If your serous about your coffee, buy it, I dont think you will be disappointed. I would like to add that buying high quality products that last for years do not contribute to our growing waste problem.
Positive Product Points
Consistency Ease of use Seems like it should last for years Since I have bought this Rocky I have bought a Technivorm coffee maker. I am not exactly rich, but I like high quality that in the long run is cheaper and adding to global waste by throwing out something and replacing it every year or so. I now use a different grind for coffee and one for espresso and I like the precision of very small increments that less expensive dont have. It is a very high quality product in my mind and its hard to find faults worth talking about. A lot of people have made a big deal about leaving a few grounds after its sweep out empty. Maybe mine is better than normal but the amount is so small its not a concern to me. One thing I forget to add is this is a very quiet machine compared to those cheaper machines.
Negative Product Points
The only thing I can even remotely complain about is price. Mine only complaint about the Rocky is that I dont why they cant design a unit where you cant just take off the doser and use it without if you choose. I dont think it would be that hard to do. I have not used the doserless model but why does it have a switch in the front? With just a little better design I think they can make everybody happy. One Small problem I have noticed is that sometimes larger beans can get stuck because the finger guard is narrow, probably to kids small children's fingers out.
Detailed Commentary
Over the years I have several burr grinders that were ok but something always broke in a year or so. I was a little hesitant about spending $300. + for a grinder, but I know how important a good grinder is for good espresso. When I first got this unit I was impressed by the weight of it , even now when I go to move it I think its stuck. I tried several grinds and checked each with a high power jewelers loop for consistency and I was impressed how close each ground was at close detail. I have a 25 year old Coffex and I can make as good as a espresso as anywhere I been and Im real picky.(sadly most people can't make a descent espresso with $10,000 Machine. I bought the doser model because I use it mostly for espresso and Im glad I did. I figured if I didn't like it I could take it off. Its a high quality motor and burr set. You could spend more money if you want but I don't think you would get a better grinder.I am very happy with this unit and am glad I got it.
After having this for some time and using it a few times every day I can find no fault worth taking about. I would be surprised if in 10 years Im not still using it. Many people reading this might not be old enough to remember that some years back just about everything made in this country was high quality, but that is no longer true. Now everything with a U.S. name is made in china, so if you want quality you must look to Europe. I have always liked European products, but its really sad you cant but the high quality products that used to be made in the U.S. Its hard to buy something without being able to see it first so thats why these online reviews are so important to me and thank COFFEEGEEK.com for this forum that lets us find what we are looking for without leaving the house.
Buying Experience
I don' t remember the vender name other than it was in Washington and the service was fine. The vender was seattle coffee gear and I was happy with there service.
Three Month Followup
I have noticed the Rocky has just had a price hike again, would I spend that much more,probably but the weak American dollar makes it hard to justify the cost. But after having this for awhile you do realize it is built like a tank. If you go to move it you might think it is stuck because it is so heavy. If you want the best you just got to shell out the money.I have had a few of the smaller less expensive burr grinders over the years and they used to be a better value especially for european products. So the question is do you buy the cheap stuff made in china that does not last or spend more for something that will. I like the quality that lasts, it might be the best value in the long run.
