I am a first time poster, but frequent reader of the forums.

I am looking to put a reasonably priced espresso station at my home, as I cannot get enough of the taste of fresh espresso and the local sbux isn't doing it for me (probably understandably so). I have a competent amount of barista experience, so I believe that I am ready for a bit above an entry level machine. The Breville Dual boiler and Smart Grinder look like steals, but I was wondering if anyone has owned them for an adequate enough time to tell me the long term value of them. I've read a lot of good things about the Breville Dual Boiler, but I haven't read a whole lot about the Smart Grinder, except a review of it where they explained that, out of the box (at least in the first production), it would not grind fine enough for a quality espresso, but that Breville sends out a kit for free that allows you to alter that. I have read enough to know that a quality grinder is more important than a quality machine, so let me know if you think I need a better grinder to fulfill my espresso needs.

Thanks for the help!

The Smart Grinder can be set up to grind fine enough for espresso if it doesn't do it right out of the box but it isn't a very good espresso grinder. Up your budget & get a decent grinder to go with the Breville DB. For $250-$300 you could buy a used Mazzer Super Jolly which would be a HUGE improvement over the Breville S/G.

Where can I find a Super Jolly for $250!? I would absolutely buy that. Does that mean that I could find a used mini for around $200? Wouldn't a mini be more than sufficient?

Thank you for your advice.

I just recently used the smart grinder for the first time a few days ago, and even at its finest setting it wasnt fine enough. I suppose you could shim it, but finding a used super jolly is a much better idea. Check craigslist.

Keep an eye out on eBay and Craigslist, though you'll have a bunch of competition. Your best bet is to hop on craigslist listings quickly and look for poorly listed items..

Mazzar anyone?

Luigi grinder?

Coffee Grinder?

espresso ?

If it says "Jolly" anywhere near it, you're too late....

I managed to score two Super Jolly's and a Nuova Simonelli MDX for $75 ea (different listings, different times). Add $50 for new burrs, give it a good cleaning, and you're in business.

31 pages of posts HERE on the BDB.

TheSunInsideYou wrote:Where can I find a Super Jolly for $250!? I would absolutely buy that. Does that mean that I could find a used mini for around $200? Wouldn't a mini be more than sufficient?

Thank you for your advice.

The mini generally sells for more than the super jolly. Since they are lower volume/home grinders their condition is usually much better. The average around $350, although I snagged one before my super jolly on craigslist for $150, so good deals aren't unheard of. It's a decent grinder but you'll likely find several cheaper super jollys first which will also save you the upgraditis down the road. The used market for grinders can generally get you a machine 10x better than a new retail item. patience, a good eye, and a quick response can yield a good deal on craigslist.

TheSunInsideYou wrote:Where can I find a Super Jolly for $250!? I would absolutely buy that. Does that mean that I could find a used mini for around $200? Wouldn't a mini be more than sufficient?

This is Home-Barista. Sufficient isn't the goal around here.

The Super Jolly is what you want to look for, not the Mini. Check your PMs.

The smart grinder is a really good grinder - I use mine for drip and other brew methods - don't know if can be mod'd to allow it to grind for espresso or not. Good used espresso grinders can be found in the sub-$400 range. Check ebay and your local Craigslist for listings. A used SJ is probably your best bet.

The Smart Grinder is a good brew grinder but it falls short in the pump espresso range. It needs more power & better micro adjustment to be a good espresso grinder although if you are grinding pretty coarse for a lever it might be acceptable.