has anyone blind tested the results of quality hand grinders vs a espresso-rated machine grinder in taste testing? while my Virtuoso was out waiting for a new burr holder i switched to my zass turkish mill and was very happy with the gentle nature of the process - hand grinding a few grams of coffee takes about a minute - and the results were very satisfying. unless one were making lots of espresso a hand grinder would seem the ideal, dedicated grinder.
Steve

If you look through the multiple pages of the Titan grinder thread, you'll find a post or two about a comparison between my 50-year old PeDe and the Titans. Jim S was kind enough to run a few tests at my request, and the PeDe did ok. I suppose it would have done even better had he had more time to dial it in, but regardless, a good hand grinder can make very acceptable (some might even say great) espresso. And, as you note it is a very satisfying way to prepare espresso if one doesn't mind the time.

Check out the handjive thread on the grinder forum.

uscfroadie wrote:Bruce,

Here's a link for you; PeDe against the Robur. Page 2, halfway down

The link to the post I believe is being referenced.

I'm also asking a similair question there.