Great looking, space-saving design, quick grink, sturdy build, all metal
Negative Product Points
Extremely inconsistant grind, does not grind fine enough for pump driven espresso machines, messy spout that needs constant clearing
Detailed Commentary
I was so excited to get this grinder as a gift. It was my first grinder, and I'm a sucker for good looks in a kitchen appliance. Kitchenaid advertises that this machine has enough settings to grind from French Press to espresso, but it absolutely does not grind finely enough for a pump-driven esspresso machine. Try as I might on the finest setting, I could not get a decent pull with this grinder.
We decided to keep it anyway, because it looked so charming on our kitchen counter. We use it now for drip and french press, but it is barely even adequate for these. On courser settings, there is stll an extremely inconsistant grind, from nice and course to powder, which leaves more than desirable residue in a french press brew. It's okay for drip coffee with a filter.
No matter how oil the coffee is, it will always stick in the spout. Either get used to having a substantial chunk of stale coffee in your next grind, or clean out the thing with a toothpick after every use.
I bought a Gaggia MDF for my espresso a couple weeks after dealing with the Kitchenaid machine and am *extremely* happy with its performance. There is absolutely no comparison.
