f16cla1 Senior Member Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 19 Location: syracuse Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Mon Jul 13, 2009, 2:25pm Subject: Hand Grinder
Hi everybody, I've been in the market for a hand grinder ever since I bought an espresso machine. Now I've heard many times before on these forums to go to orphanespresso.com. I've looked at this site and found that I'm always waiting because they usually only have 1 or two espresso grinders up at a time and then they're gone within a day. That being said, I do like that they test them to ensure they will get espresso fine results. I've also read that sweetmarias.com sells them, but they're all new. Which means no guarantee that they'll grind fine enough. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to get a hand grinder that will for sure grind espresso?
FredK Senior Member Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 140 Location: NJ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Kyocera hand grinder Roaster: FreshRoast+8
Posted Mon Jul 13, 2009, 4:13pm Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
I've heard the new Zassenhaus' aren't as good as the old ones. I'm considering the Kyocera from orphan. But I first would like to know if the Kyocera is equal to say at least a Cunill Tranquilo for use with espresso.
Endo Senior Member Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 282 Location: Canada Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: 1 strike Grinder: ...and counting
Posted Mon Jul 13, 2009, 4:29pm Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
f16cla1 Said:
Now I've heard many times before on these forums to go to orphanespresso.com. I've looked at this site and found that I'm always waiting because they usually only have 1 or two espresso grinders up at a time and then they're gone within a day.
I got frustrated waiting as well and ended up getting a PeDe 435 off E-bay for $50.
It's in great shape but doesn't really grind super fine. Maybe with time it will get better since it had never been run before I bought it.
I also have a Zass Turkish grinder. This grinds VERY fine, but even then, I haven't been very impressed with any hand grinder I've tried. Very inconsistant grind in my opinion.
I tend to think you get what you pay for. I've tried several now, but I haven't found a sub $100 conical hand grinder that tastes any better than my first $150 Starbucks conical grinder (even if the hand grinder was made in Germany).
Posted Mon Jul 13, 2009, 5:49pm Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
From what I've seen with Orphan, he who hesitates loses out. I almost went for that really sweet one they had a week or two ago for like $115- went back and forth most of a day- and then it was to late. (who got that one anyway?) I would say they're still your best bet, just keep checking back and grab one while you can. Maybe you could email them and let them know you're seriously ready to buy something now and ask them what's in the works? Good luck to you.
f16cla1 Senior Member Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 19 Location: syracuse Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Tue Jul 14, 2009, 3:36am Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
Thank you to everyone who contributed. I decided to go the route of a new grinder, but through orphan. I went with the kyocera ceramic grinder. Watching a video they put out, and reading their reviews it seems like it will be a good buy.
Kenntak Senior Member Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Florida Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Kyocera Hand Grinder
Posted Tue Jul 14, 2009, 3:43am Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
I think that was a good choice. As I said in the other thread, I have had good success with mine. I made two caps this morning and with 120-130 turns, I pulled 24 and 27 second 2 ounce shots, the variables of course being the amount of beans used and tamping pressure. I have been getting shots like that all week with my current setting.
Posted Tue Jul 14, 2009, 4:02am Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
Hi Chris,
I just saw this thread and noticed you're in Syracuse. Out of curiosity, where are you buying your beans? Also, you owe it to yourself to have an espresso at Cafe Kubal on James Street some time.
f16cla1 Senior Member Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 19 Location: syracuse Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Tue Jul 14, 2009, 2:35pm Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
Well I actually know cafe kubal very well. I haven't been buying beans there for a while only because I didn't want to use good quality beans until I bought a grinder to properly utilize them. I actually brought my espresso machine there when I first got it, and the owner Matt helped me get the best quality shot from it. Thats when he broke the news that I need a grinder to get a good shot. So for a while I bought beans there and had them grind it but I decided that I was basically wasting good beans. Now with my new grinder I plan to go back there.
sheshe Senior Member Joined: 13 Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: arizona Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: capresso luxe Grinder: Vintage Zassenhaus Vac Pot: no Drip: French press and grind and... Roaster: popcorn popper & rotisserie
Posted Wed Jul 15, 2009, 1:34am Subject: Re: Hand Grinder
I just got a really sweet Zass from Orphan (see my profile). I bought it about a week ago. I am very happy. I too went back and forth and lost out on grinders, so when I saw this one, I didn't hesitate.
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 