Because of cost and being a new be I need to ask if a Zassenhaus Coffee Mills will grind a good espresso grind

Usually, but its good to get one that has been proven to grind fine enough. See the HandJive grinder thread for some discussion of this:

http://www.home-barista.com/espre...o-essay-t4482.html

PC

Jim,

I have two hand mills; PeDe and a Zassenhaus. The Zass I got for Christmas, and it is the new Santiago Espresso model. My PeDe grinds well, but the Zass just flat out rocks. I set it on the finest setting and ended up choking my lever. I couldn't believe it...but round two went better; same grind with about a 5 lb tamp produced a beautiful small double. Since then I've backed off the grind a little and upped the tamp a little.

Another big plus is that the grinds tray is all wood (PeDe has metal with a wood faceplate), which has next to no static whatsoever. On the PeDe I do have to brush or tap the grounds out. Also, the Zass has a little rubber or plastic circle piece under the burrs that directs the grounds straight into the tray, whereas on the PeDe I have a lot thrown all over, which makes it far messier.

Now please keep in mind that the PeDe is probably 50 years older, so the Zass should have at least some improvements, right?

Yes, they do grind well. I have a few of the Zass and PeDe mills. Each one is a case unto itself. All grind well but some will grind to a good consistent espresso grind and some will not.
-Richard
PS there are places that will certify the grind quality for you if you buy used from them. See handgrinder threads.

espressme wrote:PS there are places that will certify the grind quality for you if you buy used from them. See handgrinder threads.

That's a lot of reading. The thread Zassenhaus vs. Macap M4 Stepless discusses Orphan Espresso's espresso grinder promise:

These hand coffee Grinders have been tested, and are absolutely guaranteed to grind coffee beans fine enough for use in Espresso Machines! Not just 'maybe', but absolutely, 100% vetted for Espresso Grind Quality!