1) It is very easy to put coffee in the hopper 2) The timer is very easy to use 3) There is very little static when the coffee has been ground. 4) The grind is consistent
Negative Product Points
1) Difficult to clean 2) Grind adjustment is in the bean hopper 3) Takes multiple turns of timer to grind darker roasted beans 4) Finely ground powder builds up around the top of grind receptacle
Detailed Commentary
I have used this grinder for 10 years, and overall I believe that it does an excellent job for the home user. The grind is consistent, however the grind adjustment is located in the bin hopper, which is often difficult to reach with a full hopper. I go between my drip brewers, vacuum, press pots, etc. and each on uses a different grind.
I find that if I am brewing a lighter roasted coffee, a full turn grinds enough to almost fill the receptacle. If I am brewing a darker roasted coffee I have to turn the timer multiple times. I believe that this is related to two things. 1) The throat of the grinder is narrow 2) Darker beans are oily, therefore stickier. Trying to get the stickier beans down the narrow throat to the burrs is more difficult.
Cleaning the hopper is fairly easy; a paper towel does the trick. Cleaning the burrs, and the throat is more of a challenge. You need to turn the grinder upside down, and remove the Allen wrench (self contained, nice plus) then remove the burr. Once the burr (and the silver disk that holds the burr in place) is removed you simply need to find a way to scrub the upper burr, and also clean the narrow throat. This is an awkward procedure that needs to be done.
Overall, this is a very good grinder. The few negatives are clearly outweighed by the one thing that the grinder does well, namely grind coffee. It is durable, as ten years of almost daily use will attest. The reason I use my Ditting more often is because it is much easier to adjust the grind. If you do not switch brewers as often as I do, you cannot beat this grinder.
Buying Experience
I bought this grinder at The Coffee Connection in 1993 or 1994. I cannot recall the price paid, and whatever it was, it was worth it.
