portion that catches the coffee grounds comes with a lid, so you can store the ground coffee for later use. What’s also great is that you can attach the top part to any mason jar and grind directly into it.

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4. Lido 3 Manual Coffee Grinder 

Espresso aficionados swear by stepless grinders as they allow them countless tweaks to their brew. If you’re one of them, then this model by Lido is definitely worth consideration.

Right from the bat, the main feature that makes this grinder stand out is the adjustment ring location. It’s right next to the burr lock mechanism, meaning you don’t need to unscrew pieces to make adjustments.

Another impressive thing about this grinder is its capacity. Lido 3 can grind up to 70 grams at once, which is enough for more than four cups of coffee. 

The hopper is made of BPA-free plastic, while the grounds jar is made of steel. Personally, I find the plastic part to be out of place in terms of aesthetics. However, in terms of performance, I don’t think it affects the grinder or grind quality in any way.

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5. CONQUECO Small Coffee Bean Grinding Machine

If you don’t like using elbow grease for grinding your coffee, that’s okay. This model by Conqueco will do the job for you.

This electric grinder is designed for travel. It has a built-in battery that can run for a whole week after being charged for just two hours. Speaking of charging, you only need a micro-USB cable for this grinder, meaning you can charge it through your laptop, car, or even a power bank.

The housing of this coffee grinder is made of 304 stainless steel, which is as sturdy as it gets. The burrs are also made of stainless steel, so you can rest assured this grinder can last you a very long time.

When it comes to settings, there are 45 grind sizes to choose from. So whether you’re drinking French press coffee or espresso, you have enough room to play around with your grind.

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How to Use a Portable Coffee Grinder‌

Got your portable coffee grinder – now what? Don’t worry. Using it is no rocket science. While there could be tiny differences in use from one model to another, the basis is the same. In most cases, it goes something like this:

1. Disassemble the parts by removing the top nut (if your model has one), handle, and locking ring. In most cases, this will allow you to access the grind adjustment ring. Certain models have an exterior adjustment ring, and if that’s the case with your model, this step is unnecessary.
2. Turn the adjustment ring clockwise or counterclockwise to set the desired grind size. Place back into place the locking ring, handle, and top nut.
3. Add the desired amount of coffee beans to the hopper. 
4. Hold the grinder in your non-dominant hand and the handle in your dominant hand. Start grinding. In the case of an electric grinder, all you need to do for this step is press the button to start the process.

For best results, it’s important that you use the freshest beans possible. Ideally, you should open the bag right before you start grinding. As for the leftover beans, make sure to keep them in an airtight container until future use.

Just keep in mind that different beans have different requirements. Depending on the origin and roast, you might need to adjust the grind size to get ideal results.

Another thing to keep in mind is maintenance. Just like your brewer, your coffee grinder needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. By this, I mean you should clean it at least once a week or more often if you’re using it daily.

Why is that important? Well, because coffee oils and particles remain on the burrs, which will inevitably interfere with the grinding. Luckily, cleaning a grinder is not a difficult task. What you need is uncooked rice. Wait, what? I know it sounds weird, but trust me. Running uncooked rice in your grinder for about a minute will collect the oils and excess grounds. After you’re done, simply wipe down the burrs with a damp cloth or paper towel.

To Sum Things Up

With a portable coffee grinder at your disposal, you can make your own coffee on the go. Nowadays, there are many models that are compact and lightweight, with a performance at par with the grinders we have at home.

From one coffee enthusiast to another, I encourage you to get the best portable coffee grinder from our list and enjoy the freshest possible coffee even when you’re on the road.

Looking for a coffee grinder that doesn’t break the bank? Here’s our article on the best budget coffee grinders.