Gaggia MDF, Cimbali Max Hybrid, Quick Mill Doserless, Mahlkönig K30 Vario
Bottom Line:
Too "cheesy" and "cheap" for regular, daily use, though as an occasional second grinder (decaf; backup), it could work fine.
Positive Product Points
Low-priced, solid grinder in a small footprint with very little clumping
Negative Product Points
Doser "feels" really cheesy (e.g.: lightweight and flimsy), but in fact works fine. It does throw some grinds, however.
Detailed Commentary
So I needed another grinder (don't ask) and wanted to buy another Quick Mill Doserless/Stepless, but it was unavailable. I looked to the Nuova Simonelli, and -- initially -- looked at the MCI (doserless), but opted instead for the MCF (doser) model.
Small footprint, relatively quiet, and though not stepless, "infinitely" adjustable. The worm-gear adjustment is very fine, meaning you have along way to go if switching back-and-forth from Espresso to Press Pot, but it can handle both extremes and everything inbetween.
Easy to use, and there is an automatic shutoff if the grinder motor gets too hot. The doser handle does feel lightweight and flimsy, but it works fine, and the complaint is tactile rather than factual.
Very consistent grind, very well-made (despite the flimsy-feeling doser handle), and very affordable. Who could ask for more?
Buying Experience
As always, dealing with 1st-Line is easy, simple, and a pleasure.
Three Month Followup
The "lightweight, flimsy" aspects of this grinder continue to bug me. It's not that I was expecting this to behave like a Mazzer Robur, but its shortfalls grow more annoying. The square hopper, for example, looks great aesthetically, but it also means that the beans to not completely feed -- some stop on the "creases" of the square -- you need to push them in yourself. The grind quality itself is fine for the price; the grinder itself bugs me.
One Year Followup
I no longer use this grinder, and in fact am putting up for sale. The reasons are clearly stated in the "3 Month Followup." Besides, with a Cimbali Max Hybrid, and a Mahlkönig K30 Vario, who needs the NS MCF???
