This thing looks great, it fits under the counter, it performs flawlessly, and its built like a tank! The last grinder you'll ever need.
Positive Product Points
Perfect grind Clean Quiet Fast Looks great Fits under the counter
Negative Product Points
Price -- if my wife ever finds out. . . . Limited availability -- I had to wait several weeks for mine.
Detailed Commentary
This is the best home espresso grinder -- bar none! The MM is surely a fine machine but the Cimbali is better in important ways -- bigger disks, more heavy duty motor, easier grind adjustment, and it fits under a standard kitchen counter. It's really not possible to overstate the quality of this machine. It's solid (34 pounds), very quiet, and fast. The grind quality is perfect and is easily adjusted. I am making the best, sweetest espresso ever -- grind, dose, tamp and pull -- the Tea does the rest --- wonderful, slow, viscous, aromatic -- delicious!
I am already able to time my double dose grind almost perfectly. Eight seconds and a few flips of the doser handle = full double portafilter. If you chose to use the metered dosing feature, a twist of a rather large knob inside the dosing chamber is all that is needed for adjustment -- no screwdriver necessary. Grind adjustment is stepless and fine adjustments are easy because it takes quite a large turn of the knob to get any significant result. It was fun searching for the right grind -- I started way too coarse (around 4.5) -- what a gusher that produced! I've settled for the moment just above 3, which is just right with a hard tamp given curent humidity, etc. The grind is very fine grain -- not at all powdery. There is no static.
Ergonomically the design leaves nothing to be desired. The large bean hopper and dosing chamber are easy to access for cleaning, and both hold more than any home user is likely to need. My "system" is to load up about 1/2 pound of beans and grind each dose to order. The tightly fitted lids and tinted chambers will help keep the beans fresh for the couple of days between fills. This is also a very clean system. The ground coffee drops neatly into the portafilter and a large removable tray catches the few strays.
The owners manual leaves much to be desired but this is not rocket science. It took me no more than 15 minutes to unpackage, read the manual, plug it in, fill with beans and go.
My advice -- call Chris today and order yours.
Buying Experience
Chris lived up to his reputation. Since I had already purchased my Isomac Tea from him I knew that he'd be willing to take whatever time was necessary talking me through the purchase, setup and operation process. Great customer service -- I know he'll be there if problems arise.
Three Month Followup
I love this machine! It's very easy to clean -- burrs are easily accessable and there is little ground coffee captured between the burrs and the doser anyway. The grind is perfect every time and adjustments are easy. If you want the very best espresso grinder for home, this is it! Other than the price, there are just no negatives -- I wouldn't trade it for any other grinder.
One Year Followup
This is the perfect high-end home espresso grinder! I've made one modification by removing the plastic guard inside the doser in front of the burrs for easier cleaning. It just keeps humming quietly along, perfect grind after perfect grind. . . Other grinders get all the hype, but they couldn't possibly be better than the Cimbali!!! I still wouldn't trade it for any other grinder.
