The easiest way to choose your first hand grinder is to look at fewer things. This guide covers just four: burr size, grind adjustment, weight, and whether it stays at home or travels. The numbers come from manufacturer specs; we didn't measure them ourselves.
Here's the bottom line first. If it's going to sit at home for daily pour-over, we recommend the Timemore Chestnut S5 Pro. If you want light turning or something that packs away, we recommend the EPEIOS Essence Go. I use both.
1. Burr size
Most hand grinders use cone-shaped (conical) burrs. Generally, bigger burrs grind more coffee per turn. That said, burr geometry and adjustment affect taste and speed too, so don't decide on diameter alone.
- Chestnut S5 Pro: 48mm
- EPEIOS Essence Go: 38mm (10-blade)
2. Grind adjustment
If you mostly brew pour-over, you rarely need ultra-fine steps. If you also want espresso-fine grounds, a grinder with smaller steps per click is easier to dial in.
- Chestnut S5 Pro: external dial, 90 clicks per turn, 15 microns per click (per the maker)
- EPEIOS Essence Go: 0–80 settings, read from the outside
An external dial lets you change the grind without taking the grinder apart, which makes life easier for beginners.
3. Weight
You hold a hand grinder in one hand while you turn it. Heavier grinders tend to feel more stable, but they're less fun to carry.
- Chestnut S5 Pro: about 910g
- EPEIOS Essence Go: about 870g
I use the green S5 Pro every day, mostly for pour-over, and the 910g has never bothered me.
4. Home or on the go?
If it lives on your counter, weight barely matters. If you want to take it out, check whether it comes apart and fits in a case. EPEIOS says the Essence Go disassembles into its own carry case.