Is a manual burr grinder good enough for espresso?

It can grind fine enough for espresso, but step adjustment on most hand grinders is coarser than on dedicated espresso grinders. Expect more trial and error to dial in a shot.

How long does it take to grind a cup by hand?

Roughly one to two minutes for a single dose at a medium setting, longer for coarse grinds or larger batches. Fine espresso settings take the most turns.

Does it work for French press and pour-over?

Yes. Burr grinders adjust from fine to coarse, so the same grinder covers pour-over, drip and French press. Check that the adjustment range reaches coarse enough for press.

Do I need to clean it often?

Brush out the burrs every few weeks and after switching between very different coffees. Stainless steel burrs do not need oiling, and a dry brush is enough for routine cleaning.

Is it better than an electric blade grinder?

For consistency, yes. Burrs crush beans to a uniform size, while blades chop unevenly and heat the grounds. The trade-off is manual effort instead of pushing a button.