Hario Mini Slim: The Travel Grinder That Started It All
The Hario Mini Slim is the hand grinder that introduced thousands of coffee lovers to manual grinding. It's small, inexpensive, and grinds well enough for pour-over and French press. If you're looking at it as a travel grinder, a backup grinder, or your first step into freshly ground coffee, you're in the right place. I've owned a Mini Slim for over four years, and it's traveled with me to three countries.
Here's my full breakdown of the Mini Slim's strengths, weaknesses, and where it fits in the current hand grinder market. I'll also compare it to popular alternatives since the competition has gotten fierce in recent years.
What You Get in the Box
The Hario Mini Slim (model MSS-1B or the newer Mini Slim Plus/Pro) is a compact hand grinder with ceramic conical burrs, a transparent plastic body, and a metal handle that folds down for storage. The whole thing weighs about 230 grams and fits in a jacket pocket or the side pouch of a backpack.
The grind adjustment works by turning a nut at the base of the inner burr shaft, underneath the body. You remove the bottom container, reach up inside, and twist the nut to change the grind setting. Each click represents one step finer or coarser. There are no labeled numbers or markings, so you'll need to count clicks from fully closed (finest) to find your preferred setting.
For pour-over (V60), I typically use about 12-14 clicks from closed. For French press, around 20-24 clicks. For AeroPress, somewhere between 8-12 clicks depending on my recipe.
The grounds container at the bottom holds about 24 grams of ground coffee, which is enough for a single generous pour-over or two AeroPress cups.
Grind Quality: What to Expect
The ceramic conical burrs in the Mini Slim produce a grind that I'd describe as "good for the price." At medium and coarser settings, the particle distribution is reasonably uniform. You'll get a clean, pleasant cup from a V60 or French press without any trouble.
At finer settings (trying to approach espresso), the grind quality drops off. The ceramic burrs aren't precise enough for true espresso fineness, and you'll see a wide range of particle sizes that make pulling a balanced shot on a proper espresso machine very difficult. Pressurized portafilters can compensate, but I wouldn't buy this grinder with espresso as the primary goal.
Ceramic vs. Steel Burrs
The Mini Slim uses ceramic burrs, which is typical for grinders in this price range. Ceramic is harder than steel (so the burrs last longer before dulling) but more brittle (they can chip if you hit a small stone or very hard foreign object in your beans). Ceramic also tends to produce a slightly wider particle distribution compared to precision-ground steel burrs.
The practical impact: your V60 brew might not have the clarity of one ground on a $100+ steel-burr hand grinder, but it will still taste noticeably better than pre-ground coffee. For most people, that's the comparison that matters.
The Mini Slim Plus vs. Original
Hario released the Mini Slim Plus (sometimes labeled the Mini Slim Pro or MSS-1DTB) as an update to the original. The main differences:
- Improved burr geometry for slightly better consistency
- A new adjustment mechanism that's easier to access
- Silicone grip on the body for better handling
- A more secure lid on the grounds container
The Plus is a genuine improvement, and I'd recommend it over the original if you're buying new. The price difference is usually only $5-10.
The Grinding Experience
Let's be honest: hand grinding is work. The Mini Slim takes about 60-70 turns to grind enough coffee for a single pour-over (about 15 grams at a medium setting). That's roughly 45-60 seconds of steady cranking. It's not hard work, but it's not effortless either.
Coarser settings are easier since the burrs remove more material per rotation. Finer settings require more force and more time. At espresso-fine, grinding 18 grams takes a solid 2-3 minutes and a noticeable arm workout.
The handle is comfortable enough for a minute of grinding, but the folding design means it's shorter than some competitors. If you have large hands, the grip can feel cramped during longer sessions. The body is also smooth plastic, which can get slippery. The Plus model's silicone grip helps with this.
Stability While Grinding
The Mini Slim's light weight means it can wobble during grinding if you don't hold it firmly. I usually brace the bottom container against my palm and grip the upper body with my other hand. Some people wedge it between their knees. It's not as stable as heavier hand grinders like the Timemore C2 or Comandante C40, but it's manageable once you find a comfortable grip.
Who Is the Mini Slim For?
The Traveler
This is the Mini Slim's best use case. At 230 grams and roughly the size of a water bottle, it packs into any bag without notice. I've ground coffee in airport lounges, hotel rooms, and campsites. Pair it with an AeroPress or a collapsible pour-over dripper, and you have a legitimate travel coffee kit that weighs under a pound total.
The Budget Beginner
At $25-35, the Mini Slim is one of the cheapest ways to start grinding fresh. If you're currently buying pre-ground coffee and want to try freshly ground without spending $100+, this is a low-risk entry point. The improvement from pre-ground to freshly ground, even on an entry-level grinder, is dramatic.
The Backup Grinder
I keep my Mini Slim as a backup for when my electric grinder is being cleaned or if the power goes out. Having a manual grinder that lives in a drawer and is ready to go at a moment's notice is surprisingly useful.
Not Great For:
- Espresso (not fine or consistent enough for unpressurized baskets)
- Daily driver for more than two cups (the manual effort adds up)
- Anyone with hand or wrist issues (the repetitive motion can aggravate joint problems)
- People who value speed (electric grinders finish in seconds)
For a wider look at grinder options for different budgets and needs, check out our best coffee grinder and top coffee grinder guides.
How It Compares to Other Hand Grinders
Mini Slim vs. Timemore C2
The Timemore C2 ($60-75) is the Mini Slim's biggest competitor. It uses stainless steel burrs that produce a noticeably more uniform grind. The build quality is better (aluminum body, sturdier handle), and it grinds faster thanks to the larger burrs. If you can stretch your budget, the C2 is a meaningful upgrade. If you're keeping costs minimal, the Mini Slim still gets the job done.
Mini Slim vs. Comandante C40
The Comandante C40 ($250+) is in a completely different league. Precision-ground steel burrs, beautiful build quality, and grind consistency that rivals electric grinders costing $500+. It's not a fair comparison, but I mention it because the Comandante shows what's possible with hand grinding. The Mini Slim is a budget tool; the Comandante is a precision instrument.
Mini Slim vs. JavaPresse Manual Grinder
The JavaPresse is another budget ceramic-burr hand grinder that's popular on Amazon. Having used both, the Hario is a slightly better grinder. The burr quality is more consistent, the adjustment mechanism is more reliable, and Hario's reputation for quality control is stronger. Prices are similar, so I'd pick the Hario every time.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Mini Slim is easy to maintain:
- After each use: Brush out the burrs with the included brush (or any small brush)
- Weekly: Disassemble the burr assembly and clean with a dry brush. Don't use water on the burrs, as ceramic can retain moisture.
- Periodically: Check the burr nut for looseness. It can back out slightly over time, which changes your grind setting without you realizing it.
The ceramic burrs should last 3-5 years of regular home use before you notice degradation. Hario sells replacement burr assemblies for about $8-12, making this one of the cheapest grinders to maintain long-term.
The body is ABS plastic, which is durable but will scratch over time. Mine has plenty of travel scuffs and still works perfectly. The weakest point is the handle hinge, which can develop play after a year or two of heavy use. A small dab of threadlocker on the hinge screw prevents this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Hario Mini Slim grind fine enough for espresso?
It can get into the espresso range, but the grind consistency at fine settings isn't good enough for a proper espresso machine with unpressurized baskets. For pressurized baskets or machines like the AeroPress (which some call "espresso-style"), the finest settings work adequately.
How many cups can the Mini Slim grind at once?
The grounds container holds about 24 grams, which is enough for one generous pour-over or two AeroPress servings. If you need to grind more, you'll need to empty the container and grind again. For batch brewing or more than two cups, an electric grinder is much more practical.
Is the Hario Mini Slim dishwasher safe?
No. The ceramic burrs and metal components should not go in the dishwasher. Clean the grinder by disassembling it and brushing each part with a dry brush. The plastic body and container can be rinsed with water, but dry them thoroughly before reassembling.
How long does it take to grind coffee with the Mini Slim?
About 45-60 seconds for a single pour-over dose (15 grams) at medium grind. Coarser settings are faster (30-40 seconds), and finer settings take longer (90-120 seconds for espresso-fine). The speed also depends on how hard and fresh the beans are.
The Verdict
The Hario Mini Slim is the best hand grinder you can buy for under $35. It produces good (not great) grinds for pour-over, AeroPress, and French press. It's compact, lightweight, and reliable enough to be your travel companion for years. Its limitations are real: it's slow, it's not precise enough for espresso, and the ceramic burrs can't match steel. But at this price, no hand grinder can. If you're starting out, traveling light, or need a no-fuss backup grinder, the Mini Slim earns its place in your coffee kit.