Zassenhaus Turkish Mill

[zimpo]

Anyone using this and can offer tips on buying one ?

Our understanding is that they stopped production and have re-started.....

Any differences, real or rumored, between new production and old ?

Thanks for any info ...

[Fullsack]

Here is one distinction you should be aware of:

Zassenhaus vs. Zassenhaus

[peacecup]

Doug,

I followed the link you posted, and now I see why you posted the comment of how the hand grinders vary. I have heard that some newer Zasses seemed inferior. All of my hand grinders to date have been of Western Germany vintage, so likely made to more exacting standards. I have had a couple that seemed inferior for espresso, but most have worked well. I'll post a link to theses threads in my hand grinder thread as well.

PC

[Fullsack]

Hi Jack,
I'm not sure the Western Germany vs. the more recent Zass grinders tells the whole story. Some of my W. Germany Zass grinders are much more capable than others. I have some theories about grinder variation and the Titan "fight":

1. The sweet spot for the finest grind is not all of the way tight, but a shade looser than that. A grinder that has been in use for a while, while being set too tight will lose some of its sharpness due to the burrs rubbing too hard against each other. Some Zass users have reported metal particles in with the ground coffee.

2. Not a great insight, but normal wear and tear, plus rust, the occasional rock and the lack of a good cleaning once in a while, will make a difference in grinder performance. If you don't know the grinder's history, you don't know what you are getting.

3. In another_jim's Titan grinder test, Jim was the operator of the grinder. Hand grinders are finicky, the more you use them the more competent you become. I would have had more confidence in the test had you been cranking the handle instead of Jim.

I'm looking forward to reading your hand grinder links.
Doug