Too Much Coffee

Very much my first impressions of the Knee Mill (95 euros) and does not allow for any running in period (if needed?). Bought mainly for use with Melitta 2 cup filter for work and travel.

Initial results for filter/Chemex grind just a bit disappointing. Would say it's just about on a par with my Solis 166 (4-5 years old and daily use). Not even close to Iberital MC2 (when adjusted for filter). Will certainly be a big improvement on pregrinding at home, prior to work, or buying ground when on holiday.

One thing is for certain I seen to grind an awful lot finer for filter/Chemex, based on the instructions for setting the grind on SweetMarias and by Mark Price (Coffeegeek). In gerneral even with the Solis/Iberital the grind I use for filter seems to be a lot finer than is normally recommended, especially for Chemex. Anyone else find this to be the case?

How hard is your water? I have found this makes a huge difference when brewing with the Chemex.

I'm in Glasgow, so reckon it's as soft as you get in the uk. I think when it's over extracted I get a bitter/stewed flavour which I feel corresponds to overextracted.

Underextracted is either tasteless or almost tea like in its flavour, which I probably prefer to overextraction, but certainly lacks body.

I've read your blog Jim, and would quite like to stop short of a TDS meter, but I have a horrible feeling that in terms of brewing at home, with either the Solis or the Iberital, the TDS meter might have improved my cup more, though I bought the Zassenhaus primarily for work and holidays for which I'm sure it will be invaluable.

My verdict on the Zassenhaus: not impressed. This was an impulse buy and for those considering purchase I would refer them to the consumer reviews on coffeegeek.

My summary is that it's barely adequate for filter and I cannot imagine that it would be in any way suitable for espresso or press pot for that matter. The grind is very inconsistent. Lots (and I mean lots) of fines with the remainder relatively coarse. So much so that following a brew in the aeropress I can physically separate the "puck" into 2 distinct layers, one is so much finer than the other.

This does seem to be a design flaw with the newer models and there is a "fix" on home-barista, but this is I feel somewhat elaborate and for me life is too short.

It's been a long time since I had a blade grinder, but I can't imagine it would be much worse.

Disappointing for the money.

did you buy an old one?

No this is a brand new one from the Zassenhaus store direct.

I believe the older ones may be better made. The newer ones seem to use a plastic component to maintain burr alignment.

I suppose I always have the option to return it though this is a bit more hassle/expense than for a uk based retailer. Ah well.

Anyone have any experience with the Aromagrind hand grinder for filter and press pot?

Id like a hand crank grinder for holidays and trips away but the old kyms, Zassenhaus, etc seem to be pretty big.

We've found that the new Zass just don't work nearly as well as some of the old ones. As you found - inconsistent, and they don't grind fine enough to suit us. As for older hand grinders, some will grind fine, and evenly, and some won't - doesn't seem to be burr wear (we've a few that the burrs are nice & sharp, but just won't grind fine). For a little one, we use a Pe De knee mill - quite small, but works great!

Ah, was just looking to pick up a newer Zass. Might need to look elsewhere, then - the difficulties of finding a manual grinder that works

Glad you found this. Thought about replying to your thread, but didn't want to seem like I had a personal vendetta against Zass!

I have to confess I wouldn't even try mine with FP, it is so inconsistent in its grind quality.

Thanks - useful to know... Hopefully La Cafetiere will do a better job...

I bought a new Zass, it's being returned today. Heap of **** to be honest.