Normcore Hand Grinder Review: New Competition for the Best Hand Grinder Under $100 (version 2)

[@ianmoughton8370]

Awesome video, I’ve just purchased my first hand grinder and I brought the Normcore V2 how many clicks would you recommend for Aeropress and V60 please?

[@LennonXgames]

Thanks! You are the first one reviewing this unit. Very informative review. Ordered this one on Amazon a couple of days ago. Cant wait to try it. Just want to point out in the description of your video you entered the wrong date “2022” regarding the updated info from Normcore website about the device being stepless :-)

[@BrianRenshaw]

Thanks! It is updated now :) hope you enjoy the grinder when it comes in

[@manuelpenaruiz3694]

It's an amazing grinder. You won't be disappointed!

[@_kwak]

Thank you for this video, I couldn't find any videos on the Ti coated burrs anywhere! This has been so helpful and taught me a lot, thank you again!

[@rockymntdan1]

So far this is a really good value just like he said. Don't know why people complain about it taking too long to grind. This thing was quicker than my electric grinder. Also; I do notice a difference in taste so far. Worth it.

[@dylan-nguyen]

The Normcore v2 is now $70 on Prime Day deal 😊

[@christopherherrick703]

I ordered the V2 Titanium, should be here Tuesday. I saw a review that it was slightly better for espresso, so we shall see.

[@dylan-nguyen]

@@christopherherrick703 I also got the titanium in the end it was the sale price was msrp for the non-titanium. I went from a $50 Krups burr grinder and wow did it make a difference. previously I have not really liked light roasts because they always came out with a weird acidity I didn't like. or too weak when I ground it more coarse. I assume bc the Normcore grinds more evenly there were less fines and now my light roast has totally changed in flavor. (I actually only have a bag bc there was a Jul 4 combo sale)

[@Danielsworlds]

I have the 1.0 and have been using it for several months and enjoy it immensely. It is not worth me upgrading to the new version but I will almost always recommend this grinder two people looking to pick up a hand grinder they do not have one already or looking to upgrade from a very cheap model like some of the under $50 harrio ones

[@w1nnsy]

I also got myself the 1.0 only last week as it seems like a great entry option for beginner like me. However, I was playing with the grinder to “zero calibrate” it and have accidentally “tightened” the knob, which can’t twist the knob/click to either clockwise or anticlockwise 😓 I was trying to Google and KZbin about this issue but I couldn’t troubleshoot and solve it … just curious if u have encountered this before? If not, do u think if u can shed some light to twist it again 😢 ?I hope it’s not broken or bluer touched. Thank you!!!

[@ash.hunter]

When you say you don't recommend it for espresso because "the range of adjustments is just not there" - so just how limited is it? I mean would you only get, say, 4 clicks across the acceptable espresso range - or even fewer than that (for the titanium version, if that makes a difference)?

[@gabrielbaron6470]

Thanks for your thoughts, quite helpful. Friendly tip for videos in general, actually show what you're talking about more. At least show the item being reviewed doing the things, show the grounds, show the catch basin, etc. Thanks again for the info!

[@optikalblitz]

Detective Brian hot on the case 🕵️‍♂️ I like these kinds of videos. Well researched and good info 🔥🔥

[@BrianRenshaw]

Sleuth master 😂 thanks for the kind comments! My favorite too

[@walteryassudamota4279]

Did you try it with espresso? I'm planing to buy one to use with picopressso. Thank you!

[@GFClocked]

What setting should I use for the aeropress? Thank you

[@AhmedHassan-mr3xf]

Amazing and detailed review. Waiting for more grinders reviews in the future. Keep the good work 👏

[@BrianRenshaw]

Thanks Ahmed, appreciate it!

[@ricguers]

I have impulse-bought a Normcore, and now I've been waiting for it to arrive to decide if I I regret it or not. The website says that they upgraded the rubber band and the lid, so I'm feeling more optimistic about it. Anyway, great vídeo!

[@Zachadiddle]

This is great and all but is a pour over the only thing it can do? You mentioned it would be less than ideal for espresso, but how would it fair at Aeropress or even moka pot grinds?

[@felipemondada9063]

Does anyone know what measure of roulette is used? I need to buy a spare.

[@paulk3198]

Hey mate, looking for a manual grinder for espresso for a flair classic, what would you recommend? Don't want to spend a fortune as the espresso machine costs around 160 and seems silly to spend more than that for a grinder

[@Kpacks]

I would like to know the answer for this one too.

[@Butler21157]

Hi, my handle is falling out. Is there any source for how to sort the magnet out? Thank you

[@JoeyTen]

Thanks for this awesome review! I was just about to order this grinder for espresso. Do you have any manual grinder recommendations for espresso?

[@BrianRenshaw]

I would look into 1ZPresso of eith the JPro or JMax (imo JMax is a bit nicer if you can spend slightly more). Glad you watched the video before getting the Ode! Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you have more questions

[@JoeyTen]

@@BrianRenshaw I actually did end up getting the 1ZPresso JX-Pro, and it arrived today :) It's pretty great!

[@BrianRenshaw]

Awesome!!

[@JOHNOSA]

normcore v2 or wacaco exagrind for moka pot and french press?

[@r3gflm916]

Good Video, seemed unbiased to me, especially calling out the bad website content.

[@CFArmouredCrewman]

You indicated "The lid is made of the same material as the body". The website diagram for the V2 shows the crank handle top is Polycarbonate. Yet their V2 website description says the materials are Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Walnut wood, Silicone. Is the top made of aluminum? Thanks!

[@manuelpenaruiz3694]

Yes. The lid material is aluminum

[@evanfrucht]

Nice Review! Couple questions, is the silicone band removable? What do you think of the titanium coated burr, is it worth the extra $15 from Normcore? Also from your research do you know if the titanium coated burr is also stainless steel or is it carbon steel? Thanks.

[@BrianRenshaw]

The silicone band is not removable. They did come out with a v1.1 that’s slightly upgraded that has a grip on it might be worth checking out if you don’t like the and. The coated burrs are still stainless steel, I think

[@evanfrucht]

@@BrianRenshaw Very interesting. I sent a message to norm core and they said "The band is removable?" That is odd...

[@BrianRenshaw]

Hmmm I would have to check. Removing it would take a lot of work in my opinion as it is really tight. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as removable even if you could ultimately take it off.

[@evanfrucht]

That makes sense. I was about to buy the Normcore and then found something on Amazon called the HEIHOX. It looks highly promising! You may want look into doing a review on it? At $60 and all metal it blows the competition out of the water IMO. It uses the same burr as other grinders 3X+ its price. Appreciate the info, thanks.

[@BrianRenshaw]

I did see that and it’s on my list to do at some point. Not having a website or contact made me hesitant too but could be worth looking at

[@juhwanseo770]

Thanks for this great review! I was just about to buy my first hand grinder (1Zpresso JX), but after watching your review, I'm now considering the Normcore V2. I primarily brew with the AeroPress. What are your thoughts? Thanks again!

[@BrianRenshaw]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either one. Quality wise you’re getting pretty much the same. Other things may win the day for you such as weight, grip, aesthetics, etc

[@manuelpenaruiz3694]

Both are great. I'm using Normcore V1, V2 and just recently the JX-pro Normcore quality is great and it's honestly such a good value. You can't go wrong with it, the kit comes complete with a carrying case, blower and brush. On the other hand, the 1Zpresso is definitely a high grade grinder. It won't come with the case and blower BUT it's definitely a good investment in terms of ultimate quality overall. For aeropress either grinder can do the trick but if you wish to experiment and play with small adjustments go with the 1Z

[@aaronkarlin3241]

That is some great reasearch.

[@bradleytowers5624]

Thanks so much for this splendid review. You have just gained a subscriber (me). I roast my own coffee (Behmor), am usually in V60, Chemex, Clever Dripper in the morning, with an occasional siphon brew or french press. The obvious build quality on the Normcore almost has me convinced to buy, even though as recently as last week I was pretty much convinced on the Timemore C2. Currently have Baratza Encore (it is as good as everyone says) and I'm wondering if you've done any comparisons of the Normcore (or C2) with any electric grinders. By that I mean as far as amount of fines, consistency of grind, etc?

[@BrianRenshaw]

Awesome, thanks for watching! I roasted coffee on the Bennie for many years! Definitely a lot of fun. I haven’t formally compared them (though that may be a good video!). My guess is the Normcore is more consistent than the Encore. I had an Encore for several years.

[@joshcook777]

Great review Brian!

[@BrianRenshaw]

Thanks Josh!

[@sirwaynekitt]

so would you recommend the standard burrs on the V2 or the titanium?

[@radioknopf]

Any suggestions for burr setting ranges?

[@sprayo1e]

How many clicks would you recommend for the tetsu method of brewing in the v60?

[@97Rueda]

I found that between 15-18 clicks is good

[@edwardsaj]

The editing at the beginning has an Edgar Wright speed editing feel (sorry if that doesn't translate well across Atlantic). Great and detailed video review, keep it up.

[@BrianRenshaw]

Thanks! It does translate! I love his style and that is definitely party of the inspiration behind it.

[@edwardsaj]

@@BrianRenshaw ah good I know Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz weren't as big in the US. I love that style too, you can communicate so much in such a short space of time.

[@BrianRenshaw]

@@edwardsaj you really can!

[@simonseize]

I see it now!

[@Andres_El_Paisa]

Impressive quality and amazing job with the investigation!!! Just subscribed!!! Question: Which burrs do you think are better? The ones on the Normcore or in the C2 (same as in the Q2) Would you rather take the Normcore or the 1Zpresso Q2 for traveling (with an Aeropress)? Does the Normcore fits inside the Aeropress?

[@BrianRenshaw]

Thanks Andrés! I appreciate the subscribe! Regarding the burrs and comparison to the C2 I am doing a video next week with an in depth comparison of the C2 and Normcore (basically a what is the best sub $100 hand grinder). Stay tuned :)

[@Andres_El_Paisa]

@@BrianRenshaw Pleaseeee do!!!! I need to buy one of the 2 asap hahaha! Thanks Brooo!

[@Andres_El_Paisa]

@@BrianRenshaw Are you going to talk about the titanum burrs as an option for the normcore next week?

[@BrianRenshaw]

@@Andres_El_Paisa yeah I will talk about them a bit more

[@manuelpenaruiz3694]

@@Andres_El_Paisa Normcore is better. Better burrs. Better quality, better build, better consistency, better feel. The C2 is good too but just not at the level of the Normcore. I own both Normcore models: the V1 and the newer V2 and both are amazing. Hope this helps!

[@mattdasilva4577]

Man, thanks for the awesome review. Subscribed. I'm from the UK, what are your thoughts on spending an extra £40 for the 1zpresso JX or is there not a lot of difference between the two. I heard they use similar burr sets.

[@BrianRenshaw]

Thank you! I think you'll be good with the Normcore unless you like the aesthetics of the JX to pay a bit more.

[@mattdasilva4577]

Thanks! I actually love the black minimalistic design of the V2, probably more the the jx maybe. I guess the handle of the jx might feel more premium? Do you know if it grinds any faster than the V2?

[@BrianRenshaw]

I do too. It’s sleek

[@mattdasilva4577]

Exactly!

[@Labukh84]

How’s this with an aeropress?

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stoehr]

I just ordered the titanium version. I’m going to pretty much exclusively grinding for beehive pour over coffee. If the burrs are going to last longer, that justifies the price for me. I’m hoping the same consistency of grounds stays the same with the titanium.

[@NicolasNikiema-lf7fw]

Très intéressant

[@mrsmarfanimarfani909]

Very good

[@geckogekko]

I have both 1ZPresso JX & Q2 (7 core Heptagonal) and this one in V2 Titanium. I like my Q2 Better 😅 But thanks for the thorough review! Keep up the good work.

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤