Still not up to the task of grinding for espresso, but lets give credit where it is due; this 'Mark II' version of the long serving Antigua model that preceded it is a big improvement.  Over the years we owned 3 Antigua grinders at various times and had a good run from all of them, although the quality did vary.

Bodum have clearly responded to market pressure; the Antigua had become too expensive for what it was, at GBP85 retail in the UK.  They obviously sent their design guys back to the drawing board with a tough brief; that it must cost a lot less and it must also improve.

Well the Bistro retails for just GBP55 in the UK, so they ticked that box.  But there's more; they have also made substantial improvements.  A lot of development has gone into the new 'anti-static' collection bin, and this is a welcome addition as the one on the Antigua is chronic.

Secondly, something that annoyed me with the Antigua was the timer only control, so if you wanted to stop the grinder before the timer had wound down you either had to turn it off at the wall or wind the timer back forcibly.

The Bistro is available in a significant range of colours, which will be important for the product's target market.

Importantly this grinder is significantly quieter than the model it replaces.  The Antigua often sounded like a cement mixer, although it varied depending on how well your unit had been assembled.  My wife commented that the Bistro sounds like a sewing machine, and while I wouldn't consider this to be a complement for a motor car I think it is for the Bistro, particularly if you are familiar with the sound of the Antigua.

Initially i thought this was due to a complete redesign of the mechanicals, but in reflection I suspect it owes much to the sound deadening properties of the new housing that Bodum have developed.  I suspect they may also have placed the motor on sound deadening mounts rather than a more direct connection to the housing.  Finally I think the soft synthetic material used on the top of the collection box makes such a good seal that it also reduces the amount of noise emitted.  An on/off switch with LED indicator light is also a nice touch, not present on the previous model.

In our opinion the new Bodum Bistro is the best entry level grinder currently on offer in the UK.  If you don't need to make espresso buy it at Bodum's online shop; it is ridiculous value for money.  Pair it with a Swissgold filter & a bag of Londinium beans and you're enjoying the best coffee in the UK