What is step-up in terms of better results in cup from Baratza Vario? Budget up to $2000 or whereabouts...

And why are doserless grinders significantly more expensive when there are less parts there?

In terms of flat burrs, I'd say it's the Mahlkönig K30 Vario (MSRP $2,450).

In terms on conicals, I'd list the following grinders (alphabetical by manufacturer):

• Compak K-10 WBC (MSRP $2,125)
• Elektra Nino (MSRP $3,749)
• Mazzer Kony (MSRP $2,476)
• Mazzer Kony-E (MSRP $3,390)
• Mazzer Robur (MSRP $3,610)
• Mazzer Robur-E (MSRP $4,740)

Keep in mind a) this is ONLY a partial list, and b) actual street prices will be less . . .

Cheers,
Jason

Hey Jason,

Thank you for the comprehensive list. I was hoping for 1-2 recommendations to help me with the decision

I am leaning towards Mahlkönig K30 Vario at the moment. Lets see what others recommend.

Well, I have BOTH the Mahlkönig K30 Vario and the Baratza Vario . . . .

Man, I want a Mahlkönig K30 Vario. Just reading this thread makes me salivate.

zin1953 wrote:Well, I have BOTH the Mahlkönig K30 Vario and the Baratza Vario . . . .

So which one do you go to every morning, or better question I guess why do you have both of them? Perhaps result of same step-up I am considering?

tekomino wrote:And why are doserless grinders significantly more expensive when there are less parts there?

DoserlessE models tend to be cost more not because they're doserless and have less moving parts, but because they have additional electronics for accurate timed grinding.

Non-timer doserless tend to cost a bit less than dosered for same model grinder.

Dennis,

First of all, Mike is correct: doserless models are generally less than grinders that come w/dosers UNLESS you are comparing doser models to doserless equipped with timed dosing. The additional R&D, electronic parts, and so forth do mean that these "E" models (their designation in the case, specifically, of Mazzer) are indeed most expensive.

Secondly, like many here , I have two grinders at home¹ . . .


Of the two grinders shown, I actually started out with the Mahlkönig K30 Vario². But, additionally, I have long had a secondary grinder for decaf and/or small lots of single origin espresso. I replaced two grinders with the Baratza Vario -- a Nuova Simonelli MCF, my previous secondary grinder (which I have moved to my office) and a Pavoni I used for French press. The Baratza Vario does espresso, drip, and press equally well.

Cheers,
Jason

¹ I have two grinders in my office, as well . . .


² Upgrade path of my primary grinder: Gaggia MDF ---> Mazzer Mini ---> Cimbali Max Hybrid ---> Mahlkönig K30 Vario

Jason,

That's a nice setup.

So do you really taste difference between Baratza Vario and K30 in cup?

I'll say "yes," but really that would have me using the same coffees in both grinders and running blind taste tests . . . something I admit I have not done.

The differences between the two grinders, for me, are as follows . . .

Mahlkönig K30 Vario:
-- grinds a 14.5-15.0 gram double in 3.0-3.3 seconds;
-- is extremely quiet;
-- has occasional clumping issues, depending upon the weather, BUT the clumps are light and fluffy (as is the rest of the grind), and very easily broken up;
-- larger footprint, but not horrifically so.

Baratza Vario:
-- grinds a 14.5-15.0 gram double in 11.0-11.5 seconds (very fast, but having the K30 Vario first, I got used to the 3+ second grind and so the Baratza seems v-e-r-y s-l-o-w by comparison);
-- is very quiet (but louder than the K30 Vario);
-- has no clumping issues, and the grind is very light and fluffy;
-- small footprint to suit ANY setup/counter space.

Is the Mahlkönig K30 Vario a better grinder than the Baratza Vario*? Yes. Is it worth 3x-4x the price? Well, it's not 3x-4x better . . . it's a matter of degrees, not of major leaps and bounds, if you know what I mean. But I'm very glad I own both, and I have absolutely zero desire to upgrade at home . . .

If I ever upgrade my office setup, however, it might be to sell off the CMH and replace it with a Baratza Vario.

Cheers,
Jason

* aka the Mahlkönig VARIO Home within the EU.