Solis Crema Maestro Plus G385 Conical Burr Grinder

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 May 2010 05:03 Written by bjcoffee Wednesday, 26 May 2010 05:03

The Solis Crema Maestro Plus G385 Conical Burr Grinder is what we could call a fair weather grinder. Sure, it will make a great cup of coffee. Sure, it is easy to clean and use. And sure, it seems like the good times will last forever.

But they don’t.

Reviewing the Solis Crema Maestro Plus G385 was tough because we knew the reputation going in–a pretty good grinder for a very competitive price, but it doesn’t last forever. So we set out to see how long it would last.

Our panel had mixed results. Some people still have theirs functioning well, and they say it is a great entry-level grinder. But more than half of our team within the six months experienced at least some mechanical issue. Those are not the best odds when you consider you are not saving that much over a better quality grinder.

Clean-up was very easy, and the unit was quick to disassemble, clean, and put back together. Anti-static properties were better than average, and very good for this price range. Ground were great, even, and aromatic. So yes, the coffee was very good.

So here is the bottom line. If you don’t have a penny more to invest in a grinder, you are extremely lucky, or you are buying this for someone that you don’t expect to know more than a year from now, this is probably the grinder for you. But our recommendation would be to save up a little more and get a grinder with a better track record for longevity and quality. (Or, if saving is not your strength, maybe get a manual grinder. The exercise will build character.)

2 Comments

1. Espressomaker   |  Tuesday, 01 June 2010 at 6:23 pm

   Very Nice! Can I use part of your article on my blog with a linkback to you? Thanks

   
2. bjcoffee   |  Wednesday, 02 June 2010 at 2:16 am

   Absolutely! Thanks for visiting.