TheBreville Smart Grinder Pro comes recommended for consumers who take pour-over or espresso shots individually, while experienced home baristas may be better suited investing in a kitchen scale and a manual burr grinder that is less expensive. Nevertheless, it is considered a reliable grinder that is reasonably priced at $25 to $70 less, and despite not having a conventional design, it is still an excellent option.
Summary - The Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes recommended for consumers who take pour-over or espresso shots individually, while experienced home baristas may be better suited investing in a kitchen scale and a manual burr grinder that is less expensive. Nevertheless, it is considered a reliable grinder that is reasonably priced at $25 to $70 less, and despite not having a conventional design, it is still an excellent option.
Overview - The $200 Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a versatile coffee grinder that uses steel burrs to produce coffee grounds ideal for espresso, drip, cold brew, and French press. Despite the high cost and complexity of operation, it is a smartly designed grinder with an LCD screen display and a bean hopper that is easy to use. Although the "Dosing IQ" technology allows users to adjust the grind time in small increments, it can still make mistakes when grinding for large pots of drip coffee. For serious espresso enthusiasts with a larger budget, higher-end models like the Eureka Specialty or the Niche Zero may be worth considering. Overall, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is an excellent all-around grinder that offers great value for money and performs well for most coffee brewing methods.
Overview - Customizability - It is a robust, cutting-edge coffee grinder that gives consumers flexibility over their preferred grind size and brewing methods. Although more expensive than many electric grinders in its class, it provides unmatched personalization for coffee drinks and makes fresh coffee from just-ground beans, and enables baristas to quickly prepare a wide range of distinctive coffee beverages. Due to its sophisticated features and capabilities, hand grinding coffee beans or using stale pre-ground beans is no longer necessary, guaranteeing that the coffee comes first.
Overview - Features - It has a one-pound beam hopper, a backlit LCD screen, 60 grind settings, start, pulse, cancel, dosing system, program dose, manual dose, removable ground tray, and a conical burst system.
Cons - The coffee grinder is expensive, and an updated version is recommended for proper functioning. Old versions might have an impeller that wears quickly, leaving stuck coffee grounds. There's no scale to confirm the amount of grounds produced, and programming is limited to cups or espresso shots. The machine has a complex user interface, and users must hold down a button to grind manually. Cleaning once a week is crucial for optimal performance.
Pros - The Breville Smart Grinder Pro has 60 precise grind settings for customizable and consistent grind sizes with a design that includes cradles for small and large portafilters, allowing dosing directly into the portafilter. It has an electric timer to control grinding time and volume. It is durable and can grind beans for several types of coffee, such as espresso, drip, French press, and cold brew. It has a digital timer for repeatable results, a stainless-steel design with an LCD screen, and is notably quiet in operation. It accepts espresso portafilters. It's affordable and impressive in capacity for supporting espresso brewing.
Cord - It’s designed with clever elements, such as the Breville assist plug with a finger hole for safe and simple removal and extra cord storage underneath to keep the countertop clutter-free. For further child protection, the bottom of the device incorporates a retractable chord. Even though this grinder's cord could be shorter than those of other devices in its class, this shouldn't be a problem as it is typically kept on a tabletop.
Design - It is a great option for coffee enthusiasts due to its elegant stainless-steel design, reasonable pricing, and simplicity of use. Its tiny size makes it suitable for smaller kitchens. The cleverly constructed grind container enables a mess-free operation and locks in place with magnets.
Drip Tray - The coffee maker's drip tray is magnetically attachable and removable, making it simple for the user to clean or get rid of extra coffee. Additionally, the easy-to-remove grind pan, which is secured in place by a magnet, is used to catch coffee spills.
Hopper - It is simple to swap between different types of beans because the coffee maker's one-pound bean hopper has an airtight top, with a finger pull that can be removed without spilling the beans. The beans should be stored in an opaque, airtight container and poured into the hopper before brewing since they should not be kept in the hopper for longer than a few days as they start to deteriorate. The hopper has a 500 gram capacity. It also includes an easily removable silk cap at the top. In addition, the hopper can be flipped without any coffee spilling out.
Impeller - A clogged or jammed grinder could come from an older model of the product's plastic impeller wearing out over time and failing to adequately whisk the coffee grinds away from the burrs. Because Breville can't readily replace the defective element, it's crucial to check the model before making any purchases. The BCG800XL, a model that has since been discontinued, is the one to watch out for because newer models have fixed this problem.
Material - Despite the plastic housing, it is sturdy. The stainless steel base and conical burrs give it strength, enabling it to resist continuous use. Additionally, it features a brushed metal appearance, which distinguishes it from rival grinders that use plastic parts.
Portafilter - A magnet mechanism within the portafilter adapter makes it simple to insert a portafilter. Two portafilter holders for various sizes are included with the adaptor, one for the larger 58 commercial size and the other for a smaller size appropriate for devices like the Breville Barista Express.
Customizability - Grinding - It provides the user a significant degree of customisation, including the option to remove the top burr and alter the grind by 10 microns. This results in a wide range of grind customization choices. The grinder's customizing capabilities are superior to those of rival products.
Espresso Setting - The ideal grind setting for espresso is around between 1 and 30. For a portafilter with two walls, the higher setting is normally advised; however, for one wall, the lower setting should work.
Grind - Due to its broad variety of grind sizes, which includes both espresso and coarser grinds, it is incredibly adaptable. With a total of 60 grind sizes, it provides more grind settings than other electronic grinders on the market. Additionally, it includes portafilter cradles to grind directly into the portafilter of the espresso machine.
Grind Time - With the help of the machine's built-in LCD display, which displays the grind time in seconds, one can program and adjust the parameters to make the perfect cup of coffee. Once the ideal grind time and size pairing has been discovered, these parameters can be saved into the device's memory to speed up the procedure. Users can input the desired quantity of coffee grounds into the grinder, and it will adjust the grind duration down to two tenths of a second for accuracy.
Grinder Programming - The grinder has the ability to automatically adjust timing in proportion to the number of cups indicated once the basic dose is set.
Grinder Settings - In addition to the 60 settings on the knob, it features 10 primary adjustments directly on the burr cage. More range is available to set the appropriate grind on the knob when the cage is finer. A smaller grind setting is advised for fresh beans, with a normal single-wall shot falling between five and six. However, experimentation is advised as there is frequently a learning curve when getting to know a new grinder.
LCD Screen - There are 60 grind adjustments on the LCD panel, many of which are appropriate for espresso brewing. When the timer is set, the beans are fed smoothly and the burrs cease quickly enough to produce a constant dose. Three controls for grinding amounts, shots (single or double), and grind size (range from espresso to plunger) are located on the LCD screen. On the side of the grinder is a wrench.
Manual Mode - It has a manual mode, however compared to the Baratza Encore's on-off switch, using it requires holding down the Start/Pause button constantly. Since the Oxo Barista Brain Grinder automatically stops when the target weight is recognized on the scale, it is simpler to use.
Particle-Size Uniformity - According to Horiba Instruments' analysis of laser diffraction particle size, it produced the highest proportion of grounds that fell within an ideal range of particle size. It had the best performance of the four grinders evaluated at a fine grind of a light roast, with 58.1% of the grounds falling within a 400 micron range.
Serving Capacity - The lack of a specific setting for large grind operations made it difficult to grind a significant quantity of beans for a pot of drip. Although the grinder can be adjusted to deliver the right quantity of drip by trial and error, having a setting specifically for a carafe is more elegant.
Settings - It can be used to make coffee using a variety of brewing techniques, including drip and press. With four basic coarseness ranges and the ability to save a preferred setting for later use, it boasts programmability unlike any other grinder in its price range. Its electronic interface, which shows the grind setting, grind time, and number of cups, makes it simple to use. There are 60 grind settings on the dial of the stepped setting mechanism, but there are also ten adjustments below the top fir, giving a total of 600 grind settings for complete control of grind size, which is essential to making the ideal espresso.
Start Function - By pressing the start button or inserting the portafilter, one may simply start and interrupt the grinding cycle thanks to the user-friendly interface. For convenience, it also supports manual grinding with a countdown timer.
Static - Its layout minimizes static and enables grinding for extended periods of time without covering the wide-mouthed catch cup. By doing that, misalignment, clogging, and grinder failure are reduced.
Timer & Time Settings - The timer can be adjusted precisely in small steps, but making bigger changes can be difficult. Although it is technically feasible to change the cup settings, various factors that influence grind requirements may mean it doesn't have to. It is possible to experiment with the grinder to determine the ideal grind time, and preset buttons are offered for hectic mornings. To ensure a constant grind volume, the grinder uses a digital timer, which may also be used to calculate how many beans to grind. Users can reliably make coffee to personal standards without using pre-ground coffee with the correct defaults.
Clumping - Although it is a cost-effective choice for grinding espresso, static in the beans makes it prone to clumping. Spraying water onto the beans in the hopper will help to solve this problem. Additionally, clump-breaking methods like WDT can be required. The grinder is not particularly well made; it contains some plastic components that could malfunction more frequently. When preparing espresso, applying WDT or tapping the portafilter against the counter will prevent coffee clumps.
Durability - In one case, the grinder, mostly used for espresso grinds but also others exhibited good performance and was trouble-free for more than 3 years, with regular cleaning every few months. There was no reported clogging, albeit the grinder can get loud in its operation. The top bin for the beans is also not airtight, and the grinds sometimes have a static quality.
Grinding Duration - Although the grinder’s shot was made a little too quickly, the quality improved. The overall speed is still quick, indicating a need for a finer grind. In around 30 seconds, 34 grams of espresso were extracted. 12 seconds could be preferable to 10 seconds for single wall filter.
Grinding - With programmed precise time grinding, hardened steel conical burrs, and an incredible price, the SGP changes the game. It is thought to produce superior grounds and is preferred over the built-in grinder on the Breville Express, which is primarily designed for espresso, but the Smart Grinder Pro is versatile enough to be used for pour-overs, French presses, and Aeropresses. It is advised for light espresso users, but not for people who frequently brew espresso and need precise control and user-friendliness at a reasonable price.
Noise - The built-in grinder on the Breville Express and the Smart Grinder Pro both have comparable motor sounds, and it is advised to take steps to reduce noise, as if not adequately hushed, machines with steel conical burrs can be noisy. The Breville Express grinder is found to be 15dB quieter than other machines when grinding at a low 80dB on a decibel meter with a full hopper and medium grind setting. The average noise level varies depending on the situation, but it is still regarded to be below average, which consumers who want a quieter grinding experience when brewing coffee will find comforting.
Operation - Breville accommodates newcomers by providing features that some people may find useful while others can find workarounds for. The adaptable and well-engineered hardware provides an amazing grind uniformity and quiet operation by setting the timer to grind for longer than necessary and manually adjusting the grind action to minimize confusion.
Performance - At size 12, there is no clumping, which may be due to the beans utilized. It can be used for a variety of brewing techniques, and even though the grinder is a little plasticky, it still gets the job done. The grind settings should be regularly adjusted and cleaned. It operates well in many setups in terms of performance, and includes 60 settings, a manual button, and a decent grind size.
Performance - Portioning - 22 grams of grounds were effectively ground for a flavorful cup of pour-over coffee. Instead of grinding the entire amount required for all cups at once, the grinder produced enough grounds for each portion separately when grinding for multiple cups.
Performance - Grinding - In comparison to the built-in grinder on the Breville Express, the portafilter grind looks to produce considerably superior results. The Smart Grinder Pro does well in this area since the grinds appear fluffier overall and have fewer significant clumps.
Performance - Retention - Only 16.3 grams of ground coffee were produced from 17 grams of input. Even so, retention for a grinder in this price range is expected. When using the grinder, it is suggested to add a little more coffee and weigh both the input and output to ensure accuracy.
Process - Breville has a suggested coffee-to-water ratio, and the ability to grind according to the desired number of cups or shots is helpful. Upon choosing the serving size, the machine automatically modifies the grind time. The lack of versatility in the system might, however, be cumbersome and unpleasant for those who wish to experiment with various coffee varieties, roast intensities, and brewing techniques.
Retention Rate - The grinder consistently retains zero particles with little variation. Regardless of the type of grinder used, it is advised to measure the input and output of coffee to ensure accuracy. It has two drawbacks: first, when the hopper is removed, some grounds are left around the conical burr, raising questions about retention and coffee freshness in the portafilter; second, there is a retention problem with fine particles sticking around, despite the fact that the grinder produces relatively few of them. About 3 grams of retained grinds, largely fine powder, were discovered after the grinder was cleaned. It's not the finest retention situation, but it's also not the worst either.
Speed - Manually grinding coffee beans can be a peaceful procedure that some people enjoy, but it might take some time. An electric grinder is a good choice for people who want something that works faster and more consistently.
Versatility - Although adaptable, it can't be used every day to make high-quality espresso. When timing espresso shots, its uniformity at the extra-fine level is not adequate.
Cleaning - Although it is typically simple to clean, regular cleaning is necessary to ensure the longevity and efficient operation of the burr motor and its removable hopper. This leads to improving overall experience with the Breville Smart Grinder.
Burr vs. Blade - Electric grinders come in two varieties: burr grinders and blade grinders. Blade grinders randomly cut the beans, producing uneven coffee grinds. On the contrary, burr grinders create a consistent grind that improves the flavor of coffee by using conical or flat burrs to grind beans to a set size.
Comparison vs. Bambino Plus & Comparison vs. Infuser Plus - The Smart Grinder Pro offers superior ground quality and is recommended, provided that budget is a non-issue.
XICups
03/27/2021
Comparison vs. Bambino PlusComparison vs. Infuser PlusValue
Comparison vs. Eureka Mignon Filtro, Eureka Mignon Facile, Eureka Mignon Specialita, Stepless Sette - Due to the SGP's (Smart Grinder Pro) constrained range for espresso, particularly with medium or light roasts, the Mignon grinder is superior, although it costs more and involves more setup. Alternatives also include the Filtro grinder, which can be converted into a Facile grinder but can lack some functionality. Although the SGP is capable of producing good results, it is not as nice as espresso from a café. For more long-term satisfaction, a stepless Sette or Eureka Mignon at a larger price is recommended.
r/espresso
01/20/2022
Comparison vs. Eureka Mignon FiltroComparison vs. Eureka Mignon FacileComparison vs. Stepless SettePriceSetupGrind Options
Comparison vs. Eureka - Its 165 watts are less powerful than the Eureka's 300 watts, but there haven't been any problems. It's important to keep in mind that the Eureka and Breville are not priced similarly.
Comparison vs. Hand Grinder - Limited grind levels and the grinder's unsuitability for single dosing are the drawbacks of the Smart Grinder Pro. The timer feature, however, is useful for regular use. Instead of relying on either of the previously suggested solutions, it's great to invest in a more durable, user-friendly grinder. Additionally, utilizing a manual grinder would be more dependable than continuously calibrating the Smart Grinder Pro, which might only infrequently produce a nice shot.
r/espresso
12/16/2021
Comparison vs. Hand GrinderGrind LevelsTimerDurability
Price - It costs £189.00 on Amazon Prime in the UK, and for individuals who wish to start making espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and wonderful coffee while being conscious of their budget, this is a great entry-level coffee grinder.
Recommendation - It is not advised to purchase the $200 Breville Smart Grinder Pro. For accurate and affordable grinding, it is preferable to choose a $20 kitchen scale paired with a $145 Baratza Encore. The $200 Oxo Barista Brain grinder with its built-in scale is recommended for people looking for convenience, while frugal customers may think about the $40 Bialetti Manual Grinder.
Value - It's a great affordable grinder that allows easy setting of adjustments and adaptability when experimenting with various brew techniques. Despite being simpler and more reliable, the Niche Zero grinder is more expensive. The SGP grinds coffee reliably and has very fine adjustment options. In general, it's advisable to spend more money on a separate grinder and purchase specialized coffee of high quality.
Issue - Grinding - It makes a loud metal-on-metal sound while grinding at some settings after being stored for 18 months and being quickly cleaned, suggesting that the burrs may be coming into contact. The upper burr had a glossy ring that suggested the burrs had brushed against one another. Meanwhile, the grinder's feature to halt when a foreign object enters the burrs worked as intended when a stone got stuck between the burrs while grinding beans, causing a pronounced crunch sound for the stone to break into two pieces.
White Version - With the SGP and Bambino Plus setup using the single wall basket, there is no need to utilize a finer setting than 12. The white version of the grinder, as opposed to the standard stainless version, is more aesthetically pleasing, cleaner, and special.
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