After using for over four years, no significant negatives - other than having to tweak the adjustments when first purchased for it to grind fine enough for espresso.
Detailed Commentary
This is a nice looking, rugged machine that will last. Very broad range of grinds. But it has problems that make it unsuitable for some users, especially if you want to switch between flavored and non-flavored coffees, which would be a disaster for the "non flavored" coffee drinker. There are several places in the feed hopper and chute where beans hang up, and even shaking the machine will not dislodge all of them. Even if all you want to do is grind one type of bean, there's a ledge at the base of the feed hopper where beans will sit and go stale. And while the glass receiver is great at cutting static to near zero, I know it will get broken eventually. I've read some comments where this grinder cannot be adjusted to grind fine enough for espresso -- this has not been a problem for me. The one thing I do like about this grinder is that it is relatively easy to adjust -- I have managed a 3-4click range that works fine with my Silvia. Bottom line -- if you're ginding different beans for different brewing methods, I'd look for another brand. If this isn't an issue, the this is a great grinder that should give years of service (replacement parts are apparently available for everything that can wear or break).
Buying Experience
right now, this grinder is only available from Williams-Sonoma -- always a great place to shop, with great customer service. The order was placed the week before Christmas, yet it arrived in just three days without having to pay for special shipping.
Three Month Followup
I've been using this grinder for over three years and it is working great with Silvia. I had to adjust the burrs finer when I first got it, but have not had to do anything since. With other machines, I was wearing them out in about a year. This one is still on the original burrs and as stated, no further adjustments have been needed. This machine is rugged.
As for the bean lodging issue, it's really a non-issue after using the machine all this time. Still using the same bean hopper and grind cup -- not prone to breakage as feared.
One Year Followup
It's now over four years old and just replaced the burrs for the first time - very easy to do. With the initial fineness tweaks, this machine has worked very well and reliably for espresso/Silvia. It's clean, easy, and reliable.
