Coffee Forum & Reviews > Brewers and Grinders > Grinders > Looking for a manual grinder
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Old 03-30-2010, 08:24 PM   #1
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Default Looking for a manual grinder

Anybody have a manual conical-type grinder? Any feedback/suggestions/etc?

I am interested in replacing my electric conical with one of these at home. I have my eye on the big Zassenhaus that Sweet Maria's sells.


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Old 03-30-2010, 09:07 PM   #2
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I used to use a Zass here at work. What will you be using it for? For press pot/drip it's fine. For espresso, it might not work. I say might not, because there is some inconsistency with the Zass grinders. Some people are able to do espresso with theirs and some aren't. I sold mine and opted for an electric grinder at work. The grinders produce some static, which kicks your coffee all over the place. That little drawer that the coffee falls into is a bit annoying also.
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Old 03-31-2010, 12:32 AM   #3
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I just got a Zassenhaus. I like it. It's just cool. I grind for french press only. It's not perfect (for a coarse grind, there is still some fine powder created), but the coffee I'm making now is excellent.
When I was looking at manual grinders, I found this: Camano Coffee Mills
I really like the look of the Camano mill. Plus, it's made in the USA. I kind of regret my decision to go with the Zass instead of the Camano, but, overall, I'm definitely happy I got a quality manual mill.
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Old 03-31-2010, 12:35 AM   #4
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Also, I got the Zass which is supposed to fit between your knees so you can grind while sitting down. Never having used a manual mill before, I figured that would be convenient. I tried that once, and didn't like it. I just hold the mill against myself while standing up. In other words, I don't think the Zass "knee mill" is worth the extra couple of dollars, in case you were looking at it.
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Old 04-01-2010, 12:16 AM   #5
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I grind for french press and drip mostly. Espresso not as frequently, so it's less important to me than consistent grind.

The Camano looked really nice and half the price of the Zass so I ordered one. We will see how it works when it gets here.
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Old 04-02-2010, 12:23 PM   #6
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Another one that looks pretty cool is made by Hario. You can find a few of them available on Amazon, around $50.
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Old 05-13-2010, 01:17 PM   #7
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The Camano was a bit tricky to adjust, but once I got it dialed in I have been very happy with it. It would be nice if it was easier to hold, the unit is very small so it takes a fair bit of practice to figure out the best way to hold it so it doesn't slip while grinding.
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Old 01-29-2011, 02:37 PM   #8
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The new style of hand mills don't utilize very good materials for the burr sets, shaft support, etc. Honestly the older hand mills that used tool steel for the burrs offer much more precise grinding/longevity. People seem to be against buying something used, but in the case of hand mills that's the only way to go.

I have read lots of threads on various forums regarding the new ceramic burr hand mills. Most seem happy with the capability of the burrs, but not so much the longevity of the rest of the mill. Most report wandering adjustments, sloppy shaft movement and that sort of thing. You don't really have those issues with the old school mills. And I should point out that not all "antique" grinders are worthy of superb grinding. This depends on burr design/material, shaft support design and burr adjustability... of course true stepless adjustment is much more preferred over the common stepped notches.


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