Zassenhaus grinders, old and new

[Lonnie]

Now that I really have enough vacpots to keep me going for many years of inevitable breakage, I'm turning my attentions to a hand grinder. I like the idea of not using electricity when I can get a good workout in the morning instead (we've stopped using our dryer, too!), and sometimes I just don't want to make so much noise early in the morning. It appears that the Zassenhaus is really the only one I should take at all seriously. So I'm looking at old ones on eBay.

Anyone using one of these grinders? What's your experience with it? Do you have an old one or a new one? Should I take my chances on an old one and save myself some bucks? Or just spring for a new one? If I'm looking at an old one, what should I be sure to look at? What's the difference in the grinding experience between the one held between the knees and the table-top version?

Thanks for all your help!

[jayt90]

I bought an older one on eBay for $35; it was in good shape, but at least 25 years old (couldn't tell from the photos). I'm happy with it, but I use it the night before, because I can't face 2.5 min. of hard grinding in the morning. Mine is not a knee model. but that would be more comfortable to use. I get a fine grind for Chemex or Aeropress with no problem at all. Once in awhile I use it for spices if I need a fair amount , say for sausages or home curing. There isn't a lot of carry over when I do this, and the spices are really nicely turned out.

[barrett]

we use one at home, they work well, and I find it rewarding to grind it myself. Takes a little practice to get into a rhythm, but i find the results better than my low end burr grinders.

[kingseven]

I love my Zass, I just have that and a small Chemex at home. It seems to hold the grind very well, and the grind profile seems great as well - not too many fines.

[isomer]

I've got a beechwood knee grider, and I love it. Been using it for years to make french press coffee. You grind quite coarse for the press, so it goes quickly .

I suppose that the burrs could eventually wear out, but I'm guessing you'd be pretty safe with an old one. They're built like tanks.