LOVE LOVE LOVE this! For those 'hard' spices that you want to do 'fresh' this is perfect. The Cast Iron breaks through and grinds perfectly. I also love the top insert where you can store the 'left overs'. Not too big - just keep on your counter and looks nice. Highly recommend.

requires a little more effort than expected but works great and seems indestructible

I have several spice grinders, from a small mortar and pestle to a power grinder. But none of them can compete with this Cast Iron Spice Grinder from Zassenhaus. First off, it is cast iron which means it is heavy. This heavy weight means grinding is easier because you don't have to put a lot of power behind it. No more sore arm from trying to force the grind with the pestle. Next, controlling the grind is easy because you can look at your grind as you go forward and judge when to stop grinding. With my power grinder, I either got it too coarse and had to try and grind again or way too fine because the second grind went from coarse to overly fine in just one pulse. This grinder is not that hard to use. I don't have to try and grind all of the spices at once. I can grind a few and then place it in the top half, cover it with the included wooden top and keep grinding. Once ground, it is easy to measure out of the upper container with measuring spoons as it is large enough to even accept a tablespoon size measuring spoon. Cleanup is a breeze as all I have to do is use a brush to clean up the inside and outside of the grinder. No need to clean with water as everything brushes out so no chance of rusting. And it brushes cleanly so there is no cross contamination from grinding different spices. This grinder is great for pro chefs and amateurs alike but is wonderful to an amateur like me. No more wasted spices.

Always looking for non-electric tools, and this one fits the bill.

I love this grinder. It's heavy, sturdy and works great! It grinds some of the toughest spices to a powder if need be. I keep it out on the counter because it looks great as well.