Selecting a coffee grinder can make your head spin – the multitude of models, functions, possibilities, types of burrs and design does not make it easy. And here we come to the rescue and present all fifteen Hario models, classics of the genre. We’ll dispel all your doubts in just a few minutes!
The inside matters
Although Hario offers as many as fifteen different models and the Hario family seems to be growing all the time, all their grinders are exactly the same on the inside – holding the conical ceramic burrs. This means we can regulate the grind from very fine to extra coarse, adjusting it to all possible alternative brewing methods.
Can they handle the espresso grind? The answer in case of basically any hand grinder is “no” (with the exception of the adored Comandante). Espresso requires very fine grinding, which we regulate precisely in a very narrow range compared to the pour-over methods. However, every Hario grinder can grind coffee for methods ranging from a moka pot to a French Press, which is the perfect basis for good coffee at home.
So, what guiding principle to follow while choosing the grinder? Hario grinders differ mainly in material, weight, size, capacity, additional functions and price. So, we present a list of all the features and immediately name the bestsellers in each category.
Economical (perfect for the first time)
When we are not sure whether the grinder is actually a staple in our kitchen or if we are just embarking on our coffee journey, the budget Hario Mini Mill Plus may be the best solution. It’s the perfect starter grinder to take your coffee to the next level. It has everything a good grinder should have: adjustable grinding, ceramic burrs, it’s light, unbreakable, and there’s a measure for easy monitoring of the amount of ground coffee. Above all, however, it’s the cheapest grinder in this class on the market. And if you fall in love with the Mini Mill, the next step may be to switch to PRO version (in an elegant silver or black steel housing, with a reinforced structure of the burrs).
Perfect for the traveler
Before travel, every coffee lover checks where the best cafés are, but they also pack basic equipment and a packet of beans – you can’t end up left without coffee! After all, there are still white spots on the map where specialty coffee is not available. In that case you need to treat yourself with the coffee from the handy kit. A basic travel set should take up little space, be light and unbreakable. Therefore, the most common choice for brewing outside your home is a plastic dripper or Aeropress, and Hario rushes in with the perfect travel grinder: Smart G. This plastic grinder weighs only 235 grams and is compact in size, plus the handle can be conveniently inserted into a silicone rubber, which takes up really little space. Classic inside: ceramic, conical burrs with adjustable grind. A good patent is to transport the measured amount of beans for a portion of coffee directly in the grinder, which saves another cubic centimeters, and the tightly closed container will surely keep the beans from spilling.
An absolute bestseller
Skerton has been a leading model in the fledgling specialty industry for a long time, so it’s well known to all coffee lovers who have been developing their passion for a decade. Even 8 years ago, finding a good grinder with adjustable grind was almost a miracle. And so Skerton was the most accessible option, quite economical and targeted at coffee fans. This grinder is still our bestseller, attracting with both its design and the ease of use. In addition, the glass bottom container can be used separately, keeping the ground beans fresh for longer.
Skerton, as an international bestseller, also has two additional version – you can go for Skerton Plus and Skerton PRO (with advanced stabilization of the entire burr structure and precise adjustment of the grind).
Like from Grandma’s cupboard
For fans of vintage style and sentimental memories, Hario has a real treat – the most classic design of the grinder – that reminds most of us of grandma’s kitchen from years ago. Inside, however, there are ceramic, conical burrs with adjustable grinding – the very same as in other models! Hario offers 4 models with a classic wooden design.
For design fans
If you are a fan of industrial style, Hario has something special for you – a totally metal, glass, tech look of the Canister model! And, by the way, you can close the ground coffee in a vacuum jar!
On the exact opposite side of the post-industrial style, there’s the avant-garde Clear model (slightly cubist, perhaps?). In addition to its eccentric appearance, it’s the only model with a suction cup, thanks to which you can grind coffee comfortably without holding it in your hands.
For the fans of modernist minimalism, Hario comes with a new Prism grinder with a gadget straight-from-Apple’s-production-line look. The aluminum casing is light and the simple shape fits perfectly in your hand while grinding. Again, like in an iPhone, you get both the totally modern, minimalist look and the comfort of use.
Classic elegance
For much more demanding customers, who want it all: an eye-catching look, decent burrs, and a bit of luxury, Hario has created the Ceramic Olive Wood grinder – a combination of white ceramics and durable olive wood. It’s a sturdy, heavy, hourglass-shaped grinder that always makes an impression. It’s a perfect match for a minimalist, Scandinavian interior, retro and modern kitchens.
Compare them all!
If you’re still not sure, take a look at the table summarizing the features of all Hario mills.
