This is our Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2 Review.

The world of coffee is vast and can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. There are more than 2000 varieties of beans from all over the world, each with its own distinctive taste. And there’s a wide variety of brewing methods, including percolators, french presses, and espresso machines. But what if you’re not in a position to spend hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-line coffee maker?

You might be surprised to know that you can get a great cup of coffee without breaking the bank. All you need is a good coffee grinder and some high-quality fresh beans. In this review, we’ll look at the Normcore Manual Coffee Grinder V2, a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Overview: Normcore Coffee Manual Grinder V2 Review

The Normcore manual coffee grinder V2 is an excellent example of the brand’s commitment to quality. This grinder features a stainless steel burr grinding system that produces consistent results across various grind sizes.

Moreover, the Normcore grinder V2 is relatively easy to use, with a simple adjustment knob that allows you to choose between fine and coarse grinds.

In short, if you’re after a high-quality, budget-friendly coffee grinder, the Normcore manual coffee grinder V2 is definitely worth checking out.

Normcore V2 Tiny Specs Sheet

• Aluminum alloy body cut from a single block
• 38 mm steel conical burrs. Currently, 38 mm burrs can be purchased with titanium treatment. All Normcore grinder V2 burrs are made in high hardness HRC58 stainless steel SS420.
• Capacity: 25 g
• Stepped adjustments with 24 clicks per rotation
• Grinds 1 g per second on average
• Dimensions: 152 mm H x 50 mm D; (with crank arm: H 182 mm x 175 mm D)
• Weight: 423 g (497 g with crank arm)
• Made in China (except the burr set)

Is Normcore a good brand?

Normcore is a relatively new company, but they’re already making a name for themselves in the coffee world. More espresso enthusiasts know the company for its tampers and barista accessories.

There’s something about Normcore that just screams refinement. Perhaps it’s the sleek, minimalistic design or the color palette. Or maybe it’s because their manual coffee grinder combines traditional techniques with modern minimalism. Whatever the reason, Normcore is definitely making a name for itself.

Who shouldn’t buy the Normcore Manual grinder v2?

Normcore’s V2 manual coffee grinder is a solid and dependable little device, perfect for those who want to grind their beans on the go. However, its limited 25 g capacity means that it’s not suitable for those who need to make large brews.

If you’re looking for good alternatives, you can read our review of the best hand coffee grinders.

Who is the Normcore manual coffee grinder v2 for?

The Normcore V2 is portable and light, making it a great choice for travelers, trekkers, and outdoor lovers. It’s also an excellent option for those who want to enjoy freshly ground coffee without spending a fortune.

Normcore V2 Burr Set Options: 38 mm Contemporary vs. 38 mm Titanium vs. 48 mm contemporary

The contemporary stainless steel burr set is the default and more affordable option. Compared with previously released versions, Normcore made a massive improvement for its V2 grinders.

The 38 mm contemporary burr set is versatile and durable. Most coffee enthusiasts and experts would say that it’s more than enough.

In this regard, what’s the advantage of titanium-coated burrs?

Many coffee grinder manufacturers offer titanium-coated burrs because they offer higher durability and accuracy. The thing is that we can’t perceive it in the cup most of the time.

So, if you’re short on the budget, or aren’t looking forward to training your palate and sensory skills, then the contemporary burr set would suit you best.

For the third option, the 48 mm contemporary burrs make for a very different grinder.

Although the manufacturer offers a Normcore V2 grinder, our review focuses on the 38 mm versions, which are lighter, smaller, and more portable.

In short, the Normcore V2 with the 48mm contemporary burrs is a different product, in our opinion. 

Normcore manual Grinder V2 Main features: Pros & Cons

Let’s drill down the pros and cons of the Normcore V2 manual coffee grinder with 38 mm burrs.

Pros

• Light and compact
• Silicone sleeve and removable lid for better portability
• Stepped adjustment with a good performance and versatility
• Fast and versatile
• Excellent price for the value
• Premium finish with wooden and metallic parts
• Hard case and cleaning kit included
• Comfortable and easy to use

Cons

• It has a limited capacity of 25 g
• Some users complain about grinding consistency and static electricity

Looks

The Normcore V2 looks like a cross between a traditional manual coffee grinder and a modern design object. It’s made of stainless steel with a matte black finish, and it has a minimalist yet premium feel. The Normcore comes with a hard case and a cleaning kit.

Unlike some competitors, this grinder only comes in black, and even the crank wooden knob is painted black.

Usability and Portability

Thanks to its simple design, the Normcore V2 is pretty easy to use. The long crank, light body, and silicone sleeve provide a comfortable grinding experience. The stepped adjustment knob is easy to use and offers good grind consistency.

It’s light and compact, and the silicone sleeve and removable lid make it easy to take on the go.

The Normcore V2 is an excellent choice for those who want a portable coffee grinder for travel, camping, or trekking.

Performance

The most significant selling point of the Normcore V2 is its burr quality. The Normcore uses conical ceramic burrs, which are some of the best in the business. They can grind coffee beans evenly and consistently, resulting in delicious and well-balanced coffee. I tested the Normcore V2 with various beans, and it performed each time admirably. If you’re looking for a top-quality manual coffee grinder, the Normcore V2 should definitely be on your radar.

The Normcore V2 produces consistent results across a wide range of grind sizes. However, some users have reported that it doesn’t make the finesse required for espresso.

Durability

The Normcore V2 features high-end materials and construction techniques. The Central Axis and the Internal Numerical Adjustment are made of 304 Stainless Steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and wear. The Grinding Burr is made of 420 Stainless Steel, which is even more durable and provides a superior grind quality.

This grinder’s beautiful and minimalistic design makes it portable, light, and durable. The Normcore V2 manual grinder body is cut from a single aluminum alloy block. Additionally, it has a widened chamber access for more effortless bean loading.

This grinder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good balance between quality, durability, and mobility.

Cleaning and maintenance

The Normcore V2 also comes with a removable lid, making it easier to clean. The hard case and cleaning kit are nice touches. Still, the best thing about the Normcore grinder V2 is that its aluminum body construction makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble, allowing for deep cleaning if needed.

Finally, using the cleaning kit helps keep the grinder in good condition without any hassle.

Price

The Normcore V2 is reasonably priced, making it a great value purchase. Many users claim that it punches above its weight in performance and quality.

Compared to cheaper grinders, the Normcore V2 is superior to most. Perhaps the only exception is the TIMEMORE C2, a great grinder for the price.

However, portability-wise, the Normcore V2 is still the best in this price range. Moreover, it’s more portable than most premium hand-grinders without significantly compromising burr or the build quality.

Normcore coffee hand grinder V2 alternatives

If you aren’t sure if the Normcore V2 is for you yet, here are some alternative manual coffee grinders to consider:

TIMEMORE C2

TIMEMORE’s C2 is a suitable alternative to the Normcore V2. Furthermore, it’s an excellent option for those looking for an entry-level manual grinder. It has a good range of grind sizes, perfect for several brewing methods, from the French press, drippers, and even the Moka pot.

However, there are a few drawbacks to this grinder. Firstly, some users complain about burrs alignment, making it difficult to achieve a consistent grind size. Secondly, the TIMEMORE C2 has several plastic parts, which gives it a cheap look.

Despite these drawbacks, the TIMEMORE C2 is an excellent grinder for those who want an alternative to the Normcore v2. It’s well-built, quiet, fast, produces consistent grinds, and tends to be more affordable than the Normcore manual grinder V2.

For more details, you can read our TIMEMORE C2 review.

1Zpresso Q2

1Zpresso Q2 is an excellent alternative to the Normcore V2. The built quality of 1Zpresso Q2 is superior to the Normcore V2, and the performance is great. 1Zpresso Q2 has a durable construction that can withstand repeated use, and the stainless steel finish gives it a sleek look.

The 1Zpresso Q2 also features a precision grinding system that delivers consistent results. The Normcore V2 is a good choice for beginners. Still, the 1Zpresso Q2 is better for experienced baristas who want a more durable and consistent grinder.

The 1Zpresso Q2 is slightly pricier than the Normcore V2, but I find it pretty reasonable. The 1Zpresso Q2 is a great option for those looking for a quality grinder that doesn’t break the bank. 1Zpresso has a reputation for quality grinders, and the 1Zpresso Q2 is no exception. With its stainless steel conical burrs, the 1Zpresso Q2 provides an incredibly consistent grind, perfect for a wide range of coffee brewing methods.

The Verdict: Normcore V2 Hand Grinder Review

The Normcore V2 is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality manual coffee grinder without breaking the bank. Moreover, its aluminum body construction makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble. And thanks to its light and compact design, it’s also a great choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a good quality hand grinder, the Normcore V2 38 mm is a sound option.

Curious about other options? Our Baratza Encore review might be interesting for you when looking for affordable electric burr grinders.