Manual milling of teeth

A manual grinder of teeth cuts the grain between two metal or ceramic pieces, one conical within the other. The distance between them decides the particle size, so the milling is uniform and repeatable. Almost all the manuals use conical teeth, which give cups with body.

For filter, a good one yields to the level of electric mills much more expensive. Mmer 15-20 g takes between 30 seconds and a minute. Some models also reach the finesse of espresso or Turkish coffee, with some more effort.

• In favour: high quality grinding for the price.
• In favor: quiet, small and unplugged; ideal for travel.
• Against: you have to give to the handle; heavy for many cups.
• Against: only 20-40 g per batch.

Guidance prices: Timemore C2 or C3, €60-100; 1Zpresso J or K, €120-250; Commander, €250-300. See that the teeth are made of steel, that the axis is well attached, without slack, and that the adjustment has small steps if you want to make espresso.

Cheaper alternative: a knife mill, knowing that the milling will be irregular.