Looks like a good way to save $50, but do note there is more than a micro-adjust separating these two grinders:
Sette 30:
30 coarse settings, no micro adjust
Plastic burr casing with some static-cling issues
One programmable grind setting
Plastic portafilter holder
Non-adjustable forks, they must be removed and reversed when changing from portafilter to brew bin or to set for different portafilter diameters
Sette 270:
270 settings (30 coarse x 9 fine)
Metal burr casing, more durable and resolves static cling issues
Three programmable grind settings
Metal portafilter forks, which can be adjusted without removal
Most of these things probably won’t matter to you, you’re only doing espresso, probably always doing the same 17g double shot grind. So one programmable setting, and the non-adjustable forks are probably a non-issue. We will have to see how the plastic burr casing works for you after a few years, I am not sure how seriously to take some of the reviews that complain about this.
But the coarse/fine settings issue is an absolute problem, I think. In fact, this has been an issue with my Virtuoso with stepped settings. I often find one setting is too fast and the other too slow in my unpressurized portafilter. By the time I upgrade a 30 with the micro rig, I’m within less than $50 of just buying the 270 with the other upgrades. Since I might want to switch between portafilter and bin (maybe ditch the Virtuoso down the road), the adjustable forks and three programs would be where I’d want to go. I guess that’s why they make so many options!
My only issue with this series is the stupid profile. It looks like it must stick damn near a foot out from the wall, and I really just prefer the vertically-oriented grinders, and the counterspace they conserve. There’s no reason they couldn’t have built the same spinning outer burr with a vertical motor behind the portafilter holder, but they want to be stylish Europeans, so they made this stupid looking “Sette” (7 in Italian) profile. I guess I’m just too traditional.
