In 2015, the coffee grinding market was limited to a few key players like Porlex and Hario. This created a gap that Handground sought to fill with their innovative precision coffee grinder. Launched via a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, the Handground grinder raised nearly ten times its initial goal in just 18 hours. Its standout feature was a unique side-mounted handle that promised a more ergonomic and natural grinding experience. Fast forward to 2024, and Handground has released an updated version of their original grinder. This review dives into whether the new Handground precision coffee grinder lives up to its initial promise.
The Handground grinder boasts several new features aimed at improving performance. Notably, the triple axle’s bushings have been upgraded to stainless steel, reducing friction and wear on moving parts. This makes the grinder more comfortable to use over time. With a large 100-gram capacity, it’s designed for both ease of use on a bench and efficient grind size adjustments. However, its ceramic burrs, while effective, may not measure up to the steel burrs often found in competitors. Additionally, its size and weight make it less portable, posing challenges for those who need a grinder for travel. Overall, this review will explore if the Handground grinder’s unique design and new features justify its place in a competitive market.
Build Quality & Design
The Handground manual coffee grinder was designed with meticulous attention to detail. Its wide top opening can accommodate up to 100 grams of coffee beans, allowing for a smooth, spill-free loading process. The standout feature is the side-mounted handle, which offers a more ergonomic and natural grinding motion compared to traditional top-mounted handles. This unique design choice sets the Handground apart, making it easier to operate, especially for those who prefer a bench setup for their grinding activities.
Though the grinder’s design is optimal for use on a flat surface, it comes with its limitations. For users requiring portability, the grinder’s larger size and weight—approximately 790 grams—can be cumbersome. This makes the Handground less suitable for on-the-go use, particularly for camping or backpacking trips. Its plastic body and borosilicate glass grounds collection jar provide a decent level of durability but fall short when compared to all-metal alternatives. In terms of aesthetics, the grinder comes in three colors: white, black, and nickel, with the nickel version costing $20 more. While functional, the design may not appeal to those who prioritize sleek, modern looks.
Portability
When it comes to portability, the Handground grinder has a mixed bag of features. With its 100-gram capacity, it’s great for home use but less ideal for travel. Weighing in at almost 790 grams or 1.75 pounds, it’s significantly heavier than other manual grinders on the market. This weight and size make it less convenient for those who need a grinder for backpacking or other travel scenarios.
While the grinder’s bulky design might deter some, it does offer stability and ease of use when stationed on a countertop. The trade-off here is between convenience and functionality. If you’re primarily looking for a grinder to use at home, the Handground’s design will likely suit you well. However, if you need something more portable, you might want to explore other options that are more travel-friendly and compact.
Grind Size Range & Consistency
The Handground grinder features a 40mm conical alumina ceramic burr set, which produces a fairly even grind suitable for various manual brewing methods including AeroPress, French press, and pour-over. It offers 8 main grind settings with half-steps in between, giving users a total of 15 grind size options. This versatility makes it a good choice for those who enjoy experimenting with different brewing techniques.
However, for espresso enthusiasts, the Handground may fall short due to its limited grind size range. The grinder is geared more towards medium grind settings and may not provide the fine consistency required for espresso. The inclusion of metal bushings in the axle design helps reduce burr wobble, contributing to a more consistent grind. Despite these features, the grind quality is on par with other ceramic burr grinders in its price range but doesn’t quite match the performance of grinders equipped with stainless steel burrs.
Durability
Durability is a critical factor when evaluating any coffee grinder, and the Handground is a mixed bag in this regard. The body of the grinder is made from plastic, while the grounds collection jar is constructed from borosilicate glass. Although borosilicate glass is known for its durability and resistance to thermal shock, the plastic body can feel somewhat less sturdy in comparison to metal alternatives.
That said, the plastic construction does have its advantages, such as making the grinder lighter and easier to handle. However, this comes at the risk of durability, especially if the grinder is dropped or handled roughly. The Handground grinder is backed by a one-year warranty, which provides some peace of mind for potential buyers. Yet, the overall build quality might leave some users wishing for a more robust construction, especially considering its price point.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is where the Handground truly excels. Designed to be operated on a countertop, the grinder features an anti-slip rubber pad on the bottom, providing ample grip and stability during use. This design makes it easier to turn the crank arm and grind the beans, even for those who may have less arm strength or dexterity.
Grinding 21 grams of beans takes about 1 minute and 20 seconds, which is fairly standard for manual grinders in this price range. The Handground’s ergonomic handle position and stable base make the grinding process less strenuous compared to handheld grinders. Additionally, the grinder is easy to clean; simply loosen the inner burr and slide it out to gain access to the grinding chamber. No tools are necessary for this process, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.
Pricing
With a price tag just shy of $100 for the black and white models, and approximately $20 more for the nickel version, the Handground grinder falls into the mid-to-upper range of manual coffee grinders. When compared to competitors like the Timemore C2 and Heihox, both of which feature stainless steel burrs and more durable metal construction, the Handground seems less of a value for money.
The Handground can be more closely compared to the Hario Skerton, which also features a plastic and glass construction with ceramic burrs. However, the Skerton is available at about half the price of the Handground. The primary selling point for the Handground remains its unique side-mounted handle, which may justify the price for those who prioritize this ergonomic feature. Still, for those seeking the best grind quality and build durability, other options in the same price range might offer better value.
The Handground coffee grinder, with its innovative design and unique features, offers several improvements over its predecessors. The ergonomic side-mounted handle and stable bench-top operation make it a standout for home use, particularly for those who appreciate ease of use. The upgraded stainless steel bushings enhance durability and reduce wear, providing a smoother grinding experience over time.
However, the grinder does have its limitations. Its larger size and weight make it less ideal for travel compared to other, more compact manual grinders. The use of ceramic burrs, while effective, may not provide the grind consistency that more discerning coffee enthusiasts might seek, especially for espresso. Additionally, the plastic construction, although durable, does not offer the premium feel that some users might expect at this price point.
In terms of value for money, the Handground grinder faces stiff competition from other manual grinders that offer better grind consistency and more durable build materials at a similar or lower price point. Unless the unique side-mounted handle and ergonomic design are essential features for you, it may be worth exploring other options that deliver better overall performance.
To sum up, the Handground coffee grinder is a solid choice for home use, particularly for those who value ergonomic design and ease of use. However, potential buyers should weigh its features against their specific needs and consider whether other grinders might offer better value for their money.