Specs
| Dial | Numbered stepped dial 3:01 |
Starting settings
These are the settings each creator gave, measured from their own grinder's zero. Use them as a starting point.
| Method | Setting | Context | Confidence | By | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 11 | Medium to medium-light roast, 20 g in. Setting 9 gave only 5 g in 21 s and setting 11 gave 50 g in 32 s. The final tweak was 20 g in and 55 g out in 34 s | stated | Hedrick | 2:31 |
| Immersion | 50 | 2020, dial scale. Reader-submitted and approximate | approx | Christensen | grind size chart |
| Pour-over | 45 | 2020, dial scale. Reader-submitted and approximate | approx | Christensen | grind size chart |
| AeroPress | 20 | 2020, dial scale. Reader-submitted and approximate | approx | Christensen | grind size chart |
| Moka | 15 | 2020, dial scale. Reader-submitted and approximate | approx | Christensen | grind size chart |
| Espresso | 1 | 2020, dial scale. Reader-submitted and approximate | approx | Christensen | grind size chart |
Strengths
- At a fixed setting its shot times varied the second least across many coffees 13:52.
Verdict
In 2025 Lance Hedrick summed it up as forgiving, though it doesn't reach the highest quality 13:52.
James Hoffmann's take
- In 2024 he found each number worth roughly 4 s of shot time on an 18 g in, 40 g out recipe. The espresso was muddier and chocolatey, with less clarity. It isn't built for single dosing, and it couldn't go coarse enough for some filter brews without an internal adjustment 0:32.
Kyle Rowsell's take
- In 2021 he called it a quiet jack of all trades. Its espresso trails the Sette 30, the grounds look ragged and parts can't be replaced 9:00.
- In 2022 he liked the features for $199, with 60 steps, timed dosing and a magnetic hopper. But the notches are too big for espresso, grounds stay round the burr, the bed comes out muddy and filter tastes dull. It's fine for beginners but wasn't his pick 3:05.
Sources
- Kyle Rowsell: BARATZA SETTE 30 The Best Espresso Grinder under $250?! (2021-03-14)
- Lance Hedrick: HOW TO DIAL IN ESPRESSO: Quick and Easy Guide (2021-12-14)
- Kyle Rowsell: The Best Budget Coffee Grinder Under $300?! (2022-12-20)
- James Hoffmann: The Best Espresso Grinder Under £250 (2024-11-18)
- Lance Hedrick: I Tested 12 Coffees on 4 Grinders at the Same Gap. Here's What Happened. (2025-04-18)
- Asser Christensen, The Coffee Chronicler (website): Grind Size Chart & Database (2025-08-29)
Summarised in our own words from the creators' videos, with every point linked to the moment it comes from. Notchbook isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any of these creators, so please watch the originals for full context. Sources
Dialling in from here
- Sour, thin or fast? Grind finer. Why coffee tastes sour
- Bitter, dry or slow? Grind coarser. Why coffee tastes bitter
- Espresso: how to dial in. Filter: pour-over grind size.
Compare with other grinders in the grind size chart, or see every grinder.
Notchbook is a free app that remembers the setting that worked on your Breville Smart Grinder Pro for each coffee and brew method, and keeps a journal of every brew. Get it free on Google Play. The iPhone app is coming soon. More about Notchbook.