The Brews Cruise

Grinder · Reviewed 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-07-28

1Zpresso J-Ultra Review

4.8/5Manual Champ

The best hand grinder we've tested — espresso-grade adjustment with 8-micron clicks and silky build quality.

8-micron click adjustment rivals electric grinders at the same price.

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Current UK price

£179.87

Our verdict

8-micron click adjustment rivals electric grinders at the same price. It earns a 4.8/5 because, after measuring 45 s and pushing it through our standard 40-shot protocol, it does what it claims — consistently and without drama. Best for: Travel, espresso purists, and anyone who wants grinder quality on a budget.

Pros & cons

What we love

  • 8-micron clicks = real espresso dial-in
  • Exceptional build quality
  • Zero retention by design
  • Tiny footprint, brilliant for travel

What could be better

  • Manual grinding takes effort
  • Small capacity (~35 g)
  • Takes a minute per dose

How it performed

Our measurements

Grind time (18 g espresso)
45 s
Retention
0 g (measured)
Uniformity vs Encore ESP
Equal in sifting
Effort
Moderate

All measurements from our standard 40-shot test protocol. Full methodology on How We Test.

Specs at a glance

Burr
Conical steel, 48 mm
Adjustment
8 µm per click
Capacity
35 g
Weight
710 g
Clicks
90 total

Who should buy it?

Buy the 1Zpresso J-Ultra if travel, espresso purists, and anyone who wants grinder quality on a budget. Skip it if you need manual grinding takes effort.

See it ranked

Frequently asked questions

Yes for espresso — the J-Ultra's fine adjustment and zero retention genuinely match £250 electric grinders. The trade-off is 45 seconds of cranking.

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