Porlex Mini II

What it does well

It packs small. Porlex and Home Coffee Expert both say it fits inside an AeroPress, which makes a self-contained travel kit. Japan Porlex adds a handle holder that also stores the crank.

Home Coffee Expert says "the new stabilization of the outer ceramic burr has greatly improved the grind consistency." Porlex says it grinds about 1.3 times more coffee per turn than the original. Home Coffee Expert also found grinding quick.

It is easy to keep clean. Japan Porlex says every part, including the ceramic burrs, comes apart and can be washed. Home Coffee Expert puts a clean with a soft brush at about 10 minutes.

Where it falls short

It is not for espresso. Home Coffee Expert says it "isn't accurate enough for espresso," though pressurised baskets may work. Porlex also sells a separate Mini Professional model.

The adjuster is unmarked. Home Coffee Expert calls the missing numbers "frustrating" and suggests returning to zero, then counting clicks. Japan Porlex also warns against overtightening the adjusting nut, which can damage the burrs.

Capacity is one cup. Porlex rates it at about 20 g of beans. Home Coffee Expert also notes consistency "starts to deteriorate as you grind very coarse" for French press.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn't

Buy it if you travel with an AeroPress or brew a single pour-over at home. It suits someone who values a metal body over plastic and wants a grinder that will survive a bag.

Skip it if you want espresso, or if you brew French press most days. Skip it too if you make coffee for two or more people at once. The Tall II holds about 30 g.

How it compares

The Porlex Tall II shares the Mini II's burrs and mechanism, per Home Coffee Expert. It holds more but is too tall to nest in an AeroPress. Home Coffee Expert says the extra capacity is only worth it if you want to avoid grinding twice.

The 1Zpresso Q2 is the other common AeroPress-sized choice. Home Coffee Expert found the Q2 "was a better fit" inside the AeroPress. Look at 1Zpresso JX-Pro vs Porlex Mini II if you are weighing a larger 1Zpresso instead.

Against the Timemore C3, the C3 is the more common entry hand grinder in BrewMark's finder. Compare dials in Porlex Mini II vs Timemore C3. If espresso matters, see KINGrinder K6 vs Porlex Mini II.

Owning it

Cleaning is quick. Japan Porlex says the ceramic burrs are washable in water and do not rust, and Home Coffee Expert recommends a soft brush. The hand grinder cleaning guide covers the steps, and the travel setup guide helps plan a kit.

Porlex lists spare parts on its US site, including the outer burr, inner burr, burr set and adjusting nut. Japan Porlex says the ceramic burrs resist wear and do not rust. If one breaks, see the burr replacement guide.

The settings chart on this page counts clicks from the zero point, where the burrs just touch. Japan Porlex publishes a guide to finding that zero. To translate a recipe from another grinder, use the grind converter.