Hi all, newbie here. Not really new to espresso-making (on my 5th machine now), but new to the forum.

So I picked up a Starbucks Sirena last week, and plan to do away with the PPF and tamp my own. I ordered a 28mm tamper and a Baratza Virtuoso, which I just took delivery of this morning. In my research for a grinder, I understand that the Virtuoso isn't exactly ideal for espresso, but can be passable if you re-calibrate the unit for a finer setting (which I found the instructions for on the mfg website).

I'm really hesitant to dismantle the unit to make this tweak as I'm not the most mechanically inclined, and I don't want to screw it up. My question is, has anyone had luck with this grinder without adjusting the calibration, or is it truly necessary to get a decent shot?

Thanks for any advice you can lend

Welcome!!

I have a very similar setup. The Virt. is passable, but far from ideal. The real killer isn't the fineness of the grind, but rather the larger variance between steps.

I doubt you'll need to recalibrate. I tried when I got mine, and it had already been set to the finest setting. It likely came shipped from the factory like that. Try it first. You should be able to choke your machine with it on 3.

Your ideal setting should be around 7.

I've read on other forums about guys who've modified these grinders to make them stepless, but have been afraid to try it.

I've made mine work, but have to say I'm disappointed with it. If I had to do it over again, I'd get something else.

Thanks for the info Keith (and the welcome)

Yeah, I've read the newer ones are being shipped calibrated to the finest setting, so I'm hoping mine is. I'll try it on 7 and hope for the best.

Sorry to hear you have regrets. At first glace it looks like a decent grinder for the price. Unfortunately I did most of my reading after I placed my order, so I can see myself looking to upgrade before the year is out *sigh* The Sirena was also an impulse purchase, so I'm batting a thousand here this week, LOL.

I won't tell you what I've been using for the past 6 months, but the Sirena/Virtuoso combo is a definite upgrade, regardless

Thanks again for the info!

brokemusician77 wrote:Welcome!!

I have a very similar setup. The Virt. is passable, but far from ideal. The real killer isn't the fineness of the grind, but rather the larger variance between steps.

I doubt you'll need to recalibrate. I tried when I got mine, and it had already been set to the finest setting. It likely came shipped from the factory like that. Try it first. You should be able to choke your machine with it on 3.

Your ideal setting should be around 7.

I've read on other forums about guys who've modified these grinders to make them stepless, but have been afraid to try it.

I've made mine work, but have to say I'm disappointed with it. If I had to do it over again, I'd get something else.

Keith precisely reflected my own experience with the Virtuoso for espresso. It lasted two weeks in that role and now serves as a superior grinder for my French Press and Vacuum Pot needs while my Compak K3 touch is dedicated to espresso.

Hey Geoff,

How do you like the K3 for grinding?

I haven't heard too much about it.

Jeff