Tracy wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
> > Tracy wrote:
> >> I just received the latest Penzey catalog and they are trying to sell
> >> a new pepper mill. �The zasen whatever is no longer available.
>
> >> Just wondering if it is a decent mill.
>
> > I prefer a pepper mill with a crank, much easier... I suppose yoose
> > gals are more adept with those mills where you twist the head.
>
> > Even the old style Penzeys pepper mill is kind of chintzy, that
> > plastic retaining ring falls out occasionally.
>
> > If I'm going to spend that much on a pepper mill I may as well go all
> > the way and get the best.... nothing bests the Turkish/Greek style
> > coffee mills for grinding peppercorns... a few cranks and spates of
> > pepper comes gushing out in spurts.
>
>
> I know, I know...I really would prefer one with a crank. I was just
> curious if this was a decent mill. The one I have is similar but I
> don't really like it much. I hate filling it. I lerve those brass
> mills but I just can't get past the cost. One of these days I will bite
> the bullet and get one - because it is what I really want.
>
> like this...maybe I could ask for one for my birthday which is right
> around the corner...
>
> http://tinyurl.com/3ys2kd

I have the old style Penzeys mill with the crank handle; Zassenhaus.
I use it but I don't think it's anything special. In fact it's not
made very well, the grinding burr is in a cheapo plastic housing
pressed into wood, on dry days the wood shrinks so it loosens and
sometimes falls out, along with all teh peppercorns. Its capacity is
small, needs constant refilling, and with that tiny opening is messy
to refill. I have no idea why Penseys changed pepper mills, without
crank handles I think these new models are even less utile.... I think
it might be the same brand (Zassenhaus) but a cheaper model, but at
the same old price. Personally I think Penzeys being the self
proclaimed spice mavens, they should be embarrassed to not offer the
best pepper mill in the industry, in fact if anyone there has the
brain cells they should design their own trademarked product... it's
really quite simple to build a great pepper mill, high quality
grinding mechanisms are readily available, they just need to come up
with a unique housing. Penzeys doesn't appear to have a logo, which I
think is very odd... even the Penzeys name doesn't appear to be
Registered or Trademarked, makes me think they have some "funny" legal
issues.

I think the best brand is Atlas, made in Greece. I have the 11"
Traditional style (without the flared base, I prefer not having the
flared base), works perfectly, made to last a lifetime and more.
These mills are heavy duty, best used for cooking, not really for
table use as they are too large... but can be used if you want...
they're tall so even with the flared base a klutz will still knock
them over. I place mine at the table with it lying down, the bottom
is capped so nothing escapes. They are very good for cooking because
you don't hold them over the pot to grind so no water vapor enters the
grinder. The ground pepper drops into the cup, with a little practice
you get a feel for how many cranks produces the desired amount.

There are many web sites that sell this type of mill, I like this
one:
http://www.pugsly.com/Mills.htm

It's advantageous to have a number of pepper mills, for various grinds
and types of pepper... I use two for black pepper, one for coarse and
one for fine... the one for fine grind is smaller, good for table
use... it's rare to want coarse grind at the table. I keep another
for white pepper. I don't much care for those peppercorn blends... I
think that's for those who don't know what they want.

As for the price... they're not expensive considering they will out
last any others many times over.... and it's nice to have a pepper
mill that holds enough that it doesn't need constant refilling.... and
not only do these mills hold a lot of peppercorns (about 2/3 cup),
they are very easy to fill, they have a large opening so no
peppercorns rolling all over.

You can spend a lot more on many of the fancy schmancy designer models
but none function as well... what good are all those exotic materials,
just outward appearance if that's your schtick, all show and no go.

SHELDON