Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

[leonardopm]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Does anybody here ever used BCG450 AND BCG800? Id like to know a little more about the difference in the cup between them. I actually have the BCG450 modded, but sometimes I think this grinder gives me some bitterness that I could get rid off with another equipment.

Thanks for any answer.

Leonardo

[lopey12]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Better still, bring your birthday forward a couple of weeks

Ill get on there case

[brew]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Does anybody here ever used BCG450 AND BCG800? Id like to know a little more about the difference in the cup between them. I actually have the BCG450 modded, but sometimes I think this grinder gives me some bitterness that I could get rid off with another


I have used both modified 480 and 800 with shims... The 800 gives a better consistency of grind. The 800 is far easier to use, both cleaner to use, had a portafilter bracket and the adjustable dosing us much more sensible.

[lopey12]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Well I have the grinder! I cant believe how much flavor comes out of the beans when freshly ground! I only drink Milk based coffee ( soy latte for the missus )

I always do two shots each one individuality. After the first shot I do a quick damp down ( I dont know the correct terminology ) so that I can fit the second shot of coffee on top and then damp that down. This way I dont spill any ground coffee. I have the adjustment about 4 bars from the finest setting which is perfect for my machine. Anything finer and my machine blows water from the seal - Yes I want to upgrade the machine but I just dont have the cash.

All I can say is.... If you have no idea about grinding coffee this machine is so easy to use and accurate its not funny. Keep in mind I am the kind of person who will never spend big bucks on machinery to make coffee.

[cuppacoffee]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

I do a quick damp down ( I dont know the correct terminology )

That would be "tamp"

Using your existing method will create a firm layer halfway through the coffee in the basket and wont allow correct extraction. A better technique would be to tap the group handle down once or twice, or even spread the coffee in the basket using your finger, rather than tamp between dosing.

Glad to hear youve discovered the benefits of freshly ground coffee!

[lopey12]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

I will give that a go. I need a break though, I have had way to much caffeine over the couple of days!

I dont think anything I do will get good extraction from my machine.

Thanks!

[leonardopm]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Does anybody ever compared BCG800 with more expensive grinders as Baratza Vario ou Mazzer Mini? I mean doing blind tasting or something like that...

I have no doubt that Smart Grinder is a big value for the price, but Im not plenty sure about its grind quality when paired with most professional grinders.

I agree that BCG800 is comparable to Vario, regarding features, footprint and easy of use, but...what about grind QUALITY?

Leonardo

[cuppacoffee]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

what about grind QUALITY?

Leonardo, you will need to go back and take a look on page 2 of this thread where I posted a pdf file concerning grind quality.

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1288871951/50

Assessing grind quality is in my opinion, not something that can be done visually with any certainty. Blind tasting would require a large number of participants, many samples, and lots of work.

We have a grind sieve at the roastery that is made for this purpose and provides accurate results. Time permitting (dont hold your breath) I may invite samples from different grinders to be assessed.

[leonardopm]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Cuppacoffee,

Thank you very much for the info. I saw the graphic, but I must confess that I didnt understand it very well.

Okay, there is something like an optimum distribution, but:

1. What is BNZ (am I being stupid for not knowing)?
2. What the differences between BCG800 curve and ideal curve represent in terms of cup taste? Less bitter? Less complexity? Too fast extractions? I dont have an idea.

Thank you one more time.

Leonardo

[cuppacoffee]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Hi Leonardo

A BNZ is a circa $3k grinder.

The ideal curve represents what is considered to be the ideal ratio of various particle sizes for percolation.

We all tend to analyse one stage of the grinding process, ie. too fine a grind leads to over extraction, too coarse leads to under extracted coffee. Thats fine, though should you wish to compare one grinder with another, or consider the grind quality against an industry benchmark, then grind sieve analysis is I believe, the way to go.

[leonardopm]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Well, friends...any news about this grinder? What about espresso results in single-wall basket machines?

Grind consistency is enough to do good espresso?

Leonardo

[TC]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Well, friends...any news about this grinder? What about espresso results in single-wall basket machines?

Grind consistency is enough to do good espresso?

Leonardo

Hello Leonardo.

If you read through the early posts in this thread, you will find that the Breville performed well against a BNZ through Dennis Linea.

2mcm

[leonardopm]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

Well 2mcm, I saw the graphic but...

Im asking about consistency based exactly in the graphic Cuppacoffee posted here. For me there are two reasonable different curves, what, at least for my limited knowledge, indicates a reasonable different particle size distribution.

So, I believe that this difference will lead to changes in final flavor in the cup. Based on this, I think that a better way is to ask for the owners of BCG800 that already had more expensive grinders before and to know from them if BCG800 performs well in comparision.

Leonardo

Leonardo

[leonardopm]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

So, Cuppacoffee...as you said before these sieve tests are time consuming.

But, despites that, what do you think of making a test with Baratza Vario? Its just a suggestion, but I believe that many readers are curious about grind profile of the most hyped home grinder actually.

Vario and BCG800 are being compared all the time, so instead a BNZ comparision we could think of a Vario x BCG800, that would generate very objective data about grind performance of both.

I believe that inserting the results of a HOME and well known grinder would bring a better idea of BCG800 grind quality.

Yes, yes, I know, is really a PITS to have people asking you to test grinders on the sieve, but think a bit about it. Ill understand if you say no. ;D

Cheers,

Leonardo

[TC]

Re: Breville BCG800 Smart Grinder

But, despites that, what do you think of making a test with Baratza Vario

I am sure that if you provide Cuppacoffee with a Vario and pay for the test, Dennis will be happy to conduct it for you