Espresso grinders

How Do Breville's Smart Grinder Pro and Dose Control Pro Differ for Espresso?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Both have 60 grind settings and stainless steel conical burrs, but the Smart Grinder Pro gives espresso half of that dial, settings 1 to 30, while the Dose Control Pro's manual reserves 1 to 25. The Smart Grinder Pro also times the dose in 0.2-second steps against the Dose Control Pro's 1-second steps, and holds 1 lb of beans against 12 oz. Breville now lists the Dose Control Pro as discontinued, and the Smart Grinder Pro is $199.95.

Side by side

Smart Grinder Pro (BCG820)Dose Control Pro (BCG600)
Espresso range in the manualSettings 1 to 30Settings 1 to 25
Suggested starting setting for espresso1215
Grind time adjustment0.2 second1 second
Bean hopper1 lb12 oz
Portafilter cradles50 to 54 mm and 58 mm50 to 54 mm and 58 mm
Also includedGrinds containerRazor dose trimming tool for 50, 54 and 58 mm baskets
Size, W x D x H8.5 x 6.3 x 15.3 in8 x 6.3 x 13.5 in
Power165 W130 W

How the espresso settings work

The Smart Grinder Pro manual suggests starting espresso at setting 12. With a dual wall basket, it suggests starting at setting 30, the coarsest of the espresso settings, and going finer if needed. The Dose Control Pro manual starts espresso at 15.

Both grinders also have a removable, adjustable upper burr that ships on setting 6 and moves one number at a time toward finer or coarser. The Smart Grinder Pro manual describes it as a way "to extend this range," and Breville recommends making only one adjustment at a time.

On the Smart Grinder Pro you choose between "cups" for filter or French press and "shots" for espresso, and each press of the time buttons changes the grind time by 0.2 of a second. With the portafilter cradle in place, the manual limits it to 2 shots.

The Dose Control Pro after discontinuation

Breville's page for the Dose Control Pro now says "This model has been discontinued," with no price. Its product hub still carries the instruction manual and a link to parts.

Shopping for one? Shop espresso grinders →

Sources

  1. Breville — the Smart Grinder Pro
  2. Breville — the Dose Control Pro
  3. Breville — Smart Grinder Pro instruction manual (BCG820)
  4. Breville — Dose Control Pro instruction manual (BCG600)
  5. Breville — Dose Control Pro product hub

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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