Could well be the best hand-crank, but won't be an heirloom.
Positive Product Points
Works exactly as a I imagined a primo hand grinder should. Bought on Sweet Maria's "recommendation." Excellent even grind. I'm very impressed
Negative Product Points
Looks great, classy, funky, from across the room. Also looks stunning in the photos. Close up and in the hands, it's cheesier than you would think.
Detailed Commentary
I got it for french press, and it produces a great, "right-on," very even grind. For someone new to press coffee, much of the credit goes to the detailed grind-setting instructions supplied by Sweet Maria's for the particular brewing methods the user will select (to my mind, these folks are penultimate roaster info and green bean supplier). That said, I was disappointed with the construction. The "walnut" (stain) box is rough and poorly finished. The drawer is not smooth. It maxes out at enough coffee for 24 oz french press, and at that, great care is needed to take out the nearly overflowing drawer with the grounds. Mostly put together with staples. It's strong enough and surely will last, but it's not as slick as I'd hoped for $84.
Buying Experience
Sweet Maria's. Great folks. Check out their site and you'll be roasting next month.
Three Month Followup
I'll let the original review stand pretty much, though I'd lighten up a bit on my criticism of the "finish" now that I've broken it in. I will add this. With colored "china markers" (grease pencil) I have put a red and white mark on the adjuster knob that correspond to my vac pot and press pot grinds. These have remained absolutely steady, making the Zass easier to dial in than my Mazzer Mini. So, on the basis of this I've bumped the "overall" rating from a 7 to 10. "Perfectly satisfactory."
