KitchenAid is one of the more popular and trusted brand names on the marketplace today when it comes to kitchen appliances. Their venerable mixers are seen in most foodie television shows, not because they look good (well maybe) but because they're work horses and in many ways the industry standard. I know a lot of top chefs around North America use KitchenAid products in their restaurants.

KitchenAid's line of major appliances are often the consideration for high end designer kitchens because again, they are work horses and engineered well. Where other companies tend to capitalize on their brand name and bring out inferior products (hint to Cuisinart), for a long time KitchenAid has kept the quality level high, with very few exceptions (some of their budget coffee makers are a bit scary).

About a year or so ago, KitchenAid came out with a new line of small appliances under their new devision, "Pro Line". As a nod to the coffee world (one I really appreciate), almost all of the initial product roll outs were coffee related: a coffee making system, an espresso machine, and the subject of this first look, the Pro Line Coffee Grinder. For a period, only one company (Williams Sonoma) had exclusivity on the machines, but now they're being sold by a wide range of vendors from Amazon to Illy, from 1st in Coffee to Whole Latte Love.

Even before I get into this first look, I want to talk about perceptions and opinions - mine. Before I even got these machines I have to admit I was hoping they'd score very well. Why? Because I'm delighted that a major company specializing in appliances (as opposed to a major appliance company) would get involved in higher end coffee and espresso equipment. I had a KitchenAid mixer which was absolutely bulletproof and very retro looking, and if the style and quality of the mixer is anything to go by, this new Pro Line equipment is something I was holding out high hopes for as well.

But I plan to be as objective and critical of these machines as I am with any machine we review. My rose coloured glasses only lasted for the first 30 minutes or so after the long ordeal of getting these parcels (in the Detailed Reviews, I'll talk about how these machines were held up in customs for months). I will say this - my first few weeks with the Pro Line grinder looks to be very promising.

This grinder is $199, and can be purchased through Amazon.com.

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