Simonelli Coffee Grinders: What You Need to Know About the Brand Behind Mythos

Nuova Simonelli is one of the most respected names in commercial espresso equipment, and their coffee grinders are used in cafes, roasteries, and competition stages worldwide. If you've heard the name Simonelli in connection with grinders, you're probably thinking of the Mythos line or the G60/G80 series, all of which I've had hands-on time with over the years. The brand has a well-earned reputation for building grinders that hold up under heavy daily use.

Here, I'll cover Simonelli's grinder lineup, what makes each model different, who they're designed for, and how they compare to competitors from Mahlkonig and Mazzer. I'll also share some practical observations from using these grinders in real cafe settings, not just spec-sheet comparisons.

A Quick History of Nuova Simonelli

Nuova Simonelli was founded in 1936 in Belforte del Chienti, a small town in central Italy. They started with espresso machines and eventually expanded into grinders. In 2013, they became part of the Simonelli Group, which also owns Victoria Arduino. This is an important detail because the Mythos line of grinders is technically a Victoria Arduino product, but it's built using Simonelli Group engineering and manufacturing.

So when people say "Simonelli grinder," they might be referring to grinders branded under either Nuova Simonelli or Victoria Arduino. Both come from the same factory and share R&D resources. I'll cover both in this guide since they're essentially siblings.

The company has been the official espresso machine sponsor of the World Barista Championship for years, which gives them enormous visibility in the specialty coffee world. Their equipment is trusted at the highest levels of competition, and that reputation carries over to their commercial products.

The Simonelli/Victoria Arduino Grinder Lineup

Mythos One and Mythos 2

The Mythos grinders are Simonelli Group's flagship products and their best-known grinders by far. The Mythos One features 75mm titanium-coated flat burrs, the Clima Pro temperature management system, and gravimetric (weight-based) dosing. The Mythos 2 adds Wi-Fi connectivity, improved sound insulation, and a larger touchscreen.

I used a Mythos One for over a year in a cafe pulling 200+ shots daily. The temperature stability was the standout feature. Most grinders shift their effective grind size as the burrs warm up during busy service. The Clima Pro system pre-heats the burrs to a set temperature (around 40-45C) and holds them there all day. The result is that your first shot at 7 AM tastes the same as your 200th shot at 3 PM, assuming the same beans and machine settings.

The gravimetric dosing is accurate to within 0.1-0.2 grams, which eliminates the need for a separate dose scale. For a busy cafe, that saves 5-10 seconds per shot and reduces waste from under or over-dosing.

Price range: $2,500-4,000 depending on model

G60 On-Demand

The G60 is Simonelli's mid-range commercial grinder, positioned below the Mythos for shops that need solid performance without the premium price. It uses 60mm flat burrs and timed dosing with programmable single and double shot buttons.

I tested a G60 for a few weeks as a decaf grinder in a shop that used a Mythos for the main espresso. It's a capable grinder that produces good, consistent espresso. The grind quality doesn't match the Mythos, but for a second grinder or a lower-volume shop, it does the job reliably.

Price range: $800-1,200

MDXS On-Demand

The MDXS is Simonelli's entry-level commercial grinder. It uses 65mm flat burrs and a simple timed dosing system. Build quality is solid for the price, though it lacks the refinement of the G60 or Mythos. I'd recommend it for startup cafes on a tight budget, food trucks, or as a backup grinder.

Price range: $500-700

Grinta

The Grinta is technically a prosumer/home grinder, positioned as an affordable entry point into the Simonelli ecosystem. It uses 50mm flat burrs and a simple timed dosing system. Build quality is decent for the price, though it doesn't compare to dedicated home grinders from companies like Niche or Eureka. I tried one briefly and found it acceptable for espresso but limited in grind range.

Price range: $300-450

How Simonelli Grinders Compare to the Competition

Simonelli vs. Mahlkonig

Mahlkonig (owned by Hemro Group) is probably Simonelli's biggest competitor in the commercial space. Here's how the main matchups shake out:

  • Mythos One vs. Mahlkonig E65S: The Mythos wins on temperature stability and dosing accuracy. The E65S is lighter, has a more intuitive interface, and works better for shops that switch between multiple coffees. Both produce excellent espresso.
  • Mythos 2 vs. Mahlkonig E80: Premium-tier battle. The E80 has larger 80mm burrs for higher volume, while the Mythos 2 has better temperature management and the gravimetric scale. I'd pick the Mythos 2 for a single-grinder shop and the E80 for a high-volume operation.
  • EK43 vs. Any Simonelli grinder for filter: The EK43 wins hands down for filter brewing. Simonelli doesn't make a grinder that competes with the EK43's filter performance.

Simonelli vs. Mazzer

Mazzer is another Italian manufacturer that's been around since 1948. Their grinders tend to be more traditional in design, with proven burr sets and straightforward mechanics.

  • Mythos One vs. Mazzer Kold: Both have temperature management systems. The Mythos is more sophisticated and offers gravimetric dosing. The Kold is simpler and cheaper. I'd pick the Mythos for a busy modern cafe and the Kold for a traditional espresso bar.
  • G60 vs. Mazzer Super Jolly: Very competitive matchup. The Super Jolly has a proven track record spanning decades, while the G60 is newer with better electronics. Performance is similar, so it comes down to brand preference and dealer support.

If you're comparing commercial grinders side by side, our best coffee grinder roundup has detailed comparisons across price ranges.

Buying a Simonelli Grinder: What to Consider

New vs. Used

Simonelli grinders hold their value well on the used market. A used Mythos One typically sells for $1,500-2,000, which represents solid value if the burrs have life left. When buying used, ask for the total bean throughput and check the burrs for visible wear (flattened cutting edges, scoring marks).

Dealer Support

Simonelli has a strong dealer network in most countries. This matters for commercial equipment because you'll eventually need parts, burr replacements, or repair service. Before buying, confirm that a local dealer can service the model you're considering.

Grinder Selection by Cafe Volume

Here's how I'd match Simonelli grinders to cafe types:

  • Under 100 shots/day: MDXS or G60
  • 100-300 shots/day: Mythos One
  • 300+ shots/day: Mythos 2 or dual Mythos One setup
  • Filter program: Look elsewhere (the EK43 or a dedicated filter grinder)

For broader recommendations that include home and prosumer options, check out our top coffee grinder guide.

Maintenance Across the Lineup

All Simonelli grinders follow a similar maintenance schedule:

  • Daily: Wipe down the exterior, clean the portafilter fork
  • Weekly: Run grinder cleaning tablets (Urnex Grindz or Cafetto)
  • Monthly: Remove the top burr carrier, brush out accumulated coffee oils and fines, inspect burrs for wear
  • Every 6-12 months (commercial): Check burr alignment, replace burrs if throughput exceeds manufacturer recommendation

Mythos burrs last about 800-1,200 kg of throughput. G60 and MDXS burrs are smaller and wear faster, typically 400-600 kg. Replacement burrs range from $80 (MDXS) to $200 (Mythos).

One practical tip from my experience: the Mythos exit chute accumulates oily residue faster than you'd expect, especially with dark roasts. If your shots suddenly taste flat or stale, clean the chute before blaming the beans. A stiff nylon brush and some hot water does the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Simonelli and Victoria Arduino grinders the same?

They're made by the same company (Simonelli Group) in the same facility. Victoria Arduino is the premium brand, and Nuova Simonelli is the mid-range brand. The Mythos grinders are branded Victoria Arduino, while the G60, MDXS, and Grinta are branded Nuova Simonelli. Engineering and manufacturing quality is consistent across both brands.

Is a Simonelli grinder good for home use?

The Grinta is designed for home/prosumer use, but it faces stiff competition from dedicated home grinders that offer better features for the price. The larger Simonelli commercial grinders (G60, Mythos) are oversized and impractical for home use. I'd recommend looking at purpose-built home grinders instead.

How long do Simonelli grinder burrs last?

It depends on the model and your throughput. The Mythos's 75mm burrs last 800-1,200 kg, while smaller models like the G60 (60mm burrs) typically need replacement at 400-600 kg. For a home user grinding 30-50 grams per day, any Simonelli grinder's burrs will last many years.

Where are Simonelli grinders manufactured?

All Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino grinders are manufactured in Belforte del Chienti, Italy. The company owns the factory and controls the full production process, from CNC machining of burr carriers to final assembly and quality testing.

My Take

Simonelli grinders, especially the Mythos line, are among the best commercial espresso grinders you can buy. The temperature management and gravimetric dosing give them real advantages for busy cafes that prioritize shot consistency. Their mid-range options (G60, MDXS) are reliable workhorses at fair prices. The main gap in their lineup is a strong filter grinder, where Mahlkonig's EK43 still dominates. If you're outfitting a cafe and your focus is espresso, Simonelli should be on your shortlist.