Both Zassenhaus models that I have, the 169 DG and the Turkish Mill can grind fine enough to more than easily choke my Achille. But I've noticed on both machines that while turning the burrs, at one consistent point in the revolution, the burrs get harder to turn - I assume there is some asymmetry in the burrs, which is what got me wondering about my shots.

I just got a Pasquini bottomless portafilter to diagnose my shots, and am actually happy to see that there is a whole lot of channeling going on, which makes my bottomless portafilter purchase worthwhile. Hopefully soon enough my shots will improve enough with my Zass so that I can delay a potential Macap purchase.

HB wrote:I've read variations on this same comment here and elsewhere. Let me rephrase my concern in a the form of a question: Where could I buy a reasonably priced manual grinder and be confident that it would work well for espresso? Let's assume that I don't want to scour eBay looking for antiques and playing hit or miss.

I like the sound of Orphan Espresso's espresso grinder promise:

Dan
Doug and Barb at Orphan is the way to go. I just sold my last available refurbished one but I do have a nice PeDe in the "to do" box. Haven't tried it yet either. Same one as shown in peacecups first post on http://www.home-barista.com/grinders/hand-grinder-jive-photo-essay-t4482.html model#620

Like this?



Very nice looking. I'm interested in a manual grinder for comparison's sake with motorized grinders, camping, and work. I have the Le'Lit PL53 at work for French press, but it's way too loud for a cubicle environment, so I head to the breakroom. Then again, my colleagues might wonder about an odd grinding noise emanating from my cube.

Yes that's the one. sent you an email. For backing/camping I suggest what I call a half wide. they are much smaller and lighter with same burrs and half the width box. I don't have a picture of one on file but have a KYM half wide again in the "to do" box
Ed

I am very pleased with the Zassenhaus I purchased from SM 5 years ago. The grind is fine enough and easy to adjust. I (like Peacecup) have never touched a high quality electric Burr Grinder.

I recently got a used Zassie of the same shape as my regular one. THe number on the bottom is a very smudged 156 and I think "Made in Western Germany". It cannot hold the dialed in setting, so I cannot rely on it for espresso.

I also have a box shaped grinder with the decal of a crown on the front. Would that be Zassenhaus as I believe? It adjust with a lever inside the box and I can use it to good effect for French Press or Pour over.

For home use (4 shots daily) I am thoroughly satisfied with my Zassenhaus collection.

While I was waiting for my Cimbali Max to be delivered last summer, I used my Zass for espresso. It did a great job. I just got tired of cranking it every morning.

I found it easy to dial in and adjust. The extraction was very consistent. Using a scale pre and post grind showed that no grinds were left behind.

I have my brand spanking new Vivaldi S1 sitting in a box in my office. After I get it plumbed in and set up this weekend I'm going to try the Zass out again.

-Steve

Dan, I also want to second buying from Doug at orphanespresso.com (and I've been recommending them to someone at least once a week since buying from them). I was a little hesitant and had a lot of questions before buying, so I called. Doug was away for a few days, but called immediately on return and talked to me for about 20 minutes (on his dime!), answering all my questions and more. Espresso grinders are tested on his levers and guaranteed to grind fine enough to choke. I believe they also turn over their stock really regularly, so if you don't see something you like, check back the next day, or call to find out what's on the workbench at that time. I also like how Doug includes a rating for speed vs. turning effort required, meaning that some grinders will grind quickly while requiring lots of turning strength, and others grind slowly but are easier to turn, and Doug lets you know where each grinder sits on this continuum. Shipping is fast, and Doug was very good about filling in the customs form (I'm in Canada) so that it passed through easily and cheaply... Oh, and because he restores them completely, they look great too!

I bought this grinder, a pre-WWII model, and it has the adjustment knob on the back rather than on the shaft. Very handy, and allows for very delicate adjustments. It's possibly the purchase I'm most happy with making this year (coffee-related or otherwise!).



Lastly, I would also recommend getting one of these, which Doug pointed me towards. Makes dosing into the PF (or French Press, or moka pot, etc.) much easier and cleaner. Dump grinds from drawer onto the flat part, tip it into the rounded metal area, slide the grinds into the PF. Very clean.

ChrisC wrote:I also like how Doug includes a rating for speed vs. turning effort required, meaning that some grinders will grind quickly while requiring lots of turning strength, and others grind slowly but are easier to turn, and Doug lets you know where each grinder sits on this continuum.

Excellent. Reading the descriptions, it's obvious the guy knows his craft and enjoys his work. Although I'm thinking of using this for work/camping, I'd like a model that's espresso-worthy should the need arise. It's handy to have representative samples of grinders for testing purposes, right? Or at least that's how I explain to my wife why I have more than one grinder! It's an added bonus if the grinder is as attractive as yours. When I have some spare cash, I'll contact Doug to see what's on his workbench. Thanks for the pointers.

I have a Zassenhaus Turkish grinder that I bought to use with my Aerobie Aeropress at work. Compared to my Mazzer (or even my Solis) it is a LOT less consistent. I get all kinds of different grind sizes. I find it's somewhere between a "whirly blade" and my Solis in terms of consistancy.

Did I just get a bad one? Has the quality dropped recently (now made in China perhaps)? Or maybe I still need to do something to dial it in?

You're so welcome, Dan. Like I said, the experience I had was so good, I don't hesitate to recommend it to others. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours too. I'm really looking forward to traveling with my hand grinder at Christmas this year. Finally a vacation with GOOD coffee. I've always admired travel kits like yours and other posters, but they've never been within my budget.

Endo -- my understanding is that it's a case of manufacturing tolerances, so even within one model from one manufacturer in one year, you can get good grinders and bad grinders. That's why I really liked ordering from Doug, because he tests them in advance. I'd be happy to show you my grinder in person if you like, and you can test running some grinds through it too, just to compare to yours. Just PM me.