There's a grinder that's been around for quite some time... a grinder which has set the standard other grinders try to meet (and beat) in the home market place.

That grinder is the Rancilio Rocky - a true veteran of the home, office, and indeed, the small cafe marketplace.

The Rocky was introduced to the world in 1989, the same year the Rancilio Audrey home espresso machine came about. When it hit the market, it was a bit of a sensation - it featured commercial grade burrs, and from the get go used a professional grade motor and gearing system. In fact, it was the same motor and gear system found in Rancilio's low end commercial grinders.

With some 14 years under its belt, the Rocky has solidified it's role in the upper echelons of the home espresso market. So why review it? Because we can! And because, while the product has a solid rep and sizable user base, CoffeeGeek decided to tackle the grinder fresh, and compare it with some of the other big players that have hit the market today.

As always, this is a First Look - not a Detailed Review. This is based on our very first take at the grinder - about a weeks' worth of testing. In addition, we have the very capable Dana Leighton doing this First Look, and Doug Wiebe will be doing the Detailed Review - the main reviewer around here, Mark Prince, has too much history with this grinder, so a fresh look by someone who has never used a Rancilio Rocky was required.

Enjoy the First Look!

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