Comparison
Hand or electric grinder
Hand if you make one or two cups a day and want the best grind for the money. Electric if you make coffee for several people or don’t want to turn a crank.
Reviewed on 8 November 2026 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Head to head
| Hand grinder | Electric grinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | KINGrinder K6 | Baratza Encore |
| Adjustment | 16 microns per click | 40 settings |
| Capacity | One batch of about 20-25 g | Large hopper |
| Speed | Depends on your arm | 1.3-2.2 g per second |
| Space | Fits in a drawer | About 3.5 kg on the worktop |
| Travel | Yes | No |
Where the difference is
Quality per pound
For the same money, a hand grinder usually has better burrs than an electric one: it isn’t paying for a motor. That’s why there are espresso-capable hand grinders for less than an espresso-capable electric one.
Convenience
Grinding 30 g by hand for a Chemex takes a while. If you make coffee for several people every day, electric wins.
Espresso
Both work if you choose well: in hand grinders, a J-Ultra; in electric, an Encore ESP.
Choose Hand grinder if…
You make one or two cups a day, want the best grind for the price or travel with it.
See price on AmazonChoose Electric grinder if…
You make coffee for several people, every day, and prefer to press a button.
See price on AmazonSources
I haven't tried all of these products in person. The data come from the manufacturer's website or, when I don't cite one, from the amazon.co.uk listing (each source says which). I write with the help of AI and check every figure against those sources.