Ridgeline Hand Grinder

Fresh-ground coffee is the biggest single step up from pre-ground, and a hand grinder is the quietest way to get there. Ridgeline's grinder has stainless steel conical burrs on a shaft held by two bearings, so the burrs stay centred and the grind stays even.

Why we like it

• Burrs: 38 mm stainless steel conical burrs
• Settings: an external click dial, from espresso to plunger, with the numbers printed on the dial so you can write your setting down
• Capacity: about 30 g of whole beans
• Speed: about 40 seconds for 20 g at a filter setting
• Materials: aluminium body, powder-coated in charcoal or cream; a steel crank with a wooden knob
• Dimensions: about 17 cm tall and 5 cm across, with the crank off
• In the box: the grinder, the crank, a cleaning brush and a cloth carry bag
• Care: brush the burrs clean once a week; never wash the burrs with water

Where to set it

• Espresso: the finest third of the dial
• Pour-over and moka pot: the middle
• Plunger and cold brew: the coarsest third

If you grind for a household every morning, or for espresso every day, look at the Ridgeline Electric Burr Grinder. For one or two cups, and for a weekend away, this one is all you need.