Imusa MEXI-2013 vs Shardor CG639 Spice Mill
Both the Imusa MEXI-2013 and the Shardor CG639 land right around $27, but they take completely different approaches to grinding spices. The Imusa is a manual mill, which means no power cord, no motor noise, and full control over grind texture. The Shardor CG639 is an electric grinder rated at 150W, pulling 120V from a wall outlet and holding up to 2.5 ounces per batch. The Imusa has earned a 4.6-star rating across 3,300 reviews, while the Shardor sits at 4.3 stars from 2,900 reviewers. Choosing between them comes down to whether you want hands-on control or push-button speed.
Quick winner
The Imusa MEXI-2013 edges ahead for most home cooks thanks to its higher rating, larger review base, and no reliance on electricity, all at nearly the same price as the Shardor CG639.
Key differences, measured
- Amazon buyers rate the Imusa MEXI-2013 0.3 stars higher across 6,200 combined reviews.
The two contenders
Imusa MEXI-2013 Spice Mill
The Imusa MEXI-2013 is a manual spice mill priced at $26.76 with a 4.6-star rating from over 3,300 buyers, making it one of the more trusted options in this price range. Because it runs without electricity, it works anywhere and produces no motor noise during use. Manual mills give you tactile feedback as you grind, so it is easier to stop at a coarse or fine texture rather than overshooting. The trade-off is that grinding larger batches by hand takes more effort and time than running an electric unit.
Buy this if: Cooks who grind small amounts of spice at a time and want precise control over texture without any electrical setup. Anyone who values quiet operation or grinds spices tableside where an outlet is not convenient. Buyers who want a spice mill with a strong reputation backed by more than 3,300 reviews at a price under $27.
Check price on AmazonShardor CG639 Spice Mill
The Shardor CG639 is an electric spice grinder drawing 150W at 120V, with a bowl capacity of 2.5 ounces per load, priced at $26.99. Its 4.3-star average across 2,900 reviews reflects solid satisfaction for a budget electric grinder. The push-button operation makes quick work of whole peppercorns, cumin seeds, and dried chiles without any manual effort. The main limits are that you need a nearby outlet, motor noise is part of the deal, and achieving a very coarse grind requires careful pulse timing.
Buy this if: Cooks who regularly process whole batches of hard spices such as peppercorns or coriander and want to finish the job in seconds rather than minutes. Anyone with limited hand strength or wrist mobility who finds manual grinding uncomfortable over time. Shoppers who prioritize electric convenience and do not mind working near an outlet for a one-touch grind.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Is the Imusa MEXI-2013 truly manual, and does that affect freshness?
Yes, the Imusa MEXI-2013 operates entirely by hand with no motor or battery. Manual grinding produces no heat from friction the way a fast electric blade can, so the volatile oils in whole spices stay more intact during the grind. For aromatic spices like cardamom or black pepper, many cooks prefer this lower-heat approach. The payoff is that you control speed and pressure directly throughout the process.
How large is the Shardor CG639 bowl, and is 2.5 ounces enough for everyday cooking?
The Shardor CG639 holds 2.5 ounces per batch, which is roughly 70 grams. For a typical dinner seasoning task that is plenty, covering several tablespoons of whole peppercorns or a handful of dried herbs. If you are grinding large quantities to refill a spice jar, you may need to run two or three batches. The 150W motor handles hard seeds and dried chiles without stalling under a normal home-cooking load.
Which grinder has better long-term buyer confidence?
The Imusa MEXI-2013 holds a 4.6-star average from 3,300 reviewers, compared to the Shardor CG639 at 4.3 stars from 2,900 reviewers. Both are well-regarded at this price point, but the Imusa's higher rating and slightly larger review count give it a small but meaningful edge in demonstrated buyer satisfaction. The price difference between the two is only $0.23, so the rating gap is the clearer differentiator.
Can the Shardor CG639 handle wet ingredients like garlic or ginger?
The Shardor CG639 is designed for dry spice grinding, and the specs do not indicate a wet-grind mode. Running wet or moist ingredients through a dry spice grinder can clog the mechanism and is harder to clean thoroughly. For wet aromatics such as garlic paste or fresh ginger, a small food processor or mortar and pestle is a better fit. Stick to dry whole spices to get the most reliable results from the CG639.