Pleasantly Surprised
I have been using the grinder twice a day for about a week. I wanted to comment on some of the reviews I have read.I have been using a blade grinder for convenience for quite a few years. I owned an Italian hand burr grinder that mounted on a table or on the wall. It was messy and to keep the wife happy I stopped using it. I liked the rhythm, working a little for my brew (it required some force to turn in a vertically oriented circle, but not intolerable). I lost it in a move and, upon reading up trying to improve the taste of my coffee, I discovered that the burrs are highly recommended.So after a friend accidentally damaged the lid on my whirlybird, I decided to invest again in a burr grinder. Not having the expendable income to purchase a high-end grinder, I decided to try the Bodum, with some reservations.I am so far very satisfied. I don't know where the complaints about grinds flying around are coming from. I roast my own beans, drinking both decaf and regular in many varieties, and there is virtually no mess, I have never considered wiping anything up. I grind between drip and espresso on the machine, about three-fourths of the way toward the finest grind. Perhaps the problem with others comes from the coarseness of the grind, or maybe just different production quality. The glass vessel into which the grinds fall seems solid and fits snugly in my hand.The grind seems exceptionally even. There is no comparison whatsoever with my last grinder. The quality of the coffee has improved greatly, I am again tasting flavors I remembered from the days of the old hand grinder. I was skeptical but I imagine the extraction is so even that you maximize the flavor. I am loving it so far.The 20 second issue is problematic. At the above setting, I can grind four coffee scoops of beans (one tablespoon each) in 20 seconds. But sometimes I grind five and I run to a stop with beans left. I have decided to wait maybe fifteen seconds and then hit the start button for another six to eight seconds and then stop it to grind the remaining beans. It is mostly just finishing up bits and pieces at that point. I will see how this affects the motor.If the motor lasts, then this is an awesome deal. I have not tried the espresso grind, don't have a machine. But the 3/4 fineness is very fine. There is a video online from a Seattle store that demos the machine. I would imagine that a better quality machine would cost three times as much. The lack of a mess is such a big advantage, and the flavor is unquestionably better. If this is in your price range, I highly recommend you try it.Update: After nearly 18 months the grinder is working as well as ever. I make coffee twice daily, no sign of slowing down, no strange noises. I am very happy with this purchase!Update #2: After four years of grinding, making coffee at least twice a day, this Bodum is still going strong. No problems whatsoever, no mess on the counter, still an even grind.I have no issues, it works like new. If I exceed the 20 seconds when making a larger pot I always let the grinder rest for a minute or so to give the motor a break.Since I purchased this grinder I have had to replace both my automatic drip coffeemaker and my coffee roaster. As expenditures go in this throw-away society, this has been an excellent investment,Gary