The Rancilio Rocky could not be any easier to use, although, I have read on CG that some like to re-wire the unit so it stays on with out holding the grind switch down, I have not found the need to do this in home use. The Rocky co-ordinates with my fridge and stove (I purchased the stainless model), and it fits under kitchen cabnet's nicely. The dosserless model Rocky is easy enough to clean. Moreover, the Rocky gives you choice being offered in doser or doserless model. Bang for the buck pricing, Sweet Maria's gives free shipping on this purchase.
Negative Product Points
My dear wife does not want to use it. She liked the spin blade grinder because there is no adjustment or thought required. DW just does coffee and leaves the espresso up to me.
Detailed Commentary
I had looked at many reviews on Coffee Geek and it seemed apparent that it came down to the Rancilio Rocky or grinders that were above the three hundred dollar mark.
I had been using a spin blade grinder prior to my adventure into the real world of coffee, the world of espresso coffee. I had been enjoying coffee for many years and even enjoyed the milk based cappy’s and latte’s from places like $tarbucks. After finding CG form on the WWW. I learned that the spin blade just breaks the beans apart while over heating them as well. To do coffee right, or espresso at all, you need to get a burr grinder. If you are going to change why change only part of the way, go the whole nine yards and if you find it is within your means-do it.
The knowledgeable people on CG had good things to say about the Rancilio that was good enough for me. It looks good, performs well and was within my budget.
If the Rancilio Rocky fits within your budget I would not hesitate to give it my whole- hearted recommendation.
Buying Experience
Top notch. Sweet Maria's was out of one of the items I had ordered and they called me severel times to let me know and to offer me a substitute item.
Three Month Followup
The Rocky doserless is a very capable grinder and all one would need for home use. However, where some may prefer to have the doser model, I prefer the doserless model. I measure the ground by eye to the top of the portafilter and find that my 30lb tamp gives me the clearance needed to keep the coffee from being impacted into the dispersion screen.
I find if I give the unit a slight tilt back and let it drop it will clean the chute of the couple of grams of errant grind that is left behind thus preserving the next cup from using the left over grounds, which are getting more stale by each passing second.
I feel I am getting upgrade fever in regards to my espresso machine, but I think my Rocky will be with me for the long haul.
Highly recommended *****
One Year Followup
After upgrading to a Mazzer Mini I find I still use the Rock more often, I have two set-ups. I still whole heartedly recommend this grinder to anyone looking for a home grinder. The value is still a 10 in comparison to what else is being offered at this time, and on a personal note I am glad to have chosen the doserless model.
