Hand-Crank Coffee Grinders
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 06. 5.05
Grinding coffee by hand has a few advantages: it's quiet, it yields a more uniform grind, and it's more practical when you are camping, boating or off-grind. The grinder pictured here has an all-metal grinding mechanism and is available from The Vermont Country Store for about $25. There are also more portable coffee grinder made by GSI for campers — you can acquire them for around $20 from BackCountryGear (via MetaEfficient).
I've always intended to get a Zassenhaus Knee Mill ... but I've been lazy.
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Zassenhaus+Knee+Mill
Old Diners in America had these with a glass container, bolted to the wall. You can still find them at tag sales and antique shops... Maybe somebody out there still make them new... They're great, I have one on my wall... We inherited it with the house... been there for 50 years... The last thing you want to hear when you wake up in the morning is the high pitch whining of an electric motor...
I love my Zassenhaus.I purchased it at a flea market.Although at least 20ys(made in "WestGermany") old it had never been used.The workings were heavily greased,so no oxidisation.
It's very small.In pale timber.The grind is adjustable.
I think this maybe what someone has described as a knee-mill.
If you are lazy this is not for you.It takes work.
The box is not comfortable to hold, between knees or not.
Unless you are used to applying yourself in a teeth gritting determination,this one is not you.
On the more fragile mornings.Ouch.
I tend to hold it in one hand and grind in a frenzied punching action.
The small wooden draw that collects the coffee grounds absorbs the oils and man does that smell good in the cupboard.
After a grinding frenzy of a very long 2mins or so, I have already woken up and got my heart pumping.I'm wondering why I now need the coffee!
For the caffeine DUH!
Yes it's awkward and may we never part.Steve(Australia)