How long does it take to hand grind coffee?
Daniel
Author
Published
2 min read
Read Time
Hand Grinding 101: Speed, Quality & Choice
Based on real user experiences from Reddit
1. Hand Grinding Time Varies
Reddit users shared a wide range of experiences based on the equipment they use:
Key Takeaway: Grinding speed depends on the grinder’s design, build quality, and bean type. Hard, light-roast beans take longer than darker beans, and coarse grinds are faster than fine grinds.
2. Hand Grinders vs. Electric Grinders
Many beginners ask, “Why not just use an electric grinder?” The main differences are:
- Consistency: Cheap electric grinders often produce uneven grounds (powder + chunks). A good hand grinder can give consistent results at a lower cost.
- Speed: High-end hand grinders (Lido 2/3) can be as fast as mid-range electric grinders (Baratza Encore), but cheap hand grinders are noticeably slower.
- Portability & Noise: Hand grinders are light and quiet; electric grinders need power and make more noise.
- Price: Entry-level hand grinders (Hario Skerton) cost $40–$60, high-end hand grinders (Lido series) $200+, and entry-level electric grinders like the Baratza Encore are around $100.
3. Considerations for Daily Use
If you only make two cups a day, hand grinding is doable, but ask yourself:
- Are you okay spending 2–3 minutes per grind?
- Do you care about grind consistency and flavor? (High-end hand grinders help with this).
- Are you in a rush in the morning? Then an electric grinder might save you time.
Verdict: Many users say that if your budget is limited and you can accept a bit of extra time, the Hario Skerton is a practical choice. For faster, more consistent grinding, a Lido series or Baratza Encore is better.
Conclusion
Hand grinding coffee usually takes 1–5 minutes, depending on grinder type, grind size, and bean roast.
If you enjoy being part of every step of coffee-making, a hand grinder works perfectly. If you prefer speed and consistency, a high-end hand grinder or electric grinder makes life easier.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your taste, budget, and daily routine.
Written By
Daniel
Obsessed with the perfect grind size and water temperature. Sharing the journey of artisan coffee brewing.
More to Explore
Continue your journey into the world of coffee.
How to Use Manual Coffee Grinder: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve just picked up a manual coffee grinder or want to get better at making coffe...
How can you tell if your coffee is “under-extracted” or “over-extracted”?
For all the different brewing methods, the initial preparation is mostly the same — select roasted c...
How to Deal with Ultra-Dark Coffee Roasts: Tips and Tricks to Make It Drinkable
**Can You Really Salvage an Ultra-Dark Roast?** We’ve all been there. You get gifted a giant bag of...