I'm looking for my first grinder, which would also be used for espresso. What are the best recommendations? Thanks.

In that price range I would get a Baratza Vario.

I agree with baratza vario

I would keep an eye on your local craigslist for used commercial gear.

Having owned a Mazzer Super Jolly, Mazzer Mini, Macap M4D, and Baratza Vario I'd also recommend the Vario. It grinds better that all of the other grinders I owned (all but one was brand new, with the SJ being slightly used with new burrs), grinds faster than all but the M4D, is counter friendly, and comes with excellent customer service should you need it. With a going out the door price of $400, it's hard to beat.

I would not buy one used simply because the price of a new one is not much more. Also, with serial numbers now in the 4,000's, the bugs have most likely been worked out. Also, my grinder is much quieter than a friends with a serial number in the low 1,000 range. Not sure what changed, but it is a great deal quieter.

Thanks all for the help. What are the advantages the Vario has over the Virtuoso Preciso? Are the advantages worth the extra $150?

Mainly, the Vario has electronic timers that accurately dispense coffee with a small margin of error, of course depending on bean type and freshness. I really like it. I'm going to buy a second grinder for all non-espresso purposes, and was going to get the Preciso, but my wife is pushing me to get a second Vario.

It's arguable I guess, if the Vario's control of grind fineness is actually easier than Preciso's, but it would seem it's probably quicker (though I've not used the Preciso).

Also, the Preciso has small concial metal burrs, while the vario ceramic planar burrs.

Read here for Mark Prince's review of the Preciso, and here for a comparison of all the Baratza grinders.

EDIT: LOL, Shawn beat me to it!

I really like the timer on the Vario. I also like the durability of ceramic burrs.

That said, if you don't think you are going to use the timer - let's say you prefer to weigh your beans per shot - well then it's not a slam dunk and the preciso is a great buy as well.

h3yn0w,
I normally weigh my beans as a make the coffee.
Thank you all for your help.
I will purchase the Preciso.