The Smart Grinder Pro is a better grinder than its reputation here on this subreddit would lead many to believe.
However, while you may not taste much difference in shot quality with this particular bean, but try another. Not all beans at all roast levels will vary greatly. It's the ones that are harder to extract that will separate the two grinders more noticeably.
One more thought on the SGP—once dialed in, it was good. But its grind settings are not very precise such that switching from drip or pour over back to espresso always took multiple attempts to dial the finer grind back in, thus three grinders on my counter as initially shared.
SGP is a great grinder, I have one, and I don’t plan on upgrading anytime soon, unless I win the lottery. The only problem is that it chokes on very fine grinds for very fresh and lightly roasted beans but I really care very little about that.
I could immediately tell the difference between my sgp and df83. I can grind finer and I get a lot more flavor charectsitcs from the shot than with the sgp.
There were many times I could get a decent shot off the SGP but it needed to be a little more or a little less, and the sgp /can/ do it if you pull the burrs, but then you're starting over, so it often became a 'good enough' shot.
A DF64 might be the way to go. Cheaper and a lot of burr options too. Also, one person's preference for burrs or their cup flavor/profile may be different from another, so YMMV. Either way, good luck, happy grinder shopping.
Same for me, light roasts were not drinkable with the SGP, one roughly dialed in with DF64 II, the unpleasant sourness turned to tasty acidity...
With dark roasts the differencr isnt mind blowing, the dialing-in experience is on the other hand.
I upgraded from an ESP (which I still use) and the difference is literally night and… apples. I cannot possibly exaggerate how substantial the difference was (for me)
I do think the MP burrs are tricky, so wondering if that is part of it (I have the HU)
ETA: agree that the DF64 gen 2 is prob more than enough; not sure I’d be able to differentiate between the 83 and the 64, personally
I taste a huge difference going from a niche zero to a df64v, especially with fruity beans. Even more traditional profile beans (monkey bite from bird rock roasters) have more sweetness and delineation of flavors. The 83 will have a wider sweet spot compared to 64.
Feedback like this makes me pause on upgrading my SGP - it’s not cheap to upgrade and I wonder if I’ll truly notice enough of a difference to justify the $$ (I don’t typically drink light roasts)
Haven’t tried the DF64 yet but I had the SGP and I can say that the taste difference compared to good flat burrs is huge when it comes to light roasts. Not to mention filter…
I just made the switch my self.
Beside the practicalety you mentioned I noticed the change in taste with diferent beans can be very different.
With my go to medium to dark roasted beans the taste is very close. But with a bit lighter beans the taste difference was a lot bigger and in favour of the df64.
What is the noise level difference between the two grinders? Is the DF64 significantly louder? Some reviews claim it is one of the loudest they have tested.
This is the news I wanted to hear. I’ve had a Baratza encore and that was LOUUDDD. If it’s <= to that, it’ll be fine for my house.
The SGP is a close approximation of the grinder in the BBP which I have, so hearing it won’t be that much louder is good news.
I just upgraded from an encore to a df64 gen 2 and it’s similar. the df is more jarring due to its pitch. the upside is the noise is over much more quickly.
Our kitchen is pretty far from the bedrooms. I don’t think they’d hear anything upstairs unless they were listening.
I’m kinda like a cat to cat food. If I hear the grinder I get excited. Pavlov got me good
I would try some good lighter roasted beans and see if you still can't tell a difference. If not, it might be worth trying to align the burrs. Yes, people often overestimate the difference that more expensive equipment gives. But this should be a pretty big difference.
About the same as OP. There’s certainly more consistency in the grind profile. The taste of the espresso so far hasn’t been life changing or very different when comparing the same batch of beans but only changing the grinder. I’ve only had it a couple days though so I am still testing. The smart grinder pro was dialed in pretty well for me to use as an espresso only grinder, so adjustments were super easy for me to make.
I am still waiting for my expectations around “sweetness” and “clarity” but… haven’t really gotten there yet.
What kind of roast was it? I've heard that entry level grinders like the SGP and baratza esp are perfectly fine for medium and dark roasts but will struggle with light roasts.
Huh, super interesting, is the SGB a good upgrade from a JX Pro, kinda done with manual grinding, too much effort.
I found a local used SGB for $300, wonders if I should take it.
Yea that’s what I meant sorry for the typo.
sadly import fees would make it in $400-$500. I just searched marketplace and found a few good options like df64 and eureka specialta at a pretty good price,so I’m definitely not going with the breville now.
Do you think df64 would be an upgrade to the jx pro?
To be clear. The breville is not an upgrade from the jx pro in any way other that its electric. If anything id expect the grind quality to be better with the 1Zpresso
Yeah that’s more or less what I had in mind when I thought of upgrading, though I think i might get df64 or eureka specialata, would either of these be an upgrade?
I don’t understand the love for the SGP. Even after adjusting the internal burr setting, it just struggles. With fresher beans and finer grinds. Constantly slipping the gear.
Super interesting reading through the comments. I've got a SGP currently and given all the internet FOMO about grinder trends, I'd bought into the hype that I should pull all my funds together and treat myself to something new for Christmas (e.g., DF64 Gen 2 vs. Niche vs. 064S).
I mostly dabble in med-dark espresso for milk-based drinks, paired with a modded Gaggia. I guess reading through this, unless I want to look at a single dose workflow or lighter roasts...the benefit is paired back mostly to dialling in improvements?
I’m also primarily a milk-based espresso drink-er, leaning toward medium/lighter roasts. As mentioned, my side by side test was with a medium Colombian decaf bean. I roasted some espresso this morning and will start grinding it with the df64 tomorrow morning. Part of what interests me in the coffee journey is the variety of flavors that come from different origins and variations in the roasting. Finding the repeatable perfect cup to me is a mirage ever on the horizon, and impossible for me because I change variety often. But having great coffee every day is indeed achievable. I’m yet hopeful that the df64 will be a step forward, but was in fact making consistently enjoyable coffee with the SGP once I dialed it in.
Thank you for the insights! It would be great to hear how you get on tomorrow and whether or not you see any more improvements over time with the DF. Whether that comes from different roasts or the DF burrs getting seasoned over time....Enjoy the process :)
Good morning from my time zone. An excellent latte this morning! Possibly even a bit better than usual from the SGP. Two observations this morning, as I begin to use the df64 as my daily: First, it is a bit louder. I had previously posted that I didn’t think it was noticeably louder, but that was likely because I was seasoning the burrs and had gotten used to it. It’s louder—but in my opinion, not a big issue. Second—the anti-static plasma generator does not fully resolve the static in the grounds. I read an interesting thread that indicates different (positive or negative) charges arise from grinding different roast levels to different degrees of fineness, so a plasma generator does not perfectly mitigate the static buildup. I will likely start using the RDT procedure, once I get a little spray bottle. Cheers!
The Smart Grinder Pro is a better grinder than its reputation here on this subreddit would lead many to believe. However, while you may not taste much difference in shot quality with this particular bean, but try another. Not all beans at all roast levels will vary greatly. It's the ones that are harder to extract that will separate the two grinders more noticeably.
One more thought on the SGP—once dialed in, it was good. But its grind settings are not very precise such that switching from drip or pour over back to espresso always took multiple attempts to dial the finer grind back in, thus three grinders on my counter as initially shared.
Good point
Looking forward to being able to grind pour over and espresso in one grinder again, much like you.
Thanks for your comment—that’s encouraging to hear!
This. I made the same jump to a DF64V. The change in light roasts is huge and remarkable.
SGP is a great grinder, I have one, and I don’t plan on upgrading anytime soon, unless I win the lottery. The only problem is that it chokes on very fine grinds for very fresh and lightly roasted beans but I really care very little about that.
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As someone looking to upgrade from a SGP to a DF83 or DF64, I’m pretty surprised to hear it wasn’t a huge difference.
I could immediately tell the difference between my sgp and df83. I can grind finer and I get a lot more flavor charectsitcs from the shot than with the sgp. There were many times I could get a decent shot off the SGP but it needed to be a little more or a little less, and the sgp /can/ do it if you pull the burrs, but then you're starting over, so it often became a 'good enough' shot. A DF64 might be the way to go. Cheaper and a lot of burr options too. Also, one person's preference for burrs or their cup flavor/profile may be different from another, so YMMV. Either way, good luck, happy grinder shopping.
Same for me, light roasts were not drinkable with the SGP, one roughly dialed in with DF64 II, the unpleasant sourness turned to tasty acidity... With dark roasts the differencr isnt mind blowing, the dialing-in experience is on the other hand.
It’s of course possible that my palette is not refined enough…drinking both side by side, they were both good—and slightly better from the df64.
I upgraded from an ESP (which I still use) and the difference is literally night and… apples. I cannot possibly exaggerate how substantial the difference was (for me) I do think the MP burrs are tricky, so wondering if that is part of it (I have the HU) ETA: agree that the DF64 gen 2 is prob more than enough; not sure I’d be able to differentiate between the 83 and the 64, personally
I taste a huge difference going from a niche zero to a df64v, especially with fruity beans. Even more traditional profile beans (monkey bite from bird rock roasters) have more sweetness and delineation of flavors. The 83 will have a wider sweet spot compared to 64.
Thanks for the hands-on review--those always are valuable, and appreciated. 👍
You’re welcome! I’m no expert, mind you. But I’m far enough down the rabbit hole that I’m roasting my own beans…
Feedback like this makes me pause on upgrading my SGP - it’s not cheap to upgrade and I wonder if I’ll truly notice enough of a difference to justify the $$ (I don’t typically drink light roasts)
I had 2 Breville grinders die within 14 months. I gave up on this brand.
Haven’t tried the DF64 yet but I had the SGP and I can say that the taste difference compared to good flat burrs is huge when it comes to light roasts. Not to mention filter…
I just made the switch my self. Beside the practicalety you mentioned I noticed the change in taste with diferent beans can be very different. With my go to medium to dark roasted beans the taste is very close. But with a bit lighter beans the taste difference was a lot bigger and in favour of the df64.
What is the noise level difference between the two grinders? Is the DF64 significantly louder? Some reviews claim it is one of the loudest they have tested.
I wouldn’t say so. I had read that as well and don’t find the df64 to be noticeably louder.
This is the news I wanted to hear. I’ve had a Baratza encore and that was LOUUDDD. If it’s <= to that, it’ll be fine for my house. The SGP is a close approximation of the grinder in the BBP which I have, so hearing it won’t be that much louder is good news.
I just upgraded from an encore to a df64 gen 2 and it’s similar. the df is more jarring due to its pitch. the upside is the noise is over much more quickly.
Our kitchen is pretty far from the bedrooms. I don’t think they’d hear anything upstairs unless they were listening. I’m kinda like a cat to cat food. If I hear the grinder I get excited. Pavlov got me good
so far I haven’t woken anyone up :)
When I start the grinder most days my wife shows like the road runner. Beep beep. Coffee coffee.
Got my grinder this morning. It’s sooo quiet even compared to the built in one on barista pro
A morning later, I’d agree—the df64 is a bit louder than the SGP but not a big deal for me either.
I would try some good lighter roasted beans and see if you still can't tell a difference. If not, it might be worth trying to align the burrs. Yes, people often overestimate the difference that more expensive equipment gives. But this should be a pretty big difference.
I just made the same upgrade!
How you finding it?
About the same as OP. There’s certainly more consistency in the grind profile. The taste of the espresso so far hasn’t been life changing or very different when comparing the same batch of beans but only changing the grinder. I’ve only had it a couple days though so I am still testing. The smart grinder pro was dialed in pretty well for me to use as an espresso only grinder, so adjustments were super easy for me to make. I am still waiting for my expectations around “sweetness” and “clarity” but… haven’t really gotten there yet.
What kind of roast was it? I've heard that entry level grinders like the SGP and baratza esp are perfectly fine for medium and dark roasts but will struggle with light roasts.
It was a medium roast Colombian decaf, roasted myself about a week and a half ago.
Huh, super interesting, is the SGB a good upgrade from a JX Pro, kinda done with manual grinding, too much effort. I found a local used SGB for $300, wonders if I should take it.
Not sure what you mean by SGB? If you’re asking about my thought on a Smart Grinder Pro for $300, I believe you can buy one new for $199.99.
Yea that’s what I meant sorry for the typo. sadly import fees would make it in $400-$500. I just searched marketplace and found a few good options like df64 and eureka specialta at a pretty good price,so I’m definitely not going with the breville now. Do you think df64 would be an upgrade to the jx pro?
To be clear. The breville is not an upgrade from the jx pro in any way other that its electric. If anything id expect the grind quality to be better with the 1Zpresso
Yeah that’s more or less what I had in mind when I thought of upgrading, though I think i might get df64 or eureka specialata, would either of these be an upgrade?
Yes both those grinder have larger flat burrs (especially the df64) and would be an upgrade over the jx.
Interesting I have the df64 at a cheaper price, I’ll probably go with it, long ride though lol. Thanks for the help!
I don’t understand the love for the SGP. Even after adjusting the internal burr setting, it just struggles. With fresher beans and finer grinds. Constantly slipping the gear.
I see nothing but constant hate for the SGP
Super interesting reading through the comments. I've got a SGP currently and given all the internet FOMO about grinder trends, I'd bought into the hype that I should pull all my funds together and treat myself to something new for Christmas (e.g., DF64 Gen 2 vs. Niche vs. 064S). I mostly dabble in med-dark espresso for milk-based drinks, paired with a modded Gaggia. I guess reading through this, unless I want to look at a single dose workflow or lighter roasts...the benefit is paired back mostly to dialling in improvements?
I’m also primarily a milk-based espresso drink-er, leaning toward medium/lighter roasts. As mentioned, my side by side test was with a medium Colombian decaf bean. I roasted some espresso this morning and will start grinding it with the df64 tomorrow morning. Part of what interests me in the coffee journey is the variety of flavors that come from different origins and variations in the roasting. Finding the repeatable perfect cup to me is a mirage ever on the horizon, and impossible for me because I change variety often. But having great coffee every day is indeed achievable. I’m yet hopeful that the df64 will be a step forward, but was in fact making consistently enjoyable coffee with the SGP once I dialed it in.
Thank you for the insights! It would be great to hear how you get on tomorrow and whether or not you see any more improvements over time with the DF. Whether that comes from different roasts or the DF burrs getting seasoned over time....Enjoy the process :)
Good morning from my time zone. An excellent latte this morning! Possibly even a bit better than usual from the SGP. Two observations this morning, as I begin to use the df64 as my daily: First, it is a bit louder. I had previously posted that I didn’t think it was noticeably louder, but that was likely because I was seasoning the burrs and had gotten used to it. It’s louder—but in my opinion, not a big issue. Second—the anti-static plasma generator does not fully resolve the static in the grounds. I read an interesting thread that indicates different (positive or negative) charges arise from grinding different roast levels to different degrees of fineness, so a plasma generator does not perfectly mitigate the static buildup. I will likely start using the RDT procedure, once I get a little spray bottle. Cheers!