Porlex has been making hand grinders in Kagoshima, Japan since 1991. The Mini II is the second generation of their smallest model: a brushed stainless steel cylinder, 130mm tall, that fits inside the plunger of an Aeropress. The burrs are ceramic, conical, and hardened to a point where they will outlast the rest of the grinder with anything short of abuse. There are no plastic contact surfaces between bean and cup.
What changed in the second generation: a revised burr geometry that handles lighter-roast specialty coffee more cleanly than the original, and a stepped adjustment collar that clicks through 13 settings. The grind range covers espresso to French press. At coarser settings, the output is remarkably even for a hand grinder in this price range.
The handle folds flat and slots into the body for packing. The whole thing weighs 160g. It will grind enough for two cups in about two minutes of steady turning. For travel, camping, or a desk drawer, this is the grinder that requires no further research or upgrade path. Buy it once.
Made in Japan, distributed in the UK by Fresh Ground Coffee and Square Mile Coffee.
£55 — freshgroundcoffee.co.uk