Hario Skerton Pro Review

The Hario Skerton Pro is a durable manual grinder that excels in fine grinding but struggles with consistency at coarser settings, ideal for espresso lovers.

For coffee enthusiasts, the pursuit of a perfect cup is a journey that involves not only the right beans but also the right equipment. The Hario Skerton Pro, a popular manual grinder, stands as an iconic choice among coffee connoisseurs. As an evolution of the original Hario Skerton, the Pro version brings about several design improvements and performance upgrades. Yet, despite its merits, it faces tough competition in today’s world of modern hand grinders. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key features, performance, and suitability of the Hario Skerton Pro for different brewing styles, along with some of its limitations.

Aesthetic and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Hario Skerton Pro is its simple yet stylish design. Staying true to Hario’s Japanese minimalist aesthetics, the grinder sports a glass collection jar and a sturdy crank handle. It has a charming, almost vintage appearance with modern upgrades, making it aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The glass collection jar, while practical for holding grounds, doubles as a storage container, complete with a screw lid to preserve coffee freshness. However, this glass component is also one of the product’s weak points—while visually appealing, it can be fragile. Despite a non-slip rubber base, dropping the grinder could result in a shattered collection jar, requiring replacement or repair.

Another noticeable design enhancement is the new plastic lid. Compared to previous versions that used a silicone lid, the Pro’s lid clicks securely in place, making it much easier to use without fumbling. Additionally, the handle design has been upgraded from a fiddly bolt-lock system to a hex locking mechanism, making it simple and secure to attach and detach, which is a notable improvement over older models.

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The Grinder’s Key Components

The Hario Skerton Pro is composed of several essential parts that work together to deliver a solid grinding experience. These components include the bean hopper, ceramic burrs, collection jar, and crank handle. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring the grinder’s functionality and efficiency.

Bean Hopper: The bean hopper is where the coffee beans are placed before grinding. The Skerton Pro’s hopper is designed to hold a decent amount of beans, making it suitable for grinding coffee for multiple servings in one go. Unlike electric grinders, the hopper doesn’t have a massive capacity, but it’s more than enough for daily manual grinding needs. One notable feature of the hopper is its clear plastic lid, which securely snaps into place to prevent beans from spilling out while grinding. This design is an upgrade from previous models that used a rubber lid, which could sometimes be difficult to fit properly.
Ceramic Burrs: At the heart of the Hario Skerton Pro are its conical ceramic burrs. Ceramic burrs are known for their durability and heat resistance, making them ideal for grinding coffee without affecting the flavor. Unlike metal burrs, which can generate heat during the grinding process, ceramic burrs stay cooler, helping to preserve the delicate oils and flavors of the coffee beans. The conical shape of the burrs ensures that the beans are crushed rather than chopped, resulting in a more consistent grind size. The Skerton Pro’s ceramic burrs are particularly effective in producing a fine grind, making them well-suited for brewing methods that require precision, such as espresso or AeroPress.Another advantage of ceramic burrs is their longevity. They tend to stay sharp longer than steel burrs, meaning that the Skerton Pro can maintain its grinding performance over extended periods. However, one area where the ceramic burrs may fall short is when grinding at coarser settings, as they are less effective at producing uniform particles for French press or cold brew.
Collection Jar: The glass collection jar serves as both a storage container for the ground coffee and a visual cue for how much coffee has been ground. The jar has a screw-on lid, which is a practical feature that allows users to store coffee grounds directly in the jar without transferring them to another container. This dual-purpose design adds a layer of convenience for users who want to grind more coffee than needed for immediate brewing and keep the rest fresh for later use.The collection jar also comes with a non-slip rubber base, which provides stability while grinding. This prevents the jar from sliding or moving around on the table during use, adding to the overall ease of operation. However, because the jar is made of glass, it can be fragile. Users must exercise caution to avoid dropping it, as breakage could render the grinder unusable until a replacement jar is found. Some users have addressed this by swapping the glass jar with a mason jar, which is a common modification to make the grinder more durable and travel-friendly.
Crank Handle: One of the most noticeable improvements in the Skerton Pro is the crank handle. In older versions of the Hario Skerton, the handle used a lock-and-bolt system that was prone to loosening and could be frustrating to use. The Pro version has replaced this system with a hex locking mechanism, which ensures the handle fits securely onto the grinder’s axle with little effort. This improvement makes grinding smoother and more efficient, as users no longer need to worry about the handle slipping or coming loose during operation.The handle is made of sturdy metal and is designed to withstand regular use without bending or breaking. Its ergonomic shape allows for a comfortable grip, making it easier to generate the necessary torque for grinding coffee beans. While manual grinding does require some physical effort, the well-designed handle makes the process manageable, even for those who are new to manual grinders.

How the Components Work Together

The key components of the Hario Skerton Pro work in harmony to deliver a reliable grinding experience. The hopper and lid ensure that the beans are contained and ready for grinding, while the ceramic burrs efficiently crush the beans to the desired grind size. The collection jar catches the grounds, and the crank handle allows the user to power the entire process smoothly.

Together, these components make the Skerton Pro a versatile grinder that is ideal for fine grinding tasks, such as espresso and pour-over brewing, while also offering limited coarser grind capabilities. Although the grinder has some limitations when it comes to producing consistent coarse grinds, the overall design and quality of its key components make it a solid choice for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize fine grind settings and appreciate the hands-on experience of manual grinding.

Performance and Usability

When it comes to actual performance, the Hario Skerton Pro delivers a solid performance in fine grinding, particularly for espresso and Turkish coffee. The grinder shines when grinding fine, producing consistent particles, ideal for precision brewing methods that require uniform extraction. If you’re an espresso or Turkish coffee lover, the Pro will likely satisfy your need for a fine grind, although you should be prepared for some physical effort, as the ultra-fine setting takes longer to grind by hand.

However, the coarse grind consistency is where the Skerton Pro faces its biggest criticism. For those who enjoy French press or cold brew coffee, a coarse and consistent grind is essential to avoid over-extraction and sediment in the final cup. Despite improvements in grind stability, the Skerton Pro still struggles with producing uniform grinds in the coarser range. As a result, while it may work for brewing methods like pour-over, it falls short for methods requiring a coarser grind.

Adjustability and Grind Settings

Adjusting grind settings is a vital part of any grinder’s functionality. Thankfully, Hario has done away with the frustrating old locking system of previous versions and replaced it with a more intuitive click system. Located at the base of the burrs, the new grind adjustment dial allows users to fine-tune their grind size with each click, making the process simpler and more straightforward.

This improvement makes switching between grind sizes much faster, especially for those who brew multiple styles of coffee, such as espresso in the morning and French press in the afternoon. Although the dial doesn’t have labeled increments, the tactile feedback from the clicks provides a decent gauge for adjusting the grind.

Grinding Speed

Speed is another area where the Hario Skerton Pro demonstrates solid performance, but it’s not without some caveats. On a medium-fine setting, the Skerton Pro can grind around 21 grams of coffee in roughly 90 seconds. For a manual grinder, this is a respectable time, particularly when preparing pour-over or AeroPress coffee. However, if you’re grinding for espresso, expect to spend about two minutes for a 14-gram dose, which may feel a bit slow compared to other manual grinders in its class.

The Skerton Pro’s Grind Consistency

Grind consistency is one of the most critical factors in choosing a coffee grinder, as it directly impacts the quality of the brew. With the Skerton Pro, the grind consistency is good, but not great.

For finer settings, the Pro excels, producing uniform grounds that work well for espresso, AeroPress, and pour-over brewing. The ceramic burrs do a great job of maintaining a consistent particle size, making the grinder an excellent option for precision brewing. However, when you move to coarser grind settings for brewing styles like French press or cold brew, the consistency wavers, resulting in uneven grounds. The wobbling issue that plagued older versions has been reduced, thanks to a stabilizing shaft that keeps the burrs more stable, but some users report occasional unevenness.

This inconsistency can lead to over-extraction or clogging of filters, which may result in undesirable flavors, especially for those who enjoy coarser brews. If you’re primarily brewing French press coffee, you might want to look for an alternative that provides more stability at coarser settings.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the more favorable aspects of the Hario Skerton Pro is its easy maintenance. The grinder can be disassembled quickly for deep cleaning, allowing you to maintain your equipment with minimal hassle. After every use, a dry brush to the ceramic burrs is typically enough to remove excess grounds, while the glass collection jar and plastic parts can be rinsed with water.

Regular cleaning of your grinder is essential to prevent the buildup of coffee oils, which can affect the taste of your brew over time. Fortunately, the Skerton Pro’s straightforward design makes this process easy and quick.

Pros and Cons of the Hario Skerton Pro

Pros:

Durable Ceramic Burrs: The conical ceramic burrs are highly durable, retain sharpness for a long time, and help to preserve the coffee’s natural flavors by staying cool during grinding. They’re also great for achieving fine and medium grind settings, particularly useful for espresso and pour-over brewing.
Improved Grind Adjustment Mechanism: The new click-based grind adjustment dial, located under the burrs, allows for easier and more precise control over grind size compared to older versions. It provides better usability for users who switch between different brewing methods.
Portability: The compact and lightweight design makes the Skerton Pro ideal for travel, camping, or outdoor brewing. It’s easy to pack and doesn’t rely on electricity, making it highly portable for coffee enthusiasts on the go.
Stylish Aesthetic and Build Quality: The Skerton Pro combines minimalist Japanese design with durable materials, including a glass collection jar and a sturdy metal crank handle. It’s both visually appealing and functional, with a well-thought-out design that enhances user experience.
Affordable Price: For a manual grinder with high-quality ceramic burrs, the Hario Skerton Pro is relatively affordable. It’s a great budget-friendly option for coffee lovers looking to improve their grind quality without investing in an expensive electric grinder.
Fine Grinding Capability: The Skerton Pro excels at producing a fine grind suitable for espresso and Turkish coffee. This makes it one of the better options for coffee enthusiasts who need a manual grinder for these specific brewing styles.
Customizable: The collection jar has the same diameter as a mason jar, meaning users can easily swap it out for a plastic jar for better portability or if the glass jar breaks, adding a layer of customization and practicality.

Cons:

Inconsistent Coarse Grind: While the Skerton Pro performs well at finer settings, it struggles with consistency at coarser grind sizes, making it less ideal for French press or cold brew. The burrs tend to wobble slightly on coarser settings, resulting in uneven particles that can affect the taste and clarity of coarser-brewed coffee.
Slow Grinding Process: Manual grinding takes more time and effort compared to electric grinders. Grinding enough coffee for a full pot, especially at fine settings like espresso, can take several minutes, which may be a drawback for users looking for speed and convenience.
Fragile Glass Collection Jar: The glass jar, while stylish and practical for home use, is prone to breaking if dropped. This can be a concern for users who plan to travel with the grinder or those looking for a more rugged design.
Requires Physical Effort: Like all manual grinders, the Skerton Pro requires significant hand-cranking to grind coffee beans. Users who brew larger quantities or grind for espresso frequently may find the process tiresome over time.
No Grind Size Markings: Although the new adjustment dial is an improvement over older models, it still lacks clear markings for grind sizes. This means users must rely on trial and error to dial in their preferred settings, which can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.
Not Ideal for Large Batches: The relatively small hopper and manual operation mean that the Skerton Pro is better suited for single cups or small batches rather than grinding large amounts of coffee at once. For those who regularly brew large quantities, an electric grinder would be more efficient.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Hario Skerton Pro is a solid and reliable choice for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize fine grinding for espresso, AeroPress, or pour-over brewing. Its durable ceramic burrs, improved grind adjustment system, and aesthetically pleasing design make it a commendable option for those seeking an affordable manual grinder.

However, it falls short for coarser grind settings, making it less ideal for French press or cold brew enthusiasts. As manual coffee grinders continue to evolve, models with steel burrs and better grind consistency are becoming more accessible, leaving the Skerton Pro somewhat overshadowed by newer competitors.

Despite its limitations, the Hario Skerton Pro holds its place as a classic hand grinder, blending tradition with functionality. If you’re looking for a versatile grinder for home use, and you prioritize fine grind consistency, the Skerton Pro could be a great addition to your coffee gear. However, for those who demand coarser grinds or faster performance, exploring alternative manual grinders may be a wiser choice.