A great grinder, this Pasquini Moka 90, AKA Anfim "Best"
Positive Product Points
Built to last a lifetime Consistent Grind Relatively quite and fast
Negative Product Points
Doser is unnecessary for home use
Detailed Commentary
The unit I own is a Pasquini Moka 90, which I bought about 10 years ago with a Pasquini Livia 90, as a set. I'm writing this review to clear up a misconception in some of the other reviews. Although Pasquini may have sold the Anfim "Haus" as a Moka branded unit, the Moka 90 is NOT a "Haus" - it's an Anfim "Best". It has the 54mm burrs, the same boxy shape and switch position, same doser, same 300W motor... it's the "Best". If you happen upon a used Moka 90, relax and buy it with confidence. I don't know if the current crop of Pasquini Moka grinders are "Haus" or "Best" units, but the Moka 90 is the "Best".
The previous reviewers said pretty much all that needs to be said about this grinder. It's extremely well built, relatively quiet, powerful, and consistent. Much has been written regarding it's step adjustments (there are 56 steps), but I do find that the steps hold a very consistent grind, and it's quite easy to simply pull down the pin and rotate to a "mid" position between the steps, holding the hopper in position for the few seconds it takes to grind the beans. You can certainly hold a mid-point between two steps, giving you 112 positions, which should be more than enough. In any case, I find that different beans require different settings, which actually causes more imperfect results than the step limitations, at least until you've "Dialed in" the right setting for a particular bean and grinding situation.
Regarding the doser, I find it an unnecessary annoyance when I'm grinding for one cup for myself, but a nice addition when you've got a crowd.
I've had this grinder for 10 years, and will probably never have a reason to buy another. The burrs are still extremely sharp, but I'll probably buy a spare set ($32) in the near future just to assure that I have it around if Anfim ever goes out of business.
Buying Experience
Purchased at Peets with a Livia 90, on a whim, after fighting cheaper machines for a few years. 10 years later I'm still delighted with both, having never had a minute's trouble with either.
Incidentally, the price paid (listed above) is a guess. I actually have no idea what I paid, as it was part of a set with the Livia 90. As I recall I paid about $1200 for both, which was a good deal then and, in retrospect, one of the best investments I've ever made, considering the return in pleasure and caffeine!
