Best Buy for Conical Burr Grinder

Solis Maestro Conical Burr Grinder

I have made the progression from a "whirly" grinder, to a German burr hand grinder, to the conical burr Solis Maestro. I also have tested the Black and Decker Burr Mill, and the GE Burr Mill 169132.

While the greatest drawback to the Solis is the noise, it would be difficult for me to find any other fault with this machine. After all, what is a grinder for? To grind coffee to the specification you want, be it espresso, French Press, or Drip Brew. The Solis Maestro delivers, period!

And easy to use is an understatement. Like most of us guys, I didn't bother reading any instructions. The machine is simple enough to use and easily comes apart for cleaning. Putting it back together is no great challenge. Mine is an earlier model that does not have the timer, and the bean reservoir is used to select the grind.

I was especially pleased at finding one so inexpensively, when most good conical burr grinders go for $125 on the low side. Finding this one at $79 shipping included was a steal. Even at $99 this is still a great buy.

I grind coffee everyday, several times a day. During the week it is usually drip brew, and espresso on the weekends for lattes or whatever. As a rule I go through 1 1/2 pounds of whole bean coffee per week, so that gives you an idea of how much this grinder has been used over the last two years.

I have also ground a full pound of coffee for friends and customers. It usually takes about three grinds to do 1 pound, and the machine does not heat up as you might expect. Get warm, yes, but not hot.

This machine can do the powder fine grind for Turkish, or the coarse for French Press. While it is not commercial grade for heavy grinding it is ideal for the home coffee enthusiast. So I'm not at all sure why some think this should be the next step to something more expensive, other than to satisfy the egoic thinking that if it's more expensive it must be better. My opinion of course.

So call it entry level if you want. If it gets the job done and is easy to use, what else matters?