The Helor 101 burr grinder first arrived on the specialty coffee scene around 2015, quickly making waves for its unique combination of handsome machined metal design and commercial-level grinding performance. Years later, does this classic manual grinder still have what it takes to compete?
In this hands-on Helor 101 review, I’ll closely examine the build quality, grind results, ease of use, and overall value of this aluminum bodied grinder.
With so many great options now available from brands like 1Zpresso, Lido, Comandante, and Kinu, does the Helor 101 still deserve a place on your kitchen counter?
Summary: Helor 101 Coffee Grinder
- Sleek aluminum unibody design milled from single metal block
- 38mm steel burrs included for espresso and filter grinding
- Stepless adjustment ring allows infinite grind settings
- Smooth ceramic bearings make grinding easy on wrists
- Still performs remarkably well in spite of it’s age
Design and Build Quality
I was impressed with the Helor 101 grinder when I first unboxed it. It has an attractive aluminum unibody design milled from a single block of metal for stability. It measures 5.5 inches tall with a 2.75 inch diameter and weighs 26.5 ounces, giving it a nice substantial feel. The aluminum body comes in a satin silver or black finish. Wood and stainless steel accents on the handle and lid provide contrast.
It comes with two burr sets, a grounds catch cup, silicone grip band, adjustment tools, and extra gaskets. The 30-40 gram hopper capacity handles 1-2 cups of beans. The smooth action of the ceramic bearings makes grinding comfortable. Overall it feels high-end and built to last. The combination of metal and wood gives it a premium look and feel.
Grind Adjustment and Ease of Use
The Helor 101 coffee grinder uses an external stepless adjustment mechanism located under the grounds bin. The locking dial allows an infinite range of grind sizes from fine espresso to coarse French Press with no preset steps. In my testing, it took about 2 full rotations to go from espresso to French Press level, providing a huge amount of control.
Each small notch on the dial makes an incremental adjustment equivalent to around 3-5 microns for precise tuning. I found dialing in a new coffee takes just a few clicks to hone in the right size. The grinder effortlessly plowed through a 40 gram load in just 35 seconds when grinding for drip. Harder beans and lighter roasts take a bit more muscle power and time, but the smooth action makes grinding easy.
However, grinding for espresso was much slower and required a lot of muscle. Grinding for a single shot is ok, but grinding multiple is a chore.
While using the grinder, I ran into a number of issues. Firstly, there was some popcorning. I noticed some beans bouncing out of the hopper on a regular basis due to the high stabilizer.
The second major downside is the small metal bowl meant to spin from the handle often sticks and doesn’t rotate properly.
Another frustrating part of the UX was the grind adjustment. The grind setting dial can sometimes get sticky and hard to turn during use and requires frequent cleaning.
Last but not least was the retention and static. While not as bad as some grinders, the Helor 101 did retain some grounds and there was quite a bit of static that results in leftovers in the catch cup. This was also an issue I highlighted in my Etzinger Etz-I review.
Burrs and Grind Performance
The Helor 101 hand grinder comes equipped with 38mm Italian-made steel burrs in either a conventional espresso-focused set or contemporary filter-focused set. I’ve been using the contemporary burrs which are conical in shape for even grinding.
After extensive testing with light, medium, and dark roasts, the grind consistency has impressed me. The grounds exhibit a tight range of particle sizes without many fines or boulders. This uniformity translates to balanced extraction and clear, sweet flavored coffee.
It handles fine espresso grinds with ease. I get fantastic crema and full-bodied shots that avoid bitterness. On the coarse end for French press, the grind allows for crisp, clean cups without silt or overextraction. I’m blown away by the versatility across the spectrum.
The steel burrs feel extremely solid and durable. Even after daily use for months, my grind results have been totally consistent with no detectable wearing of the burrs. Whether I’m grinding for AeroPress, pour over, or cold brew, the Helor 101 delivers professional-level grind quality to maximize flavor.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping the Helor 101 manual grinder operating smoothly requires regular cleaning and maintenance. I find it only needs major disassembly and cleaning every 1-2 months though daily quick cleanings are essential due to the aforementioned issues with retention and static.
For a quick brush out, I use the included brush to sweep out residual grounds and wipe the burrs clean. I make sure to clean the stepped adjustment ring which can collect some fine grounds.
For deeper cleaning, I disassemble the hopper, grounds bin, and take off the handle to fully access the burrs. The burrs can be scrubbed with a small brush and rinsed. I use a microfiber cloth to gently brush out the body interior.
One tip is to place a drop of food-safe lubricant on the shaft threading periodically to keep the adjustment dial turning smoothly. The burrs themselves stay impressively sharp even after daily use for months, with no detectable decline in grind performance so far.
Overall, cleaning and maintenance of the Helor 101 is straightforward, with tool-free disassembly and intuitive reassembly. The only fiddly part is realigning the burrs, which requires close attention when reinstalling to get the burr tabs aligned properly.
Is The Helor 101 Still Worth It In 2024?
Overall, the Helor 101 coffee grinder is a solid choice of manual grinders. Despite the UX issues, it can still make fantastic cups of coffee and is better than 90% of other hand grinders on the market.
While it remains extremely competitive in terms of grind quality, build, and aesthetics, the UX issues are slightly off-putting. Also, many of the newer grinders on the market like the 1Zpresso K-Ultra offer the same great performance at a similar price, without the frustrating user experience.
If you like the aesthetics of the Helor 101 there is good news. The Remi grinder by Option-O is an upgraded version of the 101 that addresses some of the flaws in the original grinder.
So, is the Helor 101 still worth it? Absolutely, if you can overlook its UX quirks. But if user experience is a deal-breaker for you, there are newer grinders that offer similar quality without the hassle.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
