We aren’t the types to carry a line of products from one company just because it’s easier to order and sell things that way. In fact, we do our best to offer some diversity to our customers. Here’s a rare exception, when it comes down to Baratza, we really feel that their line of grinders offer a lot of quality and durability at really good prices. Here’s a video explaining some of the differences between the these three grinders…and another in which we explain the differences between different grinders in general.
The Vario does a great job at grinding for both espressoA small coffee beverage, about 20 ml, prepared on an espresso machine where pressurized hot water extracted through compressed coffee.: In its most stripped-down, basic form, this is... and drip coffee. It comes with a portafilterThe part of an espresso machine which holds the filter basket, into which coffee grounds are placed.: The part of an espresso machine which holds the filter basket,... holder and a regular 8oz grounds bin. The adjustability and customization of the grind settings is the main feature of this grinder. The two slider levers allow for 230 different settings that you can dial in.
The Encore is Baratza’s entry level grinder but it packs in all the basics. It can grind very fine but (in our opinion) not consistently fine enough for espresso. If you like drip coffee, french pressA simple coffee brewer also called a Press Pot: grounds and hot water are added to a carafe, allowed to sit for several minutes, and then a filter..., pour over, etc, you don’t need much more than this. Adjusting the grind setting is easy as turning the hopper to the left or right.
The Virtuoso is a step up from the Encore with a better set of burrs, a heavier steel base and a wider range of grind settings. This is the most affordable grinder we recommend for espresso.
The Esatto is a an extremely useful product that is serves as a scale for your Baratza grinder. It attaches to the base and controls the on/off function. The only thing that is actually weighed is the coffee that comes out of the burrs. It can remember 3 dose amounts. To some, it’s overkill, but it really does inspire the lazy coffee brewer in all of us to properly weigh their ground coffee.
