Ok, I am nearing the end of my immig process to Vancouver and have to embrace the coffee drinking culture with my physical limitations (WTF you might ask and I’ll explain). I have a very low tolerence for caffeine but have been hit by the quality espresso hit, since I have found my level of tolerence is about one large cup every couple of weeks ground coffee doesn’t stay fresh. So I am hearing asking for an a) or b) answer. This is where I am now.
No point in buying an electric grinder as a 240w model here will not work in 105/110w North America.
A manual model is the greener option.
Blade grinder will not grind fine enough for stove top espresso, burr will.
Love my coffee. I agree, burr grinder is the way to go. Not necessarily because a blade grinder won’d grind fine enough, but rather, the grind is much less consistent than what you get with a good burr grinder.
Part of the enjoyment, especially if you’re pulling espresso shots and hand grinding, is the whole process. The second grinder is beautiful and looks like using it would add to the enjoyment of the process, while the other is more utilitarian and just doesn’t do much for me.
I’d go with #2. But then, I also prefer the “less green” option of this one…
Thanks David. The Zassenhaus definitely has the aesthetic and tactile vote for me but it has to be efficient too. Whilst I am sure the gaggia is a great grinder, I am keen to reduce the number of gadgets I have and certainly reduce my energy consumption (outside of exercise of course).
coffee info overload, lots of reviews and how-to’s. i vote for the wooden grinder. fixing coffee at home is a process, something you enjoy to do as well as drink the jittery stuff. i bought an electric grinder a few yrs ago and while i do love it and am happy with it i wish i had gotten a hand grinder.
I vote #2 as well. How do you plan on actually making the espresso? What are you using there? We drink so little of it at home that we just use a moka pot. We mostly drink regular test coffee, so our Saeco does just fine for big volumes, or french press for smaller volumes.
Traditional stove top espresso pot for me, old school.
I had my medical Friday week and expect to hear in the next 3 weeks, then it’s a case of selling the flat and landing. I am hoping on late spring/early summer but just don’t know. Are you and Phil still on for Vashon Island or has IMC taken that out?
hey julian, sorry if that didn’t work. i was there right after i posted the link so i don’t know if it’s their website or an across the pond issue if you’re not able to view it. best ‘o luck on whatever ya’ git.
Jason, I just got back onto to coffeegeek site and they recommend the Zassenhaus (with the exception of one that broke after a short period) as it does a really good espresso fine grind. That’s made the decision for me, now who to buy from!
Assuming that you enjoy the process as much as the end result, you simply can’t go wrong with a 'Zass. Drinking as little coffee as you do, you shouldn’t ever get to the point where grinding is a chore, or too slow. I use a manual mill grinder much like the one you’ve pictured and I drink a hell of a lot more coffee than you do! Of course, I really enjoy the whole process. I’ve taken to roasting my own beans at home as well, which is another part of the process which I quite enjoy.
Jason, I just got back onto to coffeegeek site and they recommend the Zassenhaus (with the exception of one that broke after a short period) as it does a really good espresso fine grind. That’s made the decision for me, now who to buy from!
Fully restored, vintage grinders. Check back often as their stock turns over pretty quickly. GREAT customer service, and fabulous people. I’ve ordered from them a few times and have always been impressed with their speed of shipment, packing and customs declarations. I’ve also emailed back and forth a bunch of times and they’re just fantastic.
One thing to watch with used grinders as a general rule (though less of an issue with Zass) is that they may not grind down to espresso fine. If the burrs weren’t of great quality to begin with or if the grinder as been have been badly abused, it may work fine for coarser grinds but just not quite cut it for espresso.
That link I sent you has “coffee grinders” listed separately from “espresso grinders” for that very reason, and they test each and every one they sell. You shouldn’t have too much worry with a used Zass, but it’s something to bear in mind when looking at used grinders - especially as you’re an espresso drinker.
When you get out I’ll roast a batch with you - it’s remarkably quick and easy, not to mention fun!
Thanks for that info, initially I was suprised that the mills were able to grind fine enough for espresso but then I learnt about burr mills and Zass’ mills.
I’ll hold you to the home roast demo, I think that would be really interesting especially if we could get a mellow sidamo.
