Porlex Tall Grinder II: The Travel Hand Grinder That Actually Delivers

I've taken a Porlex Tall Grinder II on five international trips, two camping weekends, and one ill-advised attempt to grind coffee in the back of a moving car. It survived all of it. If you're looking for a hand grinder that travels well and produces a solid cup, the Porlex Tall II deserves a serious look.

The Porlex Tall Grinder II is a Japanese-made manual coffee grinder with ceramic conical burrs, a stainless steel body, and a capacity of about 30 grams of beans. It retails for around $70-$80. In this breakdown, I'll cover grind quality, portability, how it compares to popular competitors like the Hario Skerton and 1Zpresso, and who should actually buy one.

Design and Build

The Porlex Tall II is built entirely from stainless steel and ceramic. There's no plastic in the grinding mechanism. The outer body is a brushed stainless steel cylinder that feels sturdy in your hand without being heavy. At about 8.5 inches tall and 1.9 inches wide, it's roughly the size of a large water bottle.

The whole thing weighs around 9.5 ounces. That's light enough to toss in a backpack without noticing it, but heavy enough to feel like a real tool, not a toy.

What Changed from the Original Porlex

The Tall II is an update to the original Porlex Tall. The biggest change is the grind adjustment system. The original used a simple nut on the bottom of the central shaft. The II version added more defined click settings, making it easier to return to your preferred grind size after changing it.

The burr geometry was also slightly updated for improved consistency. If you're choosing between a used original and the II, the upgrade is worth the extra $10-$15.

Grind Quality

Ceramic conical burrs have a reputation for being less precise than steel burrs, and that's generally true at the extremes. But in the medium range where drip and pour-over live, the Porlex Tall II does a respectable job.

I ran several batches through the Porlex and sifted the results using a Kruve sifter. At a medium grind (about 7-8 clicks from the finest setting), roughly 70% of the particles fell within the target range. That's not as good as a 1Zpresso JX (which hits about 80-85% uniformity) but significantly better than cheap ceramic hand grinders that produce 50-60% uniformity.

Best Grind Settings

For pour-over (V60, Chemex), I found 7-8 clicks to be the sweet spot. For French press, 11-12 clicks works well. For AeroPress, 5-6 clicks produces a good cup.

The Porlex can technically grind fine enough for espresso at 1-2 clicks, but I don't recommend it. The grind isn't consistent enough for espresso, and it takes forever. Like, three or four minutes of hard cranking for 18 grams. Your arm will hate you.

For filter brewing methods, though, the Porlex produces a clean, balanced cup. I've served Porlex-ground pour-overs to friends who own expensive electric setups, and nobody complained.

The Portability Factor

This is where the Porlex earns its keep. Most hand grinders are portable by definition, but the Porlex Tall II was designed specifically for travel.

The stainless steel body is nearly indestructible. I've dropped it on concrete, shoved it into overstuffed bags, and bounced it around in my car's center console. No dents, no cracks, no broken burrs.

Here's a detail I love: the Porlex Tall II fits inside an AeroPress. If you're already traveling with an AeroPress (and you should be), the grinder nests right inside the brewing chamber. That's one less thing taking up space in your bag.

The silicone grip band around the middle prevents the grinder from spinning in your hand while cranking. It also keeps it from sliding around on smooth surfaces. Small detail, big difference when you're grinding on a picnic table.

How It Compares to Other Hand Grinders

The hand grinder market has gotten competitive, and the Porlex faces some strong challengers.

Porlex Tall II vs. Hario Skerton Pro

The Hario Skerton Pro costs about $45-$55, making it cheaper than the Porlex. It has a larger bean capacity (100g vs. 30g) and a glass grounds container. However, the Skerton's grind consistency is noticeably worse, especially at coarser settings. The shaft wobbles on the Skerton, creating uneven particle sizes. The Porlex's tighter tolerances produce a better cup. If portability matters, the glass jar on the Skerton is also a liability.

Porlex Tall II vs. 1Zpresso JX

The 1Zpresso JX ($70-$100) is the hand grinder darling of the coffee community right now, and for good reason. It uses steel burrs that grind faster and more uniformly than the Porlex's ceramic burrs. Grinding 20 grams takes about 30-40 seconds on the 1Zpresso versus 60-90 seconds on the Porlex.

The 1Zpresso is the better grinder, full stop. But it's also larger, heavier (about 12 oz), and doesn't fit inside an AeroPress. If grind quality is your top priority, the 1Zpresso wins. If packability and durability are what matter most, the Porlex has an edge.

Porlex Tall II vs. Timemore C2

The Timemore C2 ($60-$70) is another strong competitor with steel burrs and faster grinding. It matches or beats the Porlex on grind quality at a similar price. The Timemore is slightly larger and doesn't have the same compact travel profile. Both are good choices, and either would serve you well on the road.

If you're weighing all your options, our best coffee grinder guide covers electric options too, in case you decide a hand grinder isn't for you.

Maintenance and Burr Care

Ceramic burrs are naturally harder than steel and resist wear well. Porlex claims their burrs will last for years without replacement, and based on my experience, that tracks. After roughly 18 months of regular use, my burrs still look and feel sharp.

Cleaning is simple. Disassemble the grinder by removing the adjustment nut and pulling out the inner burr assembly. Brush out old grounds with a soft brush. You can rinse the stainless steel body, but keep the ceramic burrs dry or at most wipe them with a damp cloth.

Every few months, I take the whole thing apart and do a thorough cleaning. It takes about five minutes. The simple construction means there's nothing complicated to reassemble.

One maintenance tip: if the grind starts feeling gritty or uneven, check for a small coffee particle wedged between the burrs. A toothpick usually frees it up.

FAQ

Is the Porlex Tall II worth $75?

For a travel grinder, yes. The stainless steel build, consistent grind for filter methods, and compact size justify the price if you regularly brew coffee on the go. If you only grind at home, an electric grinder gives you more convenience for similar money.

How long does it take to grind coffee with the Porlex Tall II?

For a single cup (about 15-20 grams), expect 45-90 seconds depending on the grind setting. Finer settings take longer. This is slower than competitors with steel burrs like the 1Zpresso or Timemore, which grind the same amount in 25-40 seconds.

Can you use the Porlex Tall II for espresso?

Technically yes, but practically no. The finest settings reach espresso territory, but the particle consistency isn't there. You'll get channeling and uneven extraction. Use it for AeroPress, pour-over, drip, or French press.

What's the difference between the Porlex Tall and Porlex Mini?

The Tall holds about 30 grams of beans and stands 8.5 inches tall. The Mini holds about 20 grams and stands 5 inches tall. The burrs and grinding mechanism are identical. If you usually brew one cup at a time and want maximum portability, the Mini works. If you ever brew for two people, get the Tall.

Who Should Buy the Porlex Tall II

The Porlex Tall II is the right grinder if you travel frequently, camp, or want a reliable hand grinder that fits inside an AeroPress. It's not the absolute best hand grinder for grind quality, as the 1Zpresso and Timemore lineups have it beat there. But for a tough, compact, well-made travel companion, the Porlex still holds its own after all these years. Grab one, throw it in your bag, and stop drinking bad hotel coffee.