Reishunger Digital Rice Cooker

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

First impressions

From simple models with one temperature setting and a keep warm mode through to premium devices with adaptive cooking and induction heating, easy, perfect rice any time is the core competency of any rice cooker worth its salt. This digital rice stove from Reishunger is in the mid-range: It uses a standard heating element to cook different types of rice, and has a total of seven heat settings.

The Reishunger rice cooker measures 39 x 39 x 24cm; weighing just over five kilograms. Thanks to the practical carrying handle, it’s easy to move around say from kitchen through to dining table.

The cooker comes with an instruction manual and various accessories which you’ll find packaged inside the cooking chamber. These include a measuring cup with a capacity of 180 milliliters or one cup, a nubbed, flat rice serving spoon, a smooth rice ladle, a holder for the spoons, a perforated steamer insert and a short power cable. The length of the power cable does limit your options for placing it it down, as the cooker needs to be close to mains power – this is an issue common to many modern kitchen appliances.

Design and build quality

We tested the black version of the rice stove. Visually, it’s reminiscent of a motorcycle helmet or a portable CD player. The dark surface looks classy, especially since the material structure of the lid resembles brushed stainless steel, although it is just made from sturdy plastic. The large display on the front gives the device a modern touch.

If you press the button above the display, the lid opens very jerkily, which does destabilise the rice cooker if it isn’t full. Injuries could occur when opening the lid if hot water splashes onto the skin, for example. The inner pot is non-stick – ceramic-based, according to Reishunger – and has a measuring scale. It shows the cups used on the right side and the milliliter number on the left. Somewhat impractically, the scale only starts at two cups. It is therefore only usable for larger quantities of rice. The two handles on the sides of the inner pot are again helpful. These are heat-insulated, so you can remove the pot with freshly cooked rice without burning yourself.

The overall 1.5 liter capacity of the rice cooker means you can make up to eight portions of white rice – for brown rice, Reishunger recommends up to five portions. After cooking, you’ll need to wash the cooking pot out carefully by hand so as not to damage the non-stick coating – it is not dishwasher-safe.

The inside of the lid is made from aluminium and has a seal. There are two buttons which let you take it off for cleaning.

When clicking the inner lid back in, don’t apply pressure between the switches as the lid can come loose from the sealing ring if too much pressure is applied – just press on the two buttons.

The design of the plastic container on the back is well thought out. It is used to collect the condensation that occurs during rice cooking.  This can then be emptied after cooking.

Features and ease of use

The rice cooker has a large digital display with blue LED lighting that shows the individual functions and settings options. These can be selected via eight control buttons around the display. Their respective functions are easy to understand thanks to the pictograms.

The rice cooker has a total of twelve cooking modes, including a standard rice programme, a programme for white, wholemeal and sushi rice, a programme for rice porridge, quinoa and cereals, one for steaming and even a programme for baking cakes.

The manual explains in detail everything you need to know about each cooking programme. The tables for water/rice ratio and the preparation table for steaming different foods are particularly useful. It also explains how to pre-set a timer or extend the cooking time, for example.

To select a specific cooking mode, press the menu button until the programme you want flashes on the display. It isn’t possible to select a specific programme directly. The three functions “White”, “Brown”, and “Sushi” can be accessed via the menu item “Rice”. To select one of the three programmes, it is necessary to first navigate to “Rice” with the menu button and then press the “Standard” button, which is placed below it. This is not particularly intuitive, and we wondered why the three functions aren’t arranged on the same level as the other programmes.

Performance

Of course, in any rice cooker test, the first thing to do is make a batch of rice. However, as recommended in the instruction manual, before cooking a batch, we first let the rice cooker run with just water for 20 minutes in standard mode. To put the cooker through its paces, we decided to cook one cup each of white jasmine rice in standard and turbo mode and two cups of wholemeal long grain rice in brown rice mode.

Preparation

For each run, we washed the rice several times and added it to the rice cooker with the amount of water recommended in the instructions. Then all we had to do was close the lid and select the appropriate mode.

To test standard mode, we just had to press start – as you might expect, the standard mode is the one automatically set on the cooker. To select turbo mode, all we had to do was press the menu button twice. To select the brown rice mode, you need to press the menu button three times and then the rice button twice. The instructions are clear for doing this and the set-up isn’t a problem, but you will want to read the manual first to avoid confusion.

While the rice is cooking, a loading bar slowly fills up; there isn’t an exact time indicator. When finished, the cooker will beep and automatically go into keep-warm mode. This turns on a timer which counts how long the rice has been keeping warm for.

To cook the next batch of rice, we disconnected the rice cooker from the power, washed the pot, and filled it with new rice and water. As soon as the plug was back in the socket, the rice cooker immediately went into keep-warm mode from when it was last plugged in – even though the cooking pot wasn’t even in the cooker. We weren’t aware that the previous mode has to be stopped manually by pressing the cancel button, even if the appliance has been disconnected from power and the cooking pot removed. Considering the lack of an on/off button, this design is somewhat questionable.

An ability to detect if the cooking pot is inserted would be a useful feature. For example, if you remove the pot to transfer rice and don’t put it back in, the rice cooker stays in keep-warm mode despite there being nothing inside it.

Test results

Cooking times were largely in line with what we expected from the estimates in the manual. In standard mode, the rice was ready after around half an hour, while turbo mode took about 25 minutes. The wholemeal rice took about ten minutes less in turbo mode – 50 minutes instead of at least an hour. The results were mixed. While the white rice was very well cooked in standard mode and had an excellent consistency, there was some residual moisture in turbo mode. The white rice in standard mode was restaurant quality.

With the wholemeal rice, on the other hand, we had a few problems. Although we stuck to the recommended water-to-rice ratio, the rice grains were partly broken and unevenly cooked. The consistency was grainy in some places and mushy in others.

Summary

This Digital Rice Cooker from Reishunger is a well-designed device with loads of functions and simple, easy-to-learn controls. Selecting some of the cooking modes isn’t very intuitive, but, once you get that figured out, the cooker works well. We found the lack of a power button to be an issue, along with the fact that the cooker stays in keep-warm mode when you open the lid and take the pot out, unless you press the cancel button.

The cooker did an excellent job preparing white rice, but our wholegrain rice test wasn’t successful. Whether there are problems with whole-grain rice in general or whether it is just a learning factor requires further testing. The other functions also require test runs to make a definitive statement about their usefulness.

Overall, this is a powerful appliance that can make work easier, especially in multi-person households. However, the rice cooker is not suitable for users who only want white rice quickly – after all, it takes longer to prepare than in a saucepan. For those who value additional modes, such as preparing cereals or cakes, the appliance is a good choice. The rice cooker can also be worthwhile for individuals who take advantage of the wide range of functions, like to cook in advance or often have visitors.

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Featured Image: © FinalCheck | Images 1-5: © FinalCheck

nevernot soft tampon

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Product range

“Do what you want” – this slogan laid the foundation for the young company nevernot. In 2020, it launched its first product, a soft tampon, which stands out from other soft tampons because of its cloud-like shape. The biggest wish of the two founders is that intimate wellness products have the same status and quality standard that other drug store products such as hair care products have had for a long time. To this day, nevernot is expanding its range with products “for everyone who loves to make love”. Among other things, it includes massage oils, lubricants, scented and massage candles, and vibrators.

Various pack sizes and bundles

The soft tampon that started it all is now available in version 2.0. It features a smaller package size and an optional retrieval string, and is designed for single use. It is especially recommended for women with chronic pain and special occasions such as sex, spa visits, and sports. For sex, it has the advantage that it can be used with the string, so that you don’t have to worry about removing it afterwards.

The soft tampon is not available in different absorbencies for varying degrees of menstrual bleeding. Instead, it’s supposed to be a product for all menstruating women. However, it is available in different pack sizes with 8 or 48 units as well as various bundles. For first time users, for example, the try-out kit with a small pack of soft tampons, water-based lubricant, and intimate wipes is a good option. If you’re already convinced by the soft tampons, you can save money with the bundles nevernot Tampon 2.0 – Trio (three packs of eight) and nevernot Tampon 2.0 Dispenser – Duo (two packs of 48) compared to buying them individually.

Subscriptions and shipping

The nevernot soft tampons can be ordered in the nevernot online shop just like other products of the manufacturer. When purchasing via the nevernot online shop, shipping within the EU is free of charge from an order value of €50. As payment options, nevernot offers PayPal, Klarna, and over 30 possibilities through Viva Wallet.

The delivery time is usually two to three working days. For all soft tampon packs, you can choose between a one-off purchase and a nevernot tampon subscription. The latter can simply be selected during checkout. The subscription offers a 20% discount and can be stopped or paused at any time. It can be cancelled via the account options after a minimum term of two deliveries. The products arrive every month, every second month or every third month, depending on the subscription model chosen.

Review

For our test, we received three soft tampon packs from nevernot: two with eight soft tampons and one big pack with 48 units. I have only used conventional tampons so far and have not had any experience with soft tampons. According to the manufacturer, the nevernot soft tampon is ideal for beginners — a good opportunity for me to try something new. To get an overall impression, I tested the nevernot tampons for a complete period, including bathing, going to the spa, and doing yoga.

Beautifully designed and compactly packaged

All nevernot products are designed to be aesthetic, modern, and sex-positive. Instead of being hidden in the bedside table or bathroom cabinet, they are meant to remind people of high-quality cosmetics. Beauty is, of course, always in the eye of the beholder. For me, the nevernot soft tampons achieve this goal. Both the box and the individual packaging are aimed at a young or young-at-heart audience with strong, bright colours and white block lettering and are eye-catching.

The boxes not only look high quality, but also feel like it. The smaller boxes can be opened easily without damaging the packaging. The large box, on the other hand, was a little tougher. Here I had to help myself with a paring knife to pull out the flap at the top without damaging it. However, this pack is designed as a dispenser. That’s why it has an easy-to-open perforation on its underside, through which the soft tampons can be easily retracted.

The individual wraps of the soft tampons are made of biodegradable materials. Inside, the tampons are compressed, so much that according to nevernot, it saves 70% of the packaging compared to the previous version. This makes them easy and inconspicuous to carry in your pocket or purse. At the same time, less packaging waste is produced.

Pink clouds of foam

The nevernot soft tampons are made of polyurethane foam and are free of harmful substances according to the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. They look like fluffy pink clouds and puff up quickly after unpacking. Unpacked, they are almost the size of a palm, which put me a little off at first. However, the foam is very soft and can be squeezed without much effort.

For insertion, there are detailed, easy-to-understand instructions in the enclosed instruction manual. According to this, you’re supposed to insert the soft tampon by pressing it together with your thumb and middle finger and putting it into position with your index finger. For easier insertion, nevernot recommends moistening the soft tampon with a little water or lubricant. I didn’t have to do this, though, as insertion was easy enough without it. Apart from the squeezing, it hardly differs from conventional tampons.

Pleasantly soft with medium absorbency

The soft material of the nevernot soft tampon is not only advantageous when inserting it, but especially when wearing it. While I often notice an uncomfortable squeeze with common tampons or have the feeling that they don’t fit properly, the nevernot soft tampon was hardly ever noticeable. Especially during the first two days of my period, which are usually quite painful, I found this very pleasant. Thus, the nevernot soft tampon offers a good alternative for women suffering from chronic pain like endometriosis.

Even during sports or when it was already fully soaked, the soft tampon wasn’t unpleasant to use. During dynamic yoga exercises, I never had the feeling that the tampon was shifting. Neither did it get in the way of longer stretches such as deep lunges. In the bathtub and spa, I particularly liked the stringless option. Again, I felt well protected by the soft tampon. It neither moved nor soaked up completely. Especially in the sauna, I enjoyed not having to worry about a string dangling out. During my four-hour spa visit, I got by just fine with two nevernot tampons.

The absorbency of the soft tampon is rated medium by nevernot. For heavier bleeding, the leaflet recommends changing the soft tampon every two to four hours, and for lighter periods every four to six hours. In my experience, this information is accurate. I changed my first nevernot soft tampon after about three hours. By this time it was already quite soaked, so I replaced the second tampon with a new one a little earlier. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, you should be prepared for more frequent changes, especially during the day, and thus higher consumption. At night and towards the end of my period, the soft tampons provided reliable protection for up to eight hours.

In contrast to conventional tampons, taking out the soft tampon when the bleeding wasn’t as strong did not hurt. Even if it was only slightly wet, it could be pulled out easily and without pain.

With or without string?

I first tested the nevernot soft tampon with the enclosed string, as I felt safer knowing I could easily remove it. The string is already threaded through the soft tampon, so all you have to do is tie a tight knot. If you want to use the soft tampon without the string, you can pull it out and dispose of it together with the packaging. The soft tampon could be pulled out without any problems with the string. My concerns about the very thin cotton string proved to be completely unfounded.

Since removing it by the string worked so well, I dared to go straight for the stringless option with the second soft tampon. I was able to remove the tampon easily even without the string. I could grip it with one or two fingers. At no point did I feel like the material could tear. However, as my period was still very heavy at the time, taking it out was quite a bloody affair, which is why I prefer to use it with the string. However, I can imagine the stringless option working well for lighter periods and visits to the swimming pool or sauna, where the string is more of a nuisance.

Quality has its price

The advantages and special features of the nevernot soft tampon — including the comfortable feel, the space-saving and attractive packaging, and the optional string — are reflected in its higher price. A small pack of eight costs €9.90, which means that a single soft tampon costs more than €1. Cheaper soft tampons are already available on the market for about half the price, and discounters even sell them for as little as €0.05 a piece.

The large nevernot pack with 48 soft tampons costs €59.50 and would be enough for about two cycles. That would bring me to around €30 per month. That’s why I find the nevernot soft tampon a little expensive as a permanent solution. But it is not necessarily designed as such. Rather, it can be a kind of luxury product for special occasions or a good solution for women with chronic pain. As an occasional alternative to normal tampons — especially on very painful days and for events like spa visits — I can imagine using the nevernot soft tampon again in the future.

Conclusion

Despite initial scepticism about handling the product, the nevernot soft tampon left a very good impression in the test. Even without previous experience using soft tampons, I felt comfortable with it, to which the optional string — a unique selling point of the product — contributed. I particularly liked the soft material, which made the tampon almost imperceptible. It did not pinch when lying down or moving and made the period pain more bearable for me. Insertion and removal, both with and without the string, was easy. With the high-quality and appealing packaging that also saves space and material waste, nevernot rounds off the positive overall impression.

The only weak points I see are the high price and the medium absorbency. Especially women with heavy menstrual bleeding should expect to need to change the soft tampons frequently. So far, there are no different versions of the nevernot tampon that could be a solution for this. Due to its price, the soft tampon is particularly suitable as a supplementary product or occasional alternative to other menstrual products.

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Image 1-5: © FinalCheck

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

First impression

Whether it’s fast and precise keys for games or a multitude of keys that can be assigned to make complicated controls easier: if you mainly play PC games with a keyboard, you need a model that is optimally adapted to your needs. Manufacturers like SteelSeries have made it their mission to provide gamers with the best gaming peripherals. This also includes high-quality gaming keyboards in different price ranges, such as the SteelSeries APEX 3 TKL.

The SteelSeries APEX 3 TKL is a compact gaming keyboard with a tenkeyless design. When unboxing, you immediately notice what a difference the missing number pad makes in terms of size. While the test product is just 364.0 millimetres wide, the larger version with number pad has a width of 444.7 millimetres.

Overall, the APEX 3 TKL makes a robust impression. In accordance with the Ingress Protection (IP) code IP32, it is dust and water resistant, so in theory it is protected against spillages.

The keytops are firmly installed and don’t feel loose when typing. Beneath them are whisper-quiet switches, which are basically high-quality rubber dome switches that — according to the manufacturer — allow up to 20 million keystrokes. Compared to classic office keyboards, which are designed for hardly more than one million keystrokes, this is a very good value, even if the durability of the keys is no match for mechanical keys.

Design and ease of use

Unlike the larger version, the APEX 3 TKL doesn’t come with a palm rest on which you can rest your hands when typing. However, the keyboard can be tilted at an angle thanks to the two feet on the back, which is slightly easier on the hands. Furthermore, the keyboard has three cable channels so that you can run the cable either centrally, on the right or on the left depending on your set-up.

Typing on the keyboard is pleasant and — thanks to the rubber dome or membrane construction — actually quieter than with mechanical switches. So, you can use the keyboard just as well for the office, albeit you’ll have to get used to the fact that some keys are missing. For example, there is no print key for quick screenshots.

To trigger a button, it requires a little more effort than with mechanical switches, as you always have to press the keys all the way down. Many mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, already trigger at about half the travel. With membrane keys, there is also no tactile or acoustic feedback. In terms of operation, they are therefore most comparable to linear red switches, with the difference that they are not as smooth.

Features

The keyboard is not only characterised by the absence of the number pad, but also features six macro keys above the arrow keys, a multimedia key, and a multimedia roller.

The roller is located in the right-hand corner above the macro keys and is used to adjust the volume. Directly under the roller is the multimedia button. Clicking once on this button starts or pauses a song or video, two quick clicks skip to the next content, three to the previous one. However, the key is quite sluggish: While pressing the button twice quickly still works well, three consecutive clicks may not be registered, causing a skip forward instead of a skip backward.

The macro keys can be assigned with commands via the software SteelSeries Engine. There is also a macro editor for this purpose. It is also possible to assign macros with a key combination directly on the keyboard, but the instructions supplied only provide the necessary key combination and a very short description. For beginners, it is difficult to configure the first macros with this information. Setting macros with the SteelSeries Engine is far more practical than spending a long time trying and researching how to do it with the hardware only.

Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the RBG lighting individually with the software. As default, the colours only change on a large area. In the Engine software, on the other hand, up to eight zones can be adjusted individually. These include the colour and effect selection as well as the speed of the colour change.

Summary

The SteelSeries APEX 3 TKL is a compact gaming keyboard with a tenkeyless design. It is equipped with durable membrane keys and can be considered an entry-level model. Although the unit has feet for tilting, it doesn’t have a palm rest to support your hands during prolonged use. Typing feels pleasant, but for games that require a fast reaction time, it sometimes takes too long to press the keys all the way down. The software Engine is an excellent addition for quickly and easily assigning commands to the macro keys. Key assignment directly on the keyboard is possible, but the process is difficult for beginners, especially because of the insufficient instructions. Overall, the APEX 3 TKL is absolutely worth its money and allows for long gaming sessions without problems.

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Images 1-4: © FinalCheck

SILBERTHAL Manual Coffee Grinder

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

Quality

Packaged coffee powder usually cannot compete with freshly ground coffee beans. The valuable aromas that ideally end up in the coffee vanish too quickly in the ground state. Many coffee connoisseurs therefore like to grind their beans fresh directly before preparing their coffee. Electric coffee grinders are particularly convenient. For smaller quantities, however, the more compact, low-maintenance, and usually much cheaper manual models are quite sufficient. The manufacturer SILBERTHAL says it offers elegant and well thought-out products for people who enjoy a really good coffee. Among other things, their range includes a hand coffee grinder in an elegant design.

Compact, yet not lightweight

The manual coffee grinder by SILBERTHAL has a stainless steel housing that encases the grinder. Right above is the bean hopper that has a capacity of 17 grams. In one pass, you can grind powder for about two cups of espresso.

Not only the bean hopper, but the entire coffee grinder is quite compact: it is 5.5cm long and wide and 15.5cm tall without the crank. This allows it to be easily stowed away and also transported without any problems. Considering the compact size, the weight of the manual coffee grinder is rather high. It weighs just under 450g.

High-quality grinder and glass container

The SILBERTHAL product uses a conical burr grinder made of stainless steel. The crank is attached to the lid and also made of stainless steel. Below the grinder, you can attach a glass container to collect the ground coffee. There is also a replacement glass with a lid, which is great for storing your ground coffee or taking it with you.

Six grinder settings for different coffee drinks

The manual coffee grinder has six grinder settings that are selected using the control dial. Setting 1 and 2 are for fine powder and preparation with an espresso machine. For an Italian coffee maker, powder ground on setting 2 or setting 3 is best. For filter coffee, the manufacturer recommends settings 3 and 4, for a French press 4 or 5. The coarsest grind is ideal for cold brew coffee. There are no other settings available, but a manual coffee grinder really doesn’t need any more.

Use and grinding process

The operation of the SILBERTHAL coffee grinder is so simple and intuitive that it doesn’t actually need a manual. Thus, the instructions included are brief. On two pages, you’ll find the advantages, four-step operating instructions, and information on the right grind. The whole thing is available in German, English, French, Spanish, and Italian. All steps are comprehensively and clearly illustrated.

Assembly and grinder setting

The manual coffee grinder can be assembled in just a few steps. The collecting glass is simply screwed under the grinder. The coffee beans are placed in the hollow above the grinder before it is closed with the lid. Since both the bean hopper and the filling opening are quite small, it might happen that beans are spilled when filling the grinder. Before you start grinding, all you have to do is set the desired grind. To do so, turn the control dial to the desired position. It can be adjusted smoothly without slipping. The labelling is also easy to read.

Ready the crank, set the grind, go

When the white arrow on the control dial is above the right grind, nothing stands in the way of cranking. The wooden handle of the crank is easy to grip and feels comfortable to hold. The long lever makes grinding efficient. The only thing missing from the coffee grinder is a rubber lining on the stainless steel housing, which would make it safer and more comfortable to hold and operate.

Although the grinder works efficiently and is pleasant to operate, the cranking becomes quite exhausting after a short time. For one pass with a full bean hopper on setting 3, we needed around 150 revolutions in our test. Finer powder requires some more revolutions, coarse powder correspondingly fewer.

Coarse to fine: the grinding result

The differences between the various grinder settings are clearly visible. With setting 1, you get fine powder that gives off a strong aroma. In setting 6, on the other hand, the coffee grinder produces very coarse coffee grounds which quickly fill the powder container.

Cleaning

Cleaning the manual coffee grinder is just as easy as operating it. Admittedly, the stainless steel housing is quite susceptible to fingerprints. But these are easily removed with a damp cloth. Another upside: the glass container and the lid are dishwasher-safe and therefore particularly easy to clean. Only cleaning the grinder takes a little more time. But even this is done in a few minutes with the cleaning brush that is included. The long bristles reach all corners so that the accumulated coffee powder can be reliably removed. For more stubborn residues, a gentle tap against the housing of the coffee grinder will help.

To thoroughly clean its interior, you can also disassemble the coffee grinder further. In our test, however, we limited ourselves to cleaning the grinder with the brush.

Summary

The manual coffee grinder by SILBERTHAL won us over with its high-quality and easy operation. You can assemble it in no time and grind efficiently thanks to the long lever. Nevertheless, cranking larger quantities quickly becomes exhausting. But with its compact design and small bean hopper, it is not designed for this. For coffee lovers who occasionally want to grind powder for one or two cups, however, it is a great solution. With its six grind settings, the grinder can produce powder for espresso machines, Italian coffee makers, and French presses, as well as for filter and cold-brew coffee.

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Images 1-6: © FinalCheck

Razer Basilisk V3

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The product reviewed here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

Overall first impression

Picture this: you’ve spent endless hours at your computer, levelling up your character and gathering the best items to beat the final boss. Then, when it comes to the crucial last moment, your mouse starts lagging. There’s only one outcome: game over. When tech fails us, it’s always frustrating, but no more so than in the middle of a great game. Companies like Razer know how important good gaming gear is, and there’s now a lot of products on the market specifically designed for gamers, just like the Basilisk V3.

The mouse came well packaged, with a short manual. It is 13cm long, 6cm wide, and 4.25cm tall. The mouse weighs 101g, which puts it in the middle of how much mouses tend to weigh. The first thing we noticed when unpacking the mouse was the thick, woven cable held together with a silicon cover. At the end of the cable you’ll find a USB port, also with a silicon dust cover. These features give the mouse a high-quality feel.

While the cable winder and cover are easy to lose when you’ve got the mouse plugged in, they are still a useful feature for protecting the cable during transport. The mouse itself feels high-quality, with the top neither too smooth nor too slippery.

Ergonomics and ease of use

Razer have clearly worked hard on the ergonomics of the Basilisk V3. It’s comfortable and easy to use for all grip types. If you like palm grip mouses, you’ll especially like the Basilisk V3’s deep thumb rest on its left side.

Since the Basilisk V3 isn’t symmetrical, it’s only going to be suitable if you’re right handed.

We weren’t 100% impressed with the button positions. In total, the mouse has over ten buttons, of which four are controlled using the scroll wheel (you can move it up and down, as well as left and right). Two of the buttons are directly under the scroll wheel. We found it relatively difficult to reach these buttons. To do so, we had to bend our fingers right down to the bottom, which didn’t feel particularly comfortable. Moreover, the furthest forward button on the thumb-side is quite difficult to reach for people with smaller hands, especially when your whole hand is on the mouse.

Features and ease of use

When we first plugged in the mouse, our PC automatically opened the download manager, to install drivers compatible with Razer’s products. We went for the all-round software Synapse and took the mouse for a test ride in guest mode. This let us get an overview of all of the features, as well as an impression of the stock settings. However, to be able to use all of the possible features of the software, you will have to make an account. The first thing you see when opening Synapse are the standard settings, including the button mapping. The two buttons directly on top of the thumb rest don’t have any functions automatically mapped onto them.

The button directly under the scroll wheel lets you switch between tactile and freewheel modes. Tactile mode means you can feel any time you move the scroll wheel, as well as how far the wheel has moved. By contrast, freewheel mode removes this tactility: when in this mode, you can’t feel the scroll wheel move at all. When switching between the two modes, there’s a short clicking sound. The second button under the scroll wheel lets you change between five different DPI levels — from 400 up to 6,400.

The fact that there’s only one poorly placed DPI button in the default settings isn’t great. However, using Synapse it’s possible to re-map all of the buttons on the mouse to best suit your needs. You can also set up multiple profiles on the software. There’s a button on the underside of the mouse which lets you switch between these profiles.

Furthermore, the mouse also supports Razer Chroma Studio. This software lets you choose and configure loads of different lighting effects and use them on compatible Razer devices.

Overall

We found the Razer Basilisk V3 to be a good gaming mouse for longer sessions. Each button can be individually configured and re-mapped using Synapse, which compensates for some unoptimal factory settings. The button positioning could use some fine-tuning, especially under the scroll wheel. The mouse also isn’t suitable for left-handers, but is otherwise quite comfortable to use.

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Images 1-4: © FinalCheck

Nintendo Switch

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

Concept and specs

In 2017, Nintendo launched the successor to the Wii U, the Switch. What makes it special: in addition to the stationary mode, it can be used as a handheld and tabletop console. In 2019, a new version of the Nintendo Switch was released that only differs from its predecessor by its higher battery power.

Handheld-only and OLED version

In addition to the classic Switch, there is also a Lite and OLED version available. The Switch Lite is a handheld-only version with permanently installed Joy-Cons. The Switch OLED has an OLED screen instead of an LCD.

Versatile hybrid model

The hardware of the Switch is installed in a tablet. If you want to use the console on the go, mount the detachable, small controllers, called Joy-Cons, onto the sides of the screen. This turns the Switch into a handheld console. It can be switched to tabletop mode by folding out a kickstand on the bottom of the screen. As a third option, you can connect the Nintendo Switch as a home game console to the TV and use it with a controller.

Inferior technology compared to other consoles

The hybrid character of the Switch goes along with the fact that the console is very compact. After all, it is mostly designed as a handheld. With the Joy-Cons connected, it measures 4.01 x 9.40 x 0.55 inches (10.2 x 23.9 x 1.4cm) and weighs 14.0 ounces (400g). The compact design already suggests that the installed hardware cannot perform as highly as competing consoles. But that’s not what Nintendo was going for, as they mainly focus on colorful cartoon-like games and gaming fun.

The Switch‘s touchscreen has a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels, and the console reaches a maximum of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and 60 frames per second in TV mode. In our test, we considered the quality of the picture to be absolutely sufficient both on the installed screen and via the TV. The internal memory comprises 32GB and can be increased up to 2TB with an external memory expansion. You can hardly get around that if you want to store multiple games on the Switch. Our test game — Mariokart Deluxe — already takes up more than half of the available internal storage space with 17.1GB.

The Switch is powered by the internal lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of 4,310 mA and, according to the manufacturer, lasts for 4.5 to 9.0 hours of gaming depending on the software used. According to Nintendo, charging takes 3.5 hours. That appears to be quite realistic, since the battery was almost half full after a good hour in our test.

Accessories included

The heart of the Nintendo Switch is the tablet-like console. It is accompanied by the two-piece Joy-Con controller, which consists of the Joy-Con L and Joy-Con R. They are available in various combinations of colors. Ours were classically red and blue. In handheld mode, the two parts of the controller are attached to the side of the console.

Convertible controller

For gaming at home, a controller-shaped grip is included (Joy-Con grip), onto which the Joy-Cons are attached. This way, they can be used like a regular controller. Furthermore, both Joy-Cons can each function as individual controllers by attaching the included wrist straps. Regardless of the mode, the Joy-Cons work wirelessly and are charged as soon as they are plugged into the console. One drawback that comes with the versatility of the detachable Joy-Cons is that they are susceptible to damage like loose contacts.

Docking station and most important ports

The compact design of the Switch leaves little room for ports, which is why they are limited to the most necessary ones: a port for a 3.5mm audio cable, a USB-C interface, and slots for an external memory card as well as for game cards, which is the physical version of a game. The included docking station, which is additionally equipped with three USB 2.0 ports, another USB-C interface, and an HDMI port, remedies this. It can be used to connect the Nintendo Switch to the TV. The required HDMI cable and a USB-C cable with a fixed power plug are also included.

Bundle with a game and an online membership

The Nintendo Switch is available as a bundle with many popular games. We opted for the version with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game was included in form of a small scratch card that revealed a code for the Nintendo eShop. Additionally, we received a free 90-day Nintendo Switch Online membership. With this, gamer benefit from special offers such as game trials and exclusive games, among other things.

Ease of use and user interface

Setting up the Nintendo Switch is done in a few simple steps. You can simply follow the software’s easy-to-understand instructions:

1. Select language and region
2. Connect to the Internet
3. Choose time zone
4. Create a user profile

To create a user profile, you decide on an image, which can changed at any time, and a nickname. Alternatively, existing user data can be transferred.

Nintendo account and download of games

Before you can start gaming, you have to link your profile to a Nintendo account. If you don’t have one yet, you can create it either on your PC, smartphone, or directly via the Switch. In the test, the set-up took us about ten minutes, including the creation of an account. Afterwards, we were able to download the game included in the bundle. All we had to do was enter the code from the scratch card. After just under an hour downloading Mario Kart Deluxe 8, it was immediately ready to play.

Simple menu navigation

The user interface of the Nintendo Switch is kept simple. That’s because it’s the same for all modes, so it’s also used on the console’s rather small screen. The games are most prominently situated on the display. Below them are the other functions such as access to the Nintendo eShop and controller and system settings. For example, parents can set up age restrictions to create a safe gaming environment for their children. The Switch can be operated either via controller or touchscreen. The latter is especially handy for entering long passwords.

More comfortable use in home console and tabletop mode

As a handheld, the Nintendo Switch is quite heavy. Additionally, the edges of the Joy-Cons may press uncomfortably against your palms during longer gaming sessions. We considered gaming in the tabletop and home console mode more comfortable. We played, for example, in pairs with one Joy-Con each in tabletop mode. Here, we needed a few laps to get used to the small controller and the consequently small distances between the controls. However, we soon had thrilling and fun races.

Summary

In terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch cannot keep up with other consoles on the market, but it stands out with its hybrid design and the versatility that comes with it. Gamers can not only play in home console mode, but also use the Switch as a handheld and tabletop console. Since Nintendo has always focused more on colorful cartoony games than on games with realistic graphics, the Switch‘s weaker hardware doesn’t really matter and doesn’t diminish the fun at all. The extensive game library with exclusive titles also contributes to the great success of the Nintendo Switch.

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Boxshot: © FinalCheck | Images 1-5: © FinalCheck

Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

First impression

For the best gaming experience on the PC, you not only need a powerful computer or high-resolution monitor with a high refresh rate, but also the right peripherals. This includes a good gaming mouse. Logitech has recognised that classic office mice, keyboards, and headsets are not up to the high demands of gaming and created special products for this purpose — including the Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury gaming mouse.

The unboxing reveals the mouse wrapped in plastic, along with a manual. The product measures 136mm by 72mm by 41mm. This makes the Logitech mouse slightly larger than competitors like the Razer Basilisk V3. The weight of 108g is also slightly higher than that of Razer’s mouse. However, we didn’t notice any major differences between the two products in terms of size or weight.

The surface is smooth, but does not feel slippery. However, intensive use with many rapid movements might wear down the grip over time. Although the mouse fits perfectly in your hand, it only has a small indent for the thumb. The mouse comes with a simple, unsheathed USB cable, which can also be found on classic mice.

Design and ease of use

The mouse shell looks big and bulky at first glance, as Logitech does without both a curvy shape and a deep thumb rest. Nevertheless, you can rest your hand comfortably on the mouse. Maneuvering doesn’t require enormous effort. In terms of design, the mouse scores especially with a well-thought-out arrangement of the buttons. Apart from the right and left main keys, there are five additional keys on the left side, all of which can be reached without any problems. However, since the two halves of the mouse are shaped differently, the G402 is only suitable for use with the right hand.

Features

The two buttons positioned parallel to the scroll wheel are the DPI Plus and DPI Minus buttons. They are very easy to reach with the right index finger, allowing you to quickly switch between sensitivity levels, even while playing. For actions that require precision, for example, the DPI number can be quickly reduced with the minus key and then set back to the initial value with the plus key. There are three LEDs under the DPI buttons that light up as soon as the sensitivity level changes.

Contrary to the number of lights, four levels can be set and not just three, which is a bit irritating at first. At the lowest setting, only the light near the thumb area is lit; at the third level, all lights are lit; and at the fourth level, all lights except the one near the thumb are lit. In the default settings, you can switch between 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 DPI. If you download the Logitech Gaming Software, you can even set levels between 400 and 4,000.

Besides that, the DPI Shift button allows you to quickly switch to a previously set sensitivity. The default setting is 1,600. This is the button located at the tip of the thumb. The two keys above the thumb can be used to go forward and back.

You can assign other functions to the keys in the software. Although the selection seems confusing at first, there is a search bar to find all system commands. An extra button for switching between profiles is missing though. It is only possible to assign the function to an existing key, but then it can’t be used for other useful commands.

Summary

Overall, Logitech does a lot right with the Hyperion Fury. The mouse is easy to use, all buttons are well placed and maneuvering doesn’t require a lot of effort. However, the manufacturer does without extra features like a cable with protective sheathing or a separate button for changing profiles. As the mouse only has eight buttons, it’s a pity to “sacrifice” one of them for profile change. Furthermore, the mouse cannot be used with the left hand.

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Images 1-4: © FinalCheck

Emma Signature Bed Bundle

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Delivery and first impressions

The Emma Signature Bed Bundle was delivered in its separate parts. The mattress and topper were rolled up, making transport a lot easier. All components of the bed arrived in good condition.

The bed consists of a two-part bed frame, twelve frame feet, a headboard, a foam topper, and the pocket spring mattress Emma Helix. The size of the bed that we tested was 4’7’’ x 6’6’’. However, the box spring bed is also available in other sizes, namely, 5’3’’ x 6’6’’, 5’10’’ x 6’6’’, and 6’6’’ x 6’6’’. All sizes can be purchased with or without a topper. Depending on the size, the bed can cost between $1,850 and $2,180. Whether or not a topper is included also affects the price.

Regarding informational material, only an advertising booklet and the assembly instructions came with the delivery. The assembly instructions were helpful and easy to follow. However, our editorial team found the informational material somewhat limited. For instance, we would have liked more information regarding the mattress’s lying zones. It wasn’t clear to us at first which side of the mattress cover belonged on top. Still, this could be solved with some quick research and logical thinking. In addition, no tool for opening the mattress packaging was included upon delivery – as was the case with the Emma Two mattress. While this can also be done with a knife, a cutter, or scissors, those sharp objects might damage the fabric if you’re not careful.

Assembly

One of the main reasons that box spring beds, otherwise known as divan beds, are so popular is that they are extremely easy to assemble. The same goes for the Emma Signature Bed Bundle: even without the instructions, it’s easy to assemble in a few simple steps. With the help of the instruction manual, assembling the bed becomes child’s play – even for people who are not particularly practical. The individual components are lightweight, meaning the bed can be assembled by one person without any help. The only part that might require assistance is the headboard, which has to be slid into the two parallel rails of the bed frame at the same time.

No tools are needed to assemble the bed. You only need to screw the feet to the bed frame by hand, connect the two parts of the frame with the latching mechanism, insert the headboard into the bed frame’s rails, and you are done! Now, you only need to stack the mattress and topper on top of the bed frame. With this bed, there were no hiccups during the assembly – everything fit as intended. We were also happy with the wood and fabric quality. One thing that should be noted, however, is that the headboard is wider than the bed frame. Specifically, the headboard is 2,76’’ longer on each side. This might affect where you end up being able to put the bed.

Aesthetics

The entire frame of the Emma Signature Bed Bundle is covered with fabric. The model we tested has a minimalistic dark grey color. The production quality of the fabric means that the bed looks and feels high-end.

New mattresses tend to smell strongly of plastic or other packaging materials for a while after unpacking. In this respect we were positively surprised: Emma’s bed was completely odorless even directly after unpacking. There’s no need to air out the mattress and topper for ages before you use it.

The absolute highlight, however, was the bed’s noiselessness. Even with grown adults jumping up and down on it, it didn’t make any of the squeaky noises you would expect from a bed.

Comfort

Lying on this bed almost feels like lying on clouds. The foam of the topper adapts to your body, making you feel property tucked in. The Emma Helix mattress, a hybrid of pocket springs and two types of foam, is divided into lying zones and ensures good support. The bed frame with springs provides additional comfort.

The Emma bed has a very soft sleeping surface. However, the firmness of the mattress can be configured to a certain degree. The topper has two sides: a soft blue side and a slightly harder grey side. You can, therefore, choose which side you prefer. If both are too soft for you, you can leave the topper off completely. Although this is the firmest option, it would be wrong to suggest it is a hard mattress. Even with the topper removed, some of our team still found the mattress too soft. If you prefer a firm mattress, this bed won’t be ideal for you.

On the other hand, this bed is particularly good for side sleepers. Your shoulders and hips sink in thanks to the lying zones, meaning that your spine remains straight. Back sleepers had mixed reactions to the lying experience. Some found it a bit too soft, while, for others, it was just right. Other than your preferred sleeping position, the appropriate firmness also depends on your weight, body shape, and preferences. Generally speaking, we would recommend this bed to anyone who likes soft mattresses.

We were also happy with the bed’s point elasticity. During an impromptu pressure test, only the areas on which we applied pressure sank in, and the mattress bounced back immediately. If there is someone else lying in the bed next to you, they should not notice you lying down or getting up too much. However, if you have a particularly sensitive partner, the best solution would be to purchase two separate mattresses. Point elasticity is also important if you’re sleeping alone. If it is insufficient, the mattress will sag in the area around the point on which pressure is exerted, like a hammock. This can lead to an unhealthy lying posture.

Other features

If you have very limited living space, this bed might not be the best fit. This, however, is less of a criticism of the bed itself and more of a general issue with box spring beds. After all, they inherently don’t have any storage space. Although bed frames with storage are available, they are an exception and not the norm.

The bed tops off at approximately 2’2’’ – a bit higher than most regular beds with slatted frames. If you sometimes have difficulties getting up and out of bed, this bed could be a good option. The increased height allows you to get in and out of bed without having to bend down too much.

Like most box spring beds, the Emma bed does not have a slatted frame with gaps that allow air to circulate through the mattress. Air circulation still takes place, however, just differently: whenever pressure is exerted on the mattress, it “breathes” from the sides.

The Emma box spring bed is extremely sturdy. It passed our improvised stress test – two adults simultaneously using it as a trampoline – with flying colors, taking no damage in the process. In fact, it did not even make a sound. Children and adults should, therefore, be able to play on this bed without any reservations.

Conclusion

Costing between $1,850 and $2,180, the Emma Signature Bed Bundle is not exactly cheap. However, the mattress, which is usually the most expensive part of the bed, is already included. In our eyes, the bed justifies its price on merit, due to factors such as its high quality, sturdiness, and easy assembly.

If you are looking for a soft, ergonomic sleeping surface, Emma’s bed is a good choice. Among our testers, those who prefer softer mattresses were very enthusiastic about the bed – especially the side sleepers. For others, the bed was too soft – even without the topper. People who like a firm surface are better served looking for a bed with a rigid slatted frame and a firm mattress instead.

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Title image: © FinalCheck | Image 1–8: © FinalCheck

Emma 25 Foam

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

General information

Founded in Frankfurt, Germany in 2015, Emma has not only steadily expanded their range, but also quickly expanded to 20 countries across 4 continents and has been named UK’s most awarded sleep brand for every year since 2019. By now, the range includes bedding of all kinds, e.g. bed frames, slatted frames, and pillows.

After the supplier had already provided us with the Emma Two mattress (size 90 x 200cm) as well as the box spring bed, we received another product for testing. This was the Emma 25 Foam with the dimensions 140 x 200cm. The number 25 in the name refers to the height of the mattress, which is 7cm more than their competitors usually offer. This means that the mattress has a comfort height. The Emma 25 Foam mattress is one of Emma‘s premium mattresses, which on the one hand builds on the advantages of the Emma One and on the other hand includes new elements. These include a particularly soft cover.

Like the Emma One, the Emma 25 Foam is made up of three foam layers. The top layer is about 4cm of the company’s own Airgocell 2.0, an open-pored and point-elastic material that is somewhat reminiscent of gel foam. Compared to its predecessor, the foam is characterised by higher breathability, according to the manufacturer. Furthermore, the low rolling resistance makes it easier to change positions at night.

The Airgocell 2.0 layer is followed by 4cm of Lineadapt Visco foam and 17cm of supportive Ergobase cold foam. The Visco foam is supposed to adapt to the body contours and distribute pressure evenly. In contrast to the Emma One, however, the cold foam of the Emma 25 Foam is zoned according to the body to provide ergonomic support for the spine. According to the manufacturer, these properties ensure a light, almost weightless feeling and promote a peaceful sleep.

Just like the Emma One, the Emma 25 Foam is also tested for harmful substances and are even approved for babies.

Packaging and first impression

The mattress is delivered rolled up in a large, rectangular box. As it weighs around 25.9kg, it is somewhat heavy for a single person. So, it’s best to find a mate to help you.

The mattress comes in a vacuum pack that protects it during transport, as well as a second hygienic protective plastic cover. There is no blade included to open the packaging. Instead, the there is a marked line where you can tear it open.

After unrolling, the mattress was ready for use within a few minutes. However, it took a little longer for it to reach its full height on the sides as well. The mattress had only a subtle odour, which was hardly noticeable. If you are sensitive to odours, you can air it out for a few hours at an open window.

To make the mattress easier to transport, there are two handles on each of the long sides. They are robust and neatly finished for the most part. Although the seams of the test product were not perfectly neat in one place. This small production-related defect didn’t affect the stability of the handle. We were able to carry the Emma 25 Foam through the content office several times without the handles loosening.

The cover feels soft and of high quality. It is made entirely of polyester on the top and 85% of polypropylene on the bottom. The bottom side has a tactile structure due to the anti-slip coating. According to the manufacturer, this makes the mattress usable on box spring beds. In addition, the product is not intended for flipping. Thanks to the zip, the cover can be removed and washed in the washing machine at 40 °C. However, since dust mites only die at a temperature of 60 °C, the mattress is only of limited suitability for allergy sufferers. According to Emma, the mattress protector is equipped with allergy protection and allows for a complaint-free sleep. However, the zip snagged in some places when opening and closing.

Opening the zip reveals the three layers of foam. The first thing that catches the eye is the jagged top of the Ergobase foam layer, on which the Line-Adapt visco layer is placed. At both ends of the long side, the five round ventilation channels can be seen. Both the surface structure and the channels of the Ergobase layer ensure good ventilation of the mattress.

Lying characteristics

To evaluate the comfort of the mattress, seven colleagues agreed to lie on the mattress for 20 minutes and describe their impressions in a short questionnaire. Emma advertises that the mattresses are suitable for everyone, regardless of body size and type or preferred lying position. The Emma 25 Foam is even said to guarantee ideal body adaptation thanks to the Lineadapt foam. For our test, this would mean that all testers sink into the right places and are optimally supported. But does the mattress really deliver what it promises?

Our test group consisted mostly of side and stomach sleepers or those who switch between the positions. Only one test person preferred lying on the back, another one sleeps only at times in this position. Some testers stated that they had switched to lying on their backs during the test, even though it is not their preferred position. Thus, we were able to collect impressions from all three most common lying positions.

The results are largely positive. Our editors were comfortable or even very comfortable lying on the mattress and mostly felt well supported. Two testers were of a different opinion: one described very good support and one no support at all.

Interestingly, several testers reported that the mattress provided worse support when lying on their back than in the side or stomach position. The lower body centre or the pelvic area sank too much into the mattress. Others, however, found the supine position comfortable. The results indicate that the supine position is not suitable for every body type. However, we were not able to check which physical characteristics determine the support in the supine position.

In the side position, the body sank in at exactly the right places throughout. Those who had been lying on their stomach felt very comfortable on the mattress. For side and stomach sleepers, the mattress does a good job, at least for the short time we tested it.

The mattress’s firmness was another point of discussion. When we first sat or laid down on the Emma 25 Foam, it seemed very soft. Curious colleagues who only briefly went to the mattress also largely confirmed this impression. When we actually tried it out, we noticed that the mattress seemed harder in the side position than in the back position.

Depending on their subjective perception, our colleagues described the firmness either as soft to medium or between medium and hard — more often the former.

Prices and conditions

The Emma 25 Foam is available in eleven different sizes. These include a particularly small model with 80 x 200cm, an extra-long 90 x 220cm mattress, and an oversized version with 200 x 200cm. The Emma 25 Foam costs between £331 and £655 on Amazon. The size we tested is available for between £370 and £390, depending on the offer.

Emma gives a 10-year manufacturer warranty for the mattress core. In addition, you have the option to test the Emma 25 Foam for 200 nights. Anyone who finds that the product doesn’t provide restful sleep can return it free of charge and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Summary

The Emma 25 Foam is a rather soft mattress that adapts well to the contours of the body. It scored particularly well in the side position with its excellent support. Those who prefer to sleep in the supine position are sometimes bothered by the fact that the pelvic area sinks in too much. For those who prefer to sleep on a harder mattress, this model is less suitable.

The mattress itself and its cover seem well-made and robust. Even the handles with its somewhat unsightly seam survived repeated transport without any problems.

With a price between £370 and £390, depending on the current offer, it is advisable to take advantage of the 200-day trial period. During this period, you can weigh up whether the Emma 25 Foam is right for you.

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Featured Image: © FinalCheck | Images 1-6: © FinalCheck

De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M Electric Coffee Grinder

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The product presented here was provided to us free of charge by Amazon. The provider had no influence on the test criteria or our rating.

Features und design

For round about £180 you get the electrical coffee grinder De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M in a full-metal housing with a conical grinder made of stainless steel. The grinder impresses with a high-quality look and feel, and an elegant, timeless design in silver and black. With dimensions of 24cm x 25.4cm x 38.2cm, it is quite large and looks rather like a coffee machine. Take this into consideration, if you plan on placing it permanently in your kitchen. Moreover, with 2.75kg, it’s also quite heavy and not as easily stowed away. The main cable, however, is adequately long, though we were missing a cable winder.

Coffee beans and ground coffee container

The coffee bean container is made of transparent plastic and can be retrieved. It can hold up to 350g of coffee beans and is ideal for grinding large quantities. The ground coffee container too is transparent and retrievable and fits up to 170g of coffee powder. It comes with an air-tight silicon cap that allows you to use it for storing ground coffee as well.

Perfect for portafilter machines

In addition to the coffee containers, the De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M comes with a filter holder accessory for portafilter machines. You can install it instead of the ground coffee container to grind coffee directly into a portafilter. It is designed to hold most standard portafilters, but can be used for all sorts of systems if you hold it in place while grinding.

The accessory indicates with an arrow how you are supposed to insert it. When not needed, it can be stowed away in a box that is inserted in the housing. That’s also where you can find it, when unboxing.

Grinder settings and number of cups

The De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M has a stunning 18 grinder settings divided in three groups: level 1 (very fine) to 6 for espresso maker, 7 to 12 for drip coffee maker and 13 to 18 (very coarse) for French presses. Additionally, you can choose the amount of coffee powder you want to produce. The option is between 1 and 14 cups. With the filter holder accessory in use, only 1–2 cups can be selected.

Safety features and other accessories

To guarantee safe operation, the electrical coffee grinder has four rubber feet for a safe stand. Grinding is only possible when the coffee bean container is attached to prevent injuries. The cleaning brush included makes the cleaning as easy as possible.

To prevent coffee beans from falling between grinder and the housing, you should retrieve the coffee beans container only when empty. This is not just advised in the manual, but also on a sticker directly on the container’s lid.

Operation and grinder

The De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M comes with a manual in 19 languages, including English, German, Italian, and French. On four pages you’ll find safety warnings, a description of the machine and clear instructions for use. It is recommended to clean the housing with a damp cloth before first use and rinse all the removable parts with hot soapy water and let them dry.

Ready for use in just a few steps

Setting up the electrical coffee grinder is quite easy. Fasten the bean container on top of the grinder and place either the ground coffee container or the filter holder accessory on the bottom. Now, all you need to do is plug in the power cable and fill in some coffee beans, and you’re ready to grind.

Beans and settings

Thanks to the large opening of the bean container, it’s no problem at all to fill in some beans. Afterwards, simply close the lid tightly and choose your preferred settings.

With the grinding selection regulator, you set the desired coarseness. It is located on top of the appliance and has a range from 1 to 18. However, it’s hard to see it when the beans container is attached, and the extremely shiny surface doesn’t help either in this aspect. To choose the right amount cups, there is a selection dial on the side of the grinder that — in contrast — has a clearly visible labelling.

If you, however, choose to grind your beans directly into a portafilter, you can set the amount via the coffee filter holder button on top of the device. For one cup, push the button once, for two cups, push it another time within one second after the first push. As not all portafilters are of the same size, you can also program the amount of powder. How to do so, is indicated in the manual.

Quick, but a little loud

To make the machine ready for operation, first press the on/off button at the bottom right. Then start the grinding process with one of the two soft-touch buttons on the front of the coffee grinder. The left button is for grinding with the portafilter holder and the right button is for use with the ground coffee container. The latter can also be used to end the grinding process prematurely, for example if there are not enough beans for the desired quantity.

When grinding, the De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M is so loud that a normal conversation is not possible. However, the noise is not annoying for long because it works very quickly. The electric coffee grinder prepares grounds for two cups in around ten seconds.

Fine to coarse

To get an impression of the results of the different grind settings, we ground powder for four cups in each of three settings:

• 1: very fine
• 9: medium
• 18: very coarse

For finer powder, the machine needs slightly more time. In addition, the differences are noticeable in the appearance and quantity of the grounds as well as in the smell. The finer the beans are ground, the smaller the amount of powder obtained and the stronger the perceptible aroma.

Cleaning

The elegant design of the De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M has one disadvantage: the silver surface is very susceptible to fingerprints. However, these can be easily removed with a damp microfibre cloth. Those who value a coffee grinder that is always shiny should be prepared to use a cloth more often.

In addition to the housing, the inside of the coffee grinder also needs regular cleaning — preferably after each use. To do this, first switch off the grinder and disconnect it. The bean and coffee ground containers as well as the filter holder can easily be cleaned with lukewarm water and washing-up liquid. None of the components are suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher.

To prevent it from rusting and reducing its lifespan, the stainless-steel grinder must not come into contact with water. To make it easier to remove coffee residue, the upper part of the grinder can be removed. To do this, slide the grinding selection regulator all the way to the left to ‘Open’. For thorough cleaning of the removable grinder, De’Longhi recommends a hard-bristled brush. This is not included in the scope of delivery, but it would be very useful for removing powder residue. Loose grounds can be easily swept out of the grinder and powder outlet with the brush provided.

However, the coffee grounds cannot be removed completely, even with the brush provided. The instruction manual recommends using a vacuum cleaner to remove all residues. If you want to avoid any remaining powder falling out of the coffee grinder when you touch or move it, it is best to have a handheld vacuum cleaner ready.

Summary

With a price of around £180, the De’Longhi Dedica KG 520.M is quite an expensive coffee grinder, but it impresses with its high-quality, elegant design and many setting options. You can choose between a total of 18 grind settings for espresso, filter coffee, and French press, as well as a powder quantity for one cup up to 14 cups. The operation of the coffee grinder is simple and intuitive. Only cleaning is a little more complicated. Here, a handheld vacuum cleaner makes the work easier.

The grinder works very quickly, so the high operating volume is only annoying for a short time. Thanks to its performance and the large bean container, the coffee grinder is predestined for larger quantities of powder. The supplied filter holder also makes it the perfect addition to a portafilter machine.

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Images 1-10: © FinalCheck