Overview
The Hario Skerton Plus is a budget-friendly hand grinder with ceramic burrs and a glass catch jar. It offers basic hand grinding capability at a very accessible price, making it popular with beginners and as a backup travel grinder. The ceramic burrs handle medium to coarse grinds well enough for French press and pour-over, though they lack the precision of steel burr competitors. A simple, affordable entry point into the world of hand grinding.
The Hario Skerton Plus features a 38mm conical ceramic burr set, crafted from ceramic. Grind retention is approximately 0.1g — virtually zero retention, making it excellent for single dosing.
At $55, the Hario Skerton Plus is aimed at budget-conscious coffee lovers just starting their espresso journey. Key workflow features include single-dose design (no hopper needed). As a hand grinder, it's completely silent, portable, and gives you a meditative morning ritual.
The Hario Skerton Plus is weighing 0.5 kg, manufactured in Japan. Its footprint measures 75 x 75 x 175 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed for single dosing — weigh your beans in, get precisely that amount out with minimal waste
- Near-zero retention (0.1g) means almost no stale grounds contaminating your next shot
- Ceramic burrs stay cool and sharp, producing a clean-tasting grind
- Completely silent operation — perfect for early mornings without waking the household
- Fully portable with no electricity required — great for travel and camping
- Excellent value for money — capable espresso grinding at an accessible price point
Cons
- Manual grinding requires physical effort — espresso-fine takes 30-60 seconds of turning
- Not practical for making multiple drinks back-to-back for guests
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
Full Specifications
| Brand | Hario |
|---|---|
| Model | Hario Skerton Plus |
| Category | Hand Grinder |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Year Introduced | 2020 |
| Burr Size | 38 mm |
| Burr Material | Ceramic |
| Burr Type | 38mm conical ceramic |
| Retention | 0.1 g |
| Single Dose | Yes |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 100 g |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 75 x 75 x 175 mm |
| Weight | 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) |
| MSRP | $55 |
Our Verdict
The Hario Skerton Plus is a hand grinder, which means it trades speed and convenience for portability, silence, and often better value per dollar of grind quality. At under $100, it's one of the most affordable ways to get espresso-capable grinding. Perfect as a starter grinder or travel companion. If your daily routine involves 1-2 drinks and you enjoy a mindful morning ritual, this is an excellent option. For larger households or back-to-back drinks, consider an electric alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Hario Skerton Plus grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Hario Skerton Plus is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
Is the Hario Skerton Plus good for single dosing?
Yes, the Hario Skerton Plus is designed for single dosing. With only 0.1g of retention, virtually all the coffee you put in comes out ground. Weigh your beans before grinding for the most consistent results.
How long does it take to grind espresso with the Hario Skerton Plus?
Grinding a single dose (18g) for espresso typically takes 30-60 seconds with the Hario Skerton Plus, depending on the bean and your desired fineness. It requires moderate physical effort. Most users find it a pleasant morning ritual, but if you make more than 2-3 drinks daily, consider an electric grinder.
How do I maintain the Hario Skerton Plus?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. Hand grinders are easy to disassemble for cleaning. Never wash burrs with water.