Cheap Attractive on counter Consistent coarse grind for French Press
Negative Product Points
Grind adjustment malfunctioned on two machines (replaced the first one, but expect any further replacements would have the same problem) Difficult to clean. Difficult to remove and replace the upper burr.
Detailed Commentary
I've had two copies of this model for four months. The owner's manual says to disassemble and clean the burrs frequently to prevent coffee oil and dust going rancid. First machine couldn't be adjusted after I removed & replaced the upper burr for cleaning it the first time. With the replacement machine I've been a lot more careful in setting the grind adjustment wheel to "fine" when removing the upper burr. This worked for the first several cleanings, and I could grind fine for my drip pot and coarse for my French Press. But now the machine is stuck on coarse and cannot be changed. This is tolerable given the cheapness of this device, and I do like the consistency and flavor of the coarse grind (no sludge in the bottom of the cup) used for French Press. I may not try to disassemble and clean it any more in order to keep the grind it produces and hope the rancid oil doesn't become a problem for me. Others' comments about the loud operating noise, & static charge that keeps coffee dust adhering to the sides of the plastic receiver are true for me as well, but neither are not really a problem here. This model's design was not thoroughly consumer tested IMO. I hope to update this review in a few months.
Buying Experience
Target is good to shop at and they were pleasant about the replacing the first machine within the first 30 days.
Three Month Followup
I don't use the grinder every day -- maybe a week a month, so this review is really based on three weeks steady use. I am still using it, though. It is still grinding coarse, which is what I want for my french press. The grind is uniform and I have VERY LITTLE "mud" in the bottom of my last cup. That is all very satisfactory. On the other hand I have not tried to disassemble the burrs for cleaning since the first week I owned it, nor have I tried to change the grind fineness. My earlier experience with this model showed me that trying to do either resulted in the machine no longer grinding coarse. I haven't yet noticed any "rancid" taste or smell from not cleaning the burrs. I will remain attentive to that. The machine is pretty noisy, so I typically pick it up off the counter when I use it, which lowers the effective roar to something more tolerable. If and when the grinder dies I will update this review. Otherwise I'll be back in a year.
