In a world where Chinese manufacturing has become ubiquitous, some coffee enthusiasts prefer to opt for coffee grinders that are not made in China.
Whether it’s concerns about quality, environmental factors, or a desire to support other regions’ craftsmanship, this blog post is dedicated to helping you discover coffee grinder brands that originate from countries other than China.
We’ve selected 9 outstanding brands known for their exceptional coffee grinders, ensuring that you can enjoy your morning brew while staying true to your preferences.
Baratza
Baratza, a coffee grinder company hailing from the United States, has been crafting electric coffee grinders with a focus on everyday home use since its inception in 1999.
Kyle Anderson and Kyra Kennedy co-founded this brand.
While their design and engineering teams operate from their Seattle headquarters, the surprising twist is that the grinders themselves are manufactured in Taiwan.
When it comes to quality, Baratza has gained a reputation for producing some of the finest grinders tailored for both home and light commercial use.
Their star player, the Baratza Encore coffee grinder, is a top pick among coffee aficionados for those just starting their home brewing journey.
The Encore boasts an impressive range of 40 grind settings, spanning from the finest to the coarsest grounds, and it’s cherished for its precision grinding and long-lasting build.
It’s the go-to choice for coffee lovers looking to elevate their home brewing experience.
Eureka
Eureka Mignon coffee grinders, proudly crafted in Italy and assembled by hand in Florence since 1920, are another beloved choice for coffee enthusiasts.
The Eureka Mignon line-up features a variety of 13 distinct models, each catering to different preferences and needs.
Among these models, the Eureka Mignon Specialita stands out as a crowd favorite.
It’s a dedicated espresso grinder equipped with 55 mm flat burrs and a user-friendly time-based dosing system.
The Specialita boasts an easy-to-program touch screen for precise dosing and hands-free grinding, making it a breeze to use.
Its compact, robust design features a distinctive square bean hopper, and it offers a stepless micrometric adjustment system, allowing you to fine-tune your grind to perfection.
What’s more, the Eureka Mignon Specialita excels in minimizing coffee retention and operates with a hushed, peaceful demeanor.
If you’re looking for an espresso-focused grinder that combines functionality with style and minimal noise, this Italian gem is a splendid choice.
Hario
Hario, a Japanese company founded in 1921 by Hiromu Shibata, initially specialized in crafting and selling laboratory glassware.
It wasn’t until 1948 that they ventured into the world of coffee with their heatproof glass and precision glassmaking expertise.
They started making coffee siphons, which became a hit.
Over the years, Hario expanded its product range to include a variety of beloved home items made from different materials.
These include coffee and tea gear, kitchenware, and even glass jewelry.
The name “Hario” derives from the Japanese words “Hari,” meaning “glass,” and “Ou,” meaning “king.”
Hario’s philosophy is rooted in a Japanese concept called Shinzenbiraku, which embodies four essential aspects: “cognitive truth,” “ethical goodness,” “aesthetic beauty,” and a “comfortable feeling.”
One of Hario’s standout products is the Hario Skerton Plus, a popular choice for both coffee enthusiasts and professionals.
This manual coffee grinder is versatile and suitable for grinding coffee beans for various brewing methods, from moka pots to French presses, making it the foundation for a delicious cup of coffee.
The Skerton Plus is an improved version of the original Skerton, featuring a burr stabilizing plate that ensures a more consistent grind by keeping the center shaft in place.
It can produce a wide range of grind sizes and can hold up to 100g of coffee.
A noteworthy aspect of the Hario Skerton Plus is that, although some components are produced in China, the most crucial parts of the grinder continue to be manufactured in Japan.
For instance, the Glass Bowl, a key component, is still crafted in Japan, ensuring a level of quality associated with Japanese craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, components like the Mill (Main Body and Grip), Hopper Lid, Non-Slip Cover, and Lid are made in China.
However, the overarching design of the product originates in Japan, which is consistent with Hario’s commitment to design excellence.
What sets this coffee grinder apart is its overall build quality, which is consistently excellent, making it a reliable choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a blend of Japanese precision and Chinese efficiency in their coffee grinding experience.
Porlex
Porlex is another respected Japanese brand with a ceramic legacy dating back to 1978.
Their reputation is global, thanks to the top-notch coffee grinders they’re known for, featuring precise ceramic burrs crafted through unique manufacturing techniques.
What sets Porlex apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, with every grinder meticulously designed and made exclusively in Japan.
They adhere to rigorous standards to ensure top-notch performance.
Among Porlex’s offerings, the Porlex Mini Grinder is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
This compact, portable, and robust manual coffee grinder is a standout.
Crafted from high-quality materials and equipped with ceramic burrs, it can handle a wide range of grind sizes, from powder-fine to French press.
With a 20-gram capacity and measuring just 47mm in diameter and 130mm in height, it’s designed for convenience and durability.
This little powerhouse hails from Osaka, Japan, and features a sturdy stainless steel case, ensuring that your coffee grinding experience is reliable and efficient.
Kalita
Meet Kalita is the next Japanese company and they have been in the coffee equipment business since 1959.
They’ve got you covered whether you’re running a coffee shop or brewing at home.
Kalita’s coffee grinders are skillfully crafted in both Taiwan and Japan.
One standout from their lineup is the KH-3 Retro One, which not only boasts a vintage charm but also offers versatility in grinding coffee to suit your style.
This budget-friendly hand coffee grinder shines when it comes to fine to medium grinds, making it an excellent match for your AeroPress or pour-over coffee adventures.
With Kalita, you’re getting a reliable and affordable option for elevating your coffee game.
Comandante
Comandante is a German brand and they are all about crafting top-notch coffee grinders, burrs, and tools for both professionals and coffee enthusiasts.
They take pride in their unique and iconic design style and have a dedicated and tight-knit team overseeing every aspect of their business.
The story of Comandante grinders began in 2013, introducing custom burrs made from both stainless steel and titanium.
But the star of the Comandante lineup is the Comandante C40, a favorite among coffee aficionados.
This grinder is a powerhouse, featuring an innovative and cutting-edge burr set called the “Nitro Blade.”
The development of these burrs was the result of years of meticulous research and testing in Comandante’s in-house coffee lab.
The Nitro Blade stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, utilizing a high-alloyed, high-nitrogen stainless steel with a finely crafted micro-crystal matrix.
The burr’s design has been fine-tuned to ensure smooth grinding with minimal effort while producing consistently-sized coffee particles, ultimately enhancing the quality of your brew.
The Comandante C40 is a manual grinder that is not only a professional-quality tool but also highly portable.
This makes it a preferred choice for those on coffee-sourcing trips or for anyone seeking top-notch grinding performance on the go.
And here’s the most important fact: all Comandante grinders are proudly crafted in Germany, ensuring you get that renowned German precision and quality in your coffee grinding experience.
Etzinger
Hailing from Liechtenstein, Etzinger is a company that’s all about coffee grinders and top-notch precision burrs.
They’ve taken their fully-automated burr manufacturing process and continually fine-tuned it, churning out around 1,200,000 sets per year.
What sets Etzinger apart is their innovative and high-quality coffee grinders, all proudly made in Liechtenstein.
Their product lineup includes both electric and manual grinders, such as the etzMAX On-Demand Grinders, etz-I Hand grinders, and etzMAN.
The star of the show is the etzMAX series, a game-changer in the world of coffee grinding.
Etzinger’s vision has always revolved around simplifying the grinding process while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Their latest addition, the etzMAX X, takes things up a notch by incorporating a new AC motor designed for unlimited service life.
If you’re looking for a blend of innovation and quality in your coffee grinding experience, Etzinger has got you covered.
Zassenhaus
Meet Zassenhaus, a German brand with a rich coffee grinder legacy spanning over 150 years.
Their commitment to quality and passion shines through in their beautifully designed, precise, and innovative products that stand the test of time.
Every Zassenhaus coffee grinder comes to life in Lauscha, Germany, where skilled craftsmanship and top-notch German materials ensure superior quality.
The star of the Zassenhaus lineup is the Brasilia model.
The Zassenhaus Brasilia coffee grinder is a true classic that has been perfected since 1867.
Crafted with precision in Germany, this manual coffee mill is a testament to enduring quality.
Made from premium materials like beechwood and forged steel, the Brasilia grinder features a conical burr that’s fully adjustable.
This means you can fine-tune your grind size to suit anything from fine espresso to a coarser French press brew.
What sets it apart is the hardened steel grinding mechanism, which keeps those cutting edges sharp and delicately grinds your coffee beans.
This preservation of aroma and nutrients ensures a flavorful cup every time.
For your convenience, the coffee mill is equipped with an ergonomic handle and a handy drawer for your freshly ground coffee.
It can handle up to 50 grams of whole beans in one go, making it practical for daily use.
Not only does the Zassenhaus Brasilia excel in performance, but it also offers a range of finishes to match your style, including natural, black, and mahogany.
With Zassenhaus, you’re getting a piece of coffee history that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
La Pavoni
Step into the world of La Pavoni, the iconic Italian brand born in 1905 in the heart of Milan, courtesy of its founder, Desiderio Pavoni.
This company has earned its reputation by creating top-notch espresso coffee machines and grinders, all carrying the unmistakable mark of Italian passion, tradition, and creativity.
What sets La Pavoni apart is its unwavering dedication to quality over mass-market appeal.
Their coffee machines are renowned for their technological prowess and meticulous attention to aesthetics, making them stand out in the world of coffee gear.
In the realm of coffee grinders, La Pavoni offers a range of options.
Among them, the Cilindro is a standout choice, although it’s worth noting that La Pavoni products do tend to lean toward the premium side in terms of pricing.
The La Pavoni Cilindro is designed with home or small cafe use in mind.
It boasts a sleek chromed aluminum body, a generous 500g Tritan bean hopper, and a user-friendly LCD for selecting your preferred grind settings.
This grinder can handle up to 500 grams (or 18 ounces) of whole coffee beans.
With 50mm flat burrs, the Cilindro delivers a consistent grind size suitable for various brewing methods.
You’ll appreciate the micrometric adjustment, which allows you to fine-tune your grind to perfection.
It also features practical additions like an anti-slip base and a holder clip that steadies your portafilter during grinding.
The LCD provides essential information, such as your chosen grind setting, grind time, and the number of shots or cups you’ve selected.
This is not just a practical grinder; it’s an elegant addition to your coffee setup.
The best part? La Pavoni takes pride in crafting products built to last without frequent maintenance or repairs.
If you’re on the lookout for a coffee grinder that combines beauty and premium quality, the La Pavoni Cilindro is a stellar choice.
And, true to form, it’s proudly made in Italy, carrying the legacy of Italian craftsmanship in every grind.
Conclusion
In the world of coffee grinders, we’ve explored 9 exceptional brands that stand out for their quality, innovation, and craftsmanship outside of China.
From Italian elegance to German precision and more, these brands offer a range of options to suit your coffee grinding needs.
So, whether you’re a passionate coffee connoisseur or simply seeking a reliable and non-Chinese coffee grinder, these brands have you covered.
The world of coffee is rich and diverse, and with these grinders, you can savor every moment, one perfectly ground bean at a time.
FAQ’s
What is the best manual coffee grinder not made in China?
For a non-Chinese manual coffee grinder, consider Japanese options like Hario, Kalita, and Porlex, or opt for German brands Comandante and Zassenhaus, known for their high-precision hand coffee grinders.
What coffee grinder is made in the USA?
Several coffee grinders are manufactured in the USA, such as the Camano Coffee Mill from Red Rooster Trading Company, the Infinity Burr Grinder by Texas Coffee Grinders, and the Zerno coffee grinder.
While these grinders are crafted with premium materials and boast exceptional quality, it’s worth noting that some components, like grinding mechanisms or ceramic burrs, might be imported.
Keep in mind that locating a coffee grinder entirely made in the USA can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s certainly achievable.
Is a cheap coffee grinder worth it?
A cheap coffee grinder can serve its purpose for certain brewing methods and casual coffee drinkers.
However, for those who appreciate high-quality coffee with consistent results, investing in a more expensive, quality grinder is likely to be worth it in the long run.
It’s essential to balance your coffee preferences and budget when deciding if a cheap grinder is worth the investment.
