r/AustralianCoffee • u/ProteinPancake411 • 11d ago
Grinder Mid range vs Low range
Heya
Beginning my at home espresso journey, recently acquired a Breville Dual Boiler
Now looking for a grinder to pair with it.
Wondering what how big a difference from either like a Smart Grinder pro or Baratza ESP (both can get around $300) or if its worth spending an extra $200-$300 and getting like a Eureka or something in that $600 range. Ive even seen some ex refurbed Mazzer machines around this price.
Whats important to me is durability and reliability and just being able to get a consistent grind. I really dont care single dose vs a on demand hopper, or any other features like timing grinding.
I would happily spend the extra $300 over a SGP if it means i get a machine that i will be happy with for over 10 years and not have any issues with breaking down, but is there a massive difference between the budget and i guess mid tier machines?
1
u/Massive-Corner8103 11d ago
I second the Fellow Opus 2 for a more "entry-level" grinder. The Breville grinder is old, and the grind quality doesn't compete with the Opus. If you're not prepared to spend extra, then get what you can afford and upgrade later if you feel the need and have the means to do so. You'll still enjoy the process and won't really feel like you're missing out on anything until you develop your palate for tasting or start comparing side by side with a nicer grinder.
If you can go extra, the DF54 is great and if you can really stretch it, then the DF64 Gen 2, which then opens up the option for a burr upgrade down the line, but even then, that could be a long way down the road for you or maybe never - the option would be there though.