1Zpresso JX Manual Coffee Grinder
The 1Zpresso JX is the best manual coffee grinder under $100 for anyone who brews pour-over, drip, AeroPress, or French press. I've owned mine for over a year and it has replaced every other hand grinder I've tried in this price range. The grind quality rivals electric burr grinders costing twice as much, and it's fast enough that you won't dread the daily ritual of hand grinding.
If you're considering the JX but aren't sure how it compares to the JX-Pro, the Q2, or competitors from Timemore and Comandante, I'll cover all of that. I'll also share the real-world performance numbers and limitations you won't find on the product page.
Build Quality and Design
The JX feels like a precision tool, not a kitchen gadget. The body is a thick aluminum cylinder with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It weighs about 620 grams (just under 1.4 pounds), which gives it a substantial feel without being too heavy for travel.
The internal burr assembly uses 48mm stainless steel conical burrs. These are larger than most competitors in this price range. The Timemore Chestnut C2, for comparison, uses 38mm burrs. Larger burrs mean faster grinding and better consistency because each revolution of the handle processes more coffee.
The handle itself folds down for compact storage and travel. It locks into place firmly during use, so there's no wobble or slipping. The knob at the top is spring-loaded, which keeps the handle tight against the body when folded.
One thing I appreciate is the bearing system. The JX uses dual bearings on the burr shaft, which eliminates the lateral wobble that plagues cheaper grinders. Wobble equals inconsistency, so better bearings mean a more uniform grind.
Grind Performance
Speed
The JX grinds 20 grams of medium-roast beans for pour-over in about 30 to 35 seconds. That's roughly twice as fast as the Hario Skerton and about 20% faster than the Timemore Chestnut C2. For a manual grinder, this speed is excellent.
Consistency
This is where the JX really separates itself from the competition. I've compared the grounds from the JX to my Baratza Encore under a USB microscope, and the particle size distribution is remarkably similar. There are very few fines (powder) and very few boulders (oversized chunks). The result is a clean, balanced cup with good clarity.
For pour-over specifically, this consistency translates to even drawdown times. My V60 brews finish within a predictable 2:30 to 3:00 window every time, which tells me the water is flowing through the coffee bed evenly.
Adjustment Range
The JX uses a numbered click system for adjustment. Each click changes the grind by about 12.5 microns. There are roughly 40 usable clicks, covering everything from medium-fine (AeroPress) to very coarse (French press and cold brew).
Here's my cheat sheet based on testing:
- AeroPress: Clicks 12-15
- Pour-over (V60/Chemex): Clicks 18-22
- Flat-bottom drip (Kalita Wave): Clicks 20-24
- French press: Clicks 28-32
- Cold brew: Clicks 32-36
The important thing to note is that the JX is not designed for espresso. The click increments are too coarse for fine-tuning espresso grind size. If you want espresso capability, you need the JX-Pro, which has finer adjustment steps.
JX vs. JX-Pro: Which Should You Buy?
This is the most common question I get. The answer is straightforward.
Buy the JX ($70-80) if: You brew filter coffee methods only. Pour-over, AeroPress, drip, French press, cold brew. The JX excels at all of these and the coarser adjustment steps are actually an advantage because you can dial in faster without overthinking.
Buy the JX-Pro ($100-120) if: You want espresso capability now or in the future. The JX-Pro has the same 48mm burrs but adds finer adjustment increments (about 8 microns per click) that let you fine-tune espresso grind size. It's also slightly better for Turkish coffee.
Both grinders share the same build quality, the same burrs, and the same speed. The only difference is the adjustment mechanism. If espresso is not in your plans, save the $30-40 and get the standard JX.
For a full comparison of 1Zpresso's lineup, check out our best 1zpresso grinder roundup.
How the JX Compares to Other Manual Grinders
vs. Timemore Chestnut C2 ($60-70): The C2 is the JX's closest competitor. It's slightly cheaper, slightly slower, and produces slightly less consistent grinds. The difference in the cup is subtle but noticeable, especially with lighter roasts where grind consistency matters most. The JX is the better grinder. The C2 is the better value if you're on a tight budget.
vs. Hario Skerton Pro ($30-40): Night and day difference. The Skerton Pro uses ceramic burrs that produce a wide distribution of particle sizes. The JX is faster, more consistent, and more durable. The Skerton is fine for someone just getting into specialty coffee. The JX is for someone who's ready to take it seriously.
vs. Comandante C40 ($230-260): The Comandante is widely considered the gold standard of manual grinders. It's also three times the price of the JX. Is it three times better? No. The Comandante produces marginally better consistency and has a more refined feel, but the actual difference in cup quality is small. The JX gets you 85-90% of the Comandante experience at 30% of the cost.
Care and Maintenance
The JX requires minimal maintenance. Here's what I do:
After every use: Brush out the burr chamber with the included bristle brush. This takes about 15 seconds and prevents stale grounds from building up.
Monthly: Disassemble the burr set (it's easy, no tools required) and clean the burrs with a dry brush. I also wipe down the outer burr with a microfiber cloth to remove any oils.
Every 6 months: Deep clean by running a few grams of uncooked rice through the grinder. This absorbs oils and pushes out any stuck particles. Follow with a thorough dry brushing.
The stainless steel burrs should last for years with normal home use. 1Zpresso rates them for about 500 to 700 pounds of coffee, which translates to roughly 8 to 12 years if you grind 20 grams daily. Replacement burrs are available from 1Zpresso for about $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 1Zpresso JX grind fine enough for espresso?
Not reliably. The JX's adjustment increments are too wide for espresso fine-tuning. You might land on a setting that works, but you won't be able to make the small adjustments that espresso requires. Get the JX-Pro if espresso is a priority.
Is the 1Zpresso JX good for travel?
Very good. The handle folds flat, the body is compact (about 6 inches tall), and it weighs under 1.5 pounds. I've taken it on multiple camping trips and it fits easily in a backpack side pocket. The included carrying case adds a bit of bulk but protects the grinder well.
How does the JX compare to a Baratza Encore?
The grind quality is comparable. The JX produces slightly better consistency in the medium range, while the Encore is slightly better at coarse settings. The biggest differences are convenience (the Encore is electric, the JX requires arm work) and price (the JX is about half the cost). For a broader comparison, see our best coffee grinder guide.
Does 1Zpresso offer a warranty?
Yes. 1Zpresso provides a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. They also sell replacement parts directly through their website, which is a big plus. If a bearing wears out or a burr chips (rare but possible), you can fix it without buying a new grinder.
Who Should Buy the 1Zpresso JX
The JX is the right grinder for someone who drinks filter coffee daily, wants great results in the cup, and doesn't want to spend $150 or more on an electric grinder. It's also ideal for people who value the quiet, meditative experience of hand grinding. If you need speed and convenience, an electric grinder is the better choice. But if you don't mind 30 seconds of cranking, the JX delivers quality that punches far above its price point.