Recently, I’ve written reviews for a few Zassenhaus and Hario grinders. I wanted to write one this time because the Hario MM-2 Small Coffee Grinder looks like a Zassenhaus machine.
In this review, I’ll show you what I liked and disliked, and what better alternatives are available. Here are the details:
Main Features
The Hario MM-2 has a unique appearance. While most Hario products are sleek and modern; the MM-2 small coffee grinder gives off more of a vintage vibe, something you’d expect from a Zassenhaus grinder. I think it looks like a premium product and quite classy.
This Hario Burr Mill is composed of three main parts; a clear-coated wooden base with a drawer inside, a metallic upper assembly that contains the hopper and burr set, and a soft plastic cover that stops the beans from flying out from the hopper.
For some people, the Hario MM-2 could be too big for traveling; it measures 7 x 4.1 x 3.5’ (17.8 x 10.4 x 8.9cm). However, it’s also quite light, weighing only 1.2lbs (0.5kg).
In terms of the performance, the burr set seems to wobble too much, and the washer is too loose. As such, the grind performance won’t be ideal, with many users reporting consistency issues from the medium-coarse settings and up.
Is This Grinder Right For Me?
With the coffee grinder’s exterior, the Hario MM-2 is suitable for people who have a retro themed kitchen or are just very into vintage products.
Also, as I’ve said in the last section, the coffee produced here is not the best. But based on what I’ve read, the grind should be fine for those looking for an espresso-based drink or drip filter, but the grinds won’t be good enough for French press or cold brew.
Pros
- Premium looking exterior
- Innovative magnet system that keeps the drawer in place
What I really like about this coffee grinder is its exterior; the quality and finish are well done. The ceramic burr mill looks classy; the base has a stained and clear-coated wooden finish. Together with the metallic hopper and stainless steel handle, the machine looks quite robust and substantial.
I also liked the magnet system that holds the ground drawer neatly in place when you grind. I don’t think I’ve seen this anywhere before, so it really stood out for me.
Cons
- Relatively inconsistent grinds
- The drawer leaves a messy trail of grinds
- Some users noticed glue residual and metal shavings inside the drawer
Despite the above, the Hario MM-2 does have its shortcomings. The main issue I have with this burr mill is the drawer. Firstly, it’s messy when you pull the drawer out; it leaves a trail of coffee behind it. Secondly, I noticed many users have reported that there are glue residuals inside the drawer, with some even finding metal shavings inside their grind. Although this could be due to the burrs being set too close to one another, I don’t think the glue part is too safe – potentially after a few good washes but keep in mind the drawer is made from wood.
I’m also disappointed with the grind performance. Even though the coffee grinder produces acceptable fine to medium grinds, according to the pictures, it’s far from perfect. However, I don’t think the difference in taste will be too noticeable for beginners who’re just starting out.
Alternative & Similar Products
If you’ve read the whole review so far, you can tell that I don’t recommend this coffee grinder, there are many better choices in the same price range, such as the Kalita KH3 Retro. Like the Hario MM-2, it has an antique wooden appearance that gives off a vintage vibe. The only difference is that the Kalita KH3 is typically cheaper and produces better results.
Around the same price range, I would also recommend the Hario Skerton and Hunt Brothers Coffee Grinder. These two burr mills produce significantly better grinds; the Hario Skerton has a larger storage capacity, while the Hunt Brothers are more portable and better at making coarse grinds for French press.
Lastly, if you have the budget, you may also want to consider the Zassenhaus 169DG Coffee Grinder. The 169DG is significantly more expensive than the Hario Small Grinder, but it features a more sophisticated vintage design and performs a lot better.
The Coffee Barrister's Verdict [CONCLUSION]
Overall, based on the research, I won’t recommend the Hario MM-2 Small Coffee Grinder. Other products offer better performance (consistency) and design. However, if you do plan to get the MM-2, make sure you don’t set the burrs too close and that there are no glue residuals inside the drawer.
This Hario coffee grinder is also acceptable for beginners who just want to try things out, but like I said above, there are better choices within the same price range.
