Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Daniel Block

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Excellent burr grinder

I researched a burr grinder, not satisfied with a blade grinder because of uneven grinding and the risk for burning the beans from the heat of the blades. I didn't want to spend a small fortune on a machine but I also didn't want a piece of garbage that would give me trouble. I liked Breville's socially responsibility statement and as far as I could tell, it is manufactured in our country. I have had it over a year and must say that it is excellent on all counts. I use it primarily for French press. Cleaning it with Grindz tablets is a must. I once got a bean stuck but the ease of disassembly permitted easy removal of the obstruction. I have been pleased and feel I got what I paid for! It's so gratifying when that happens. Whole Latte Love is an easy website to use and when I had a question prior to the purchase the customer service representative was professional and friendly.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Ease of use and quality of construction

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Clean it as directed

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Atomic Cafe, Alaska Coffee Roasting Company, Peet's, New Mexico Pinon, Klatch

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

None

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups, Braun bean grinders (bladed)

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
David Batson

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Breville BCG800XL Smart Grinder

I've had a chance to use this grinder for about 2 weeks now with my new Gaggia Classic espresso machine that I bought shortly before buying this grinder. I am very pleased with the performance and features of the Breville Smart Grinder. Seems like they thought of everything! I am currently using some Peet's "Espresso Forte" whole beans that I buy at the local Peet's Coffee and Tea shop. With the Breville grinder set on the coarser side of center in the espresso grind range, I've experimented and gotten some 30+ second pulls. The sweet spot is on the forth or fifth mark from the left in the espresso grind range with this grinder when used with my Gaggia Classic. The "More or Less" selection helps tweak the pull times. The creama is amazing. I am really enjoying the cappuccinos I'm drinking now! I can't foresee any problems with my grinder getting the beans ground fine enough for any espresso maker. I am using this grinder only for espresso, so I can't comment on grinding for drip or french press. When I first was using the 58mm portafilter from my Gaggia Classic, it didn't seem to fit that well in the 58mm portafilter holder of the Breville - but I wasn't doing it right. You have to hold the handle of the portafilter to the left so that the two locking tangs of the portafilter are resting on each side of the portafilter holder in the grinder. Held like this, it fits perfectly! If you push the portafilter in, it turns the grinder's display on, push a little more, and it grinds out your dose. Alternatively, you can press the button below the right side of the display to do the same thing. Generally I don't get much spillage, but any grinds that do spill land in the removable tray under the portafilter holder. After grinding, simply pull out the tray and dump any extra grounds into the portafilter. The tray is very easy to remove, and is held in place by a small magnet. Dosing seems very consistent [caveat: I have not weighed any of the doses to scientifically verify consistency, as I don't have a suitable scale]. I've had the grinder stop grinding twice in the 2-week period that I've had it (a little over 2 lbs. of whole beans have gone through the grinder). When this happened, I could hear the motor running faster than normal. To clear the grinder, I just had to remove the bean hopper and the top burr (both very easy to do), then turn the grinder upside-down to shake out any loose bean or two, and use the included brush to clean the grounds from the burr area. Re-assembled and it was good to go. I had originally ordered the Gaggia MDF grinder to pair with my Gaggia Classic, but after reading a number of reviews, I had a change of heart before my order shipped. Thankfully WLL was able to change my order before shipping, and I got the Breville. I am very happy that this is the grinder that I bought. The price to feature ratio couldn't be better!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Easy to use and consistent.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

When dosing directly into the portafilter, hold the portafilter handle so that the two metal locking tangs are facing each side, left and right, and resting on the plastic sides of the grinder's portafilter holder.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Peet's Espresso Forte, and Peet's Major Dickenson's Blend

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I can't imagine, Breville's thought of everything!

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

I have not used any other coffee grinders.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Steve Jaffe

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Breville Smart Grinder-This is a GOOD Value

Simple to figure out and use. I measure the beans going in and out by volume, or weight when things are slower paced, but the grind is easy to dial in for what works best in the Gaggia. Once it's dialed in, it grinds consistently. By the way, I found Breville stands behind their products and their customer support was great when I had small, intermittent problem using the hopper.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Both the machine features and Breville's customer support

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

If you do a deep cleaning on the burr assembly be sure not to lose or drop the washer that's under the grindshaft locknut.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Commercially and home roasted whole bean coffees from around the world.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

A little more power and a little re-engineering of the "shear gear."

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

This grinder replaced a Saeco Titan that couldn't grind finely or consistently enough for espresso.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Kiel Theriot

Great machine! Consistent grind for a consistent espresso every time. I usually grind straight into the portafilter and Love the adjustment to fine tune the quantity. However I wish it didn't say stronger or weaker on the dial. My son's pride won't let them put weaker so they usually end up over filling the portafilter. I've been using it for over 6 months and have never had a problem with the beans not dropping into the grinder. Great Bang for the Buck. Highly recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
cummare

love this machine!!!! Very easy to use!

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
robin Mayer

Recently purchased the Breville Smart Grinder and have been very pleased thus far. This grinder looks good and does not take up much space on the counter. It is VERY easy to operate and to adjust to your grind preference. The directions are adequate and it only took a few tries to reach a grind consistency that worked well with my espresso machine. I also like that it is not too noisy and there is NO mess. I have been grinding into the grinds container rather than the portafilter as it seals nicely to maintain freshness for a day or so. This same grinder was available at a nearby Williams-Sonoma, but I have been pleased with previous purchases at WLL and like the perk of no sales tax!