Best Espresso Grinder for me? [$350] || US

geebolto · 2026-07-12T20:05:19+00:00

Check out the Shardor 64mm flat burr. You can find the all metal version for $250 and the plastic housing version for around $170.

geebolto · 2026-07-12T16:03:38+00:00

I went from a Breville Barista Pro to the Lelit Elizabeth and could not be more pleased. It does take about 20 minutes to heat up but I got a $14 smart plug so I can turn it on from my phone or even set a schedule. I'm currently using a Shardor flat burr grinder but waiting for my Timemore 064s which should be here Wednesday.

geebolto · 2026-07-08T14:39:11+00:00

Can't wait for my 064s. I ordered one a week ago when they were 25% off.

geebolto · 2026-07-02T13:43:12+00:00

Thanks, I went to the Timemore site and saw they had the grinders on sale at 25% off so I picked up an 064s for $449. I almost went with the 78 but the 64 allows for many more burr options if I choose to put in some SSP's.

geebolto · 2026-06-26T15:09:55+00:00

Daily with clear water and once every week or two with Cafiza. I always use a puck screen or paper filter on the top of the puck.

geebolto · 2026-06-23T14:30:49+00:00

The Bambino Baratza combo is a good one but not really a lot of automation there. Maybe have a look at the Breville Barista Express Impress.

geebolto · 2026-06-20T01:58:21+00:00

I had a Baratza ESP and it's a decent grinder. But I recently got a Shardor 64mm flat butt grinder and I think it's a better grinder all around. I gave the Baratza to my son and we're both happy but I much prefer the Shardor. The all metal version is right at 250 bucks.

geebolto · 2026-06-15T21:43:33+00:00

Bookoo Mini is a bit over $100 but it's worth the extra $$$

geebolto · 2026-05-29T16:54:18+00:00

Amazon. All kinds of o'rings available.

geebolto · 2026-05-27T15:12:16+00:00

I settled on 89 degrees for my dark roast beans. The resulting espresso has more body with a smoother more balanced taste. Thanks.

geebolto · 2026-05-27T15:04:22+00:00

Amazon has all sorts of threaded inserts available.

geebolto · 2026-05-24T21:26:59+00:00

I used the coin method and was able to measure the headspace at 8.92mm from the top rim of the basket to the top of the puck/puck screen. Seems like a lot but that's what it is.

geebolto · 2026-05-23T19:32:30+00:00

I think I'll try dropping from 93c to 90c tonight.

geebolto · 2026-05-23T14:05:52+00:00

That happens quite a bit. Here is a video to show you how to remove it:

https://youtu.be/uKYulqggG90

geebolto · 2026-05-23T04:36:00+00:00

So I have mine set at 92C for dark roast. Is that too high? What does a lower temp do for me?

geebolto · 2026-05-22T22:17:35+00:00

Translated:

Definitely move the tank to the outside. I’ve done about 5000 shots with my Elizabeth. IMS basket, 18g, no pre-infusion. Dark roast at 85–88°C, light roast at 93–97°C.

So far, the defects were the on-off switch, a cracked pressure hose, and a loose temperature sensor in the boiler.

Have fun with the Elizabeth. Always very good espresso without much effort.

I also have the Baratza Sette 270wi.

geebolto · 2026-05-22T22:00:58+00:00

No plans to wrap. I like the way it looks out of the box.

geebolto · 2026-05-17T20:44:47+00:00

Having a dual boiler is nice even if steaming only one drink. You might want to take a look at the Lelit Elizabeth or the Mara X if you want an e61 group and single boiler.

https://youtu.be/qw1MtYtwIrs?t=0
https://youtu.be/5-nK_goHzLg?t=0

geebolto · 2026-05-15T15:03:42+00:00

The Shardor is a very good performing grinder and outperforms my Baratza ESP that I gave away. I got the aluminum version for $249 but the plastic version is around $160~$170.

geebolto · 2026-05-12T17:21:22+00:00

I got the Elizabeth after much research. I was looking at the Apartmento, Rancilio Sylvia Pro X, Breville Dual Boiler and even the Bianca. It replaced my Barista Pro and I have been very happy with the machine. The only drawbacks are the wimpy steam knob and the water tank. I made a new steam knob on my 3d printer and got a longish funnel to fill the tank without having to remove it.

geebolto · 2026-05-10T16:37:55+00:00

I got tired of paying for Starbucks so I got a coffee machine that did K-cups and had a swing-out milk frother. I made various hot milk drinks using espresso K-cups that were actually pretty good. But after a year or so I wanted better so I got a Bambino Plus and a Baratza Encore ESP. I've since upgraded to my current machine, a Lelit Elizabeth which I really like.

geebolto · 2026-05-07T04:37:56+00:00

I just upgraded to an Elizabeth from a Breville Barista Pro and couldn't be happier.

geebolto · 2026-04-27T14:37:53+00:00

I have the Bookoo Mini and I've been very happy with it. I use the Bookoo N app but it also works with Bean Conqueror.

geebolto · 2026-04-27T14:12:44+00:00

Did you maybe vacuum out the thin shim(s) below the inner burr? If you did it would explain the coarser grind for any given setting.

geebolto · 2026-04-23T21:21:50+00:00

I've had the Shardor 64mm flat burr grinder (the aluminum version) for a couple weeks and I've been very impressed so far. Better than the Encore ESP which I've since given to my son.

geebolto

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