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EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

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  • EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

    Hi all

    Have recently been caught up in dreaming about a shiney, new bling machine (dont we all...), but was reminded by a good friend and fellow CSer about the priority of a good grinder. 

    Thus Im thinking about moving on up from my trusty sunbeam em450
    [list bull-blackball][*] Now that the BCG800 has been out for a while, what is the general user consensus? (overally CSers seem to like it, but i found the main smart grinder thread is based mainly on first impressions)[*] How much of a step up in grind quality is it from the em450?[*] Should i wait it out and save for a higher end italian? (compak K3 seems to be the next level up).  Im trying to weigh up the cost/longevity options.  I heard the compaks last "forever"

    thanks for the help

    iggs
    [/list]

  • #2
    Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

    I think the biggest point is, what can you afford? Buy the best for the money you have.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

      Smart grinder is very good for the money

      I am using it and big step up from the sunbeam both in consistency of grinds and the extra dosing features.

      I have had an issue on the very fine grinds causing some slow flow through the grinder so having to up the dose control. But found out this was due to grinding too fine to compensate a too high OPV setting on my classic.

      I have to say I am loving. Its the best grinder I have owned but I have not used
      Originally posted by 333D3D23742D35343D5A0 link=1309843476/0#0 date=1309843476
      higher end italian
      but many seem to think you will need spend much more to improve on it

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

        on the longevity issue.

        how many kg of coffee a day do you typically grind ;D

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        • #5
          Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

          I dont have the depth of experience to comment on the specifics of machines, but I can say that the difference in my ability to extract a consitantly good espresso was greater in my upgrade from 4080 to Mini Mazer than it was from my 6910 to Rocket PP.

          So get a good un!

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

            From my point of view, a great question and thanks for those replies - Im currently thinking about the same question and am thinking that despite the heaps of great info on this site, Im going to make a trip and try some hands on and get some face-to-face advice. From what Ive read (I havent used either), its a close call between the Breville and the K3.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

              I queried this with one of the sponsors and received a very informative response, along the lines of that: the K3 is a better grinder (It ought to be at more than double the price), but its messier than the breville, and has bigger footprint. It grinds quicker, he thought I may well taste the difference in the cup for the better with the k3t.

              And in regard to noise (I asked how they compare to the Rocky which I have expereinced), he said the Breville is quieter than the Rocky and the K3 is on a par, but a sweeter sound.

              Cheers

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                EM0450 -> Mazzer Mini here

                The MM is softer, of course alot larger than the sunbeam. Have some bit of work for the doser and still make some mess.

                At least the static is out of the problem now.

                With this upgrade, Id convinced myself that any difference from the taste will be entirely my part (dosage, tamping)

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                  Hide, how did the taste change?

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                  • #10
                    Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                    It could be a psychological thing, it tasted a little better. The crema flowing out have more traces of darkish brown, which I dont usually see from the sunbeam (actually Ive no idea if this is a good thing or not )

                    The puck came out cleaner, and analyising the puck by breaking it, it is much smoother and complete.



                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                      Thanks for the info, I guess if you did a AB comparison a couple of times you should get an idea of the differences. I will do the same once I get my Cimbali working properly, and compare with the built in grinder in a Nemox (like a Lelit).

                      Cheers

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                        The main difference found was in pour consistancy. I had convinced myself that my technique was the variable until I got a high-end grinder. Suddenly I was getting the sort of results every time that I managed one in ten. Knowing that, I have been able to hone the dose and tamp side of stuff. BTW, I am a weigher so the doser is a place to gather an already perfect amount of ground coffee. If you go for an MM, I would avoid the timer switch version and get the sipmple on/off version.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                          thanks for all the reply so far guys, its been helpful!

                          if only i could afford a mazzer mini! haha. (i dont think itll fit in my kitchen though - was considering a second hand k6 but same problem)

                          Originally posted by 353E3F0E3F3038233F510 link=1309843476/3#3 date=1309867158
                          on the longevity issue.

                          how many kg of coffee a day do you typically grind  ;D

                          good point pentaque. I suppose if im simply making 2 coffees a day, the breville shouldnt die anytime soon.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                            Originally posted by 646A6A74237A62636A0D0 link=1309843476/12#12 date=1309959719
                            the breville shouldnt die anytime soon.
                            and if it does they are cheap so you will have to kill a few before your spend reaches a MM

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: EM450 upgrade -> BCG800 Smart Grinder? Or next level up?

                              There is also the issue if you kill it fast enough you may even make a warranty claim

                              Comment

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