Reddit reviews Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder

I have used this Breville Grinder for about 3 years. It is amazing, consistent, and makes grinds that are too fine for my espresso machine. It is easy to take apart and clean and holds a lot of coffee. Doesn't have a fancy name but its got it where it counts. It comes in just below your limit at $199!

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCG800XL-Smart-Grinder/dp/B0043EWFAM/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373727318&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=bretville+grinder

Breville Smart Grinder. It's never let me down. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0043EWFAM/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?keywords=bretville%20grinder&qid=1373727318&ref_=sr_1_sc_1&sr=8-1-spell

Breville Smart Grinder
and
KitchenAid Pro Line

Just for your convenience!

I have a Breville Smart Grinder. It only has 25 grind settings, but those settings span french press sized to espresso. I'm not sure how fancy your espresso machine is. But the Breville does pretty well at the espresso and medium fine range. I find it is a little inconsistent at the larger settings, but perfectly workable.

Like others have said, if you have a fancy espresso machine you might need to get a dedicated espresso grinder. If you have a midrange espresso machine, the Breville will work great.

I've never used capresso gear before, but if you don't already have an electric burr grinder, or are using a hand grinder, it would probably be an upgrade. (someone with experience using Capresso, please chime in!) I spent about 120 on a woot deal for this grinder and I couldn't be happier.

EDIT: FWIW I believe the Breville was refurbished, but can't say for sure.

I recently upgraded to Breville's grinder and have been very happy with it. It has at least 10 notches (out of 25) that are usable for espresso and will easily choke my espresso machine at about 23/25. You can also program the dose amount and it holds your portafilter while grinding into it.

We've had a great experience with our Breville Smart Grinder. I grind right into my portafilter, and my wife grinds right into a drip filter as she holds it there with her hand.

Do you know which is the main difference between the Breville Smart Grinder and the Breville Smart Pro

Nope - the capresso linked above is the flat burr, if you're going Capresso (not that I'm RECOMMENDING it) you want the conical burr below which you can find around $80 if you watch for a sale:

http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-560-01-Infinity-Grinder-Black/dp/B0000AR7SY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406432825&sr=8-1&keywords=capresso+infinity+conical+burr+grinder

If you have extra cash, go for the Baratza or even the Breville Smart Grinder - I know several people who love theirs:

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCG800XL-Smart-Grinder/dp/B0043EWFAM/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1406433363&sr=1-1&keywords=breville+smart+grinder

The grinders in question, with Amazon links and ratings:

• Capresso Infinity
  $99.95, 4 stars, 1962 customer reviews
  
  
• Baratza Encore
  $129.01, 4 stars, 268 customer reviews
  
  
• Bodum Bistro
  $127.99, 4 stars, 840 customer reviews
  
  
• Breville Smart Grinder
  $199.90, 4 stars, 506 customer reviews

I had been looking at that one, there are some pretty serious negative reviews for it over at Amazon from long term users (but that said, there are the same type of reviews for pretty much any grinder that is under $500 or so).

The wife liked this one more, so we ordered it.

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCG800XL-Smart-Grinder/dp/B0043EWFAM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427670880&sr=8-1&keywords=Breville+BCG800XL+Smart+Grinder

Once I get it, and use it for a bit, I will post a review.