Unleash Your Inner Barista: Breville Smart Grinder Pro Review & Buyer’s Guide

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 1st, 2023

Hey coffee lovers! Are you looking for a grinder that can transform your coffee-making experience? Well, you’re in luck!


Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Breville Smart Grinder Pro—a grinder that seems to have it all. From convenience to precision, this little powerhouse is packed with features that’ll make your morning coffee ritual even better.

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

So, let’s dive in and see if this grinder is the right fit for you!

Breville Smart Grinder Pro Buying Guide

Here’s a quick snapshot of the grinder’s key specs:

Specification
ColorBrushed Stainless Steel
MaterialStainless Steel
Item Weight6.4 Pounds
Dimensions (LxWxH)8.5 x 6 x 15.5 inches
Wattage165 watts
Capacity1.1 Pounds
Recommended UsesGrinding
Voltage110 Volts

Pros and Cons: Weighing It All Up

Before we wrap things up, let’s take a moment to weigh the pros and cons of the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. We’ve listed some of its key advantages and disadvantages, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you:

Pros

  • Impressive grind consistency: Delivers a uniform grind for a variety of brewing methods.
  • User-friendly interface: The digital LCD screen makes it easy to select and adjust grind settings.
  • Wide range of grind settings: With 60 adjustable settings, you have full control over the coarseness or fineness of your coffee grounds.
  • Great value for money: Feature-packed and versatile at an affordable price point.
  • Low noise level for medium grind: The grinder operates relatively quietly, especially for medium grind settings.

Cons

  • Struggles with very coarse grinds: While it performs well for medium and fine grinds, it may struggle with consistency for very coarse grinds.
  • Motor can be a bit noisy: The motor tends to get louder, especially when grinding at finer settings.
  • Plastic impeller may wear out: The impeller under the burrs is made of plastic and may wear out over time.
  • Retains some fine particles: Fine coffee particles may be retained in the grinder, requiring occasional cleaning.

There you have it! Every coffee grinder has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Breville Smart Grinder Pro is no exception. Whether you’re a novice or a coffee enthusiast, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a grinder, so you can make the best choice for your coffee brewing journey. Cheers!

The Game Changer: Design of the Burr and Motor

Alright, so Breville didn’t settle for “good enough” when designing this grinder. We’re talking about a machine equipped with 40 mm conical steel burrs that deliver a consistent grind every time.

It’s up there with some of the best burr grinders in its price range! Oh, and with a 165-watt motor spinning at 450 RPM, you won’t have to worry about your precious coffee beans getting overheated. Just a heads-up, though—the motor can be a tad noisy.

Value for Money: Bang for Your Buck

Now, you’re probably wondering, “What’s the price tag on this bad boy?” Well, brace yourself—it’s jaw-droppingly affordable. We’re talking about a grinder with loads of grind settings and features that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. It’s hard to find a machine with this level of attention to detail at such a low price. So, if you’re looking for value for money, the Smart Grinder Pro might just win your heart.

Build Quality: Style Meets Durability

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

Let’s chat about the build quality. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro comes with 40mm stainless steel conical burrs that grind coffee finely enough for a delicious espresso. The grinder’s body is mostly made of plastic, which might make it feel a bit lighter, but don’t worry—the main body is stainless steel, adding stability and durability.

Just a heads up, though—the impeller under the burrs is plastic, and it might wear out over time. But hey, Breville has enforced the impeller in newer versions to make it last longer.

Grind Consistency: The Perfect Grind Every Time

Breville Smart Grinder Pro

User Interface: Your Coffee, Your Way

Let’s talk about the user interface, shall we? The Smart Grinder Pro comes with a nifty digital LCD screen that lets you choose from 60 grind adjustments—many of which are fine enough for your espresso brewing needs. The beans glide smoothly through the grinder, and the timer ensures you get just the right dose every time.

But wait, there’s more! Breville also came up with a time-per-cup dosing system, which is both innovative and, well, a bit tricky at times. Basically, the machine encourages you to grind by the number of cups or shots you plan to brew. It’s super handy if you and Breville are on the same page about the perfect amount of ground coffee per cup. All you have to do is press the center button, and the machine sets the grind time for you.

However, if you’re an adventurous coffee enthusiast who loves trying different roasts and brewing methods, this system might require a bit of fiddling. You can adjust the time setting, but it might take some patience to get it just right. But hey, that’s the fun part of the coffee journey, right?

Breville Smart Grinder Pro settings

Noise and Static: Peace and Quiet, Please!

So, how noisy is the Smart Grinder Pro? We put it to the test, and our decibel meter recorded a pleasantly low 80dB during grinding. That’s 15dB quieter than some other grinders we reviewed! Sure, it gets a bit louder when grinding for espresso, but overall, it’s gentle on the ears. You won’t have to worry about waking up your napping kiddo while brewing your afternoon pick-me-up.

Oh, and it handles static like a champ! You can even use it without the lid on the catch cup, which, by the way, prevents any coffee from escaping and clogging the grinder. How thoughtful is that?

Particle-size Uniformity and Grounds Retention: The Science of Coffee Grinding

Let’s get a little technical for a moment. When it comes to grinding coffee, particle size uniformity and grounds retention are super important. So, how does the Smart Grinder Pro stack up? We put it through some rigorous tests, and the results were impressive!

Using laser diffraction particle size analysis (fancy, huh?), we found that the Smart Grinder Pro produces a high percentage of grounds within the optimal range of particle size for various settings. In fact, it performed best with a fine grind of a light roast, where it achieved 58.1 percent within a 400-micron range. It may not sound like a lot, but it’s the best result we got compared to other well-known grinders we tested.

However, we did notice that the Smart Grinder Pro tends to retain a few fine particles. We cleaned out the grinder and found about 3 grams of retained grounds, mostly fine powder under the cone burr. It’s not the worst we’ve seen, but it’s also not the best. So, a little extra cleaning might be needed from time to time.

Overall, the Smart Grinder Pro delivers some of the most consistent grinds, which is a big deal if you’re aiming for that perfect cup of pour-over coffee!

Are There Any Other Alternatives to Breville Smart Grinder Pro?

You know us—we’re all about options! While the Smart Grinder Pro is a fantastic choice, it’s always good to know what else is out there. One of the alternatives worth considering is the Baratza Encore, a fan-favorite entry-level grinder that’s earned rave reviews.

Another option is the 1zpresso JX, a manual grinder that’s perfect for those who love the hands-on experience.

Each grinder has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a grinder. Whether it’s convenience, precision, or versatility, there’s a grinder out there for every coffee enthusiast!

Don’t Buy the Breville Smart Grinder Pro If…

Hold up! Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, let’s make sure the Smart Grinder Pro is the right fit for you. You might want to skip this grinder if:

  1. You’re not trying to learn at least how to make an espresso. If you’re more of a drip coffee fan, you might not need all the bells and whistles this grinder offers.
  2. You have enough money to invest in a high-end coffee grinder. If you’re ready to splurge, there are premium grinders with even more advanced features.
  3. You intend to use it in a coffee shop. While the Smart Grinder Pro is great for home use, it might not be heavy-duty enough for a bustling coffee shop.

In Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Well, there you have it, folks! The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a feature-packed grinder that’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their coffee game. With its user-friendly interface, impressive grind consistency, and unbeatable value for money, it’s a grinder that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the Smart Grinder Pro has something to offer. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and explore the world of coffee grinding, this grinder is a fantastic choice.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean my Breville Smart Grinder Pro?

To keep your grinder in tip-top shape, make sure to clean it regularly. Remove any coffee grounds from the grinder and use a brush to clean the burrs. For a deeper clean, you can also take apart the grinder and clean each part separately.

What is the difference between a Breville Smart Grinder Pro and a Breville Dose Control Pro?

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro and the Breville Dose Control Pro are both excellent grinders, but there are a few key differences. The Smart Grinder Pro has more grind settings (60 in total) compared to the Dose Control Pro. Additionally, the Smart Grinder Pro has a digital LCD screen for easier grind adjustments.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.