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Underwhelmed
So utterly disappointing! After reading all the reviews and technical descriptions I settled on the K.A. because of the K.A. reputation and because it's the only burr grinder with a glass catch bowl. I was tired of the static cling inherent with plastic catch containers. Plastic containers also abrade thus exacerbating the cling problem. So I'll keep this exorbitant purchase (costing 4 times as much as I needed to spend) but very begrudgingly. First, the auger feed mechanism LOOKS robust and more than adequate to the task but doesn't work worth a darn. I time the grind to meter the amount of ground coffee. This method doesn't work because the feed occasionally cavitates throwing the timing off entirely. Further, the fact that there is no timer on this expensive machine is a bit surprising to begin with. I have to use the sweep second hand on my watch. Secondly, there apparently remains a sufficient amount of ground coffee in the grinding chamber after the motor is shut off to turn rancid and spoil the next day's batch. My coffee no longer tastes as good as it used to. I expected far more from Kitchen Aid, especially considering the tall price. However, the grind uniformity is very good.
[Thursday, December 04, 2008]
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Nice unit overall....
Its a solid unit and does a very good job providing an even grind. Its relatively quiet as well.
Only negatives are
- Its got a large "footprint" (takes up counter space)
- On occasion the beans get stuck in the feeder mechanism requiring a slight tap.
- The dial does shimmy a little when grinding (which may be a sign of issues to come?)
Its certainly not cheap but does a nice job and seems to be of solid construction. We're using in a small office environment.
[Monday, December 01, 2008]
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Best Coffee Grinder You Can Buy
This is the best coffee grinder you can buy. The grind is uniform and your coffee will taste better as a result. I bought one for the office and was so happy with it, I bought one for my home. I've owned both for about two years. Other people who share my office have used it and bought one for THEIR homes after using it. It's that good.
It has a few flaws, but they can be easily overcome. Here's how:
1. The lower glass container is pretty thin, and removing it can knock coffee dangling from underneath the unit onto your countertop. Here's the solution to both problems: DON'T USE IT! That's right, I don't even know where either of mine are. Put the coffee in the top container, then hold the filter underneath the unit and turn it on. You won't break the glass container because you won't use it, the paper filter won't knock the coffee from the bottom of the unit, and, as an added plus, there is nothing to clean.
2. There is no measure on the upper container. Big deal, for $1 at any kitchen store, you can but a measuring scoop. Try to find a flat bottom one if you can.
3. Some beans get stuck above the grinding gears. Another non-issue: for $1, at any kitchen store or coffee shop, you can buy a small coffee brush (it looks like a watercolor paint brush, but with very short bristles arranged in a wide, flat pattern).
So the technique is: scoop the amount of coffee you want with your $1 scoop. Hold a filter underneath with one hand and grab your $1 brush with the other. Turn the unit on and use the brush to brush the coffee beans around. 10 seconds later, you are done and there is NOTHING to clean, EVER!
You'll never go back: we never did and everyone who uses it in my office buys one for their home.
[Friday, November 28, 2008]
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