Randy G. wrote:A lot of the negative comments concerning the Rocky are from long-time home baristas here on HB. This forum is dedicated to "exceptional espresso" and many of us have come from a time when Rocky was "the" grinder for new home baristas making their first serious purchase of coffee equipment. This was well before the various Mazzer knock-offs were available and before Baratza had so many offerings as they do now- really, before Baratza was selling grinders at all. Those of us who have moved up to higher quality grinders such as those from Mazzer, Compak, OE, and HG-One know what a difference a good grinder can make. It is those experiences which have created mantra like "Grinder first" and prompted many to recommend better grinders.