Porlex Tall Coffee Grinder: The Original Travel Grinder Still Worth Considering

The Porlex Tall is the larger sibling of the Porlex Mini, and it's been around since before the hand grinder boom really took off. Made in Japan from stainless steel with ceramic burrs, it holds about 30 grams of beans and grinds well for filter methods. At around $50 to $70 depending on where you buy, it sits in a crowded mid-range bracket.

I first used a Porlex Tall nearly four years ago, and it was actually my introduction to hand grinding. I've since moved on to faster grinders for daily use, but I still grab the Porlex Tall for specific situations. Let me explain when it makes sense and when you should look elsewhere.

What Makes the Porlex Tall Different

The "Tall" designation refers to the larger capacity compared to the Mini. The Tall holds about 30 grams of beans, while the Mini holds about 20 grams. Both use the same ceramic burr set, the same adjustment mechanism, and the same stainless steel construction.

Thirty grams is enough for two cups of pour-over or one generous French press. If you regularly brew for two people, the extra capacity matters. With the Mini, you'd need to grind twice, which doubles your effort and time.

Physical Dimensions

The Tall measures about 24cm in height and 4.7cm in diameter. It's slim enough to hold comfortably in one hand while grinding. Unlike the Porlex II and Mini, the Tall does not fit inside a standard AeroPress tube. This is a deal-breaker for some travelers and a non-issue for others.

The all-metal construction means durability isn't a concern. I've seen Porlex Tall grinders survive years of daily use with zero mechanical issues. The ceramic burrs show almost no wear after hundreds of hours of grinding.

Ceramic Burr Performance

The ceramic conical burrs are the heart of every Porlex grinder. They produce a clean, consistent grind for medium and coarse settings. French press and AeroPress results are reliably good. The ceramic material stays cool during grinding, so you won't get heat-related flavor changes even on long grind sessions.

For medium grinds (pour-over range), the consistency is acceptable but not outstanding by 2026 standards. Newer competitors like the Timemore C2 and 1Zpresso Q2 produce tighter particle distributions at similar prices. The coffee still tastes good, but if you're chasing clarity in your V60 brews, the newer steel-burr grinders have an edge.

Grinding Speed

Speed is the Porlex Tall's weakest area. Grinding 25 grams of medium-roast beans at a medium-coarse setting takes about 80 to 90 seconds. That's noticeably slower than the Timemore C2 (45 to 50 seconds for the same amount) and the 1Zpresso Q2 (about 55 seconds).

The ceramic burrs and relatively small 30mm burr size are the main reasons for the slower speed. You also need more force per rotation compared to steel-burr grinders, which means your hand gets tired faster. For single cups, it's manageable. For larger doses, it becomes a real workout.

Adjustment System

The Porlex Tall uses the same click-adjustment system found in all Porlex grinders. You access the adjuster by removing the bottom catch cup and turning the nut on the burr shaft. Each click moves the inner burr slightly, changing the grind size.

There are roughly 13 to 15 usable click positions from fine to coarse. The clicks are tactile enough to feel, though they're not as precise or satisfying as the ones on Timemore grinders. You can hit repeatable settings once you know your preferred click count.

Starting from the fully closed (finest) position:

  • AeroPress: 5 to 7 clicks
  • Pour-over: 7 to 9 clicks
  • Drip: 9 to 11 clicks
  • French press: 11 to 14 clicks

These are starting points. Your beans, roast level, and preferences will dictate the final setting. I always recommend brewing once, tasting, and adjusting by one click in either direction.

Daily Use Experience

For about a year, the Porlex Tall was my only grinder. Every morning, I'd fill it with 20 grams of beans, grind for about 70 seconds, and brew a V60. The routine was pleasant in a meditative way. There's something calming about hand grinding when you're not in a rush.

The problems showed up when I started caring more about cup quality and efficiency. Switching to a Timemore C2 was a noticeable upgrade in both grind consistency and speed. The Porlex Tall didn't suddenly become a bad grinder, but the competition passed it by while the design stayed the same.

When I Still Reach for the Porlex Tall

Camping trips. The all-stainless-steel construction means I don't worry about bumps, drops, or moisture. Aluminum grinders can dent. The Porlex Tall barely scratches. It's also easy to clean in the field with just a dry brush and a quick shake.

I also use it when I'm introducing someone to hand grinding. It's simple to operate, hard to break, and produces good-enough coffee to show someone why freshly ground beans matter.

Porlex Tall vs. Porlex II vs. Porlex Mini

These three grinders share the same burrs and adjustment mechanism. The only real differences are size and AeroPress compatibility.

The Porlex Mini holds 20 grams and fits inside an AeroPress. The Porlex II holds 30 grams and also fits inside an AeroPress (with a redesigned spring handle). The Porlex Tall holds 30 grams but does not fit inside an AeroPress.

If AeroPress compatibility matters, skip the Tall and get the Porlex II. If you don't use an AeroPress and want the larger capacity, the Tall works fine but offers no advantage over the II. Honestly, the Porlex II has made the Tall somewhat redundant.

For a broader comparison of hand grinders and electric options, see our best coffee grinder guide and our top coffee grinder roundup.

FAQ

Is the Porlex Tall still worth buying?

It depends on what you value. For durability and simplicity, it's still a solid grinder. For grind quality relative to price, newer options like the Timemore C2 and 1Zpresso Q2 offer better performance for similar money. If you can find the Tall on sale for $40 or less, it's a good deal. At full price, the competition is stronger.

Can the Porlex Tall grind for espresso?

Not effectively. The click adjustments don't provide enough precision in the fine range, and the ceramic burrs produce too much variation at fine settings for proper espresso extraction. It can do a passable moka pot grind, but real espresso is beyond its capability.

How do I prevent the handle from coming off while grinding?

The Porlex Tall handle uses a simple friction-fit connection. If it's coming loose, check that the handle is fully seated on the shaft. Some users wrap a small rubber band around the connection point for extra grip. If the problem persists, the connection mechanism may be worn, and Porlex sells replacement handles.

What's the best way to store the Porlex Tall?

Store it with the burr adjustment loosened slightly (don't leave the burrs touching). This prevents the spring from losing tension over time. Keep it in a dry place, and brush out any retained grounds after each use to prevent stale oils from building up.

Final Thoughts

The Porlex Tall is a well-made, durable hand grinder that served the coffee community well for years. It's been outperformed by newer competitors in grind speed and consistency, and the Porlex II has largely replaced it within Porlex's own lineup. If you already own one, there's no urgent reason to replace it. If you're buying new, the Porlex II gives you the same capacity with AeroPress compatibility, and the Timemore C2 gives you better grinding performance for similar money.