Hi - i am actually writing this review because i got back into trying to achieve the perfect shot -  i do agree that its messy - and the static - i never paid too much attention to that - but it is messy - has some static and loud -  but i do have to say that i had mines for 11 years !!  i never done anything to it - which maybe was a reason for my espresso grinds not working out correctly -  i finally opened it up - just top part - and it was full of dried up oily beans etc, -  i did a good cleaning - put it back -  and then filled the hopper with white rice - any cheap kind - will be fine -  ran it thru -  it cleaned it up nicely -  be sure to run some beans after and throw them out - some rice will be still in there -  but have to say its held up very nice - well worth the price i paid -