Yes, the grinder makes the difference!

After our first family trip to Italy this summer, I really got into the espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. A couple of weeks after I came home I bought the Gaggia classic pro evo from WLL. No modifications to the machine or anything like that as this was not a sanctioned purchase through The War Department (my wife). At first, I thought I could figure out how to use my Hamilton beach hand grinder to get the grinds fine enough. Nope. Then I was on eBay bargain shopping and picked up a Breville. Did about 75% of the job, but my pulls were either sour or bitter. So I thought my workflow, after much research reading here and on YouTube, was somehow flawed. Bought Gaggia MDF grinder (old one) and couldn’t stand how loud it was, and how much of a mess it made, doser, etc… After some paper towels, a mason jar funnel, and a bowl to drop the grinds into after moistening the beans a little bit before grinding, I have straightened that out. All of my shots this morning were 100% better. To the point they were cafe quality if not better if I say so myself. Yes, the grinder makes all the difference! Thanks to this community for all the information! Please don’t poke at my artwork 🤣