Excellent quality on a budget, perfect for rugged types and those who want to be a showoff on camping trips.
Positive Product Points
Beautifully made Sturdy, old-world craftsmanship strong aesthetic appeal - looks great on my counter grinds well for drip, stovetop espresso, turkish
Negative Product Points
some difficulty holding during grinding somewhat inconsistent French Press grind coffee works its way under drawer
Detailed Commentary
This was a grinder my dad used for several years while camping (untill he switched to instant, ::sigh:: ), and as i began to take an interest in coffee, i cleaned it out and put it back to use. after making it through years of camping and non-climate controlled storage, the finish on the wood is still excellent and the metal is only a little tarnished, a little metal polish would do wonders but there is no need. i use it for my Moka pot, drip brewer, porover brewer and press pot, and ive experimented with grinding for turkish coffee (i dont have an ibrik, so i havent tried brewing). the coarse french roast grind is a little inconsistent, but not enoughy to keep me from using it, the effects in the cup are nominal.
the finish is incredibly durable, i love seeing it on my counter; overall looks are fantastic. while grinding, it is a little awkward to hold and i usually brace it against something. i have the knee version, and that too is somewhat awkward because a considerable amount of force is required to hold the grinder, and i would fear that others less limber than me would fare worse than i; it is also somewhat treacharous for us males, so keep it down farther on the thighs. small amounts of grounds tend to fall down the sides and end up underneath the drawer, a nominal nuisance that makes me irked about wasting good coffee from time to time.
i dont always have the passion and patience in the morning to g deal with grinding by hand, but when i do the experience is certainly ritualistic and for me adds to the brewing experience. i am a low budget guy, so much so that i would be hesitant about buying this product at first, but now that i have had plenty of time to come to know this grinder i would definetley make this purchase again.
Buying Experience
unknown, it was a gift to my father who became a turncoat and joined the instant "coffee" side of things. i am "borrowing" it from him.
