Gear ratio yields low speed (only 450 rpm). Glass rather than plastic means no static cling. It is also most beautiful coffee grinder I've seen.
Negative Product Points
Will not grind finely enough for espresso/cappucchino. Even after all adjustments (even opening it up and making internal adjustmments), I still only get brew cycle of about 5 seconds. I gave it a zero overall score from perspective of Espresso (i.e. my perspective), because it cannot be used.
Detailed Commentary
The coffee grinder does not grind sufficiently fine to brew espresso. (If you try it anyways, make sure you can return it with zero cost. Don't buy over the internet, because you'll definately be returning it).
Because the grinder does not grind sufficently fine, the pressure from the espresso machine pump forces the water through too fast. Thus, not enough oil or flavor is extracted. Also, after the brewing the used grounds in the portafilter (i.e. handle) are a soupy mess, another sign of an incorrect grind. No crema with this grinder.
I bought it because of the "first look" (CoffeeeGeek's Mark Price's September 2005 "First Look") which claimed that it was able to "choke" their test espresso machine (meaning that it ground fine enough to stop the water from passing through). If it were true, then this would mean that it only needed to be adjusted to yield an appropriate grind for a 25 second brew cycle. Unfortunately, even after opening up the grinder and making internal adjustments (according to the manual) to maximize the fineness of the grind, I was only able to get a brew cycle of only 5 seconds!!! You can imagine what the coffee taste like.
If you are only seeking to brew regular coffee, then this is a beautiful grinder for about $160. If you want espresso, keep saving your money for that Rocky (which appears to be the cheapest way to grind espresso for a 25 second brew). In the meantime, I'm still using the Supermarket's grinder (once a week runs ). I know its not the freshest, but suficiently fine grind is more important than a fresh grind.
Buying Experience
I had read all the positive and negative reviews, but decided to try it anyway. I wish I had spent the extra $40 to buy it at William-Sonoma (with easy return policy) rather than on-line for the lowest price of $159. Now, I'm stuck with a 15% restocking fee plus $15 in shipping costs. Live and learn. EverythingHome.com ships very slowly (three weeks) and doesn't ever answer the phones (even during regular business hours). Pinching pennies does always pay off.
