I'm looking to buy one and notice a lot of the info here is from 07-08. Any new info, reviews, etc?

Any of you guys have them? What's the latest?

Thanks! I'll be searching...

I believe I got mine in January 2008, and I haven't had any problems with it. It has been running well and my espresso is tasting great. Due to the convenience (no need to clean doser), I prefer it to my Mazzer Super Jolly. Good luck on the search!

I've had mine for a couple years, and it's been great. It grinds kind of slowly, but everything comes out fluffy and not too clumpy, and it's relatively easy to sweep out the old grinds. Although I do open mine up fairly regularly to do a more thorough cleaning (mostly getting out the gunkier residue). How to: Clean out the Le'Lit PL53 Grinder

I don't think there's any other grinder that can beat it (or the trespade burrs, you can get them in other grinders) for quality to price, at least when I bought it. The Virtuoso Preciso just came out, and it looks like it could be the new budget choice if it grinds as well, but is a little more user friendly. I haven't seen any indepth reviews or side to side comparisons with other grinders yet though. New Baratza Grinder: Virtuoso Preciso $275

Sometime soon there will be some new data about the particle distribution of different grinders, no idea what it's going to look like, but that will probably be the latest info on the PL53 (and a bunch of other grinders) when it shows up on here. TGP II: Brainstorming Session

But basically, the little guy's been chugging a long just fine for the last few years, no problems, and lots of good espresso.

No thanks on the Baratza. Been there done that. Bomb proof PL53 please.


This is the BMW M3 of grinders IMHO. BIG bang, not lots of bucks.

Technically, the latest info is this:
http://www.baristadude.com/domains/bari...posts&t=44

They redid the screw that holds on the chute.
The hoppers seem to fit without as much finagling also.

I have one of the newer models 1st-line referred to in the previous post. I bought it to use as a dedicated decaf grinder. It works well, although I find it makes a mess if you try to grind directly into the portafilter. Once the basket is ~3/4 full, the grinds deflect over the sides quite a bit. Not a big deal, I just grind into a 1/2c stainless steel measuring cup then transfer to the doser on my other grinder before filling the pf. Mine has always had a bit of an odd scraping sound if you run it empty but it seems to grind fine. /shrug

Just to throw a wrench in things, I could toss in another 300$ for a Macap M4, as the more I look at them the more I like them, but I really want doserless. Should I just go for the Mazzer Mini E doserless and be done with it for a while?

alex e wrote:No thanks on the Baratza. Been there done that. Bomb proof PL53 please.


This is the BMW M3 of grinders IMHO. BIG bang, not lots of bucks.

Is the Baratza the M3 or the PL53?

The missus BMW :
after 2 weeks, no reverse
window risers replaced several times
sun roof broke twice
power steering pump fail
exterior and interior trim molding falls off
radio volume knob us, adjusts from steering wheel only
failed rear bearing seals
failed water pump
...

Worst vehicle since her 76 Volvo
Cost more to maintain than I paid, including 13 years maintenance, for my Chrysler Sebring

AND BMW service can't hold a candle to Baratza, without a doubt the absolute best in coffeedom.

I like my M4, works well. For sure it is in a different class than the PL53, much larger, heavier etc. I used to think I wanted a doserless grinder but oddly enough, I really like having the doser - makes it easy to get the coffee in the basket and gives me a tidy place to sweep the extra grinds when leveling.
I've never owned/used a Mazzer but most reviews I've read say they are great. In the long run, I think you'll be happy you bought the best grinder you could.

alex e wrote:No thanks on the Baratza. Been there done that. Bomb proof PL53 please.


This is the BMW M3 of grinders IMHO. BIG bang, not lots of bucks.

FWIW your experience with the Baratza seems to be contradicted by a substantial majority of those who post. Many of us have had excellent results and reliability with Baratza. I am adding a Preciso for press, drip and vac pot this week based on my experience with the vario.