New for 2011! Le'Lit has incorporated a new bean hopper that is not only larger, but more durable like the smaller optional one we mention below. You will also notice that that the front knob has changed from white to black (sorry, we do not have replacements for purchase yet).

The only all stainless steel, polished body, doserless, conical burr espresso grinder with stepless adjustment for under $300.00. Can we say more? This grinder was designed for grinding espresso only. Although it 'can' be used for other coffee brewing methods, the turning of the knob on the stepless adjustment can be cumbersome to rotate many times for different brew methods. When we say many times, we mean hundreds of rotations. This is why we recommend the grinder be utilized for one brew method only - espresso.

Most recent review from one of our satisfied customers:

I couldn't be more please. I received the grinder yesterday evening and waited until today to fire it up. I think I read somewhere (maybe from you) that the grinder ships with a very fine setting so I backed the knob off 2 full turns CCW. I ground some beans I got from Mark about a month ago and had not opened them up yet. Tamp at 20# and my Le'lit espresso machine stalled out. I backed off 2 more turns CCW, tamped at 20# and the my Le'lit tried to stall out and just got a drip. Backed off 1 full turn CCW, tamp at 20# and the pull was exciting to watch. The double pull started at about 6 seconds and was like warm honey. It took about 20 seconds and was at least 50% crema. The flavor was smooth and rich. I know I have a lot of optimizing to do and look forward to fine tuning the grind settings and tamp pressures. But what a start. I've attached a few pictures. You know, this Le'Lit setup is exactly what I wanted.
-Chuck

Features:

• The powerful 150-watt motor is engaged through the use of a microswitch that you can press your portafilter right up against and get freshly ground coffee directly into your portafilter.
• The stepless adjustment allow you to fine tune your grind for the perfect espresso grind - this is different than stepped adjustment where one can use only setting #8 or #9, but no in-between as can be achieved by our PL53 grinder!
• Conical burrs with the larger burr outside diameter size measured at 38mm.
• Burrs made of hardened steel.
• Approximate tinted plastic bean hopper capacity: 300 grams (10 ounces).
• Bean hopper can easily be removed for hand cleaning (not dishwasher safe).
• Standard 110 volt outlet comes out from back of unit.
• Compact size makes it even a great grinder for traveling!
• Doserless chute on front is removable for cleaning.
• Removable stainless steel catch tray allows easier cleaning versus a fixed tray.
• Accessories included: removable stainless steel catch tray and instructional sheet.
• For household use only. Commercial use will deem this product as non-returnable and will void the warranty.
• Warranty: One year parts and labor limited to manufacturer's defect only and handled by 1st-line Equipment, LLC.

Specifications:

• Weight: 5.8 pounds.
• bean hopper capacity: 250 grams.
• Made in Italy.
• Dimensions: 14 1/2" H x ~5" W (including knob) x 8 3/8" D (including lower catch tray).
• Without tray, depth is 6 7/8".
• Power: 110-120 volts only, 150 watts, 60 Hz.
• Warning: Be careful to not allow the burrs to touch and lock up the grinding burrs. This will not be covered under warranty if you lock up the burrs.
• Warning: If there are coffee beans in the hopper, the grinder should be turned on and running when changing settings more than 1 knob rotation. The reason is that the grinds can stick to the burrs - especially when turning the knob finer.

Notes:

1. Printable manual can be found here.
2. The Le'Lit PL53 is designed for espresso grinding ONLY. It will not grind beans for American (aka brown) coffee. Try our Baratza grinders if you are looking for a home grinder for both espresso and regular coffee.
3. The doserless chute on the Le'Lit PL53 grinder can be a challenge to place back on after removal. The chute needs to be held extremely firm against the body, and sometimes the screw needs to be positioned at a slight angle when inserted and tightened.
4. The Le'Lit PL53 comes factory set 4 full rotations finer than necessary. We recommend turning the knob 4-6 full rotations coarser before using it for the first time.
5. There is another Le'Lit grinder named PL043 which is brought into the United States by another importer. Please note this grinder is not the same as our PL53 which has a stepless adjustment feature to fine tune the espresso grind fineness settings and has metal guides for the portafilter.
6. Sorry, we do not have this item in 220-240 volts.
7. Read what others have to say about this grinder as well as post your reviews once you own this great little grinder. Link will open new browser window.

Q: Jim, the grinder arrived today. Looks great. A question before I set it up, though. The hopper neck appears to be a friction-fit into the mouth of the grinder. Is jamming it in too tightly and then trying to twist it out how the hoppers are getting broken?
Mark

A: Mark,
Twisting is the best method for removal. Rocking left to right is what more often than not results in the neck cracking.

A2: On the new 2011 grinders, the new bean hopper can be difficult to get into the grinder. We recommend placing the grinder on the floor and then pressing the bean hopper cover on top of the bean hopper to insert - it is also still a good idea to rotate the hopper with cover while rotating.

1st-line's Comments:

1. The PL53 uses a stepless worm-gear adjustment. This gives you grind adjustment to the nth degree, but also means switching from espresso grind to drip grind is quite a chore. Commonly, this adjustment requires 50+ turns of the knob.
For most users this is an unacceptable ammount of dialing for a quick swap.

We recommend the Le'lit as a grinder dedicated to one brew type. This means set it for a certain type of grind and leave it. You will still have to adjust (usually 1 to 5 turns) to compensate for bean type, oils, humidity, etc.

If you require a grinder that is easily swappable from drip to espresso, or any other type of grind- consider the Baratza Vario or Virtuoso

2. The only recurring complaint we've received about the pre-2011 PL53 grinder is the bean hopper. Removing and replacing the hopper requires a gentle touch on pre-2011 models. Several customers have experienced the neck of the hopper cracking. We offer an upgraded hopper for the Le'lit for this reason. Some folks may still want to order this smaller bean hopper as the optional one is smaller.

To order this stronger, upgraded hopper, please purchase this item:
http://www.1st-line.net/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=MI110&type=store

Please note however, while less prone to cracking- this hopper is not tinted and sunlight may affect your beans faster.