What's the cheapest grinder that can actually handle espresso?

Reviewers draw a sharp line here. Sub-$70 burr units like the SHARDOR conical and Cuisinart DBM-8 are widely described as good for drip, pour-over, and French press but inconsistent or not fine enough for dialed-in espresso. For reliable espresso, mainstream and specialist sources point toward the Breville Smart Grinder Pro or stepping up to a Baratza, though even budget owners report workable results with fresh beans and patience.