If you're grinding for espresso and drip, the nod clearly goes to the Vario. Otherwise see prior discussions for opinions.

alex e wrote:I'm selling my Baratza currently. Note that I use it for espresso solely.

In all fairness, your disappointment is not surprising since the Virtuoso doesn't target espresso aficionados (threads like Baratza Virtuoso Espresso Grinder - Any thoughts? Experiences? dating back to 2006 discuss this point). The Virtuoso Preciso is Baratza's latest rendition; it adds fine adjustment via a "micro" setting, similar to the Vario.

That said, I agree the Macap M4 nearly all-metal construction is sturdier than the Baratza mix of molded plastic/steel. On the other hand, the Vario is much more "civilized" in a consumer environment (e.g., intuitive adjustments, timer, nearly zero grounds retention, easily switches between espresso/presspot, etc.)

HB wrote:easily switches between espresso/presspot, etc.)

I've read this comment many times & it simply isn't true. While it may be easy to move the levers from an espresso setting to a press pot setting getting an ideal grind at each setting requires recalibrating the burrs. If the Vario is set up for espresso grinding the Press Pot grind is disappointing at best unless you take the time to recalibrate for a nice coarse P/P grind. Then of course you will have to return to your Espresso calibration to get good results at that end of the grind spectrum. I wouldn't consider this "easily switching" but it is capable of producing good results at each setting if you want to spend the time.

JohnB. wrote:I wouldn't consider this "easily switching" but it is capable of producing good results at each setting if you want to spend the time.

To clarify, I recommend a dedicated espresso grinder because reacquiring the precise espresso grind setting is challenging for all stepless grinders. If you must use a single grinder for both purposes, the Vario stands out because it doesn't retain grounds and reacquiring the espresso grind setting is reasonable. I haven't found it necesary to recalibrate the burr settings each time, but that may be because I follow Sweet Maria's Brewing Instructions for French Press, which advocates a finer grind.

To further qualify my comment, some stepless grinders, like the Cimbali Junior and Le'Lit PL53, have ultra fine adjustment knobs that must be turned dozens if not hundreds of times to go from espresso to presspot grind settings. They're simply not reasonable to use as dual-purpose grinders.

HB wrote: I haven't found it necesary to recalibrate the burr settings each time, but that may be because I follow Sweet Maria's Brewing Instructions for French Press, which advocates a finer grind.

And those instructions recommend a "filter drip" setting so it isn't surprising that you wouldn't need to recalibrate. Try turning out a decent "traditional" Press Pot grind with the Vario calibrated for espresso.