Name: DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder
Brand: Doserless Grinders
SKU: Sonny
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)

Overview

1st-line “Sonny” On Demand Stepped Doserless Espresso Coffee Grinder

The smallest of 1st-line’s series of entry-level espresso coffee grinders, the ‘Sonny’ is a heavyweight champ for the home barista. Available in black or chrome, it’s a perfectly sized grinder for any stainless steel espresso machine. The black version matches the black handles and knobs on most stainless steel espresso machines. The chrome version matches polished stainless steel superbly.

The ‘Sonny’ grinder can be used manually by pressing the portafilter firmly against the switch (for 2 seconds or more) just above and behind the forks and holding it until the desired amount of ground espresso coffee is dispensed. Or, the Sonny grinder can be programmed for either a single or double dose (only one of the two) whereby the built in programmable timer will stop the grinding when the programmed time is reached. Need a little more ground coffee in the portafilter? No sweat! Just hold the portafilter for 2 seconds or more for a little more ground coffee.

Inside of the chute of our Sonny espresso coffee grinder, there is a clump breaker that does a pretty good job! However, when taking it down to almost Turkish grind, there is some clumping. We found there is only about this ~3 grams of retention in the chute. Not bad for a well built espresso grinder!

The stepped adjustment makes it super easy to get back to the fineness setting desired, and the bean hopper is easily removable or can be secured to the adjustment dial with two included screws.

Videos

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Features

Grinding adjustment

Stepped: Adjustment dial is located underneath the hopper. The entire dial is numbered so you can remember your current grind setting easier. Turn clockwise for a finer grind and counterclockwise for a coarser grind.
Setting lock: A setting lock button keeps your current setting. Prevents users from accidentally altering it and spending time to find your correct setting again.

Close-up of the adjustment ring on a DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder, showing engraved numbers 1, 2, and 3 with textured edges for grip. The ring is mounted on a black and silver machine. © 2025 1st-line.com

Close-up of DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder burr set on wood: one burr installed in the grinder, the other beside it. © 2025 1st-line.com

Grinding burrs

Flat burrs: Sized at 50 mm. Not as noisy as other grinders around this price level.
High rpm: Faster spinning rate at 1400 rpm. The higher the speed, the faster the production, which can increase efficiency and reduce wait times.

On demand grinding

Easy operation: Below the coffee chute is the grinding button. Simply press the button and the grinding automatically starts and stops at the set time.
Timer controls: In the back of the grinder, there is a screw that adjusts the on demand grinding time. Using a flat head screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to increase time and counterclockwise to decrease time.
Semi-automatic control: Holding the grinding button for 2 seconds will activate semi-automatic grinding. Once you have enough grinds, release the button to stop grinding.

A close-up of the DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder with a black cord, showing an adjustable settings label above a small hole, sits on a wooden surface. © 2025 1st-line.com

A glossy, black cylindrical DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder with a domed top rests on a textured gray wood-patterned surface and background. © 2025 1st-line.com

Bean hopper

Low profile: We include the short hopper in your purchase of the Sonny grinder. The overall height in under 16″ which will easily fit and operate under standard 18″ cabinets.
Tinted: Helps to avoid pre-mature deterioration of beans from light sources (such as sunlight).
Finger guard: Prevents users from “accidentally” putting their fingers in the grinding burrs. The finger guard is removable.
Set screws: There are 2 screws that come with the grinder. These screw into holes underneath the finger guard. This helps secure the hopper to the grinder. Prevents users from quickly removing the hopper, spilling beans everywhere.

Grinds catch tray

Small size: The tray has a 1/4″ depth. This will be able to catch and hold a lot of grinds.
Removable: The tray sits on a platform with a hole that it locks onto. This keeps the tray from sliding away from the grinder. Easy to install or remove.

A metallic part with a circular cutout sits beside a black, crescent-shaped drip tray on wood, ready for use with your DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder setup. © 2025 1st-line.com

Specifications

Brand	1st-line
Height (inches)	15.5, approximate
Width (inches)	6.5, approximate
Depth (inches)	11, approximate
Weight (pounds)	12
Wattage (watts)	213
Voltage (volts)	110 – 120
Burr size (mm), Type	50, flat
Grinding speed (RPM)	1400
Hopper capacity (grams)	250
Country of manufacture	Italy
Approvals	CE

Notes

Espresso Coffee Grinder Warnings:

Roast Profiles: Espresso grinders sold by 1st-line Equipment, unless specifically indicated on the grinder page, are manufactured for coffee beans that have Italian or espresso roast profiles. Lighter roasted coffee beans may clog the grinder or not grind fine enough. Darker roasted coffee beans, such as French roasted or oily coffee beans, may clog the grinding chamber and/or the grinder chute where the ground coffee exits.
Changing grind settings: It is very important to only change grind settings when the unit is powered on and the burrs are in motion. If you do not do this, the burrs will ‘gunk’ up and render the grinder to only produce very coarse grinds or no grinds at all. To remedy this, you will have to open up the grinder to get access to the grinding burrs. This issue will be considered operator error for lack of following directions, and not be classified as a defective grinder.
Electrical cord: For most grinders, the cord is placed between the packaging (foam or cardboard) and the underside body of the grinder. During shipping, it is normal for a bend or insignificant blemish/slice to damage the cord.
Finding coffee grinds in a new grinder: Most manufacturers test their grinders with coffee beans before they leave their facility. Unfortunately, they are not always able to get every trace of coffee out of the grinders after testing. As a result, you may find coffee beans or grinds inside your grinder, or there may be grinds in the packaging.
Static issues: There are static issues with all grinders, even the highest-quality models. We firmly believe that the static comes from the coffee beans. If you are having static problems with your coffee grinder, try using a different blend of beans.
Electrical: To avoid electrical damage (which is not considered a manufacturer's defect), please acquire and install a single-outlet surge suppressor rated at 1080 joules or higher. A surge without protection can damage a grinder at the power switch, the capacitor, the motor, or the wiring.
Burr cleaning: For routine maintenance of the grinding burrs, we recommend using grinder cleaning agents. We do not recommend any removal of the burrs or the burr carrier for cleaning (unless necessary) as re-assembly can cause damage. If the grinder chamber is dis-assembled, the warranty is voided for any damages that result. It is important to always remove all coffee grinds from the threads of the burr carrier and the grinding chamber.
Replacing burrs: NEVER use a flat head screwdriver and hammer to wedge UNDER the burrs for removal. This could badly damage your grinder.

Support

Parts Diagram

Finding your part

Please use the parts diagrams provided below to determine the part(s) you need. Then use our search box above to find the part(s) on our website.
Note: These parts diagrams are provided by the manufacturers. We list them on our site for informational purposes only. We do not stock every single part listed nor can we guarantee that every part is available to order.
If uncertain, please go to the equipment model or part product page. Then use the Q&A tab found on that web page to ask your question.
Lastly, and only if the first 2 options were exhausted, please use our parts inquiry page.
Our call center does not have the training to handle parts inquiries for over 60,000 different parts items. Asking any questions regarding parts will more than likely result in you being referred to the above steps.
Please note also that all parts purchases are non-returnable or refundable and do not include technical support, instructions, or warranties as the purchase price of any part does not cover the cost of technical support. Technical support is available for repairing equipment in our shop.
Sorry, we will only special order a part for a model we carry AND was purchased through our supply chain.
Since we are unaware of the mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing expertise of a parts buyer or the tools owned by a parts buyer, we are never able to advise if a self-repair can be performed.

Exploded Parts Diagram of a kitchen appliance by Sonny and 1st-line, with numbered components and fasteners arranged around the central base unit, illustrating assembly order and precise location for each piece. © 2025 1st-line.com

#	SKU
1	P042
2	P040
3	P023
4	P036
5	P034
6	P036F
7	P022
8	EB011
9	P02
10	EB011
11	DF53
12	P08
13	DF90
14	DF85M
15	DF6
16	EB05
17	P033
18	DF84
19	DF15
19	DF15110
20	P050
21	MT11
22	P011
23	DF75
23	DF75110
24	P035
24	P035110
25	P094
26	P041
27	EB019
28	MT913
29	P037
30	P012
31	DF91
32	P016

Reviews

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Q & A

Ask a question

Please ask follow up questions as a new question. Submitted questions will be first reviewed, answered, and lastly publicized.

Is the illustration for grind-size (below the settings-ring 'numbers' - under the hopper) reversed?

0 votes

Q Is the illustration for grind-size (below the settings-ring 'numbers' - under the hopper) reversed? answer now
Asked by RandiO on February 4, 2023 5:09 pm

Answered by the admin
Yes, it is reversed on the Sonny espresso coffee grinders.

portafilter guide (metal ring below spout where ground coffee exits) is easy removable?

0 votes

Q portafilter guide (metal ring below spout where ground coffee exits) is easy removable? answer now
Asked by Larky Delgado on February 1, 2020 1:34 pm

Answered by the admin
Sorry, it is not that easy. Unplug the unit. The three screws on the front panel need to be removed. Then the 2 front bolts on the guides need to be removed. The bolt needs to be slid off through the back of the front panel. Then a shorter replacement bolt needs to be placed in to avoid coffee grinds getting in through the 2 small holes. We are not responsible for any damage nor personal injury.

I need the parts diagram

0 votes

Q I need the parts diagram answer now
Asked by Larry Delgado on January 27, 2020 5:03 pm

Answered by the admin
Sorry, this is currently being worked on.

Answered by the admin
Hi,

Here is a link to the parts diagram:

https://www.1st-line.com/technical-support/1st-line-technical-support/parts-diagram-1st-line-sonny/

I understand the adjustment in the back controls the timed grind and when setting up the grind, there is a plus and minus sign when turning both ways. I assumed that if you turned toward the minus, you are decreasing the time. However, for me it is the opposite. Also, my grinder is clumping a lot and I am using medium roast espresso beans. I am not sure what to do to prevent this.

0 votes

Q I understand the adjustment in the back controls the timed grind and when setting up the grind, t...... Read more answer now
Asked by Lindley Jones on May 10, 2019 6:48 pm

Answered by the admin
We prefer to not use the timer. The reason is that every time you change the grind setting, the timer needs to be adjusted.

It is possible that our manufacturer put on the wrong stickers. We will double check.

Clumping comes from grinding the beans too fine and the design of the grinder. Too many customers grind too fine because they put too little coffee in the filter basket. Thus a finer grind is needed to have the proper extraction. However, we have noticed it is better to fill the 2 cup basket level to the rim, then tamp, then make grinder fineness adjustments based on the extraction results.

Please read our articles getting started...

Hello; How many milling adjustments have.

0 votes

Q Hello; How many milling adjustments have. answer now
Asked by Fernando on November 3, 2018 12:54 am

Answered by the admin
Currently, there are 40+ settings. Typically, only a range of 10 settings are used for espresso. This grinder is considered for only espresso grinding.

How does Sonny respond to beans that are a bit on the oily side?

0 votes

Q How does Sonny respond to beans that are a bit on the oily side? answer now
Asked by carol on October 30, 2018 7:44 pm

Answered by the admin
Funny that you asked! We just loaded our showroom model with most oily beans we could find!

The 'Sonny' was grinding some lightly roasted beans up until this past Monday, and this required a very fine grind because the oils were not at the beans' surface. When we placed in the oily beans on Monday, the grind fineness was too fine and choked the espresso machine which was pumping up to 11 bar. We had to coarsen the grind on the oily coffee beans because the oils are already at the surface.

So far, the bean hopper chute has not stopped the gravity feed of the oily beans.

I’ve purchased the ponte vecchio lusso 1 from you and being that the portafilter is 45mm will this grinder be centered under the chute?

0 votes

Q I’ve purchased the ponte vecchio lusso 1 from you and being that the portafilter is 45mm will thi...... Read more answer now
Asked by Mike on August 12, 2018 6:34 pm

Answered by the admin
Hi Mike. We just tested a Ponte Vecchio portafilter with the Sonny grinder we have in our showroom. The coffee chute extends a little past the portafilter rim. When you initially grind, the coffee seems to stay inside the basket. However once the basket starts to fill, it then starts to spill outside the basket.

What the DB sound level of this grinder?

0 votes

Q What the DB sound level of this grinder? answer now
Asked by Mike on August 12, 2018 6:30 pm

Answered by the admin
Immediately at the chute, the decibel reading ranges from 85-88. Approximately 3 feet away, the range in decibel reading was 65-68. Please note each different tool may read differently, and different readings can occur from different environments.

DISCONTINUED 1st-line Sonny Espresso Coffee Grinder