Better machine or better grinder?

[Hildy]

Maybe check out the Mahlkonig Vario Gen 2 grinder? After reading what TampIt is getting from his it's on my upgrade list. IMO the machine itself DOES matter, up to a point - it needs to be able to deliver water and steam at correct tmep and pressure to produce good coffee and milk, but once you have that the rest comes down to the grind/dose/tamp production and a quality grinder capable of producing consistent grind and with good adjustment to cater for different beans will bring out the best in the machine.

Has anyone temp profiled a PID thermoblock like the EM7000?

Also, a vario is almost 2x the price of a compak (as in, more than the price difference between a k3p and a BSG).

At typical retail prices... I would try really hard to stretch for a k3p and a BDB.

[Delish007]

I bought a little over a year ago, after doing much research. After a year it becomes blatantly obvious the grinder is the star. Let me repeat, the grinder is the star. Rule of the thumb is spend 40% on the grinder vs. m/c or more depending on far in the future you want go, continue with it. Rocky is really good as a rugged, reliable good investment-which is important-good choice. I however went with a vario, as I was willing to risk the less solid construction ofit for more finer grind options, get a bit better grind out of it. The grinder drives the m/c in terms of taste, flow rate, basically everything. I went with Ms. Silvia for a m/c, but sunbeam good choice-I'm in Canada so only heard about it, is it heat x/c..? Good deal if so. Comes in rally handy when making more than one drink. Rocky/Sunbeam check.

[Journeyman]

I'd go the SB and the better grinder. I haven't used the BDB but from the threads I've read there doesn't seem to be much of a difference in what is produced to what you get from the SB. Maybe check out the Mahlkonig Vario Gen 2 grinder? After reading what TampIt is getting from his it's on my upgrade list.

IMO the machine itself DOES matter, up to a point - it needs to be able to deliver water and steam at correct tmep and pressure to produce good coffee and milk, but once you have that the rest comes down to the grind/dose/tamp production and a quality grinder capable of producing consistent grind and with good adjustment to cater for different beans will bring out the best in the machine.

[erinkate84]

So, most of what I have read on this site emphasises the importance of the grinder.
Since looking into the pros and cons of machines (and taking into account the advice I have been given here), I am looking at either the breville dual boiler or the sunbeam 7000.
My question is, will the better machine outweigh a better grinder? With my budget, the bdb would be paired wih a smart grinder, but the lower cost of the sunbeam would leave enough money for a rocky, or maybe even a compak.
Will the better grinder give better results, or would the better machine be more important?
Thanks for any advice.