I noticed coffee fines tended to cling to the inside of my cheap knockoff aluminum shaker. Research indicated that higher priced aluminum shakers didn't fix that issue. I know some folks may prefer fines getting held back, but I want to use as much of my grinds as I reasonably can (fines and all). So, the stainless steel polish on this shaker caught my eye and I figured it would likely let fines slide more freely. I was correct on that guess and have experienced very little retention in this shaker. Plus wiping it out is much more tidy.

The overall build and design is just great. Everything fits snug yet doesn't snag when taking it apart. I have not experienced any grinds leaking out the bottom or the top in my two weeks of daily use. I enjoy the design choice of having the top of the plug poke through the lid. It lets you hold the plug down along with the lid to eliminate any rattle while shaking. Not a must have feature, but it is appreciated. My last shaker's plug would just slightly shift and rattle, and there wasn't a good way to stop it without risking a spill.

All that said, it is HEFTY. I wouldn't say it's a workout to shake, but it may seem that way compared to shaking lighter aluminum. Some folks may prefer using two hands because of the weight. However, the grooves do make it more secure to hold and shake with one hand. If those grooves weren't there, then this shaker would be way more of a threat to everything around it than itself. I have zero doubt this thing can take a fall, but I don't want to dent my countertop or floor to prove it... I will say that if you have any kind of chronic joint pain in your hands, wrists, or even elbows, this shaker may not be a good match for you.

This last point is subjective and may seem dumb to bring up, but it does ring like a bell if you tap the plug around the inside of the shaker to knock any grinds down. That may seem obvious, but it is higher pitched, louder, and lasts longer than an aluminum shaker's ring. Unlike aluminum, the stainless steel does not mute easily with grip pressure. Knocking grinds down isn't entirely necessary in this shaker since most grinds slide out anyway, but I do it to be thorough and personally find the ring pretty satisfying. I only mention it because I can totally see some folks not wanting that sound in the morning with family or roommates sleeping. Just a consideration.

Anyway, it's a very well made premium shaker. The price may raise an eyebrow, but I think the build quality, material, and durability make it more worthwhile than higher prices for aluminum shakers. If you want something with little-to-no retention (and something that'll outlive you and could be passed on to your next of kin😝), then you found it!