I'm thinking of upgrading my PL53 to a Vario, but I'm not sure if I'll see any improvement in the cup with my machine a Gaggia Carezza. It might be my machine that's the limiting factor in my current setup, or it might just not let me take full advantage of a new grinder. Although, the ease of use, and low grind retention might be worthwhile.

So, I'd like to try out a Vario, if anyone around Boston has one, and would like to do a little taste testing someday? Or if anyone has upgraded under similar circumstances and has some advice that would be great too.

Thanks,

Tristan, while I certainly understand your desire to try it out, let me suggest something to you:

The grind quality of the Baratza Vario (MSRP $429), which is designed for home use and employs a 54mm ceramic burr set, is most often compared in grind quality to the Mazzer Super Jolly (MSRP $939), a commercial grinder with a flat burr set of 64mm. In contrast, the Le'Lit PL53 (MSRP $289) is a grinder designed for home use, and utilizes a trespade 38mm conical burr set.

I would suggest this makes the upgrade a no-brainer.

Now then, I have an Elektra "Sixties" T1, and the shots I get from it using the Baratza Vario have been excellent. Others here have paired the Baratza Vario with everything from a Rancilio Silvia to a La Marzocco GS3 . . . so if your espresso is NOT improved by switching to the Baratza Vario, then -- trust me -- it's your machine . . . .

Cheers,
Jason

zin1953 wrote:In contrast, the Le'Lit PL53 (MSRP $289) is a grinder designed for home use, and utilizes a trespade 38mm conical burr set. I would suggest this makes the upgrade a no-brainer.

Really? In terms of grind quality, I'd bet they're a dead heat. If you consider other factors like noise, grounds retention, and ergonomics, then indeed I agree it's a no-brainer, assuming you don't mind paying $140 more for the Vario.

Back to the original poster's comment...

TrlstanC wrote:I'm thinking of upgrading my PL53 to a Vario, but I'm not sure if I'll see any improvement in the cup with my machine a Gaggia Carezza.

I don't believe you would, with the caveat that although I've used each grinder extensively, I've not compared them side-by-side.

Yes, really . . .

Dan, I, too, have not used them side-by-side. I own the Vario; I have used the trespade 38mm conical burr set. You, however, own both of them -- why don't you? Perhaps we can discover that the Le'Lit is the equal of the Super Jolly . . . .

zin1953 wrote:You, however, own both of them -- why don't you?

Honestly, I haven't because this has indirectly been covered by threads like the Titan Grinder Project, Can it Beat the Mazzer Robur, and Le'Lit PL53 Stepless Doserless Espresso Grinder. At this point I'm sufficiently convinced that the difference between the Mazzer Super Jolly/Barazta Vario/Le'Lit PL53 would be hairsplitting and thus I unable to muster the enthusiasm to (re)prove the point.

Dan, which of your grinders do you use most often? And why?

My usage is not typical, but since you asked...

Most days I use the Compak K10 WBC and/or Mazzer Robur. Lately I prefer the K10 to the Robur because there's less coffee waste and it popcorns very little. For test purposes, I've kept several grinders around that are representative of the membership's usage (specifically the Mazzer Robur, Super Jolly, Mini, Compak K10 WBC, Barazta Vario, Le'Lit PL53, and Kyocera manual). Most days the Vario serves presspot/siphon brewer duty at work and the PL53 at home on the weekends.

If I had to cull the herd to just two electric grinders, I would keep the Compak K10 and Barazta Vario. The Robur is a great grinder with clearly superior build quality and a sweet spot wider than the interstate, but its size and coffee waste are supremely impractical in a home environment.

I was in a similar spot about 6 months ago. I was trying to decide between the Vario and an Innova grinder with the Trespade. Jim Schulman told me there would be very little difference in the cup and that what separated the two grinders was the convenience of use (timer, low ground retention, etc.), and ease of switching between brew methods.

He seemed to imply that the SJ and the Trespade burr set were on the same level in terms of what they deliver in cup.

I'm indeed a big fan of the Trespade burr set, the key secret weapon for any espresso-head on a budget. But I never tasted it head to head with either the Vario or the Jolly. It would be close, I know them well enough to say that, but I can't say if it would be a tie.

That being said, I would greatly prefer a Vario to the Trespade grinders, for everyday use, because of its superb ergonomics.