Greetings,

I recently discovered the difference a good grinder makes, and am going to purchase one. I don't want to spend more than $250. I was aiming for a Baratza Virtuoso. I will use it mostly for drip and french press but do want the ability to use it for Espresso as I plan to buy an espresso machine soon.

Seems as if though the Virtuoso gets mixed reviews for Espresso. Are there any better options in this price range? I don't want to go much beyond my budget, and I just want one grinder. I know I am looking for something that covers a large range - coarse to fine.

I appreciate any and all suggestions!

Eric

The Baratza VARIO fits your needs to the proverbial "T," except for its price tag ($429). But if you aren't making espresso, the Baratza Virtuoso is a great choice. If and when you do buy an espresso machine, the Virtuoso can "cut it," but you'll need a better grinder if you really want to make great espresso . . .

Apparently Baratza is introducing a new grinder this month that may suit your needs perfectly - it should retail around $275 and is described as 'a Virtuoso with the addition of a micro[grind] lever'. The HB thread is here New Baratza Grinder: Virtuoso Preciso $275

Enjoy your experience, James

Thanks for the response James. I read about that and it sounds great. But it is not available until June and I don't want to wait 3-4 months. I was hoping there was something available now. Any and all recommendations are most appreciated!

Eric

It's a little dated, but also see Choosing a grinder that can switch between espresso and drip.

Thanks for the link. That is a great thread. Still seems as if the best options for me are beyond what I want to spend. If that is not the case, let me know. Thanks!

Eric,

That's a tough price point to get an all-in-one grinder that's going to perform well... I know, I've been looking myself. I was looking forward to the Baratza Virtuoso Preciso which has been pushed back until June and have been using a hand grinder (Kyocera) for espresso and a lousy grinder for everything else, but lately I've been thinking I might just swallow hard and buy a Vario after I get my tax return back.

You might be best served looking at a refurbished Baratza Maestro or Virtuoso paired with a nice hand grinder (vintage or new) for espresso.

I know it's beyond the parameters of the question (due to price), but I'd cast another vote for the Vario. It's a great, versatile grinder. I find it very easy to dial in the grind required for different methods (espresso, press) and between beans. Home espresso is not a cheap indulgence. I would forego a few restaurant dinners, movies, CDs, smokes or beers and save the extra pennies for the Vario.

The Baratza Maestro Plus is very similar to the Virtuoso (plastic body versus metal body). It costs $169. It features a cone burr grinder with 40 settings ranging from French Press to Turkish. I have had one (formerly called Solis) for a about three years and the grind is very consistent. The Vario looks nice, but do you really need 230 micro grind settings, ceramic burrs and German belt drive transmission for a home grinder?

http://www.baratza.com/products.php?itemid=17
http://www.baratza.com/comparison.php