Capresso 555.01 Burr Grinder Select, Black
From Capresso
- Amazon Sales Rank: #243308 in Kitchen & Housewares
- Color: Black
- Brand: Capresso
- Model: 555.02
- Dimensions: 6.90" h x 8.50" w x 11.80" l, 3.50 pounds
By precisely grinding coffee beans at any of 17 degrees of coarseness or fineness this electric grinder makes it possible to enjoy full-flavored espresso, drip, French press, and percolator coffee in moments. The grinder has a portion-control container that sends enough beans into the grinder for two cups each time the container's lid is turned a "click." Two clicks means enough for four cups and so on up to eight clicks for 16 cups. The container is removable so beans can be stored in the refrigerator. A bowl beneath the container accepts already-ground coffee to be further ground according to preference by turning the grind-selector dial to one of the 17 positions. The container into which ground coffee flows can be removed for pouring out the coffee. The burr grinding wheel also removes for easy cleaning. With the portion-control container in place, the grinder, clad in black plastic, measures 11-1/2 inches high. --Fred Brack
From a Satisfied Customer...
After reading complaints of the mess the 551.01 grinder made for some people, I decided to go with the latest Capresso model hoping that lessons were learned from past mistakes. I was happy to find that coffee grounds are deposited neatly into a removeable containter. The 555.01 produces consistantly even grounds with 17 adjustable settings for fineness. The portion container is a handy feature that allows one to grind for the exact number of cups of coffee only (espresso drinkers will have to experiment to get proper amounts). For those wanting to mix different beans together, the portion container can be detached to feed beans directly into the grinder. Despite this convenience, I found myself grinding more beans for future use because of the hassle of cleaning the machine. The portion container and grinder wheel can easily be removed and washed, but the base unit has to be scrubbed and wiped down separately so the electrical parts aren't exposed to water. Capresso, however, had the thoughtfulness to include a small brush to clean the grounds spout with. Many will also find the grinder to be rather loud, but noise is not a factor for me.
Capresso 555.01 is a nice grinder...
I think this grinder really rates more like 4.5 stars, but since that isn't a choice I only gave it 4. I've now used it 4 times, and I need to debunk some of the the earlier complaints that I've seen. I'll compare this with the several Braun burr grinders I've worn out over the last 15 years or so.
1. The lid is no more loose than that of any other coffee grinder I've used, but it is a snap-on lid withour a latch. The portion container itself, however, does latch. The portion container can be removed entirely, and an extra included lid can then be used, thus turning the grinder into a model 554.01.
2. There is LESS problem with static and fine coffee, again comparing this grinder to the Braun burr grinders I've used for years. This is partly due to the fact that the Capresso does a much quicker job of grinding than my various Brauns did even when new. Less rubbing and bouncing around equals less static electricity. Tip: to almost totally eliminate the static problem grind your coffee a half hour before you need it. The static bleeds off rapidly.
3. This grinder is much, much quieter than the Brauns that I've used. No contest.
4. The ground coffee receptacle pours easily, if you pour from the narrow ends rather than the wide side.
I like this grinder. The only gripe I have is about the rapid buildup of caked coffee on the exit(nozzle?) from the grinder to the receptacle. I knock it loose after every grinding.
A great grinder at a great price...
After using my Capresso espresso machine for a couple of weeks, I realized I needed a burr grinder. The espresso machine is very sensitive to the grind - I guess I was lucky at first that the grocery store grinder provided the precise grind needed.
After a lot of research - I learned more than I wanted to know about blade grinders vs. burr grinders - I decided this was the machine for me. I'm glad I did.
Some complained about the noise and the mess. True coffee lovers realize this is the nature of the beast. It's messy and loud, but not more than any other grinder. This grinder is actually less messy than my previous Krupps grinder. I've learned that putting a paper towel under the grinder before grinding catches a lot of the rogue grounds.
The taste of coffee and espresso is much better using freshly ground beans. If you want to experience great coffee, I suggest using Capresso products. They truly know the art making a great cup of java.
