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Do I really need a separate grinder?

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  • Do I really need a separate grinder?

    I'm looking at buying a coffee machine. I don't want to spend more than $1000 max.
    The one I'm thinking about is the breville BES870BSS.
    I saw somewhere that is was recommended not to use the grinder that comes with the machine and to buy a good separate one.
    Why is the one that comes as part of the machine not good enough?
    Sounds a bit complicated if that's the case.
    What has been your experience?
    I'm new to coffee machines and don't want to complicate things but I do love a great coffee that doesn't taste like burnt dirty dishwater!


  • #2
    Which drinks do you want to make and how frequently?

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    • #3
      You might be better buying a good second hand Silvia and Rocky etc for your 1000 clams. Cheers

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      • #4
        If you're just starting out that one will do ok. The reason people suggest a separate grinder is that that grinder isn't great, and any built in grinder will tend to be hotter than a separate grinder as a coffee machine is quite warm inside. Heat is very bad for beans unless it's during roasting or extraction. If you're just learning this machine will work, and when you outgrow it and upgrade you can get a machine and separate grinder.

        Or as mentioned above a second hand Silvia machine and Rocky grinder will do you well and last longer and will allow your skills to grow more before upgrading.

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        • #5
          Daily at least.
          Strong(ish) latte

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          • #6
            Even though I'm learning, I don't want bad tasting coffee which is what I've encountered with every home coffee that I've ever been made in my life from a coffee machine.
            If it's going to make grey looking burned and bitter undrinkable coffee then I won't get one!
            Would the built in grinder really be that bad?

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            • #7
              For espresso machine choose between sunbeam EM7000 and breville bes920. For grinder choose between the breville bcg820 and an entry level macap/compak....

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              • #8
                Thankyou.
                Unfortunatley that's double my budget!

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                • #9
                  Remember these machines are appliances and will eventually need replacing. They are great to learn on and to see if you will continue to enjoy making your own espresso. There are a couple of threads on the machine you are considering. Use the forum and have a good read of posts on machines you are considering. More importantly source fresh beans (not supermarket beans). Oh! Welcome to the forum

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Chloe77 View Post
                    Even though I'm learning, I don't want bad tasting coffee which is what I've encountered with every home coffee that I've ever been made in my life from a coffee machine.
                    If it's going to make grey looking burned and bitter undrinkable coffee then I won't get one!
                    Would the built in grinder really be that bad?
                    Quite frankly yes, if you left the beans in it.

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                    • #11
                      No you don't need a separate grinder to get great coffee. I had a nemox (like a lelit combi) for years and it made a fantastic coffee with the right technique using decent and fresh beans, much better than a lot of cafes.

                      I would steer towards a "traditional " machine rather than an appliance, they are built to last and be repaired.

                      You can get a Breville double boiler with grinder new under your budget from time to time on sales. Great machine when it works.

                      I would get a Lelit combi instead of the 870 if you want an all in one (which is convenient)

                      Have you considered a used machine and grinder? Your budget should get you something very nice.

                      Another benefit of non appliance machines is the resale of excellent, especially if you bought used.

                      Keep your eyes peeled in the for sale section here, lots of great gear pops up regularly.

                      You don't need something fancy to make a great brew, but generally the more you spend the nicer the look, feel, durability etc.

                      Cheers

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Chloe77 View Post
                        Thankyou.
                        Unfortunatley that's double my budget!
                        They don't need to be new to make great coffee!

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                        • #13
                          The bes870 is a consumer appliance for making several very drinkable coffees at a time. No waiting 30 minutes for it to warm up, you are drinking your coffee 5 minutes after you decide you want it. My first one lasted 3 years, a disappointingly short time, it may have been caused by only changing the water filter once a year instead of the required six a year. In any event the new one has extended warranty and I will change the filters as required. Extended warranty is essential. In my view it is not a hobby machine. I cannot fault the grinder, the new one appears to be better than the three year old one, but to look at it appears identical. Supermarket beans are best avoided, some work, some cannot be made to work no matter what settings I use.

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                          • #14
                            A quality grinder is very important to great coffee as the consistency of the grind effects flavour. The better grinders allow for a consistent grind whereas the cheaper ones aren't quite as good. Another thing to consider is that if you get an all in one and it breaks down that is your grinder and machine gone. So even if you want plunger, mochapot, filter etc you cant grind your coffee anymore. With this in mind, as others mentioned perhaps it best to look at quality second hand machines within your budget.

                            Mike

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Chloe77 View Post
                              Thankyou.
                              Unfortunatley that's double my budget!
                              Most of us have budgetary constraints, perhaps a second hand Silvia/Rocky combo or similar would fill the bill, keep an eye on the for sale area of this forum Coffee Hardware For Sale good deals come up quite regularly.

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