Anfim SP2: A Commercial Grinder That Punches Above Its Weight
The Anfim SP2 is a flat burr commercial espresso grinder that sits in an interesting spot between entry-level cafe grinders and high-end machines costing twice as much. If you're looking at one for your coffee shop or considering it for a serious home setup, the short answer is that it delivers excellent grind consistency for espresso with a surprisingly small footprint.
I've spent a good amount of time with the SP2, and I want to walk you through what makes it tick, where it shines, and where it falls short compared to the competition. Whether you're upgrading from a cheaper grinder or trying to decide between the SP2 and something from Mazzer or Mahlkonig, this breakdown should help you make a confident decision.
Build Quality and Design
The first thing you notice about the Anfim SP2 is how compact it is. For a commercial grinder, it takes up remarkably little counter space. The body is solid aluminum with a clean, professional look that fits well in any cafe environment.
Anfim is an Italian manufacturer that's been making grinders since 1952. They were actually acquired by Hemro Group (the same company that owns Mahlkonig), which means parts availability and service support are solid. That heritage shows in the build quality. The SP2 feels like a tank despite its smaller size.
The Hopper and Retention
The bean hopper holds about 1.5 kg of beans, which is plenty for moderate cafe volume. One thing I appreciate is the low-retention design. The SP2 keeps ground retention under 1 gram in most cases, which matters if you're single-dosing or switching between blends throughout the day.
The dosing mechanism is straightforward. You get a simple on/off switch with timed dosing, so you can dial in your dose and let the grinder do its thing. No touchscreens, no Bluetooth, no nonsense. Just reliable grinding.
Burr Set and Grind Quality
The SP2 runs 64mm flat steel burrs, which is a solid size for espresso work. These burrs spin at roughly 1,350 RPM, and they produce a grind that's impressively uniform for a grinder in this price range.
Espresso Performance
For espresso, the SP2 delivers a clean, balanced extraction. The particle size distribution is tight enough that you won't fight channeling or uneven shots. I've pulled shots that rival what I get from grinders costing $500 to $800 more.
The stepless adjustment collar gives you infinite control over grind size. Small adjustments translate to noticeable changes in extraction, which is exactly what you want. There's no play or wobble in the adjustment mechanism, so once you dial in your setting, it stays put.
Can It Handle Anything Beyond Espresso?
Technically, the SP2 is an espresso grinder. You can open the burrs up enough for a fine filter grind, but I wouldn't recommend it for pour-over or French press. If you need a grinder that does both espresso and brew, check out our best coffee grinder roundup for multi-purpose options. The SP2 is purpose-built for espresso, and that focus is part of why it does it so well.
How It Compares to the Competition
Let me put the SP2 in context with some popular alternatives.
Anfim SP2 vs. Mazzer Mini
The Mazzer Mini is probably the most common entry-level commercial grinder you'll find. The SP2 wins on retention (significantly less), noise, and grind consistency. The Mazzer Mini is a proven workhorse, but the SP2 feels like a generational upgrade. Expect to pay a bit more for the SP2, but the improvement in shot quality is worth it.
Anfim SP2 vs. Eureka Atom
The Eureka Atom is a popular prosumer option. Both grinders share similar 64mm flat burrs. The Atom has a slight edge in noise reduction thanks to Eureka's sound insulation. The SP2 has better build quality for commercial use and a more precise adjustment mechanism. If you're using it at home, the Atom might be the better pick. For a cafe, go with the SP2.
Anfim SP2 vs. Mahlkonig E65S
This comparison isn't entirely fair because the E65S costs quite a bit more. But given that Anfim and Mahlkonig share the same parent company, the SP2 borrows some of the same engineering DNA at a lower price point. The E65S is faster and has a larger burr set (65mm), but the SP2 holds its own in grind quality. For a small to mid-volume cafe, the SP2 gives you 80% of the E65S performance at 60% of the cost.
If you're interested in more Anfim models, I've compared them in our best Anfim grinder roundup.
Daily Workflow and Maintenance
Morning Routine
Getting the SP2 going each morning is simple. Purge a few grams of coffee to clear any stale grounds from overnight, pull a test shot, and adjust if needed. The grinder heats up quickly and stays consistent once it reaches operating temperature. During a busy morning rush, the SP2 grinds a double dose in about 3 to 4 seconds, which keeps up with most single-group machines.
Cleaning and Burr Replacement
Cleaning is painless. The upper burr carrier pops out without tools, so you can brush out the grinding chamber in under a minute. I recommend doing this daily for a cafe and weekly for home use.
Burr replacement depends on volume. For a cafe grinding 5 to 10 kg per day, expect to swap burrs every 12 to 18 months. Home users won't need to think about it for years. Replacement burrs from Anfim run around $40 to $60, which is very reasonable for a commercial grinder.
Noise Levels
The SP2 is not the quietest grinder out there, but it's far from the loudest. I'd put it somewhere in the middle of the pack for commercial grinders. It won't startle customers, and you can hold a conversation next to it without shouting.
Who Should Buy the Anfim SP2?
The SP2 makes sense for a few specific groups:
- Small cafe owners who need reliable espresso grinding without the price tag of a Mahlkonig or Victoria Arduino
- Serious home baristas who want commercial grind quality and plan to keep the same grinder for a decade
- Mobile coffee vendors who need a compact, durable grinder that travels well
It's not the right choice if you need a grinder for brew coffee, if you're grinding more than 20 kg a day (look at the Anfim SCODY II or something with 80mm+ burrs), or if you want on-demand grinding features like those in our best Anfim on-demand roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Anfim SP2 cost?
Pricing varies by market, but expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 depending on the retailer and any accessories included. That puts it firmly in the mid-range commercial category.
Is the Anfim SP2 good for single dosing?
Yes, the low retention (under 1 gram) makes it one of the better flat burr grinders for single dosing. You'll still want to use a bellows or a quick tap to clear the last bit of grounds, but it performs well in a single-dose workflow.
What's the warranty on the Anfim SP2?
Anfim typically offers a 1-year manufacturer warranty for commercial use and up to 2 years for home use, depending on your region. Check with your authorized dealer for specific terms.
Can I use the SP2 with a doserless portafilter holder?
Yes. The SP2 comes with a portafilter fork that accommodates most standard 58mm portafilters. The grounds fall directly into the basket with minimal mess.
The Bottom Line
The Anfim SP2 is a well-built, focused espresso grinder that delivers consistent results day after day. It won't win any awards for flashy features or cutting-edge technology, but that's kind of the point. It grinds coffee extremely well, it's easy to maintain, and it'll last for years. If you're running a small cafe or want a commercial-grade grinder for home, the SP2 deserves a spot on your shortlist. Just make sure you don't need it for brew coffee, because that's not what it was designed to do.