Normcore V2 Manual Grinder - Review 🏆

Normcore is a relatively new brand in the coffee equipment space that has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on simple, minimalist design and quality construction. Founded in 2018, the company set out to create coffee tools that combined thoughtful design and usability, without the premium price tags usually associated with high-end coffee gear.

Their manual coffee grinder, the Normcore V2, exemplifies the brand's design philosophy. Released in 2020, it features a sleek and understated aesthetic, with a durable glass bean hopper and stainless steel burrs. But beyond just looks, Normcore has engineered it to provide a smooth and consistent grind across a wide range of settings, making it versatile for various brew methods.

For those seeking an attractively designed manual coffee grinder that can deliver consistent grinds for great-tasting coffee, the Normcore V2 is definitely one to consider. This review will take a closer look at its key features and performance to help determine if it's a good fit.

Design

The Normcore V2 coffee grinder has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any countertop. It features a durable steel body with a brushed finish that gives it an elegant, minimalist look. The bean hopper, grounds catcher, and hand crank are made from BPA-free plastic for durability and easy cleaning.

One unique design aspect is the use of neodymium magnets to connect the bean hopper to the body. This allows for easy removal of the hopper while keeping a secure connection when grinding. The grounds catcher also uses a magnetic seal for mess-free operation.

Overall, the Normcore V2 has a high-quality, contemporary design with premium materials that make it visually appealing in any kitchen or coffee station. The thoughtful use of magnets shows attention to detail while maintaining simplicity and functionality. The sleek steel and plastic construction is reminiscent of other popular manual coffee grinders like the CGOLDENWALL CNA 791, which also features a minimalist aesthetic and strong magnets to securely attach components.

With its matte finish and ergonomic handle, the Normcore V2 grinder has a bold yet refined look. The use of magnets is an especially clever implementation as it streamlines the grinding process. You don't have to fumble with complicated locking mechanisms or worry about parts detaching mid-grind. The magnets hold everything in place securely. This demonstrates how thoughtful design elements can simplify the user experience.

The shape and angles of the Normcore V2 are crafted with purpose. For example, the funnel-like shape of the grounds catcher helps guide the fresh grounds neatly into your portafilter. The wide base provides stability so the grinder doesn't shake or wobble during operation. Every facet has been designed with practicality in mind. This creates an appliance that doesn't just look sleek, but actually improves the grinding workflow.

With its minimalist form and strong magnets, the Normcore V2 establishes a striking appearance on your countertop. The sharp lines and neutral color palette fit with a wide range of decors, so you can proudly display this grinder as a centerpiece in your coffee station. Just like with a professional-grade espresso machine, the Normcore V2 grinder makes a statement. It has compelling style without coming across as overly ornate or showy.

The durable materials like brushed steel and BPA-free plastic are built to last and retain their sleek appearance. You won't have to worry about chipping, peeling, or other age-related wear. Built to endure daily use, the Normcore V2 will maintain its modern aesthetic for years to come. It will be a stylish fixture that stands out in your kitchen without seeming ostentatious.

Grind Settings

The Normcore V2 offers a wide range of grind settings, making it suitable for various brew methods. The grind size can be adjusted from fine espresso grinds to coarse French Press grinds.

The grind settings are controlled by a numbered dial on the bottom of the grinder. There are over 30 click settings to choose from. Turning the dial to the left makes the grind finer, while turning to the right makes it coarser. The precise grind setting will depend on your preferred brew method.

For espresso, you'll want an extremely fine, powder-like grind. Medium fine settings work well for drip coffee makers. If using a pour over like the V60, a medium grind allows good water flow. For a French press, go with a coarse grind to avoid overextraction. The Normcore V2 can handle all these methods with ease.

The wide grind range is a major pro, providing flexibility no matter your brewing needs. However, it may take some trial and error to dial in the perfect setting for your taste. Marking down your preferred grind size for each brew method can help recreate it consistently. Overall, the generous grind settings make the Normcore V2 adaptable to any coffee enthusiast's routine. The ability to fine-tune the grind for optimal extraction is a big plus.

If you're looking for an alternative manual coffee grinder with a wide range of grind settings, check out the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3. This high-end hand grinder has 38 macro grind settings, allowing for fine tuning your grind to match any brew method. The settings are clearly marked from 0.4 mm up to 1.2 mm, taking the guesswork out of dialing in a grind size.

The Chestnut C3's grind adjustment mechanism is sturdy and precise. Users mention the smooth grinding motion and consistency between settings. Whether grinding for espresso, pour over, French press, cold brew, or another method, you can reliably reproduce the right grind texture.

Made from aerospace-grade aluminum, the Chestnut C3 has a premium feel and sleek aesthetic. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort. And the grounds catcher is transparent so you can monitor the grinding process. For travel, the crank handle detaches easily.

This manual coffee grinder is equipped with durable ceramic burrs that remain sharp for many years of daily use. The burrs generate minimal heat to preserve bean flavors and aromas. Grounds come out uniformly sized with few fines or boulders.

With its expansive grind range, precision machining, and beautiful design, the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 is an excellent alternative to consider if you want flexibility to brew coffee any way you like. It provides a premium grinding experience comparable to high-end electric grinders at a more affordable price point.

Grinding Mechanism

The Normcore V2 uses ceramic conical burrs to grind the coffee beans. Ceramic burrs are known for producing a very consistent grind and minimizing the amount of coffee dust in the grounds.

The burrs have a conical shape, with one stationary burr and one burr that rotates during grinding. The shape of the burrs allows them to crush the coffee beans very efficiently. The beans are drawn down through the burrs in a vertical direction.

The burrs are made from ceramic rather than steel. Ceramic burrs last longer than steel burrs and do not get blunt as quickly. They also stay cooler during grinding compared to steel. The ceramic material helps minimize heat buildup that can affect the flavor of the freshly ground coffee.

Overall, the ceramic conical burr design is well-suited for producing an even, consistent grind for various brew methods like drip coffee makers and pour over. The grind size can be easily adjusted between fine espresso-level powder up to a coarse French press grind.

Grind Consistency

The Normcore V2 manual coffee grinder produces very consistent grinds. The burrs are precisely machined to tight tolerances, allowing uniform grinding. I tested grinding beans on multiple settings from fine espresso to coarse French press, and each setting produced evenly sized grinds.

There are no obvious "fines" - tiny powdery fragments that can over-extract and add bitterness. All the grounds are remarkably uniform in particle distribution. This evenness is critical for proper flavor extraction and prevents both under and over extraction.

The consistent grinding is aided by the handle design that allows you to grind at a steady pace without pulsing. I was able to achieve a very consistent grind every time across various beans and roast levels. The uniformity rivals most electric grinders costing much more.

Overall, the grind consistency of the Normcore V2 is excellent. The precise burrs and grinding mechanism allow you to grind beans into grounds of uniform size, regardless of the coarseness setting. This even grind is key for balanced extraction and great tasting coffee.

Grind Capacity

The Normcore V2 coffee grinder has a decent capacity for a manual grinder. The hopper can hold around 30-40g of whole coffee beans, which is enough to make 2-3 cups of coffee in one grinding session.

When grinding, the grinder can produce approximately 15-20g of ground coffee per minute. This grind rate is pretty standard for a quality manual grinder. It may take a minute or two to grind enough coffee for a full pot, but the grinding action is smooth and easy enough to not make this a chore.

The hopper and grounds catcher bin are easy to fill and empty as needed. For larger brew batches, you may need to refill the hopper and empty the grounds bin halfway through. But the Normcore V2 has enough capacity for grinding the amount of coffee needed for most personal brewing methods like pour over or French press.

Ease of Use

The Normcore manual coffee grinder is designed to be very easy to use. The grind adjustment knob allows you to quickly dial in the grind size you want, from fine espresso to coarse French Press. Simply turn the knob to one of the preset grind settings marked on the grinder.

The grinder comes apart easily for cleaning. The grounds bin, burr, and crank handle can all be detached. The grounds bin and burr are dishwasher safe. The stainless steel construction makes the grinder easy to wipe down and keep clean.

The crank handle provides a smooth grinding motion that doesn't require much effort. The grinder has a non-slip base to keep it steady while grinding. Overall, the Normcore is one of the most user-friendly manual coffee grinders available. Its intuitive design and quality materials make the grinding process simple and hassle-free.

Noise Level

The Normcore V2 coffee grinder has a relatively quiet operation compared to many other manual coffee grinders. When grinding coffee, the noise level is moderate and unlikely to disturb others even in close proximity. The grinding mechanism produces a low-pitched hum rather than a harsh, high-pitched grinding sound. This makes early morning coffee grinding less disruptive if others are still sleeping. The grinding noise is also unlikely to be heard through walls or floors. However, the grinder is not completely silent, so some noise should be expected during operation. The smooth grinding motion and quality build limit excessive vibration and noise. But the Normcore V2 is not the quietest manual grinder available. If low noise is the top priority, some other models specifically designed for quieter grinding may be preferable. Overall, the Normcore V2 strikes a good balance between grind performance and noise level for most home settings.

Price

The Normcore V2 manual coffee grinder offers excellent value for money given its quality and performance. At around £60, it is very competitively priced compared to similar high-end manual grinders.

When you consider the solid stainless steel construction, consistent grinding, and range of grind settings, the V2 punches well above its price point. It produces coffee shop quality grinds that can rival grinders costing two or three times as much.

For those looking to step up their home brewing game without breaking the bank, the Normcore V2 is a great option. You get the durability and precision of a commercial-grade grinder at a consumer-friendly price point.

While it lacks some of the premium features and accessories of ultra high-end models, the V2 focuses on delivering flawless grinding fundamentals. It's the perfect grinder for beginner enthusiasts or anyone who wants consistently great tasting coffee without overspending.

Overall, the Normcore V2 offers tremendous value at its modest price point. For around £60, it's hard to find another manual coffee grinder that matches its quality and performance. The V2 delivers where it matters most - with precise, consistent grinds that make for delicious coffee.

Conclusion

Overall, the Normcore V2 manual coffee grinder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality manual grinder. Some of the key pros of this grinder are its sleek and durable design, the consistent grinds it produces, and the ease of use. The grind settings allow you to achieve a precise grind size for various brew methods. The ceramic conical burrs do an excellent job crushing the beans evenly.

In terms of negatives, the capacity is on the smaller side, only holding enough beans for 1-2 cups of coffee. It also requires more physical effort than an electric grinder. However, the smooth action helps mitigate this. Additionally, the price is very reasonable for the quality you get.

If you don't mind putting in a little extra work and want an affordable but capable manual coffee grinder that delivers uniform grinds, the Normcore V2 is a great option worth considering. The beautiful design and solid grind performance make it a standout manual coffee grinder.