There is no way the other MUCH more expensive grinders are better, unless they do something else I'm unaware of like wash your car and mow the lawn.
Positive Product Points
Great Function, Solid Construction, Perfect Results
Negative Product Points
LOL, engineers don't always notice things like color coordination... Hopper doesn't "lock" in, but fits well enough: just don't bump it while you sleep walk.
Detailed Commentary
A little color consistency would have been nice, e.g. black screw and smoke gray hopper or clear pyrex. The hopper doesn't fit "perfectly" so if you're a zombie like me in the morning, do yourself a favor and just respect the fact that the hopper isn't supper glued in there so you don't end up knocking it off the grinder and having to pick up all your beans off the counter and floor.
Now, for the positive: This grinder is truly incredible. It clogged up my Expobar Office Lever with it's capability to grind coffee so fine as to make it unusable. So I dialed it back little by little and now I have the perfect setup. The grind is fluffy and fine like powder and combined with a decent quality espresso machine, you'll have a fantastic start to your morning. I was very lucky and asked some sales people at whole latte love and 1st Line for advice with my espresso machine and grinder, and I was so fortunate to get advice from people who really know their stuff! I wanted top of the line, but I don't have money to burn. Well this Lelit is proof that you don't have to spend the equivalent of a mortgage payment to get a top of the line grinder. Really, just buy it. Unless you just have to get a Mazzer so all the plastic on the grinder matches, you're nuts if you think you're getting more by spending more. Seriously, someone is going to have to prove me wrong because I absolutely love this grinder! Like others I have a separate and less expensive grinder for making french pressed coffee. The Lelit is definitely the perfect espresso grinder for the home (or even a small cafe).
Buying Experience
Product was recommended by 1st LIne. It was out of stock, I was told the product was worth the wait: they weren't kidding, I LOVE IT! Very happy customer!
Three Month Followup
Works great, but use exclusively for espresso once the grinder is set, it's set... easier to use a separate grinder for a regular coffee grind.
One Year Followup
Still Love it, but still think the parts should be replaced so all the plastic on it is the same color. No, I never asked them to do it. Maybe I should.
