Hario Skerton Plus Ceramic Coffee Mill Manual Hand Grinder Review

Essential accessories:

• Hario V60 Drip Scale for precise measurements
• Cleaning brush (any soft bristle brush works well)
• Grinder cleaning tablets for monthly maintenance
• Rubber mat for stability while grinding

The Skerton Plus builds on Hario’s reputation for quality coffee gear with thoughtful improvements to the original design. The standout feature is a redesigned burr stabilization system that noticeably reduces wobble during grinding – a common complaint with the previous model.

Key Specifications:

• Capacity: 100g coffee beans
• Height: 16 cm (6.3”)
• Diameter: 7.6 cm (3”)
• Weight: 520g (1.15 lbs)
• Materials: BPA-free plastic body, ceramic burrs, borosilicate glass jar

The grinder features durable ceramic conical burrs that stay sharp longer than steel alternatives. They’re housed in a sturdy BPA-free plastic body that’s survived several drops in my testing. The glass catch jar uses standard mason jar threading – handy if you ever need a replacement.

The stepless grind adjustment system offers incredible precision, though it takes some practice to dial in your preferred settings. I’ve marked my favorite positions with a pencil for quick reference.

One clever design touch: the rubber base provides excellent grip on most surfaces, while the ergonomic handle makes extended grinding sessions more comfortable than you might expect.

Having used the Skerton Plus daily for months, I can break down the grinding process into simple steps that consistently deliver great results:

1. Loading Beans

• Remove the lid and crank
• Pour in up to 100g of beans
• Replace lid and handle

2. Setting the Grind Size

• Flip grinder upside down
• Adjust the locking nut under the burrs
• Clockwise = finer, counterclockwise = coarser
• Small adjustments make big differences

3. The Grinding Process

• Hold grinder firmly at base
• Turn handle clockwise at steady pace
• Listen for consistent grinding sound
• Grounds collect in glass jar

Approximate Grinding Times (based on my experience):

• Fine (pour-over): 2-3 minutes for 25g
• Medium (drip): 1-2 minutes for 25g
• Coarse (French press): 1 minute for 25g

The ceramic burrs work efficiently without heating the beans – a common issue with electric grinders. You’ll develop a feel for the right grinding speed through practice.

After months of daily use, these are the Skerton Plus’s most notable strengths and limitations:

Strengths

• Grind Consistency: Surprisingly uniform, especially for medium to coarse settings
• Build Quality: Ceramic burrs and solid construction inspire confidence
• Portability: Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel
• Value: Delivers performance comparable to pricier electric grinders
• Zero Power Needed: Works anywhere, anytime
• Quiet Operation: Perfect for early mornings
• Simple Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain

Limitations

• Manual Effort: Requires physical work and time
• Learning Curve: Takes practice to find optimal grind settings
• Glass Component: Requires careful handling
• Limited Capacity: Not ideal for grinding large batches
• Fine Grind Challenge: Achieving consistent espresso grind takes practice
• Adjustment Process: Changing grind size isn’t as convenient as with electric grinders

Real-World Performance

The grinder excels at medium to coarse grinds. During a camping trip last summer, it produced consistently excellent grounds for both pour-over and French press brewing. However, when I attempted Turkish coffee, the results were less impressive – the grind just wasn’t fine or uniform enough.

The Skerton Plus has become my go-to travel grinder after testing it on several trips. Here’s what makes it travel-worthy:

Size and Weight:

• Compact enough for a backpack
• Light at 520g, but feels solid
• Handle removes for packing

Durability Features:

• Ceramic burrs resist damage
• Plastic body handles bumps well
• Glass jar needs careful packing

Travel Tips:

• Pack components separately
• Use socks as padding
• Consider a plastic jar for longer trips
• Store beans in separate containers

During a recent camping trip, the grinder performed flawlessly despite dusty conditions. The lack of power requirement proved invaluable at remote sites.

One downside: You’ll need to budget extra time each morning for manual grinding. But many users, myself included, find this becomes part of the travel coffee ritual.

The Skerton Plus is particularly well-suited for:

Coffee Enthusiasts Who:

• Value fresh-ground coffee
• Enjoy manual brewing methods
• Appreciate hands-on processes
• Travel frequently

Practical Users Who:

• Have limited counter space
• Want a quiet grinding option
• Prefer durability over convenience
• Don’t mind manual effort

Ideal Scenarios:

• Small apartments
• Camping trips
• Office settings
• Travel
• Backup grinder

The sweet spot is someone who makes 1-2 cups of coffee at a time and enjoys the ritual of manual grinding. I’ve found it especially popular among pour-over enthusiasts who value precision in their brewing process.

Based on extensive testing, these users should consider alternatives:

Not Suitable For:

• Dedicated espresso enthusiasts
• Those with hand mobility issues
• High-volume coffee drinkers
• People always in a rush

Better Alternatives For:

• Large households: Electric burr grinder
• Espresso focus: Dedicated espresso grinder
• Quick morning coffee: Electric grinder
• Commercial use: Commercial-grade equipment

I recently recommended an electric grinder to a friend who makes coffee for his family of five – the Skerton Plus would have meant spending 15 minutes grinding each morning.

After a year of regular use, here’s how the Skerton Plus holds up:

Durability:

• Ceramic burrs maintain sharpness
• Plastic body resists wear well
• Glass jar remains clear
• Handle action stays smooth

Performance Changes:

• Grind consistency remains stable
• Adjustment mechanism loosens slightly
• Base grip maintains effectiveness

Maintenance Needs:

• Monthly deep cleaning recommended
• Occasional burr realignment helps
• Handle may need tightening

The biggest surprise has been the ceramic burrs’ durability – they’re as sharp now as day one. However, the rubber grip on the base has shown minor wear, though it hasn’t affected stability.

Keeping your Skerton Plus in top shape is straightforward but essential:

Daily Care:

• Brush out burrs after use
• Wipe down exterior
• Check handle tightness

Weekly Maintenance:

• Deep clean glass jar
• Brush all moving parts
• Check grind settings

Monthly Tasks:

• Disassemble completely
• Clean with grinder tablets
• Check burr alignment
• Tighten all components

Cleaning Process:

1. Remove handle and lid
2. Brush out burrs
3. Wash glass jar
4. Wipe body with cloth
5. Reassemble carefully

Pro Tip: Use a soft makeup brush for burr cleaning – it reaches tight spots better than the included brush.

The Skerton Plus offers several eco-friendly advantages:

Green Features:

• No electricity needed
• Long lifespan reduces waste
• Minimal packaging
• Recyclable components
• Repairable design

Material Impact:

• Glass: Recyclable
• Plastic: BPA-free
• Ceramics: Durable, non-toxic
• Metal: Minimal use

Sustainability:

• Supports whole bean coffee (often has less packaging)
• Manual operation reduces carbon footprint
• Parts available for repairs
• Built to last decades

One downside: Shipping from Japan does create some environmental impact, but the long lifespan helps offset this.

The Skerton Plus delivers solid value for its price point:

Value Aspects:

• Durable construction
• Consistent performance
• Low maintenance costs
• No power consumption
• Long lifespan

Cost Efficiency:

• Cheaper than electric alternatives
• Minimal replacement parts needed
• Energy savings add up
• Quality matches pricier grinders

Performance Benefits:

• Grind quality rivals expensive machines
• Versatile grinding capabilities
• Reliable daily operation

Having used both budget and high-end grinders, I find the Skerton Plus offers about 80% of premium grinder performance at roughly 30% of the cost.

Here are my favorite tips after months of daily use:

Grinding Technique:

• Count rotations for consistency
• Use shorter strokes for finer grinds
• Hold grinder at base, not jar
• Maintain steady pace

Travel Tips:

• Pack beans separately
• Use sock for padding
• Consider plastic jar substitute
• Pre-measure portions

Maintenance Hacks:

• Mark preferred settings
• Use makeup brush for cleaning
• Keep spare jar handy
• Store handle separately

Workflow Tips:

• Prep beans night before
• Clean immediately after use
• Keep near brewing station
• Use consistent bean amount

Common questions from other users:

Q: How long does grinding take? A: About 1-2 minutes for a single cup, depending on grind size.

Q: Can it grind fine enough for espresso? A: While it can achieve fine grinds, it’s not consistent enough for true espresso. Better suited for pour-over and French press.

Q: Is the glass jar fragile? A: The borosilicate glass is sturdy but can break if dropped. Standard mason jars work as replacements.

Q: How often should I clean it? A: Quick clean after each use, deep clean weekly. Monthly cleaning with grinder tablets recommended.

Q: Will it fit in my bag? A: Yes, it’s compact at 16 cm tall. Remove the handle for better packing.

Q: Can I grind other things besides coffee? A: Technically yes, but dedicated grinders for spices are recommended to avoid flavor transfer.

After extensive testing, the Hario Skerton Plus proves itself a reliable companion for serious coffee enthusiasts. Its improved stability mechanism delivers consistent grinds, while the durable construction handles daily use well. The ceramic burrs maintain their edge, and the glass jar feels substantial.

The manual effort required becomes almost therapeutic – a morning ritual rather than a chore. While it’s not perfect for espresso lovers or those needing quick solutions, it excels at most other brewing methods.

For travelers, minimalists, and coffee lovers who appreciate hands-on brewing, the Skerton Plus offers excellent value. It strikes a sweet spot between affordability and performance that’s hard to beat in the manual grinder category.