Great value, top quality in a compact, attractive package
Positive Product Points
Beautiful machine. Small size and footprint. Infinitely adjustable. Great value
Negative Product Points
Clogs pretty easily. It clearly requires a stern tapping after each use to clear the inevitable clog.
Detailed Commentary
The Ascaso is really quite attractive. It is also very solidly built with a black, brushed aluminum exterior. The micro adjustment is so gradual that it can be turned one or two full revolutions and yet still yield only a minute difference in grind. It took me a while to find the right grind but now it produces a perfect shot each and every time.
It is doserless which is a feature I was after. It doesn't have a timer but I measure my coffee by weight and grind what I need in to a bowl. For some I am sure the absence of a timer and/or doser would be annoying. The I-2 is only 6 dollars more and has a timer. It can also be had with a doser. The I-2 is larger and I opted for the mini which, as mentioned, fits what I wanted very well. The I-2 has the same motor and burrs as the I-mini but has a different exterior.
This grinder won't work if you regularly want to change grind settings say between drip coffee and espresso. The single biggest drawback would be it's tendancy to clog. I use it daily and have come to terms with this quirk. After using it I give it a bang on the side or the back and the chute empties the clog.
This machine doesn't leave me wanting in any way other than to be clog free.
Buying Experience
Very average. I ordered online based on price. It eventually arrived packed in a lovely series of boxes.
