For espresso it is useless and Breville admits it. Too bad the product was not as good as Breville's customer service. They offered a refund if my retailer did not. MORE THAN I CAN SAY FOR BODUM.
Positive Product Points
Ground coffee is consistent and uniform, not much static or mess. Grind fineness is suitable only for Percolator, Cafetierre (French Press), or Filter, nothing finer.
Negative Product Points
Espresso setting too coarse, Turkish setting too coarse for even espresso. Avoid for espresso based and turkish coffees.
Detailed Commentary
I challenged Breville on the box claims of Turkish and Espresso. This was their reply.
"Please note that we suggest returning the unit to the retailer for a refund if that is possible as you will not obtain the Turkish grind you are requesting. If returning the unit to the store is not possible, please advise us and we will send you the procedures on how to return the unit to us for a credit."
At least they admit the product does not perform to the box specs and stand behind it instead of giving excuses. I returned the unit today.
I tried this unit for percolator, french press, flat filter, cone filter, aeropress, and espresso machine. The percolator setting is too coarse, use french press setting. For french press use between french press and filter setting. For filter set at Turkish. For aeropress, espresso and turkish, buy another grinder as this unit severely does not cut the grade.
Anyone who knows the basics of creating a great espresso based coffee is aware that a grind that is too coarse produces a thin bitter drink that should be immediately poured down the sink. That is exactly what this grinder will give you. If you believe the espresso created from this grinder is good then you have yet to experience the bliss of a great espresso. It makes disgusting aeropress coffee too.
Percolator quality a full 10 out of 10 is just.
French press deserves top rating as well.
Filter coffee suffers because the grind coarseness allows the water to drip through too quickly. I give filter coffee no more than 6 out 10.
If you like thin under extracted bitter espresso then this is the machine for you. If you want a drink that will stand up and make itself noticed apart from the crowd then for espresso I give this machine a 0 out of 10. There is nothing at all enjoyable from the cupping experience. My two decade old flat burr grinder does a far better job.
