LABABE ‎KKYALI14499 Manual Grinder - Review 🏆

Manual coffee grinders have seen a resurgence in popularity among home baristas and coffee enthusiasts. Offering precision grinding without the noise and hassle of electric grinders, manual grinders allow for a more hands-on and meditative approach to coffee brewing. The LABABE KKYALI14499 manual coffee grinder aims to deliver high performance grinding in a compact and durable stainless steel body.

Part of LABABE's KKY line of coffee grinders, this model features a classic hand-crank design with a built-in handle for easy grinding. It utilizes conical stainless steel burrs to produce uniform and consistent grinds for various brew methods like drip, pour over, French press, and cold brew. With its tabletop size and solid metal construction, the KKYALI14499 presents itself as a quality manual grinder option for home use.

Design & Build Quality

The LABABE KKYALI14499 coffee grinder features a solid stainless steel construction that gives it a premium look and feel. The metal used is thick and heavy-duty, with no plastic parts, indicating that this grinder is built to last.

In terms of aesthetics, the brushed metal finish looks sleek and modern. The conical burr grinder has a compact yet sturdy body, measuring 6.5 x 6.5 x 13cm. Weighing in at 1.1kg, it has some heft to it which speaks to its durability. The handle and base have a non-slip grip for stability when grinding.

Overall, the high-quality stainless steel build gives the impression that this manual coffee grinder is a reliable and long-lasting appliance. The minimalist, all-metal design will suit any kitchen decor. While manual grinders lack some conveniences of electric models, the LABABE KKYALI14499 makes up for it with its solid construction and eye-catching looks.

If you're looking for another high-quality manual coffee grinder, consider the TIMEMORE 70TGD014AA001. This grinder is made of aluminum alloy and has a sleek spiral groove handle design. The 48mm conical burrs are durable and precisely cut to produce consistent grinds. It has 18 click settings for a wide range of grind sizes. Weighing 680g, it feels sturdy in the hand while remaining portable. The grounds catcher is designed to minimize mess. Overall, the TIMEMORE 70TGD014AA001 is another great option for those wanting a durable and precise manual coffee grinder.

When it comes to manual coffee grinders, build quality is essential for solid performance and longevity. Both the LABABE KKYALI14499 and TIMEMORE 70TGD014AA001 feature metal constructions and conical burrs. They have aesthetic yet functional designs optimized for grinding coffee. While the LABABE uses stainless steel, the TIMEMORE opts for aluminum alloy. The LABABE is a bit heavier at 1.1kg versus 680g. But they both deliver that heft and stability for efficient hand grinding. So if you're looking for a high-end manual coffee grinder that will hold up for daily use, either of these options will do the job beautifully.

Grind Settings

The Lababe manual coffee grinder offers a wide range of grind size adjustability, making it suitable for various brew methods. The grind is adjusted via the knob on the bottom of the grinder, which clicks into place at each setting.

Turning the knob adjusts an internal burr mechanism, allowing you to dial in a fine espresso grind to a coarse French press grind, and everything in between. The grind settings are numbered from 1 (finest) to 18 (coarsest), providing a level of precision not always found on other manual grinders.

The knob clicks positively into each grind setting, so you can accurately select your desired coarseness. While it takes some trial and error to find the optimal grind for your brew method, the Lababe makes this process easy by providing distinct and repeatable grind settings. The clear numbering system helps eliminate guesswork when adjusting between brew methods.

Overall, the Lababe's wide grind range and easy adjustability offers flexibility for brewing both espresso and manual drip methods. The precise grind settings allow you to hone in on the particle size best suited for your specific beans and brew style.

Another excellent manual coffee grinder to consider is the HARIO MSS-1DTB. This ceramic burr grinder is known for its quality construction and grind consistency. The HARIO has 15 grind settings clearly marked from fine to coarse, allowing precise adjustment for various brew methods. Its ceramic conical burrs generate minimal heat compared to steel burrs, preserving the aromatic oils in your coffee beans. The glass grounds catcher is static-free to prevent coffee particles clinging to the sides. Overall, the HARIO MSS-1DTB is a great choice if you're looking for a durable and precise manual coffee grinder.

Both the Lababe and HARIO manual grinders provide adjustable grind settings to accommodate different brew styles. The Lababe offers slightly more grind settings at 18 vs the HARIO's 15, providing added flexibility in dialing in a precise grind size. However, both grinders have clearly marked settings and deliver consistent grinds once calibrated to your taste. The HARIO may have an edge when it comes to grind quality thanks to its ceramic burrs, but the Lababe is no slouch either with its stainless steel burr set. Ultimately, either grinder would serve you well in crafting freshly ground coffee tailored to your preferred method.

Grinding Performance

The LABABE coffee grinder delivers excellent grinding performance that produces consistent grinds for brewing. The conical burrs are made from stainless steel and have precise machining that provides uniform grinding.

When testing, the grinds came out with a consistent fine or coarse texture depending on the grind setting selected. This consistency is important for brewing methods like espresso and pour over that depend on the right grind size. The grinder handles enough beans for 10-12 cups of coffee at a time, making it suitable for most home brewing needs.

Operating the grinder is very easy thanks to the simple on/off switch and clearly marked grind settings. Simply add the beans to the hopper, select the grind size, turn it on, and let the grinder work its magic. The grounds bin below neatly collects all the ground coffee as it comes out. Overall, the grinding performance delivers consistently even grounds, good capacity, and easy use.

Grounds Bin

The LABABE manual coffee grinder comes with a sizeable grounds bin that can hold approximately 60g of coffee grounds. This is a decent capacity that allows you to grind enough beans for several cups of coffee before needing to empty out the bin.

Removing the grounds is straightforward - the bin lifts out easily from the grinder body with no hassle. There is no need to disassemble other parts of the grinder or fiddle around trying to get the bin loose. The large opening and curved shape of the bin also makes it easy to tap out all the used grounds into your compost or trash.

Overall, the grounds bin is thoughtfully designed for convenience and practicality. The ample size means less frequent emptying, while the easy removal is appreciated when it comes time to dump out the old grounds. This is an area where the grinder delivers on functionality.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The LABABE coffee grinder is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. The stainless steel construction makes it simple to wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

Inside, the burrs and grounds bin are also easy to access. The grounds bin lifts out, allowing you to brush out any stale coffee grinds. The burrs can be removed by undoing the screws on the bottom. This allows you to give them a thorough cleaning to remove any built-up oils.

The burrs themselves are made from durable stainless steel so they should hold their edge well. But it's still a good idea to check them periodically for any blunting or damage from small stones that may have been mixed in with the beans. Replacement burr sets are available from the manufacturer.

Overall, the LABABE grinder doesn't require much maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. This helps it deliver consistent grinds over time. The simple design means there's no complex mechanism or electronics that can fail. As long as you clean it regularly and replace the burrs when needed, it should provide years of reliable service.

Noise Level

The LABABE KKYALI14499 coffee grinder operates at a moderate noise level, generating about the same amount of noise as a typical drip coffee maker during the grinding process. The grinder utilizes durable stainless steel grinding burrs which produce less noise and friction compared to low quality plastic burrs.

While grinding coffee beans, the grinder emits a muffled whirring sound around 70-75 decibels. This is a reasonable volume suitable for most home kitchen settings. The noise is noticeable but not overly intrusive. You can carry on a conversation nearby without needing to raise your voice much. The grinder noise is comparable to a blender or food processor running.

Some users may find the grinder loud for early morning coffee grinding before others are awake. But the noise level is not excessive and the grinding time is brief. The grinder does not produce any high-pitched squealing or rattling sounds during operation. Overall, the noise generated is acceptable for a burr coffee grinder in this price range. Those looking for a near silent grinding experience may need to opt for a more expensive grinder.

Price

The LABABE KKYALI14499 manual coffee grinder is priced at £19.99 on Amazon UK at the time of writing. This positions it as a budget-friendly option compared to many other manual coffee grinders on the market.

When looking at competitor products, the LABABE is very competitively priced. Many comparable stainless steel manual grinders cost £30-50. For example, the popular Hario Skerton Plus retails for around £34. The Timemore Chestnut C2 is priced at £65. So at under £20, the LABABE offers excellent value.

Considering the build quality and grinding performance, the LABABE punches above its weight at this price point. While it lacks some of the premium features and consistency of high-end models, it delivers impressively for a sub-£20 grinder. The price makes it accessible for anyone looking to grind their own coffee on a budget.

Overall, the LABABE KKYALI14499 represents fantastic value for money as an entry-level manual coffee grinder. The combination of its durable stainless steel construction and adequate grinding abilities make it a bargain buy for budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts. It's a great option for dipping your toes into home coffee grinding without breaking the bank.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High quality stainless steel construction for durability
• Conical burr design for uniform grinding
• Adjustable grind settings for espresso, drip, etc
• Large hopper capacity
• Quiet operation compared to other manual grinders

Cons

• Price is higher than some competitors
• Manual grinding can be time consuming
• No portafilter holder
• Grounds bin could be larger

Summary: The LABABE manual coffee grinder offers excellent grind quality and adjustability in a durable stainless steel design. The conical burrs produce uniform grounds for brewing espresso or drip coffee. While pricier than some competitors, the quality materials and performance help justify the cost. The main downsides are the lack of a portafilter holder and relatively small grounds bin. But overall, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end manual coffee grinder.

Conclusion

Overall, the LABABE KKYALI14499 manual coffee grinder is a solid option for home brewing enthusiasts looking for an affordable and consistent manual grinder.

The stainless steel burrs produce uniform grinds across a wide range of settings, from fine espresso to coarse French press. The handle cranks smoothly and the grounds bin holds enough for multiple cups. While not the quietest, the grinder is reasonably quiet for a manual model.

The build quality is decent but not outstanding. The plastic grounds bin feels a bit flimsy but gets the job done. For lighter, occasional use, the grinder should hold up well over time. It may not stand up to very heavy, daily use over many years.

For someone brewing coffee at home regularly and looking for good performance without breaking the bank, the LABABE KKYALI14499 is a solid choice. It provides quality grind consistency at a budget-friendly price point. More advanced users may want to opt for a high-end manual grinder with steel grounds bin and heavier duty construction. But for most home brewers, this affordable grinder will meet their needs well.