Hario Mini Plus: The Travel Grinder That Punches Above Its Weight

My first morning camping without good coffee was the last. I drove 40 minutes to the nearest gas station, bought a terrible cup of drip, and swore I'd never be caught without a grinder again. That's how I ended up with the Hario Mini Plus, and it's been in my travel bag ever since.

The Hario Mini Plus (officially the Hario Mini Mill Slim Plus) is a compact manual coffee grinder that holds about 24 grams of beans and fits inside an AeroPress. It uses ceramic conical burrs, weighs just over half a pound, and costs around $35. If you're looking for a portable grinder that does a respectable job without costing a fortune, this is one of the first models worth considering.

What Makes the Mini Plus Different from the Original Mini Mill

Hario has made several versions of their small manual grinder over the years, and the naming gets confusing. The Mini Plus improved on the original Mini Mill in a few key ways.

The grind adjustment mechanism got an upgrade. The original Mini Mill used a simple nut-and-spring system that would slip out of position if you weren't careful. The Mini Plus added a click-stop adjustment dial on the bottom of the burr assembly. Each click moves the burr a small, repeatable amount. I counted about 18 usable clicks from Turkish fine to French press coarse.

The handle attachment is sturdier too. The original had a tendency to wobble, which made grinding feel sloppy. The Mini Plus uses a tighter-fitting hex shaft that reduces play in the handle.

The body itself is slightly narrower. This is the detail that matters most to AeroPress travelers, because the Mini Plus slides right into the AeroPress plunger tube. Your grinder and brewer become one compact unit.

Grind Quality and Consistency

Let's be honest about what you're getting at this price point. The Mini Plus produces a grind that's good enough for pour over, AeroPress, and French press, but it's not competition-grade.

Medium and Coarse Performance

At medium settings (around 10-12 clicks from fully tight), the Mini Plus does its best work. I get a reasonably even grind for pour over with only a moderate amount of fines. My V60 brews come out clean and sweet when I dial it in around click 11.

For French press at 14-16 clicks, the consistency drops a bit. You'll see more variation in particle size, which can lead to some over-extraction of the smaller pieces. I compensate by brewing for 3.5 minutes instead of 4.

Fine Grind Limitations

Espresso is not this grinder's strength. At 2-4 clicks, the grind is uneven enough that pulling a proper shot is hit or miss. If espresso is your primary brew method, save up for something with steel burrs and tighter tolerances. Check out our list of the best coffee grinders for options that handle espresso well.

The Grinding Experience

Grinding 20 grams of medium-roast beans takes me about 2 minutes at a medium setting. That's slower than larger hand grinders like the Timemore C2 or 1Zpresso Q2, which can do the same amount in 45-60 seconds.

The handle is short, so you don't get much mechanical advantage. My hand starts to fatigue around the 25-gram mark with light roasts, which are significantly harder to grind. Dark roasts are noticeably easier.

The hopper holds about 24 grams, which is enough for one generous cup or two small ones. If you're making coffee for two people, you'll need to grind in batches.

One thing I appreciate: the grinder is quiet. Not silent, but much quieter than any electric grinder. I can grind coffee at 5 AM in a shared hotel room without waking anyone up.

Build Quality and Durability

The body is a mix of plastic and glass. The upper hopper and adjustment mechanism are plastic, while the grounds container is a small glass jar that screws onto the bottom.

The glass jar is nice because it doesn't hold static, so grounds don't stick to the sides. But glass and travel don't always mix well. I've seen reports of the jar cracking in backpacks. I keep mine wrapped in a sock when it's in my bag, and after two years, it's still intact.

The ceramic burrs will last a very long time. Ceramic doesn't dull the way steel does, though it can chip if you accidentally grind a small stone that was hiding in your beans. After hundreds of uses, my burrs still look and perform the same as day one.

The plastic body feels lightweight but not flimsy. It's clearly not a $200 grinder, but it doesn't feel like it'll break in your hands either.

Who Should Buy the Hario Mini Plus

This grinder makes the most sense for a specific type of coffee drinker.

If you travel with an AeroPress and want one compact kit, the Mini Plus is practically designed for you. The nesting design is a real space saver, and the grind quality pairs well with AeroPress brewing.

If you're new to grinding your own beans and want to try it without spending much, this is a solid entry point. You'll immediately taste the difference between pre-ground and fresh-ground coffee, even with the Mini Plus's imperfect consistency.

If you're a serious home brewer who already has a good electric grinder, the Mini Plus works as a dedicated travel backup. I keep my Baratza Encore on the counter at home and the Mini Plus in my travel kit.

If you're looking for the best possible hand grinder regardless of price, you'll want to look at the top coffee grinders in higher price brackets. The 1Zpresso JX or Comandante C40 are in a different league, but they also cost 3-5 times as much.

FAQ

How do I adjust the grind size on the Hario Mini Plus?

Remove the handle and the locking nut on top. Lift off the upper burr assembly. On the shaft, you'll see an adjustment ring with click stops. Turn it clockwise for finer, counterclockwise for coarser. Each click is one step. Start at fully tight (zero) and count clicks outward. I use 8-9 for AeroPress, 11 for pour over, and 15 for French press.

Can I use the Hario Mini Plus for espresso?

Technically yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. The grind consistency at fine settings isn't tight enough for espresso. You'll get channeling and uneven extraction. It can work in a pinch for a Moka pot, which is more forgiving, but a pressurized portafilter will struggle.

How long do the ceramic burrs last?

Ceramic burrs last practically forever under normal use. Unlike steel burrs that gradually dull over a few years, ceramic maintains its edge almost indefinitely. The main risk is chipping from a stray pebble or dropping the burr on a hard surface. Handle them gently and they'll outlast the rest of the grinder.

Is the Hario Mini Plus worth it over the Hario Skerton?

The Mini Plus is smaller and more portable. The Skerton holds more beans (about 100 grams) and has a larger, more stable base. If you only grind at home, the Skerton gives you more capacity. If you travel, the Mini Plus wins on size and AeroPress compatibility. For the same price, I'd pick based on whether portability matters to you.

The Bottom Line

The Hario Mini Plus is a $35 grinder that does exactly what a $35 grinder should do. It won't replace a quality electric burr grinder on your kitchen counter, but it will give you fresh-ground coffee anywhere you go. Pack it inside your AeroPress, toss it in a bag, and you'll never have to settle for gas station coffee on a camping trip again.