An Excellent, Easy To Use Coffee Grinder
I purchased this Breville BCG450XL grinder three or so weeks ago to replace a Starbuck’s-branded conical burr grinder that died after years of faithful service. I am using it to grind espresso beans for an old Estro Profi espresso machine to make my morning lattes.
I have been very pleased with this Breville BCG450XL grinder. Compared to the one it replaced, it is quieter (although still a bit noisy - it IS a grinder, after all!) and produces a more consistent grind. I have more control over the exact fineness of the grind than I used to have, resulting in a latte in which I can really taste the difference. The espresso I pull with coffee from this grinder is less bitter due, I think, to the fact I can grind the beans at the perfect coarseness (my Starbuck’s grinder tended to produce a grind either too coarse or too fine).
As for the “anti-static technology”, it definitely helps somewhat (the true test will be this winter), but there is still a slight level of noticeable static when I pull out the reservoir containing the ground coffee. Not enough to make a mess, mind you, but some nonetheless. To me, it is not an issue at all, but something I thought I’d mention for those looking for a completely static-free grinding experience.
The grinder is fairly large as grinders go, I suppose (certainly taller than my old grinder), but the footprint is still small enough that it does not take up too much counter space. And, it is attractive sitting on my kitchen counter, in it’s black plastic & brushed metal casing. It is easy to disassemble & reassemble (especially the later - my old Starbuck’s grinder had to be set just so for the grinding burrs to drop back into place), and, the coarseness selector is easy to turn with large, readable settings. And, as mentioned before, it provides a nice level of coarseness control - there are many discrete stops to and between each marked setting as you turn the hopper on top of the unit.
You do have to push the “start grinding” button more than once to grind even a half-hopper full of coffee - even with the timer knob turned all the way up. I usually fill the hopper 1/3 of the way full or so and have to push the button twice, but that is not an issue for me as I tend to not grind very much coffee at once.
All in all, I am very happy with this Breville BCG450XL. If I remember, I will post back this winter with an update on te level of static I encounter in the dryer air.
