The best grinder I‘ve owned for performance and lack of mess.
Positive Product Points
Grinds fast, relatively quiet, very little static, no mess, and excellent grind consistency over a wide range of settings.
Negative Product Points
None so far
Detailed Commentary
I‘ve owned several burr (melita, capresso, salton) and blade grinders, and even a cuisinart grind and brew unit, and this on is by far the tops. All of the previous burr grinders I‘ve owned have left the counter dirty due to poor design and high static. The Maestro is mess free. First, it deposits coffee into the plastic bin from the top, not from the side as did the other units I‘ve owned. That means there‘s no top on the plastic catch bin. All of the other burr grinders I‘ve owned had a top, which when opened caused a mess on the counter due to static. And due to the Maestro bin‘s precise and tight fit, there is no leakage of coffee dust as the coffee is being ground and it generates little static. In fact, you can grind coffee directly into a paper filter or expresso unit if so desired and bypass the catch bin entirely.
This grinder provides the best evidence yet that every other grinder I‘ve tried has actually burned or altered the coffee bean‘s flavor. I am able to make a stronger, better tasting cup of coffee, without even a hint of bitterness.
The quality if the burr itself is outstanding. It looks nothing like the burrs on any of the other grinders I‘ve owned. It is likely that the quality of the blade is responsible for it‘s ability to grind coffee quickly without burning/altering the beans further.
It‘s relatively easy to clean, and relatively sturdy for a home unit. The only weak point I can see is possibly the bean hopper, as it seems a bit flimsy.
At $129, the unit is pricey. But it delivers by far the best cup of coffee I‘ve yet been able to brew at home. So it proves to me to be an excellent value.
