The Hario Skerton Pro represents a refined iteration of the iconic hand grinder, addressing many usability issues of its predecessors. Reviewers noted significant improvements in grind adjustment ease and build quality, particularly with the new clickable dial system and upgraded metal crank. However, the grinder still lacks consistency on coarse settings and remains relatively slow. While it's a solid entry-level option for those seeking a reliable manual grinder, it's outperformed by more modern alternatives like the Timemore C2 in the same price range. This product is best suited for casual coffee enthusiasts who value portability and simplicity over precision grinding.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Hario Skerton Pro represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors in terms of build quality and aesthetic appeal. Professional reviewers like those at CoffeeChronicler.com noted that the grinder feels premium and well-constructed, with a glass grounds bin that serves both functional and display purposes. The updated metal crank handle, described as 'built to last' by CoffeeChronicler, replaced the problematic locking bolt system of earlier models. HomeCoffeeExpert.com confirmed that the 6.5-inch height and width make it compact enough for most kitchens while still being substantial enough to handle regular use. The silicone grip and anti-slip base help prevent the grinder from sliding during operation, a feature that CornerCoffeeStore.com praised as essential for maintaining consistent grinding quality. However, the glass container does pose a travel concern, as noted by HomeGrounds.co, which recommends wrapping it for outdoor use.
Grind Consistency and Performance
Grind consistency emerges as both a strength and a weakness of the Hario Skerton Pro. According to HomeCoffeeExpert.com, the ceramic conical burrs deliver excellent performance across most settings, with the newer model showing improved stability through spring stabilization of the lower burr. The 39mm ceramic burrs, as noted by HomeGrounds.co, maintain sharpness longer than steel alternatives and prevent heat buildup that could compromise flavor. However, RTINGS reported that the grinder struggles with consistent coarse grinding, a problem that persisted through the original Skerton and Skerton Plus models. The Skerton Pro's spring system specifically addresses this issue, but reviewers like those at CoffeeChronicler.com still found coarse settings lacking in uniformity compared to finer grinds. The grinder's performance on medium-fine settings, such as those used for pour-over coffee, was consistently praised by multiple reviewers including HomeCoffeeExpert.com and CornerCoffeeStore.com.
Ease of Use and Adjustment Process
The adjustment mechanism underwent a major overhaul from previous models, with reviewers across multiple platforms praising the new stepped dial system. CoffeeChronicler.com highlighted that the new system borrows from Hario's Slim Mini Mill, allowing users to adjust grind settings by turning a small ring underneath the burrs with tactile 'clicks' for each increment. This replaced the complicated process of removing the lid and adjusting a knob on older models, which was described as 'hit and miss' by HomeCoffeeExpert.com. However, the adjustment process still requires some trial and error, as noted by CornerCoffeeStore.com, who pointed out that without markings or numbers, users must experiment to find their preferred settings. The silicone grip and ergonomic handle design, as confirmed by multiple reviewers, make the grinding process comfortable and stable, with the handle being easy to turn and secure.
Speed and Efficiency
Grinding speed remains a notable limitation of the Hario Skerton Pro, with reviewers consistently noting its slower performance compared to electric grinders. CoffeeChronicler.com reported that grinding 26.5 grams of coffee for pour-over took 1 minute and 22 seconds on a medium-fine setting, which is considerably slower than most electric alternatives. HomeCoffeeExpert.com confirmed that while the slower speed prevents flavor loss through heat buildup, it also makes the process time-consuming. The manual nature of the grinder means there's no built-in timer or scale, requiring users to rely on estimation or separate tools for precise measurements. This time investment is balanced by the quality of grounds produced, as noted by HomeGrounds.co, which emphasized that the slower grinding allows for better flavor retention.
What Reviewers Loved
Multiple reviewers across platforms consistently praised the Skerton Pro's combination of quality materials and user-friendly features. CoffeeChronicler.com emphasized the premium feel and design, describing it as 'cute' and 'well-designed' with a 'magnificent job' in construction. HomeCoffeeExpert.com highlighted the 'good grind consistency at all settings' and the 'user-friendly' nature of the device, particularly appreciating the 'reinforced handle' and 'stepped grind adjust' features. CornerCoffeeStore.com gave the grinder a 4.4/5 rating, citing 'high-quality ceramic burrs,' 'very even grinding,' and 'streamlined design' as key strengths. The glass container and silicone components were also praised for their durability and aesthetic appeal, with HomeGrounds.co noting that the 'black and glass combo gives a stylish and certainly not a cheap look to the grinder.' The mess-free operation was consistently mentioned as a major advantage over electric grinders.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Hario Skerton Pro has several notable drawbacks that reviewers have consistently pointed out. The primary criticism involves the grind adjustment process, which, while improved, still lacks clear markings or numerical indicators, as noted by CornerCoffeeStore.com and HomeCoffeeExpert.com. The grinder's slow speed, while beneficial for flavor retention, creates a time-consuming process that some users find impractical for daily use. HomeGrounds.co specifically criticized the 'large steps between grind settings' that prevent precise adjustments, particularly for espresso preparation. Additionally, the glass container poses a travel risk, as mentioned by HomeGrounds.co and confirmed by multiple reviewers who noted it's unsuitable for rough handling. The multiple components and disassembly requirements for cleaning, as highlighted by CornerCoffeeStore.com, also create inconvenience for some users. The hopper's awkward storage when detached, according to CornerCoffeeStore.com, adds to the overall complexity of ownership.
Who It's Best For
The Hario Skerton Pro is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who value quality over speed and are willing to invest time in the grinding process. CoffeeChronicler.com recommended it for those who appreciate the travel-friendly nature of hand grinders, particularly for camping or holiday use, while HomeCoffeeExpert.com noted its suitability for drip coffee lovers on a budget. The grinder appeals to users who prioritize consistent medium-fine to fine grinds for pour-over and drip brewing methods. However, it's not ideal for espresso enthusiasts, as noted by HomeGrounds.co, who stated that while it can grind fine enough, the coarse steps make precise espresso adjustments difficult. The device also isn't recommended for users who frequently travel with their coffee gear due to the glass container's fragility. HomeCoffeeExpert.com emphasized that the grinder is 'cost-effective' and 'user-friendly' but cautioned that 'slower grinding speed so time-consuming process' makes it less suitable for those seeking quick coffee preparation.
Value at This Price
The Hario Skerton Pro's value proposition varies depending on user priorities and expectations. HomeCoffeeExpert.com gave it an 8.0/10 rating, noting it's 'cost-effective' and 'user-friendly' despite its slower speed. The grinder's price point positions it as an affordable entry-level manual grinder that still delivers quality performance. CoffeeChronicler.com suggested that while it was once a decent budget option, 'today there are just some way better options available in this cost range,' indicating that newer alternatives might offer better value. However, CornerCoffeeStore.com awarded it a 4.4/5 rating, emphasizing that 'this is a very effective manual coffee grinder that's easy to use and elegant enough to display.' The inclusion of high-quality ceramic burrs, silicone components, and a well-designed adjustment system justifies its price for users seeking a reliable manual grinder. The relatively small price difference between the Pro and Plus models, as noted by HomeGrounds.co, makes the Pro version a clear upgrade for those who value better coarse grind consistency.
Strengths
- +Improved grind adjustment system with clickable dial underneath burrs for easier coarse-fine setting changes
- +Premium feel with solid construction, including upgraded metal crank handle that locks securely with hex key
- +Snug-fitting clear plastic lid replaces the previous silicone lid that was hard to secure
- +Glass grounds bin with anti-slip rubber base for stable grinding and easy storage of ground coffee
Watch-outs
- −Still suffers from inconsistency when grinding on coarse settings, a problem present in previous versions
- −Grinding speed is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute 22 seconds for 26.5g of coffee at medium-fine setting
- −No tactile feedback during grind adjustment makes it difficult to dial in precise settings without trial and error
How it compares
The Hario Skerton Pro offers improved usability over previous models with a clickable dial and metal handle, but it's slower and less consistent than the Timemore Chestnut C2 and lacks the precision of the 1Zpresso J-Max. It's more affordable than the Fellow Opus but not as versatile for espresso, making it best for those who value simplicity over performance.
Who this is for
At a glance: casual users valuing simplicity.
Why you’d buy the Hario Skerton Pro
- Improved grind adjustment system with clickable dial underneath burrs for easier coarse-fine setting changes.
- Premium feel with solid construction, including upgraded metal crank handle that locks securely with hex key.
- Snug-fitting clear plastic lid replaces the previous silicone lid that was hard to secure.
Why you’d skip it
- Still suffers from inconsistency when grinding on coarse settings, a problem present in previous versions.
- Grinding speed is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute 22 seconds for 26.5g of coffee at medium-fine setting.
- No tactile feedback during grind adjustment makes it difficult to dial in precise settings without trial and error.
Rating sources
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
