Keep your blade grinder until you've saved enough for Solis Maestro!
Positive Product Points
This grinder is a step up from a blade grinder for a relatively good price. It is usable for drip coffee and possibly for press pots, if you are willing to swallow a bit of sludge.
Negative Product Points
The PA-Burr produces an extremely uneven grind. It has some severe static problems. Not an attractive addition to the kitchen decor.
Detailed Commentary
The PA-Burr grinder is probably a decent upgrade from a blade grinder for drip coffee drinkers on a limited budget. Any other preparation method really does require a better grinder.
The manufacturer's documentation claims that this is a good grinder for all coffee types, and that it is usable for most espresso machines. This is a bit of a stretch. The grind is very uneven, and produces almost as much powder as my old whirly blade. Even on the finest setting, the grind is too coarse for espresso.
Static is a major problem with this grinder. No matter how carefully I handle the hopper, it seems that half my grounds end up stuck to my arm and to the counter.
Finally, this grinder just isn't that nice to look at. I know this isn't really of concern if its a functional unit, but it would be nice if it added something to your coffee bar's decor. The white plastic and squat design shout "Cheap appliance!".
Buying Experience
I purchased the grinder at a local kitchen supply store. Not much to tell as far as buying experience.
