Nemox Lux: Produces a more consistent grind for espresso than the Rocky & MDF, with conical burrs comparable to a Zassenhaus.
Positive Product Points
The Nemox Lux is housed in a well finished stainless steel case, and is doserless in design. Its quality conical burrs give a superb, consistent grind for espresso. It has a nice overall appearance, looking like an expensive kitchen appliance, and it doesn't take up a lot of counter space.
A $30 investment in parts will upgrade the machine to stepless (see link below), allowing you to achieve precisely timed shots. It has simple internal wiring and a hefty grounded electrical cord. Some will complain about the pressure activated button behind the portafilter holder, but I find it to be a nice feature.
Negative Product Points
Although the stainless casing is "tank-like," the bean hopper and portafilter holder feel cheap compared to an MDF or Rocky. The hopper is just a small step better than the Capresso Infinity's. Also, the stock setup limits your ability to get nicely timed shots, as the difference between each step on the dial is 5-10 seconds. It doesn't produce static, but will make a mess of coffee grinds on the counter. It's louder than the Rancilio Rocky, but quieter than the Gaggia MDF.
Be careful when recalibrating--If the burrs touch too closely while zeroing, they will seize together tightly and are VERY hard to separate.
Detailed Commentary
The Nemox Lux is a fantastic grinder--an elusive gem of a machine. I think of it as a motorized Zassenhaus, because of its conical burrs and small profile.
My review is based on the fact that I purchased it refurbished on Ebay for $99. It's also based on my experience with Gaggia MDFs, a dosered Rancilio Rocky, a Capresso Infinity, and an old Zassenhaus hand grinder. Among these, the Lux is surpassed in excellence of grind only by the Zassenhaus. I attribute this to its well made conical burrs. I bought mine initially because I needed a small grinder to fit in my luggage for traveling, and the Lux is roughly half the size and weight of the MDF and Rocky. With the hopper removed, it's slightly larger than a hand-mill.
I recommend an upgrade to stepless for those using the Lux solely for espresso. After the mod you can finely tune your shots, but it will take FOREVER to go back and forth between drip and espresso coarseness. Follow this link for more information on the stepless mod: http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/grinders/393307
I also recommend the Lux because of the doserless design, something that a casual espresso drinker will appreciate. IMO, dosers are only necessary for commercial settings. The MDF and dosered Rocky require a cleaning after every use to get rid of the stale grinds left behind--a time consuming operation.
Yes I would buy it again, at retail price if necessary. This is the end-all grinder-of-grinders in my opinion. Whereas a flat-burred MDF or Rocky will set you back $250-400, the Lux, with its conical burrs, is relatively cheap and produces a better grind. It's much smaller and easier to maintain as well. If you want more out of a home grinder for casual espresso making, it's going to cost you several times as much as the Lux.
Buying Experience
It came quickly, but was full of grinds...That's Ebay for you. Though at this price it's worth the bother.
Three Month Followup
The nemox is still performing well. I've been using it about once a day for a double. I should also note that it survived a trip to Brazil in my checked luggage. If I could give it a higher cost vs value rating I would, the only thing that I dislike is that every week or so I have to vaccuum off the counter where it resides because of the explosive way it releases grinds.
