I’ve never used the manual machine so I really can’t say.
Discussion
I’m coming from using the Breville with the built in grinder, so making a switch to full manual would be a bit of a jump.
I appreciate the recommendation!
The Rocket rules, I will say that. I also got a Baratza grinder, nothing super fancy.
Is that the #WorthTheSats consensus on quality, durable grinders?
My take as a former coffee snob:
You should look for burr-style grinder (like Baratza) regardless of how you're making your coffee, but you can get a much cheaper model.
If you're doing a relatively fine grind (eg for espresso or moka pot), a cheaper grinder is fine. You only need something fancy like a Baratza if you want a very coarse grind that is also highly uniform (eg for French Press).
I got my stepfather one of these a few years ago when he was getting into specialty coffee (he drinks drip coffee) and I think it's an excellent option:
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DBM-8-Supreme-Grind-Automatic/dp/B00018RRRK/
I used to own one like this for my own use and I think it's phenomenal budget choice:
https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Mini-Mill-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B001804CLY/