Great, quiet, espresso grinder with a very consistant grind.
Negative Product Points
My only compaint is that the burrs are not fully adjustable, and that you must use the stop points allowed by the grinder.
Detailed Commentary
This grinder was purchased with the Livia90, and Base from 1st Line equipment. The set is a awesome combination if you are looking for a good espresso machine/grinder combo. They will beat any price.
The grinder has settings that will allow the burrs to rub, choking your machine, to very coarse/drip brew settings. However, this is a espresso only grinder. The doser is very solid with a metal dosing handle and heavy duty construction. The doser does, however, leave some grinds in the hopper regardless of how many times you pull the dosing lever. The amount of grinds left are minimal, but this may be an annoyance to some. The grinder does offer half-steps between the grind settings allowing for a little better fine tuning of you grind. The shute that feeds the hopper does have coffee left in it after you grind as well, especially if you are using a darker roast and freshly roasted coffee beans. The burrs do an excellent job of producing a consistant grind. I would certainly place this grinder mechanically on the same level with the mini mazzer, my only reservation in doing so is the fact that you cannot fully adjust your grind settings, you must use the manufactured stopping points, and half stops. This has not presented a problem to me, and I have been able to dial in the grinder to produce excellent grinds for use with my Livia.
1st Line gives a 1 year warranty on parts and labor for this grinder (I don't think you will need it). The grinder body is made of solid metal with no plastic cheapy parts. It comes apart for cleaning very easily and cleans up nicely. Everything on this grinder is well made. The profile on this grinder is a little lower than the mazzer or other grinders which may be nice for some who wish to place it under a cabinet. It is a very nice looking addition to any espresso setup.
Buying Experience
GREAT people to deal with. I will never go anywhere else for and espresso equipment if they carry it and are reasonable.
