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Good < $300 grinder - please help!

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  • #16
    K3 looks to be built more like a traditional grinder, should last longer than a SG. I have had my SG for about three years, I haven't had any issues with it (touch wood).

    IMO the two are not direct competitors, this is also reflected in the price difference.

    See if you can physically check out / try both to help you decide.

    Cheers

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    • #17
      I'm seriously considering returning my EM0480 and getting a SG or refunding it and ordering a K3.

      The current model SG looks like a viable option for both fine and coarse grinds with the upper burr seeming to be much more stable than the last revision.

      But the K3 is an excellent fine grinder...

      Perhaps I'll just grab a hand grinder for my FP and use the K3 exclusively for espresso.

      jNc
      Last edited by javaNOTcode; 23 April 2014, 09:28 PM. Reason: Wrong grinder model number! :D

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      • #18
        @deegee,
        Sorry to hear that! At the time it was the best reviewed grinder for the money.
        Mine runs well and have not required any support at this stage.
        Yes the portafilter holder is total crap! However, for $300 its grind settings are pretty comprehensive.
        Have you contacted Baratza to let them know? They are supposedly a good company and very receptive to feedback.

        Have you been looking after it and cleaning it? Whats your daily usage on it?

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        • #19
          I have had my Smart Grinder for nearly three years. Apart from needing to add one shim soon after I got it, it has worked well. A shim kit came in the box with mine.

          If you look at the posts about the BSG, most of the problems have been about the need for shims.

          It appears that the latest smart grinders have an adjustment on the top burr and may not need need additional shims.

          A good design feature of the Smart Grinder is the vertical delivery tube from the burrs to the filter basket. I have had grinders with a 45 degree delivery tube that blocks. The SG is the cleanest grinder I have used.

          How long will they last? who knows? We have to wait and see.

          Barry

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          • #20
            Sub $300 grinder redux: Smartgrinder or Cunil Tranquilo..

            Hi Guys,

            Been lurking for a while reading reviews but first post...

            Ok, so my coffee rig has evolved a bit in the last 6 months through machine attrition, from nothing to a Sunbeam 3800 to a Breville BES900 (I wouldn't have spent all that money but got it very cheap, long story..) coupled with a BCG450 grinder which I modded but the grind still never seemed to be fine enough for the BES900, machine pressure depended very much on a very firm tamp. So I was considering a grinder upgrade anyway but now the 450 has died, PCB probably which makes it beyond economic repair.

            As I see it in the sub $300 range my choices are:

            BCG 820 smartgrinder or Cunil Tranquilo.

            From what I read on this site the Cunil Tranquilo punches up to a Rocky / Compack K3 level at half the price, infact the Cunil Tranquilo is never really compared to the smartgrinder so from that am I to assume that the clear choice is the Cunil Tranquilo? (I'm a guy, I own screwdrivers and..)

            Any other options would be appreciated but $300 really is the budget.


            Cheers.

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            • #21
              I've been (or should that be 'bean') lurking too and, as you might have seen, taken the plunge and posted for the first time looking for a sub $500 grinder. There is another thread on under $300 grinders at http://coffeesnobs.com.au/grinders/3...ease-help.html

              I'm guessing that didn't help.

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              • #22
                Is your heart set on an electric grinder? The orphan espresso Lido 2 is soon to be available at talkcoffee, and offers a conical burr setup at just over $200......

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                • #23
                  Originally posted by Tonester View Post
                  I've been (or should that be 'bean') lurking too and, as you might have seen, taken the plunge and posted for the first time looking for a sub $500 grinder. There is another thread on under $300 grinders at http://coffeesnobs.com.au/grinders/3...ease-help.html

                  I'm guessing that didn't help.
                  Haha, nope not so much..

                  And I already have a conical hand grinder but who has that nuch time in the morning?

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                  • #24
                    Originally posted by freethebean View Post
                    Haha, nope not so much..

                    And I already have a conical hand grinder but who has that nuch time in the morning?
                    Out of interest, how long does it take you to grind a dose (and what size is the dose?)

                    I'm finding it takes between 21-25sec for 18g on my HG-One, which isn't a big deal for me.

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                    • #25
                      Hi im also in the market for a grinder, has anyone got any info on the commercial link removed per site posting policy baratza virtuoso preciso, I know it is slightly over the 300$ mark but im considering this.
                      Having found a thread on this from a few years back im now steering away from this, is it worth going up to the price range then ?
                      Last edited by 00mick00; 10 June 2014, 11:31 AM.

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                      • #26
                        Have you guys seen the deals going on Ebay and gumtree etc for new Cunill Tranquillo grinders ?
                        They are being offered at well under $200, unused, BNIB. These used to retail for well over $400
                        Whilst they may not be in the "Mazzer" bracket, they are reputable , 60mm burr set, timed , doserless grinders, far superior to any of the cheap domestic offerings.

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                        • #27
                          Anyone looking for $300 grinder should find another $25 and buy this.....http://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-har...ght-black.html

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                          • #28
                            Originally posted by blend52 View Post
                            Have you guys seen the deals going on Ebay and gumtree etc for new Cunill Tranquillo grinders ?
                            They are being offered at well under $200, unused, BNIB. These used to retail for well over $400
                            Whilst they may not be in the "Mazzer" bracket, they are reputable , 60mm burr set, timed , doserless grinders, far superior to any of the cheap domestic offerings.
                            Yup, spotted this which is why I was trying to get some info specifically about the Cunill Tranquillo and what seems to be the best 'domestic' grinder the 820 Smartgrinder, as I could get a brand new Tranquillo shipped to WAfor $200 I am trying to think of a good reasons not to do this..

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                            • #29
                              Post # 10 yup

                              Post # 13 'fraid not. People that buy these types of appliance grinders have to accept there is no resale value, but they are cheap to start with.

                              Post # 14 yup

                              Post # 28 From a grind quality point of view, the Tranquillo is a perfectly competitive grinder in the 58 mm size class. For the "dump" price however, you have to decide if you are able to live with the nauseatingly crap pressed steel body, requisite noise level, messiness, and bum ugly body and plastic parts. If you can, its a give away price for a grinder that competes (from a grind quality point of view) with grinders way above that price level. If in consideration of the current price, you can live with the negatives, its over to you, and you will then get a better grinder than the appliance types especially for longevity and service....and even resale value

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                              • #30
                                Check out what is for sale from fellow CSers. There's a couple of deals going ATM that would fit the bill.

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