The Breville Smart Grinder Pro and the Capresso Infinity are two popular burr grinders that serve very different coffee drinkers. The Breville grinder is a premium, feature-rich machine with 60 precise settings for coffee enthusiasts who need fine control for everything from espresso to French press. The Capresso Infinity is a much more affordable, straightforward grinder with 16 settings, designed for beginners or daily drip coffee brewers who value simplicity and budget over advanced features.
Here’s a detailed look at both grinders to help you choose the right one for your coffee station.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
The Smart Grinder Pro from Breville is a top choice for home baristas looking for professional-level control without the commercial price tag. Its standout feature is the "Dosing IQ" technology, which allows you to program specific grind times for consistent and precise coffee doses. Combined with its extensive grind settings and high-quality build, it's a versatile machine for anyone serious about elevating their home coffee game.
- What it is: A digital conical burr grinder with programmable dose settings.
- Key features: Dosing IQ for timed grinding, 60 precise grind settings, LCD screen, 18-ounce bean hopper, stainless steel conical burrs, includes portafilter cradles.
- Price: $200 - $250
- Dimensions: 6.9" W x 7.7" D x 13" H and weighs about 7.8 pounds.
- Materials/Construction: It features a sturdy die-cast metal housing and high-quality stainless steel burrs built for consistency and longevity.
- Style: Sleek brushed stainless steel finish with a modern, professional aesthetic that fits well in contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Excellent grind consistency across all settings. Highly versatile for a range of brew methods, especially espresso. Dosing IQ provides unmatched consistency. Premium materials and solid construction.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than entry-level models. Larger footprint may not suit kitchens with limited counter space. The range of options can be overwhelming for beginners.
This grinder is built for the coffee lover who wants to fine-tune every aspect of their brew, from espresso shots to pour-overs, and is willing to invest in precision and build quality.
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Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
The Capresso Infinity has been a go-to budget-friendly grinder for years, earning a reputation for reliability and solid performance. It's a no-frills machine that focuses on doing one thing well: producing a consistent grind for most everyday brewing methods like drip, French press, and pour-over. Its simple mechanical dial and compact size make it exceptionally easy to use and a perfect entry point into the world of fresh-ground coffee.
- What it is: An affordable, entry-level conical burr grinder with analog controls.
- Key features: 16 grind settings (four categories from extra fine to coarse), solid steel conical burrs, easy-to-use timer dial, 8.8-ounce bean hopper.
- Price: $80 - $130
- Dimensions: 4.3" W x 7.1" D x 9.8" H and weighs about 4 pounds.
- Materials/Construction: The housing is primarily durable plastic, while the conical burrs are made from hardened steel.
- Style: Simple and utilitarian with a compact, functional design available in black or stainless finishes.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Very easy to use with a simple twist dial. Compact and lightweight, saving counter space. Produces a consistent grind for non-espresso methods.
- Cons: Limited grind settings make it unsuitable for dialing in precise espresso shots. Plastic construction is less durable than metal. The grind timer is mechanical and less precise.
The Capresso Infinity works best for the budget-conscious coffee drinker who needs a reliable grinder for their daily drip coffee or French press and values simplicity above all else.
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Breville Smart Grinder Pro vs. Capresso Infinity Comparison
Grind Settings & Precision
This is the most significant difference between the two grinders. The Breville Smart Grinder Pro offers 60 distinct digital settings, giving you incredible control over your grind size. This level of precision is essential for espresso, where tiny adjustments can dramatically impact the quality of your shot. Breville's focus is on letting the user dial in the perfect grind for any bean and any brew method.
The Capresso Infinity operates on a simpler system with 16 settings. These are broken into four categories: Extra Fine, Fine, Regular, and Coarse, with four steps within each. This is more than enough for differentiating between a French press (coarse) and a drip machine (medium), but it lacks the fine adjustments needed for high-end espresso making. For most everyday brewers, 16 settings is plenty, but enthusiasts will find it limiting.
Materials & Construction
Breville's commitment to quality is evident in the Smart Grinder Pro’s build. The heavy die-cast metal housing gives it a premium feel and adds stability during grinding. Its stainless steel conical burrs are designed for durability and consistent performance over a long lifespan.
The Capresso Infinity is built to meet a specific price point. Its housing is made of durable plastic, which is functional but lacks the premium feel and heft of the Breville. While its hardened steel burrs are effective, the overall construction is lighter and may not stand up to the same level of intensive, long-term use as the Breville.
Dimensions & Design
The Capresso Infinity wins decisively on size. At just under 10 inches tall and 4 pounds, it's a compact machine perfect for small kitchens or apartments with limited counter space. Its design is purely functional and unassuming.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is a more substantial appliance, standing 13 inches tall and weighing nearly 8 pounds. While not huge, it commands more space. Its sleek, modern look with a brushed stainless finish and LCD screen serves as a stylish addition to a dedicated coffee station.
Price & Value
With a price range of $80-$130, the Capresso Infinity offers tremendous value. It provides access to consistent burr grinding, a massive step up from blade grinders, at an exceptionally accessible price. If you just need a reliable machine for your morning coffee maker, the Capresso delivers excellent bang for your buck.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro, priced between $200-$250, offers a different kind of value. The extra cost gives you superior precision, better materials, dose control features, and the versatility to tackle any brewing method. For coffee hobbyists, the investment buys control and consistency that a cheaper grinder cannot match.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both coffee grinders are excellent choices, but they are built for completely different people and priorities.
Choose the Breville Smart Grinder Pro if:
- You own an espresso machine and need to make micro-adjustments to dial in your shots.
- Consistency is your priority, and you want a machine that doses by time.
- You value a premium build quality and modern kitchen aesthetic.
- You enjoy experimenting with different brew methods and want one grinder that can do it all.
Choose the Capresso Infinity if:
- You are on a budget and want the best performance for under $150.
- You primarily brew drip coffee, pour-over, or French press.
- You need a compact, lightweight grinder for a kitchen with minimal counter space.
- You prefer straightforward, analog controls without digital screens or programmability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Breville Smart Grinder Pro and Capresso Infinity?
The primary difference is precision and features. The Breville is a digital grinder with 60 settings and timed dosing for enthusiasts, while the Capresso is a simple analog grinder with 16 settings for beginners and budget-focused users.
Which grinder is better for espresso?
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is overwhelmingly better for espresso. Its 60 fine-tuned settings allow for the small adjustments necessary to pull a perfect shot, a capability the Capresso Infinity lacks.
Is the Capresso Infinity good enough for a beginner?
Yes, the Capresso is arguably one of the best entry-level burr grinders on the market. It's incredibly easy to use, reliable, and provides a much more consistent grind than any blade grinder, making it a perfect starting point.
Is the Breville Smart Grinder Pro worth the extra money?
If you're into espresso or want to experiment with different brew methods, yes. The extra cost gives you a far more capable and versatile tool. If you only drink drip coffee, the Breville is likely overkill, and the Capresso provides better value.
Can the Capresso Infinity grind fine enough for espresso?
While it has "Extra Fine" settings, the Capresso typically cannot grind fine enough or with enough consistency for non-pressurized portafilters on higher-end espresso machines. It may work for some entry-level machines with pressurized filter baskets, but it's not ideal.
How easy are they to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. The top burr on each model is removable without tools, allowing you to brush out old coffee grounds from the grinding chamber. The process is straightforward for both.
What is Dosing IQ on the Breville grinder?
Dosing IQ allows you to program a specific duration for grinding, in 0.2-second increments. This ensures you get the same amount of coffee grounds every single time, leading to more consistent brews.
Which one is more durable long-term?
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro has a more robust build with its metal housing and high-quality internal components, making it the more durable choice for heavy, long-term use.
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