Salton Automatic Coffee Mill does the job, but other brands are better
Written: Jul 31 '01 (Updated Aug 30 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cord can be wrapped around the base, doesn't spit coffee grounds onto your counter
Cons: Clogs constantly, grind is not consistent
The Bottom Line: It is adequate and will perform its function, but other brands are easier to use.
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| Kris.'s Full Review: Breville CM4 Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker |
I bought the Salton Coffee Grinder several months ago. I was not expecting a lot from a cheap grinder, but I am still somewhat disappointed in this machine.
So what's the problem?
Grind consistency - The size of the coffee granules is not consistent. Even though it is a burr grinder, the results are what you would expect from a blade grinder. When using the coarse grind, you will get a range of sizes from coarse to very fine (like dust). This is not a problem when using a normal coffeemaker, but you cannot use a french press unless you want murky, grainy coffee.
The coffee dust sticks to the top of the collection bin, and it also coats the inside of the grinding mechanism. This leads to my biggest complaint...
Maintainence - The machine clogs constantly. When this happens you need to disassemble the machine and dig the coffee dust out of the grinding mechanism with a toothpick. I have to do this at least a few times a month. Once I tried using the fine grind, and it only worked for two days before it clogged and stopped grinding.
The Power Button - The power button must be held down the entire time you grind (it works like the pulse button on a blender). This is only a minor inconvenience, but the other grinders I have used had a normal on/off switch. I also miss being able to set the machine to grind a measured amount of coffee. With the Salton you need to guess when you have enough.
Durability - A small crack is forming inside the hopper that holds coffee beans. It isn't an area that could be cracked by dropping the machine or other abuse. It seems to be a manufacturing defect. It is mainly a cosmetic problem and hasn't affected the functioning of the machine.
It has some nice points too
Price - The unit is cheap, selling for ~$30.
Clean grinding - The seal between the grinder and collection bin is good, so it does not spit coffee grounds onto your counter when you use it. It does not have a bad static buildup like some other grinders, so particles don't stick to the outside of the bin when you open it to scoop out coffee.
No messy cords - This unit has a place to wrap the cord around the base, so your countertop does not have a lot of loose cord on it.
Grind settings - The unit has a wide range of grind settings, from course to very fine. Some burr grinders I have used cannot seem to get a good fine grind, but the Salton is capable of creating the fine grinds necessary for a good espresso.
Overall
I am not happy with this grinder because it contantly gets clogged. I would not recommend it to others because there are plenty of cheap coffee grinders on the market which are more reliable.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
Kris.
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Austin, TX
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 49 members
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