New Breville BCG820 "Smart Grinder Pro"

[javameister]

Is this grinder a good upgrade from EM0480? I am thinking about getting HX E61 espresso machine soon to upgrade from an old Cafe Crema. Do I really need to spend 1k on a grinder like the Eureka Atom or T64 Pro or can I get by with one of these (or even my existing grinder, but would like something less messy).

[thecafeninja]

Nah, the channeling was a result of the first grinder. It was super clumpy. No channeling with the second but still clumpy. The grind from the Sunbeam is a totally different consistency no matter how fine the grind was set (with same beans) - no clumping. Anyway, I decided the breville was a piece of crap and went out and bought a Macap M2M. Sensational - no channeling, great results even with some crappy beans.

[level3ninja]

The 800/820 are clumpy grinders, there's no avoiding that. I haven't owned my 800 for about 4 years and my 820 hasn't been used for espresso for over 18 months, but I don't remember them clicking. I never had the adjust the inner burr setting either. Channeling will almost certainly be down to technique (distribution & tamping) rather than the grinder. I would think the Sunbeam works better because you're more used to it and your technique suits it better than the Breville. One thing to note with the 820 is that the weight of coffee you get out will vary quite a bit, so using scales to weigh the dose before tamping is a must.

[thecafeninja]

Hi guys, I've had the 820 for about 6 months and have been really disappointed with it. I had one that I sent back as it was clumping a lot (no matter what type of beans I was using) and I was getting significant channelling. It then started to make a clicking noise so I swapped it for a new one. I've never been able to get a decent grind out of it - still clumping a lot. I ran some tests using my old sunbeam grinder against the smart grinder and I got better extraction out of the (9 year old) sunbeam every time. It's sitting on a grind size of 18 and finest grind setting on the internal setting inside the grinder. I was surprised that it shouldn't be lower but any less than about 16 the coffee machine just backs up (I have the Breville Dual boiler - bought them as a set) and the grinder starts clicking. I suppose my question is, is this normal for this grinder or should I be asking for a refund? I was going to sell it but don't feel right about selling it if it is in any way faulty. Any advice would be appreciated.

[MichaelB]

I've tried it on another board and now direct into the wall. Its still humming away - its not as loud as the last one, but there's definitely something going on. It also has a high pitched whistle when the screen is on, like an old CRT monitor or tv (or your ears ringing after a night out). I'm now trying to convince my partner we need to spend on a Rocky and she is trying to get me back on a 480. Could be luck of the production line.

I was a happy owner of an 820 for almost 2 years until mine started making the clicking noise that apparently the 800s and 820s all do eventually. It was replaced under warranty, but the new one made a high-pitched whine/whistle when on standby. I took it back again, and the next one did the same. So did the third. I wonder if this is just how they are now. None of mine buzzed though...did all of yours squeal?

I now have my $200 back and I am looking for an alternative. I'd be pleased to hear that I was just unlucky with the 3 that I tried, as there's not much else even close to $200.

[hoybers]

Breville have told me to get it replaced again. Things are improved in my extraction by increasing my dose size a little, but I'm getting a nice mouthful of grit at the end, so I might grab a new basket, just in case I've stuffed it.
Thanks again.

[level3ninja]

Another interesting thing is the espresso guage on my em7000 doesnt hold steady with grinds from the Breville, I'm not sure whether it's better early extraction from better grinding or my pump starting to fail. Hits the mark for about a shot then starts dropping off...

Sounds like your grind isn't fine enough

[prydey]

I'd be pretty confident in saying there is a problem with the grinder. I've had a 800 and 2 x 820's, and none did what you describe.

Can't help you with the 7000. Pressure gauge on my 6910 started to fluctuate so I retired it to the cupboard and bought a bes900. Now I have the 920.

[hoybers]

I contacted Breville on the first one and they said to swap it out. I am thinking I will duck into a retailer or two and plug in the floor model for a listen before deciding whether to take this one back.
Another interesting thing is the espresso guage on my em7000 doesnt hold steady with grinds from the Breville, I'm not sure whether it's better early extraction from better grinding or my pump starting to fail. Hits the mark for about a shot then starts dropping off...
BTW, I really appreciate the time and advice from senior members on these forums. It's made a big difference to my coffee life. Cheers

[prydey]

Have you contacted Breville? My experiences with them have been extremely good. My first 820 couldn't grind fine enough. I contacted Breville and after explaining the situation, they replaced it for free. I've found their customer service very good. Even if it's out of warranty, it's worth a call.

[hoybers]

I've tried it on another board and now direct into the wall. Its still humming away - its not as loud as the last one, but there's definitely something going on. It also has a high pitched whistle when the screen is on, like an old CRT monitor or tv (or your ears ringing after a night out). I'm now trying to convince my partner we need to spend on a Rocky and she is trying to get me back on a 480. Could be luck of the production line.

[prydey]

I leave mine on at the wall all the time. no sounds emanate from it when in standby mode or asleep. strange that you have had 2 do the same thing. have you tried different sockets around the house just to make sure it is actually the grinder?

[hoybers]

Hi there anyone who is watching. I crossed over from my old em0480 a month ago, it started going haywire at 4 1/2 YO. I've already replaced the new bcg820 once as it was giving off a buzzing sound from the back vent when it was supposed to be in sleep/standby. The replacement is doing the same. Grind otherwise great. Am I just unlucky or do they need to be switched off at the wall?

[kyuss]

All,

A quick update a month down the track.

Having worked for a while with this grinder and supermarket beans I landed on this

Date	Beans	Burr	Fineness	Duration	Dose(g)	Tamp	PF	Duration(s)	Pressure	Shot(g)
Late Apr18	Vittoria Mountain Grown	1	2	2 x 11.8	16.5	V Firm	Single	31	1st Optimal Graduation	50.3

And it's notable that I was unable to cram any more coffee into the single filter basket (already getting shower screen marks as is)

Also notable that I was unable to get a good coffee out of the double filter basket at all using supermarket beans.

Having worked for a while too now on some fresh beans, I've found a set up which works pretty well for single shot, and while it's okay for doubles ill have to keep trying on that one.

Date	Beans	Burr	Fineness	Duration(s)	Dose(g)	Tamp	PF	Duration(s)	Pressure	Shot(g)
13/05/18	Stella Rosa 5 star 01/05/18	1	9	2 x 9.8	16.7	Medium pressure	Double	43	1st optimal	75
21/05/18	Stella Rosa 5 star 01/05/18	1	9	12.8	11	Medium pressure	Single	40	2nd optimal	38.1

I suspect either a firmer tamp, or slightly higher dose for the double will work slightly better.

For your info, here is the gauge on the EM7000



i'm saying 6 is the 1st optimum pour graduation and 7 is the 2nd.

ta

[kyuss]

thanks bigdaddy, appreciate the feedback!