EspressoAdvice.comUpdated January 2026
Manual vs Electric Coffee Grinder for Espresso
Comparison

Manual vs Electric Coffee Grinder for Espresso

Manual grinders match $400 electrics for $150. Electric grinders save 30 seconds per dose. Compare speed, quality, and value.

By EspressoAdvice Team|Updated 16 January 2026

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Products Mentioned in This Guide

Baratza

Baratza Encore ESP

Baratza

Entry-level electric burr grinder optimized for espresso. Award-winning build quality with 40mm coni...

View on Amazon UK
Eureka

Eureka Mignon Specialita

Eureka

55mm flat burr grinder with stepless adjustment and near-zero retention. The sweet spot for home esp...

View on Amazon UK

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is manual grinder better than electric for espresso?

Manual grinders offer better grind quality per dollar spent. A $160 1Zpresso J-Max matches $400+ electric grinders. Trade-off is 30-60 seconds of grinding.

How long does it take to grind with manual grinder?

30-60 seconds for an 18g espresso dose with a quality manual grinder like the 1Zpresso series. Less with high-end models.

Is hand grinding coffee worth it?

Yes, if you value grind quality over speed and make 1-4 drinks daily. Not ideal if you're making drinks for a family or entertaining.

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