1. Overall build quality is amazing. As with Data and Lita, build quality is second to none. The Play is no different. Grinder is almost 20lbs. Look and feel is great and looks right at home sitting on my counter.
2. The digital burr gap is amazing! It is fast and responsive. It can change settings between espresso and filter in a few seconds. This will make dialing in coffees so easy, especially if you like switching between different roasts. You can have pre-set programmed burr gap for light, medium, and dark roasts. It will make dialing in a snap. This was the main feature that sold me on the grinder. I cannot stress enough what a game changing feature this is.
3. It's fast. 5-8 seconds for 20-30 gm dose.
4. Performance - I have been impressed with performance. The espresso quality has been great and I have had some amazing shots. The shot have been some of the best I have had. This grinder paired with a step-down basket has elevated my espresso game.
I did a side by side comparrison with my hand grinder for pour over today. I have a 1zpresso J hand grinder. This has been my daily driver for pour over. I set up the Play for 500rpm and 450um burr gap. I could not tell discernable difference. There were slightly nuanced changes but most of these made me to lean towards the Play. For reference, I was using a light roast Ethiopian from Black & White - Bekele Belachew Anaerobic natural. I was using Hario V-60.
1. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase! A huge shout out to the team at Espresso Outlet for teaming up with this amazing company. I have been waiting for this grinder for over a year when I first saw the Milo II.