-Manual or hand mills are great when you 1) brew small amounts of coffee; 2) have limited counter space; 3)  want a conical grade mill on the cheap; 4) live off the grid or travel a lot; 5) want to avoid the noise of an electric mill; and/or 6)  want a minor upper body workout.    When selecting a hand mill, consider the size, weight, and capacity, though probably the most important factor to consider is how well the mill will fit in your hand. Grinding on a handmill requires a sturdy grip, and you will want to maintain good leverage for the few minutes it will take to grind the beans. Manual mills are suitable for a drip, espresso, and the finer side of a French Press Grind.