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.

Tracy
(posting from googlegroups becasue it is what is available to me at
the moment)

On Jan 9, 8:28 pm, 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've got one that works well. I bought it at Sam's a few years ago,
and I use it a lot, as I love peppercorns. Heck, if Penzey's is
selling it, it is probably better than mine, and mine is fine.
Penzey's rocks. We're living in a fleeting golden age of
ingredients. A shame that some folks are stuck in the '50s Ladies
Home Journal/Good Housekeeping paradigm of cooking.
Condensed "cream of" soups and Jello molds.
>
> Tracy
> (posting from googlegroups becasue it is what is available to me at
> the moment)

--Bryan

Penzey's new pepper mill

Group: rec.food.cooking Date: Wed, Jan 9, 2008, 6:43pm (EST-3) From:
(Bobo*Bonobo®)


"Just wondering if it is a decent mill.
I've got one that works well. I bought it at Sam's a few years ago, and
I use it a lot, as I love peppercorns. Heck, if Penzey's is selling it,
it is probably better than mine, and mine is fine. Penzey's
rocks."--Bryan

___________________________
Ive heard so much about PenZey,s.Do they sell online?I love peppercorns
also and like to buy large sizes.Do they have herbs and spices?
..............P

"Food, Art and Films,What else do you need?...Well.."Tyler Florence
reached out his hand and begged me to go with him ..Damn!..thats when I
woke up,T'was all a dream"

Smitty xx wrote:
> Penzey's new pepper mill
>
> Group: rec.food.cooking Date: Wed, Jan 9, 2008, 6:43pm (EST-3) From:
> (Bobo Bonobo®)
>
>
> "Just wondering if it is a decent mill.
> I've got one that works well. I bought it at Sam's a few years ago,
> and I use it a lot, as I love peppercorns. Heck, if Penzey's is
> selling it, it is probably better than mine, and mine is fine.
> Penzey's rocks."--Bryan
>
> ___________________________
> Ive heard so much about PenZey,s.Do they sell online?I love
> peppercorns also and like to buy large sizes.Do they have herbs and
> spices? .............P
>
www.penzeys.com

Herbs and spices are their specialty.

Jill

Penzey's new pepper mill

Group: rec.food.cooking Date: Thu, Jan 10, 2008, 7:11am (EST-1) From:
(jmcquown)
Wrote:

www.penzeys.com
"Herbs and spices are their specialty."
Jill
--------------------------

Thanks a bunch,will check it out.
----------P

"Food, Art and Films,What else do you need?...Well.."Tyler Florence
reached out his hand and begged me to go with him ..Damn!..thats when I
woke up,T'was all a dream"

"Smitty xx" > wrote

>Ive heard so much about PenZey,s.Do they sell online?I love peppercorns
>also and like to buy large sizes.Do they have herbs and spices?

Oh, yes, while they do have stores here and there, I think the
majority of their business is online. Go to their site (penzeys.com)
and check out the list of herbs and spices from A-Z ... but you
should sign up for a catelog right away. Can't believe I don't have
one lying around or I would mail it to you.

nancy

Penzey's new pepper mill

Group: rec.food.cooking Date: Thu, Jan 10, 2008, 8:49am From:
(Nancy*Young)
So graciously wrote:

"Oh, yes, while they do have stores here and there, I think the majority
of their business is online. Go to their site (penzeys.com) and check
out the list of herbs and spices from A-Z ... but you should sign up for
a catelog right away. Can't believe I don't have one lying around or I
would mail it to you."
nancy
--------------------------
Yes will do.I love catalogues, have tons of them.I'll send you my
address in case you turn up anything.I have some friends who are
"net-less"who love cooking and would enjoy reading them or ordering.We
exchange them all the time.
Thanks,P

"Food, Art and Films,What else do you need?...Well.."Tyler Florence
reached out his hand and begged me to go with him ..Damn!..thats when I
woke up,T'was all a dream"

Address has been sent,check your email, Thanks...P

"Food, Art and Films,What else do you need?...Well.."Tyler Florence
reached out his hand and begged me to go with him ..Damn!..thats when I
woke up,T'was all a dream"

"Smitty xx" > wrote in message
...

Penzey's new pepper mill

Group: rec.food.cooking Date: Wed, Jan 9, 2008, 6:43pm (EST-3) From:
(Bobo Bonobo®)


"Just wondering if it is a decent mill.
I've got one that works well. I bought it at Sam's a few years ago, and
I use it a lot, as I love peppercorns. Heck, if Penzey's is selling it,
it is probably better than mine, and mine is fine. Penzey's
rocks."--Bryan

___________________________
Ive heard so much about PenZey,s.Do they sell online?I love peppercorns
also and like to buy large sizes.Do they have herbs and spices?
..............P

"Food, Art and Films,What else do you need?...Well.."Tyler Florence
reached out his hand and begged me to go with him ..Damn!..thats when I
woke up,T'was all a dream"


===============


Suggestion:

Since your formatting & typing skills result in a post that's visually
annoying to read, how about eliminating any extraneous crap that adds
nothing to the message? Specifically your "food, art and film..."
signature. Lose it.

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:35:12 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
> wrote:

>"Smitty xx" > wrote in message
...
>
> Penzey's new pepper mill
>
>Group: rec.food.cooking Date: Wed, Jan 9, 2008, 6:43pm (EST-3) From:
(Bobo Bonobo®)
>
>
>"Just wondering if it is a decent mill.
>I've got one that works well. I bought it at Sam's a few years ago, and
>I use it a lot, as I love peppercorns. Heck, if Penzey's is selling it,
>it is probably better than mine, and mine is fine. Penzey's
>rocks."--Bryan
>
>___________________________
>Ive heard so much about PenZey,s.Do they sell online?I love peppercorns
>also and like to buy large sizes.Do they have herbs and spices?
>.............P
>
>"Food, Art and Films,What else do you need?...Well.."Tyler Florence
>reached out his hand and begged me to go with him ..Damn!..thats when I
>woke up,T'was all a dream"
>
>
>===============
>
>
>Suggestion:
>
>Since your formatting & typing skills result in a post that's visually
>annoying to read, how about eliminating any extraneous crap that adds
>nothing to the message? Specifically your "food, art and film..."
>signature. Lose it.
>

jawohl, mein führer!

your pal,
blake

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.
>
Sorry, I threw the Penzey's catalog away along with the gazillion others I
get in the mail. I'm surprised they stopped carrying Zassenhaus
peppermills. I think you can find them at Williams Sonoma, if there's one
in your area, and you can find Zassenhaus online.

I bought my Zassenhaus from The Spice House (obvious www there) because it
was a few $ cheaper than what Penzey's charged for the same mill at the
time.

> Just wondering if it is a decent mill.
>
No idea, sorry. But I can say I've never been disappointed with anything
from Penzey's. Still, I really like my Zassenhaus peppermill. This reminds
me, I need to buy more peppercorns

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
>>


> No idea, sorry.

But you'll still give your opinion, won't you?

> But I can say I've never

There, I knew you could.


>
> Jill
>
>

On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:27:51 -0500, "Lee" > wrote:

>
>"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>
>
>> No idea, sorry.
>
>But you'll still give your opinion, won't you?
>
>> But I can say I've never
>
>There, I knew you could.
>

she has it down to an art. well, almost an art.

your pal,
blake

"blake murphy" > ha scritto nel messaggio
...
> On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:27:51 -0500, "Lee" > wrote:
>
>>
>>"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
>>>>
>>
>>
>>> No idea, sorry.
>>
>>But you'll still give your opinion, won't you?
>>
>>> But I can say I've never
>>
>>There, I knew you could.
>>
>
> she has it down to an art. well, almost an art.
>
> your pal,
> blake

She is not alone in that here.

On Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:55:39 +0100, "Giusi" >
wrote:
>
>"blake murphy" > ha scritto nel messaggio
.. .
>> On Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:27:51 -0500, "Lee" > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
>>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> No idea, sorry.
>>>
>>>But you'll still give your opinion, won't you?
>>>
>>>> But I can say I've never
>>>
>>>There, I knew you could.
>>>
>>
>> she has it down to an art. well, almost an art.
>>
>> your pal,
>> blake
>
>She is not alone in that here.
>

maybe not, but she is the foremost practitioner.

your pal,
blake

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.

SHELDON

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.
>
> SHELDON

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


-Tracy

"Tracy" > wrote in message ...
>
>
> 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.
>>
>> SHELDON
>
> 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
>
>
> -Tracy


Let's talk numbers. The nice brass mill you want is $60.00. How much is the
one from Penzey's?

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
> "Tracy" > wrote in message ...
>>

>> 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
>>
>>
>> -Tracy
>
>
> Let's talk numbers. The nice brass mill you want is $60.00. How much is the
> one from Penzey's?
>
>

I think they are selling a 6 inch model for around 24 bucks. The
catalog came with a coupon for the "free" companion salt shaker.

-Tracy

"Tracy" > wrote in message ...
>
>
> JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
>> "Tracy" > wrote in message ...
>>>
>
>>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>> -Tracy
>>
>>
>> Let's talk numbers. The nice brass mill you want is $60.00. How much is
>> the one from Penzey's?
>
> I think they are selling a 6 inch model for around 24 bucks. The catalog
> came with a coupon for the "free" companion salt shaker.
>
> -Tracy


Instead of blowing 24 bucks, stick it in an envelope, and add 5 bucks a week
until you can get the one you really want.

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

Sheldon wrote:

> 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.

Mine came from Penzey's, but I bought it several years ago. The ones
they sell now, have the plastic grinders, like you mentioned (the one I
have, has metal grinders). I was going to buy one for a friend, but
when I saw the plastic, I changed my mind.

Becca

Becca wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
> > 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. �
>
> Mine came from Penzey's, but I bought it several years ago. �The ones
> they sell now, have the plastic grinders, like you mentioned (the one I
> have, has metal grinders). �I was going to buy one for a friend, but
> when I saw the plastic, I changed my mind.
>
> Becca

The one I have I bought from Penzeys too, more than ten years ago. It
does have metal grinding burrs, albeit very small burrs, but it's the
little housing that holds the burrs that is plastic, and the plastic
housing that contains the metal burrs is pressed into the wooden body
with nothing holding it in place other than the pressure exerted by a
slightly undersized wooden hole... during periods of dry weather the
wood shrinks, the hole enlarges, and occasionally the entire mechanism
falls out. I have other wooden grinders but those all have a metal
plate screwed to the bottom that holds the mechanism in place
regardless of humidity. Also the plastic used for that housing is the
type used for cheap toys, it's not very stable like a nylon, delrin
and others, so with use over time it distorts and it no longer holds
the burrs in proper alignment. The model that Penzeys sold to me is
very poorly made.

"Tracy" > wrote

> 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.

I have this one, it grinds and loads like a dream:

http://www.unicornmills.com/index.cf... categoryID=1

nancy

Nancy Young wrote:
> "Tracy" > wrote
>
>> 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.
>
> I have this one, it grinds and loads like a dream:
>
> http://www.unicornmills.com/index.cf... categoryID=1
>
> nancy
>
>
That one looks very nice too! Decisions, decisions!

-Tracy
(determined to have a new pepper mill this weekend!)

"Tracy" > wrote in message ...
>
>
> Nancy Young wrote:
>> "Tracy" > wrote
>>
>>> 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.
>>
>> I have this one, it grinds and loads like a dream:
>>
>> http://www.unicornmills.com/index.cf... categoryID=1
>>
>> nancy
> That one looks very nice too! Decisions, decisions!
>
> -Tracy
> (determined to have a new pepper mill this weekend!)


Metal. Go for the metal. Metal is good. Plastic is not sexy.

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> I have this one, it grinds and loads like a dream:

<http://www.unicornmills.com/index.cf...rodInfo&produc
tID=3&categoryID=1>

The Magnum pepper mill (shown in the above page) was rated best in a
comparative review I read a couple of years ago - I think it was in
Cook's Illustrated.

Ikea stores carry a really nice, cheap spice mill:

<http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/pr...ProductDisplay
>

We have a couple of these, and they work really well (for pepper or
other spices). Ceramic grinding burrs, adjustable, easy to load, easy
to clean.

We also have a small Zassenhaus pfeffermühle. Small wooden body with
crank, in a very simple round shape, less ornate than the current ones.
Quite pretty. But I don't think they sell this model anymore. Their
current line is shown at

<http://www.zassenhaus.com>

--
Julian Vrieslander

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.

I noticed that too. I'm sure glad I got mine last
year. I don't care for the new style. I've had that
type before and I find them tiresome to use when you're
grinding a lot. I love the one I got last year with the
handle/crank. Much easier to deal with.

> Just wondering if it is a decent mill.

It's probably fine. Penzey's is known for good
quality so I wouldn't expect them to sell lousy
peppermills.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

I wonder if anyone was interested enough to call the home office,
whether they have any of the "old" mills left in stock.

I'm happy with the old Zazz, the bigger one, but I have to refill it way
too often. I now use it on the table and use a Greek brass one for
cooking because of the larger capacity.

gloria p

On Jan 11, 8:52 pm, Puester > wrote:
> I wonder if anyone was interested enough to call the home office,
> whether they have any of the "old" mills left in stock.
>
> I'm happy with the old Zazz, the bigger one, but I have to refill it way
> too often. I now use it on the table and use a Greek brass one for
> cooking because of the larger capacity.

When I complained that Penzey's had discontinued their powdered bay
leaf, a very nice person here helped facilitate getting some of their
remaining stock transferred here to my local store, and I want to
thank her again, though since I'm so out of favor with so many folks
here, I'll let her remain anonymous.
>
> gloria p

--Bryan

"Puester" > wrote

> I'm happy with the old Zazz, the bigger one, but I have to refill it way
> too often.

I'd forgotten about that. I had one of those for a while and was
never all that crazy about it, and you've reminded me it was always
time to fill the thing. Peppercorns everywhere. I wasn't heartbroken
when it was dropped and broken.

nancy

in > (Wed, 9 Jan 2008 18:28:37 -0800 (PST)), 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.

better late than never, i suppose...

i am almost ashamed to admit, but i now own four peppermills from Penzey's.
two of the larger Zassenhaus models with a crank and two of the newer models
(also the larger of the two sizes). i am a bit of a whore for peppermills

i actually prefer the grind of the Zassenhaus models a bit more, not to
mention the crank is a bit more convenient. i have never had a problem with
the Zassenhaus models losing the plastic parts due to wood shrinkage (did i
really just say ``wood shrinkage''?). but i use them often, and am
disappointed by the small hopper volume.

the newer ones are nice, but i wonder about quality control. i have two of
them. on the finest setting, one produces consistently fine grind, but one
is a bit coarse and inconsistent. i considered sending it back for
replacement, but i relegated it to stove top use exclusively where i don't
care so much about consistent grind.