Stunning to look at, easy to use and produces whatever you want from your beans, every time
Negative Product Points
90 Euros in shipping charges! Not the fault of the machine of course...but still!
The plate to catch stray grinds is pathetic and should have been bowl-shaped.
Detailed Commentary
This is my first grinder, but extensive reading of CG reviews convinced me this one was the right one for me. As nothing like this is easily available in Hong Kong, I ordered from Italy, as I'd had to for my La Pavoni Euro.
It was absolutely no problem to fit the few parts required for my doserless model; one screw to hold one the hopper and that's it. The click settings were a must for me as I make as much press coffee as espresso and I wanted to be able to go straight back to the original settings. This has proven to be as easy as I'd hoped. Although a relative beginner in the espresso world, I can't fault the grind and soon found the setting for my machine.
As I was paying so much for the shipping I thought I might as well splash out for the chrome model (50euro more) and am pleased I did. It looks stunning next to my brass La Pav - I am sure if they hade identical finishes it would look over-the-top.
The trap-door used for changing beans is simple but effective and the motor is very, very quiet, especially in comparison with the screech of my old blade grinder which probably woke up everyone in my building!
Buying Experience
espressocoffeeshop.com were extremely helpful over the phone, though had failed to answer some emails previously. I expect they speak all major European languages and English was absolutely no problem. Once I had confirmed my decision I was given help with colours available and delivery costs together with some complicated juggling with VAT rates. In the end, I was able to get 20%VAT off, but then had to pay full shipping. This was marginally cheaper than paying the tax and getting discounted shipping. The web order form is not brilliant and after inputting all my details I waited 3 weeks without hearing anything (they had told me 10-14 days as they were out of stock). When I phoned again they, at first, insisted the machine had been shipped weeks ago. I had to call American Express to find out if my account had been charged, then go back to the dealer to confirm this. Once they realised they had not been paid, they knew that they had also not shipped (I like that!!) and it arrived in 24 hours. I am sure this was an unusual mistake and I would have no hesitation in using them again. Very nice people who know their products.
