Turin Grinders - SK40

I got the Turin SK40 for christmas and it has been super capable so far, even a little too capable as the espresso settings have been grinding too fine. It’s a solid grinder and pretty cheap as well, I think it’s $189 right now.

I totally skimmed over the fact that the OP has a Virtuoso. OP, you really won't get your money's worth in terms of improvement in the cup if you drink only medium to dark roasts. Honestly, an Ode Gen 2 or Timemore 078 would be a bit of a waste, and neither company has Baratza's reputation for reliability and service. Your Virtuoso might just need a bit of TLC. Or you could just get one of the grinders I recommended. If you are really itching to spend some dough, maybe order the new [Lagom Casa](https://www.option-o.com/shop/p/lagom-casa?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22282491509&gbraid=0AAAAArBqeyLITcQFGPZ35mGhGSVsTsA-d&gclid=Cj0KCQjwndHEBhDVARIsAGh0g3DQBDbUkpnQb8lkTIRxKLOIv2jvhqr-kqRp0bPOqXwZnOn45dBSWs4aAhFqEALw_wcB) or [Femobook A68](https://femobook.myshopify.com/products/a68-electric-coffee-grinder).

If you drink only medium to dark roasts, you don't need to spend anywhere near $1,000. Just get a Baratza Encore ESP, SK-40, or KitchenAid KCG8433 and call it a day. Use the saved money for good coffee.

In my opinion, your best options are: * Turin SK40 - $200 (I own and use an older version of this daily, and it's been going strong for 2 years) * Mii Coffe D40+ -200 * Truin DF54 - $250 * Turin DF64 Gen 2 - $400 * Niche Zero - $650 Some things to note: * The DF54 is a miniature version of the DF64. * The DF54 and DF64 are flat burrs. * Both DF54 and DF64 are probably the most popular "budget" options * The D40+ and SK40 are the same machine with different grind adjustment methods. If you only drink espresso, I recommend the SK40 for the smaller adjustments. If you drink both espresso and drip/pour over then get the D40+ * The SK40, D40+, and Niche are conical burrs. * The Niche is probably the best-built and most reliable of this list. (I've personally seen it used in commercial settings/cafes) Finally, don't over think the flat vs cone debate. If you're just beginning your espresso journey, chances are that your palate has not been developed/trained enough to notice those minute differences.

I think some people also use hand grinders and they are cheaper than anything motorized. So like kingrinder k6. I use a turin sk40 (its motorized and same company that sells the df grinders). I really like it. It's around 200. I also have a kingrinder k6 for pour over and French press or anything non espresso related. I don't like messing with the sk40 once my espresso is dialed in.

I just started using a Turin SK40 and I really like it. Price is under 190. As good as machines 2-3 times as expensive. I gave up a commercial Rossi RR45 for it. A beautiful machine that is just too large for my newest set up.

I have the Turin sk40 and am very happy with it.

I would agree with what the guy above said and a gaggia classic e24 and a eureka grinder would be a good option but be careful there are lots of eureka and they aren’t all suited for espresso. I would also look into a Turin sk40 I had one at one point and it’s such a better grinder than the ESP is and it’s like $200ish. I sold mine used for $130. Of you can stretch the budget a bit the Profitec go is around $1,000 and is an awesome machine and pair it with a decent $200-$300 grinder would also be a great option coming in probably around $1300-$1400 and you wouldn’t need to replace anything for a long time

Turin SK40. Got it for $200 when they announced it summer of 2023. Chose this because it was one of the first high quality stepless adjustable grinders under $300. Does both espresso and pourover reasonably well. With smaller size beans @ an espresso grind, I need to feed it with a spoon (rather than just dumping in 20g at a time) to prevent stalls. Stock, it makes a mess. I put a 54 dosing funnel into the collector cup to act as a funnel which completely resolved the issue. No plans to upgrade. Edit: If buying new today, I would have likely gone with the DF54.

I didn't initially. they started about a year in.

I have one as well, bought for the same reasons. I like the near zero retention. I don't have other nice grinders to compare to but it's fussy enough for me that I would plan to upgrade when finances allow.

I love my SK40. Not sure why it doesn't get more love on this sub...