Solid conical grinder that works very well for a large range of grinds.
Positive Product Points
Consistent grind across the whole range No static Relatively quiet Easy to clean
Negative Product Points
Leaves a fair amount of coffee in the area around the burrs. Control with mechanical timer is too coarse to grind for single shots.
Detailed Commentary
This replaces my trusty Bodum Antiqua. After years of only drinking drip I got the espresso bug. The limitations of the Antiqua became apparent when the Gaggia showed up in my house. I started looking for a reasonably priced replacement. I wanted to be able to easily switch the grind between brewing methods and still have enough control to adjust for espresso. After checking out alt.coffee I decided the Infinity fit that bill. I couldn't be happier with my choice.
The grinds are consistent from Press pot coarse to dust fine. The grind is adjusted by rotating the beans hopper. There are 16 detented positions but you can use between the clicks if you hold the hopper. I can acheive correct shot timing in the "Fine" range. One of the "Medium's" works for Drip or Vac. "Extra Fine" stalls the Gaggia.
Compared to the Antiqua, the Infinity is remarkably static free. No grounds flying around. Everything stays in the grounds container and the container stays in the machine. The Bodum container had a disconcerting tendancy to "walk out" while grinding unless held in place. For Drip or Vac the Infinity chamber pours grounds just fine. If you try to pour into a portafilter though the curves and corners make it difficult fill just the filter. I always end up with a little pile on the side. I can't find a consistant position on the mechanical timer to get just enough for a double, so I always grind a little more. Maybe that's what ends up outside the filter. This grinder like the Antiqua requires a little pat on the back to get residual grounds from the chute. My wife called it the "Bodum Burp". I guess it needs a new name.
Cleaning is easy. The bean hopper lifts off and the center burr pulls up to expose what needs cleaning. A fair amount of grounds are left in the grind chamber--more than the Bodum. They give a tiny brush to clean with. I haven't figured out how to use it so I use my group brush. Easy enough. A few swipes with the brush on the burrs, turn the machine upside down to knock stuff out of the chamber (or vacuum if you like) and you're done.
I have the metal bodied version. It comes with a three prong electical plug. I like to fact that the chassis is grounded. I think this may contribute to eliminating the static problem. There is a nice solid feel to the machine. Time will tell how well it holds up. The clean comtemporary look fits well on my counter.
The faults above are very small and the benefit of getting a good espresso grind is great. All in all I think the Infinity is a remarkable bargain. I would definitely buy it again.
Buying Experience
Mr. J's is a local kitchen supply store. The sales person couldn't answer one of my questions so she called the Capresso rep. I really like service with the human touch.
Three Month Followup
Wanted to write 1 year followup but the software requires an entry here before it will accept it. Go figure.
One Year Followup
It's been a year and I'm still impressed by this grinder. I lucked into a deal on a LaCimbali grinder so that has taken over espresso duties, but I drink much more brewed coffee so the Infinity is still the twice a day workhorse. It still grinds evenly and sounds the same as new--no bearing noise. The little numbers around the timer knob are showing wear but apart from that it still looks good. Can induce static with very old, very dry beans but no static with fresh beans. Still recommend the Infinity.
