Is the Solright DB-1 Grinder The Best Value Precision Coffee Grinder?
Finding a hand grinder that is lightweight, travel-friendly, and precise enough for both espresso and filter brewing is harder than it sounds. Many compact grinders excel at one thing but fall short on versatility or durability. Enter the Solright DB-1 Grinder, a meticulously engineered hand grinder built 100% in Taiwan by the passionate team at Solright.
After testing it across multiple brew methods, we can confidently say the DB-1 might just be the best value precision grinder for coffee enthusiasts who want performance without the bulky weight and excessive price tag.
Build Quality and Materials
From the first moment you pick up the Solright DB-1, it feels robust yet surprisingly lightweight. At just under 500g including the handle, it’s perfect for travel, slipping easily into a backpack or brew kit. A true coffee grinder portable choice for those who value mobility without sacrificing grind performance or build quality.
The body has a grippy surface texture that gives you confidence when grinding finer espresso settings, while the matte black or matte silver finish looks sleek on any coffee bar. Inside, you’ll find custom 38mm stainless steel burrs that are lab-tested for consistent particle size distribution, crucial for unlocking the cleanest flavours in your coffee.
Full Grind Range and Precision Adjustment
Versatility is where the DB-1 truly shines. With full grind size adjustment, this grinder handles everything from:
- Espresso (fine, consistent, and easy to dial in)
- Pour-over and filter brews
- Cold brew and cupping (coarser settings)
Each click on the grind adjustment moves 0.022mm, allowing for precise dialing of your brews. For a grinder at this price point, that’s a level of precision you typically only see in premium hand grinders.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Cleaning hand grinders can be a chore, but the DB-1’s design makes it refreshingly simple:
- Rotate the grind dial all the way to coarse to fully disassemble the grinder
- Access the burr set directly for quick cleaning
- Use the included Solright Clean Master Brush to remove residual coffee and blast out any remaining coffee grounds with our Reusable Air Dusters.
The funnel lid is another thoughtful touch. It helps prevent beans from 'popcorning' while grinding and allows small doses to feed smoothly without needing to remove the lid.
Our Experience With The Solright Gridner
After putting the Solright DB-1 through our espresso and pour-over tests, here’s what stood out:
- Effortless grinding at finer settings thanks to the grippy texture and sharp burrs
- Excellent grind consistency, rivals grinders well above its price
- Travel-ready design and weighs just under 500g!
- Maintenance is a breeze, meaning you’ll actually keep your grinder clean
Overall out of all the grinders that've come through this is the grinder I'll be taking with me whenever I go out on trips. The Solright grinder is that perfect balance of low weight and great grind size quality.
You can read our full in-depth review of this grinder here:
Solright DB-1 Coffee Grinder Review
Final Verdict: Best Value Precision Grinder?
If you’re looking for a high-performing, travel-friendly hand grinder that covers espresso to filter brewing without breaking the bank, the Solright DB-1 Grinder is a top contender.
It’s easy to use, precise, durable, and effortless to maintain, making it an ideal choice for home brewers and traveling coffee enthusiasts. Not to mention it's design is sleek with practical features at the forefront.
