I may pay $30 for this machine, but no more...anything more, and I would consider upgrading to something better.
Positive Product Points
Bought it really cheap! Not bad for a first burr grinder. Looks pretty good on the counter. The grinder is very simple to use.
Negative Product Points
Static is a problem...if you're not careful, coffee goes everywhere. Good only for french press or automatic drip. On occassion, I have to hold the "bean hopper" down for the grinder to complete. I don't like the "timer" knob. I would much rather have a button to push down and hold.
Detailed Commentary
If you can buy it cheap, it may be worth it. I went into the Carson's by my house and found it on a clearance shelf all by itself marked at 19.99. I thought that was decent since all I had was a "whirly" grinder. I brought it to the counter and the salesperson told me it was an extra 75% off! Fine by me.
There isn't much else to add that other's havent already said in previous reviews. The static is a problem. After grinding the coffee for the first time for a french press, I pulled out the coffee grind cup and tapped it on the counter. Coffee went everywhere because of the static. Furthermore when you try and place the cup back in place, there is coffee all over the grinder which can make it difficult to put it back in place. I have had to have a wet paper towel to wipe down the inside of the grinder before replacing the cup. But other than that, if you are careful, the mess can be kept to a minimum.
The only other thing I don't really like is that you have this little timer knob that you turn to the desired amount of cups of coffee needed. Every once in a while, when you turn the knob, after a few seconds, the grinder stops, and the timer continues. It seems that the grinder gets stuck and you have to push down the hopper for the grinding to continue. I would much rather have a button to push down and hold, because the knob seems to be a little inaccurate. I often find the six cups of coffee on the knob only produces a little more than half of that.
I haven't tried to modify it yet to get a better grind for espresso.
Buying Experience
No problems. Walked in...paid 5 bucks...walked out.
Three Month Followup
The machine isn't perfect, but it is still holding up. Every once in awhile, I'll have to hold the bean hopper down to keep it from shifting off of the grind setting, but that is usually when I have less beans in the hopper. The static thing is still a slight problem, but I have gotten used to it and now just rinse out the coffee grind cup after each use to remove the grounds that get left behind. Other than that, I have not made any modifications to the machine since I rarely make any espresso. It works just fine for my french press and vacuum coffee makers.
My wife complains that it is a little loud, but that hasn't really bothered me.
One Year Followup
One year later, and this has become the decaf grinder (my Kitchen Aid A-9 is my day to day grinder). I keep it empty for the most part, and fill it with some decaf when the in-laws come over or when entertaining. I use it on average twice a month for french press. The static is still there and I hold the hopper down as I mentioned in the 3 month follow up, but for the most part, it works just fine. My wife wants me to get another A-9 though...she thinks it would look better on the counter. If so, I'll take the Antigua to work.
