Are you looking for the best espresso grinder under 500? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting in coffee making, a good quality grinder is essential. The right espresso grinder can make all the difference in flavor and consistency in your cup of coffee. With so many models and brands on the market, finding the best espresso grinder under 500 can be daunting.
To help you out, we have researched and compiled a list of our top picks for the best espresso grinders under 500. We have considered factors such as grind size, speed, noise level, and budget to give you an unbiased comparison between all available models. So look at our top picks below and find out which is perfect for your needs!
Top Espresso Grinder Under $500 on the Market Today
Today, we’ve researched and tested many espresso grinders to bring you our top picks for the best Espresso grinder under 500.
1. KRUPS Precision Grinder Flat Burr Coffee
Introducing the perfect companion for your coffee brewing needs: the Metallic Flat Burr Coffee Grinder. With a 33 percent greater grinding range than most other coffee grinders, this grinder provides precise grinding for all coffee brewing methods, including Drip Filter Coffee, French Press Cold Brew, Pour Over Espresso, and more. With 12 grind fineness settings plus intermediary settings, you can be sure you are getting the perfect grind for your favorite brews. The 2-12 cup selection settings with auto-stop ensure that your grind is just right, and the removable ground container can produce grinds for up to 32 cups of coffee.
The Metallic Flat Burr Coffee Grinder is easy to use and clean, featuring one-touch operation so you can enjoy your brew quickly. It is designed to be durable and efficient, giving you the perfect grind every time. Make your coffee brewing experience simpler and more enjoyable with the Metallic Flat Burr Coffee Grinder!
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 12.83″ D x 9.49″ W x 6.46″ H.
- Capacity: 8 Ounces.
- Style: Burr grinder.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Easy to clean.
- Large capacity: produce grinds for 30-32 cups of coffee.
- Low price.
- Really powerful motor.
- Compact size.
Cons:
- Blades do not produce as fine ground coffee as a conical burr grinder.
2. Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder
If you love coffee, then the Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder is the perfect addition to your coffee-making arsenal. This stainless steel conical burr grinder is designed to minimize grinding heat, protect essential oils, and provide a precise grind. With 60 grind settings, from the finest Espresso to the coarsest French Press, you can get the perfect grind for any coffee. Plus, an electronic timer allows you to program grind time in 0.2-second increments.
The Breville Smart Grinder Pro also has a 16 oz. coffee bean capacity with a locking system for easy removal. The LCD display allows you to monitor grind times quickly, and you can grind directly into a portafilter, grinds container, gold tone filter basket, or paper filter.
Whether a professional barista or a coffee enthusiast, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder is the perfect tool to help you get the ideal grind. Get ready to craft the perfect cup of coffee with this fantastic grinder!
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 8.5″ D x 6″ W x 15.5″ H.
- Item Weight: 6.4 Pounds
- Capacity: 1.1 Pounds.
- Wattage: 165 watts.
- Style: French.
- Accessories Included: Portafilter Cradle: Small 50-54 mm, Portafilter Cradle: Large 58 mm, Grinds Container with Lid and Sealing Cap, Conical Burr Cleaning Brush.
Pros:
- Dosing iQ: program grind time in 0.2-second increments giving you total control and a perfect dose every time.
- LCD Display
- 60 Grind Settings from the finest Espresso to the coarsest French press grind.
- Tons of features.
- Very consistent grind quality
- Good design.
Cons:
- Expensive.
3. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is the perfect companion for any coffee enthusiast! This grinder is designed for superior flavor extraction and uniform grounds thanks to its durable 40-millimeter stainless steel conical burrs.
With 15 settings (plus Micro settings), you can adjust your grind to suit your taste, and the one-touch start timer keeps your last set, push to grind. The hopper holds up to 0.75 pounds of coffee beans, and the anti-static grounds container accommodates up to 110 grams for 12 cups. And the easy-to-use display makes it simple to adjust your settings. Plus, never use water or other liquids to clean the inside of the grinder/burrs.
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 5.3″ D x 7.75″ W x 12.8″ H.
- Item Weight: 6.58 Pounds
- Capacity: 0.75 Pounds.
- Wattage: 100 watts.
- Style: Burr Grinder.
- Material: Stainless Steel.
Pros:
- Easy to use with the one-touch grinding capability
- Two-Year warranty.
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable 40-millimeter stainless steel.
- Anti-Static grounds container accommodates up to 110 grams (enough for 12 cups).
Cons:
- Loud.
- Only 15 grind settings.
4. Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – the ultimate precision grinding machine for coffee lovers who demand the highest quality cup. With three programmable dosing buttons, you can quickly achieve accurate and consistent dosing within a tenth of a second – making it ideal for espresso, pour-over, and cold-brew methods.
The dual dosing options make it easy to grind directly into a portafilter or grounds bin/brewing device, and its high-speed grinding of up to 5g/second ensures minimal retention of coffee in the system. With 270 grind settings, you can easily dial in the most precise grind, while the digital control panel helps you to achieve the perfect grind.
No matter your preference, the Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is the perfect companion for any coffee enthusiast looking for unbeatable accuracy and consistency.
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 5.12″ D x 9.45″ W x 14.96″ H.
- Item Weight: 7.04 pounds.
- Capacity: 0.875 Pounds.
- Style: Micro.
- Material: Steel.
Pros:
- Excellent grind quality.
- Incredibly quick grinding speeds.
- Easy to clean.
- Grind coffee directly into the portafilter.
- Precise time-based dosing.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Loud grinder.
5. Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Coffee Grinder with 18 Custom Grinders
The Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Coffee Grinder – the perfect appliance for coffee connoisseurs! You can customize your cup of coffee with 18 custom grind settings from coarse to very fine. The removable bean hopper holds up to a half pound of coffee beans, and the removable grinding chamber ensures you can get the perfect brew every time.
Plus, the dual safety locking switches give you peace of mind knowing your coffee grinder is safe and secure. So, if you’re looking for a professional-level grinder for your home, look no further than the Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Coffee Grinder.
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 8.4″ D x 7.9″ W x 12.8″ H.
- Item Weight: 3.85 pounds.
- Capacity: 0.5 Pounds.
- Wattage: 300 watts.
- Style: Old Version.
- Material: Stainless Steel.
Pros:
- 18 different choices to grind your coffee.
- LED on and off indicator light lets you know your grinder is ready to use.
- Easy to clean.
- Automatic shut-off.
- Low price.
- Dual safety locking features.
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Loud grinder.
6. Eureka Mignon Crono Coffee Grinder
If you love the perfect cup of drip coffee, then the Eureka Mignon Crono Coffee Grinder is the perfect tool for you. This grinder is designed precisely, featuring stepless adjust and 50mm flat burrs for quick and easy grinding. The innovative ACE System eliminates clumps and electrostaticity, and the built-in sturdy metal construction ensures you’ll enjoy your ideal cup of coffee for years to come. The Mignon Crono’s hopper holds up to 300 grams of coffee and grinds at 2.1 grams per second for drip-style coffee. With its precise micro-adjustments, the Eureka Mignon Crono Coffee Grinder is your key to unlocking the perfect cup of coffee every time.
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 15.59″ D x 11.5″ W x 8.03″ H.
- Item Weight: 15.62 pounds.
- Capacity: 0.66 Pounds.
- Style: Modern.
- Material: Metal.
Pros:
- Modern design.
- Capable of brewing large batches of coffee.
- Quick and repeatable. The Crono offers capable grinding for slow coffee methods.
Cons:
- Setting the potentiometer-style timed setting is difficult to get just right.
7. Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The last in our list of best espresso grinder under 500 is Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is the perfect tool for any coffee connoisseur. This grinder has all the features you need to create delicious coffee drinks, from espresso to French press. Its 40-step grind adjustment and commercial-grade conical burrs make exploring an extensive range of brew methods easy.
The 40-second digital timer and LED-backlit grounds bin allow you to dose ground coffee accurately and consistently. You’ll get the perfect grind for any brew method with its accurate fine-to-coarse grind and 2g/second speed. The easy, intuitive control and small footprint make this grinder a great addition to any kitchen. You can easily make delicious coffee drinks with the Baratza Virtuoso+ Conical Burr Coffee Grinder.
Key Features:
- Product Dimensions: 15.59″ D x 11.5″ W x 8.03″ H.
- Item Weight: 15.62 pounds.
- Capacity: 0.66 Pounds.
- Style: Modern.
- Material: Metal.
Pros:
- High-quality 40 mm conical steel burrs.
- 40 grind size settings from coarse to fine.
- Excellent grind quality.
- LED-lit grounds bin is functional.
- Automatic reset thermal cut off
Cons:
- Expensive.
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What is Espresso Grinder?
An espresso grinder is a small electric appliance used to grind fresh coffee beans into a very fine powder. This powder is then used to make espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. An espresso grinder is an essential piece of equipment for any coffee enthusiast looking to make cafe-quality drinks at home.
Having the right grinder is essential for making great-tasting espresso. A good espresso grinder should be able to grind the coffee beans to a fine, consistent particle size. This will ensure that the espresso extraction process is consistent and produces the desired flavor.
When choosing an espresso grinder, it’s important to consider the grinder’s size, the motor’s speed, and the grinding chamber’s type. It’s also important to consider the noise level of the grinder, as some grinders can be quite loud.
Type of Espresso Grinder
Blade Grinders
Blade grinders are the most common and the least expensive type of grinder. They typically have a blade that spins rapidly to chop the beans into small pieces. The grind size is not very consistent with blade grinders, and they are not recommended for espresso.
Burr Grinders
Burr grinders are the most preferred type of espresso grinder. They use two burrs that crush the beans between them. The grind size is consistently sized and can be adjusted to the exact size you need. This makes them the superior choice for espresso, as they can provide a fine, uniform grind.
Conical Burr Grinders
Conical burr grinders are the most expensive type of espresso grinder. They are similar to burr grinders, but the two burrs are conical instead of flat. This produces an even finer grind, which is ideal for espresso.
Doser Grinders
Doser grinders are designed for grinding a specific amount of coffee each time. They are convenient for cafes, as they can be set to grind a specific amount of coffee each time, allowing the barista to quickly measure out the exact amount of coffee needed for each cup.
Flat Burr Grinders
Flat burr grinders are similar to conical burr grinders, but the two burrs are flat instead of conical. They provide a consistent, uniform grind, but not as fine as conical burr grinders. They are a good choice for espresso and are generally less expensive than conical burr grinders.
Now that you know the different types of espresso grinders, you can determine which type is right for you. A blade grinder might be the right choice if you’re looking for an affordable option. However, if you’re serious about making great espresso, a burr or conical burr grinder is the way to go.
No matter which type of grinder you choose, invest in a good quality one. A good quality grinder will last longer, provide a consistent grind, and make better espresso.
The Benefits Of Espresso Grinder
- Consistency: Without a grinder, beans can quickly lose their flavor, aroma, and character. But with a grinder, you can grind the beans just before brewing, ensuring that your coffee is as fresh as possible. This also helps you avoid the problem of grinding too much and wasting beans.
- Freshness: Since espresso grinders grind the beans right before you brew, you’ll get the most out of their flavor and aroma. Freshly-ground beans are always better than pre-ground beans.
- Control: With an espresso grinder, you can choose exactly how fine you want the grind to be. This allows you to get the perfect flavor and texture for your espresso. With pre-ground beans, you don’t get this control.
- Variety: An espresso grinder gives you access to a variety of beans. You can try different beans until you find the one that works best for your espresso.
- Cost-effectiveness: An espresso grinder is more cost-effective than buying pre-ground beans. You’ll save money in the long run since you won’t be throwing away coffee beans that are already ground.
- Consistent grind: Finally, an espresso grinder is essential to making a truly great espresso. It provides a consistent grind, which helps bring out the beans’ full flavor. It also helps to prevent the espresso from being too bitter or acidic. With a grinder, you can make espresso like the professionals.
Overall, having an espresso grinder in your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make. It will bring you a consistent, fresh-tasting espresso, but you’ll also save money in the long run. So if you’re serious about making the perfect espresso every time, invest in an espresso grinder, and you won’t regret it.
The Disadvantages of Espresso Grinder
The first downfall of espresso grinders is their cost. An espresso grinder is not cheap and can easily cost you a lot of money. The price of an espresso grinder depends largely on the features and quality of the grinder, so it’s important to do your research and find one that best fits your needs and budget.
Another downfall of espresso grinders is their noise level. Espresso grinders can be quite loud, which can be a problem for those who don’t want their morning coffee to wake up the whole house. Fortunately, some espresso grinders have sound-dampening technology, so you can still enjoy your morning cup of espresso without disturbing anyone else.
The third downfall of espresso grinders is their maintenance. Espresso grinders require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they’re working correctly and producing the best cup of espresso possible. This requires you to take apart the grinder and regularly clean the burrs, the chute, and the internal components. This can be a bit of a hassle and can be time-consuming.
Finally, espresso grinders can be a bit finicky. The grind size, the number of grounds used, and the amount of time the grounds are exposed to the heat create a delicious cup of espresso. Getting the perfect cup of espresso every time can be challenging, and it can be frustrating when it doesn’t turn out right.
While there are a few downfalls to using an espresso grinder, there’s no denying that it’s an essential part of a home barista’s setup. With the right grinder and technique, you can make a truly amazing cup of espresso every time. Just make sure to do your research, invest in a good quality grinder, and take the time to clean and maintain your grinder to get the most out of your espresso machine.
How to Use Espresso Grinder
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the perfect grind for your espresso shot.
Step 1: Choose the Right Grinder
The first step in using an espresso grinder is ensuring you have the right grinder for your espresso needs. Several types of grinders are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Burr grinders are the best for espresso, as they provide the most consistent grind size and are the most reliable. Blade grinders are cheaper, but they can produce inconsistent grind sizes, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re looking for the best espresso possible.
Step 2: Choose the Right Grind Size
Once you’ve chosen the right grinder, you’ll need to decide on the right grind size for your espresso. Generally, you’ll want to aim for medium-fine grind size, the most common size used for espresso. If the grind size is too fine, your espresso will be too bitter, and if it’s too coarse, it will be too weak.
Step 3: Measure Your Beans
Once you’ve chosen the right grind size, it’s time to measure out the beans for your espresso. The amount of beans you’ll need depends on the size of the espresso shot you’re making. Generally, a single shot of espresso will require about 7-10 grams of beans.
Step 4: Load the Beans
Once you’ve measured the beans, it’s time to load them into the grinder. Be sure to pour the beans in slowly and evenly to avoid clumps. Also, check the grind size setting before you start grinding.
Step 5: Grind the Beans
Now it’s time to grind the beans. Turn the grinder on and let it do its thing. Depending on the size of your shot, you’ll want to grind for about 30 seconds.
Step 6: Tap Out the Coffee
Once the grind is finished, you’ll need to tap out the espresso. Place your portafilter under the grinder and tap the grinder’s side to shake the espresso out. Be sure to tap lightly and evenly to avoid clumps.
Step 7: Brew the Espresso
Finally, you’re ready to brew the espresso. Place the portafilter in the espresso machine and press the brew button. Enjoy your perfectly brewed espresso!
Using an espresso grinder is the key to making the perfect espresso shot. You can get the perfect espresso every time with the right grinder, grind size, and technique. So, what are you waiting for? Get grinding!
What factors to consider before buying Espresso Grinder?
Here are some factors you should consider before making your purchase.
Manual or Electric Coffee Grinders
Your espresso grinder should have different grind settings to adjust the grind size to the bean you use. Pulse grinders are suitable for coarse grounds, while auto-grind and timed grinding settings are better for finer grounds.
Size
When it comes to espresso grinders, size does matter. You’ll need to consider the size of your kitchen and the space available for the grinder. If space is limited, you may want to opt for a smaller grinder. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a grinder that can handle a large capacity, you’ll want to look for a larger one.
Type of Machine
There are two main types of espresso grinders: manual and automatic. Manual espresso grinders require more effort and skill, but they can produce a more consistent grind. Automatic espresso grinders are easier to use and often come with more features, such as adjustable settings and a timer.
Quality of Components
Another important factor to consider is the quality of the components. Look for a grinder with high-quality burrs, a good motor, and a durable body. The burrs are the parts of the grinder that crush the espresso beans, so you’ll want to ensure they are of good quality. The motor should be powerful enough to grind your beans quickly and efficiently. The grinder’s body should also be made of high-quality materials that will last many years.
Portafilter Or Bucket
When selecting an espresso grinder, you’ll also need to decide between a portafilter or a bucket grinder. The portafilter is the traditional method, where you put the ground coffee into a filter that sits inside the grinder. On the other hand, a bucket grinder grinds the beans directly into a bucket or container.
Burr or Blade
There are two main types of grinders: burr and blade. Burr grinders are more precise and consistent but can be expensive. Blade grinders are less expensive and are best for coarse grinds.
However, blade grinders can produce an uneven grind, so it is important to consider the size and type of the burr before making a purchase.
Burr Size, Type, RPMs
When purchasing a burr grinder, you’ll need to consider the burr size, type, and RPMs. Burr size and type affect the grind size, while RPMs determine how quickly the grinder will grind the beans.
RPMs are the revolutions per minute that the burr spins, affecting the speed at which the coffee beans are ground. Generally speaking, you want a grinder reaching up to 15,000 RPM.
Adjustable Cup Sizes
Finally, you’ll want to ensure your espresso grinder can make various cup sizes. This will allow you to make espresso for different cup sizes, such as espresso shots, cappuccinos, and lattes. Look for a grinder with adjustable settings to customize the grind size for each type of drink.
Common Mistakes When Using an Espresso Grinder
Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when using an espresso grinder:
1. Not Cleaning the Grinder Regularly
It’s important to keep your espresso grinder clean, as a dirty grinder can lead to a bad-tasting espresso. As such, you should clean your grinder regularly, using a brush and a damp cloth. Also, check the burr shafts and ensure there is no build-up of old grounds, as this can lead to an inconsistent grind and bad-tasting espresso.
2. Not Using Fresh Coffee Beans
Using fresh coffee beans will make a huge difference to the quality of your espresso. It’s important to buy freshly roasted beans, as pre-ground coffee can quickly lose its flavor and aroma. Also, ensure that you store your beans in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat.
3. Not Adjusting the Grinder Properly
Most espresso grinders come with adjustable burrs, which allow you to change the size of the grind. If the grind is too coarse or too fine, your espresso won’t taste its best. Therefore, it’s important to adjust your grinder correctly to ensure the best flavor and aroma.
4. Not Using the Right Type of Grinder
Different types of grinders are designed for different types of espresso. Make sure you use the correct type of grinder for your espresso. For example, if you’re using a manual grinder, you should use a burr grinder. If you’re using an electric grinder, you should use a blade grinder.
5. Not Using the Right Amount of Coffee
It won’t taste its best if you use too much or not enough coffee in your espresso. Therefore, you should use the right amount of coffee for your type of espresso. Generally speaking, you should use 7-10 grams of coffee per single espresso shot.
FAQs About Best Espresso Grinder Under 500
Which Grinders Offer The Most Consistent Results?
Conical burr grinders are the most precise and consistent grinders available, and they are the most popular choice for home coffee aficionados. These grinders work by crushing coffee beans between two revolving burrs, resulting in an even and consistent grind every time.
Are There Any Noise Reduction Features On These Machines?
Several features on espresso grinders help to reduce noise. Flat burrs, shaped differently than conical burrs, are often used in home and commercial grinders as they produce a consistent grind worthy of any high-end or home espresso machine. If you want to take it a step further, you can opt for a grinder with a DC motor, like the Niche Zero. Additionally, the Preciso uses a combination of gear and electronic speed reduction to control the rotation of the burr to 500 RPM, allowing for a slow speed and less noise. With these noise reduction features, you can have a delicious cup of espresso without the noise.
Are Any Additional Accessories That Would Be Beneficial To Include When Purchasing An Espresso Grinder Under $500?
When purchasing an espresso grinder under $500, a few additional accessories may be beneficial to consider. A burr grinder is highly recommended as it will break down beans consistently, eliminating any clogging and corrosion that can occur in other grinders.
Additionally, you may want to consider a coffee tamper, which is used to press coffee grounds into the portafilter basket of the espresso machine. This will ensure that your espresso shot comes out tasting great!
How Often Should I Clean My Grinder?
It’s a good idea to give your grinder a thorough clean every 4-6 weeks. This will help keep it in top shape and ensure optimal performance. If you’re a frequent smoker, consider cleaning your grinder with an isopropyl alcohol bath every month to eliminate unwanted bacteria. If you’re not a frequent smoker, once a month should be enough. If you’re using oily beans or grinding daily, cleaning your grinder every two weeks is recommended. Ultimately, the frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use your grinder, so keep an eye on it, and if it’s looking filthy, give it a clean.
What Kind Of Grinder Is Optimal For Making Espresso?
When it comes to espresso grinders, you have two main options: burr and blade. Burr grinders are the more expensive, but they are worth the investment. They crush the beans between two grinding surfaces, resulting in a consistent, uniform grind. On the other hand, blade grinders are much cheaper, but the grind is less consistent.
Does A Finer Grind Yield A Better Espresso?
You’ll want to use a fine, consistent grind when making espresso. You can test the grind by pinching the grinds between your fingers, and if it clumps together, you know it’s ground too finely. For the best cup of espresso, you should aim for medium-fine grind size, providing an even extraction of flavor and great-tasting results.
With a lighter dose of coffee and a finer grind, you are extracting more flavor from the beans than if you used a coarser grind. Remember, the coffee bean’s surface area determines extraction time, so aim for a grind size of around 1/32 of an inch, or 0.8 mm.
What Is Espresso Machine Preferable: 15 Bar Or 20 Bar?
You may have gone through some advertisements that say 15 or even 18 bars of pressure is better for home espresso machines. But here’s the truth: nine bars of pressure are ideal for high-quality espresso. You can still get a good espresso with 15 to 20-bar machines, but you don’t really need to choose between them. These machines are more powerful and can provide a rich and flavorful espresso. The higher pressure also means that your machine has more power, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the full 15 bars of pressure will be used. 15 to 20 BARs is the ideal pressure range for your espresso machine.
Do Espresso Grinders Differ From Coffee Grinders?
The answer is yes! An espresso grinder is specifically designed for grinding coffee beans for espresso. It is set up to grind much finer with much finer adjustment steps so you can dial in the perfect grind size. Drip brewing is less demanding than espresso, so many people buy a drip grinder instead.
The consistency of the espresso grind is also very important, which is achieved with burrs that crush the beans into a uniform size. Many espresso machines produce the stable hot water and pressure needed for espresso. The burr size is also important as it determines the cutting area available. A larger diameter burr means fewer rotations of the burr, making it more efficient to grind.
Electric coffee grinders are popular among espresso fanatics as they offer precision and convenience when making multiple shots. Burr grinders use two grinding surfaces to grind up coffee, while blade grinders use a propeller-like blade.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best espresso grinder under 500. Each of these grinders offers a great combination of features and performance. So, if you’re looking for a grinder to help you make the perfect espresso shot, any of these grinders will hit the spot.
Hey there! I’m Joseph Younan, and I love all things coffee-related. In fact, I work as an admin at Aje Cafe, a local spot that serves up some of the freshest ingredients and tastiest coffee around.
I also like to review home appliances like blenders and juicers – I’ve tried out pretty much every model out there! So if you’re in the market for one of those, be sure to check out my reviews.
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