You may have noticed them in cafes, bakeries, Instagram photos, or a friend’s kitchen. What’s the hype about Baratza Coffee grinders? Why are there so many, and how are they different? Let’s talk about the quality behind Baratza grinders and why they stand out.
What are Baratza coffee grinders?
Baratza started in 1999, offering high-quality, state-of-the-art grinders for those who care about making quality coffee. Their grinders quickly became popular with those in the industry because of their consistent grinding, easy use, and various settings. But did you know Baratza may not have existed if the cofounder hadn’t signed a non-compete clause?
In 1999, Baratza Co-Founder and Head Engineer, Kyle Anderson, left Acorto. Acorto is the super-automatic espresso latte machine company he founded in 1989 that made 300-pound commercial espresso machines. Thankfully, he signed a non-compete clause stating that he would not sell in the commercial espresso machine space as he and co-founder Kyla Kennedy set out to make home espresso machines. In 2004, the duo sold the espresso machine portion of their company to focus on coffee grinders. That same year, they created the Virtuoso grinder; the rest is history (source).
What makes Baratza stand out from its competitors is their philosophy to design products that can be easily repaired. This means that any grinder you buy is not only high quality but also durable. People estimate that the lifespan of their grinders is 5 to 10 years! On top of their high-quality products, they are also known for their exceptional customer service.
Now that you know a little bit about Baratza and their grinders, here are the ones we recommend depending on your coffee needs and expertise.
Baratza Coffee Grinders
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (beginner)
The Encore is the entry-level grinder for your specialty coffee journey–it’s straightforward, simple, elegant, and delivers consistent grounds. The Encore’s 40-grind settings are perfect for a variety of brewing methods. It’s compact and easy to store in a kitchen cabinet. The Encore is the ultimate beginner coffee grinder and is the most affordable Baratza grinder providing power and dependability.
This grinder is often hailed as a transformative machine in the kitchen, offering convenience and quality simultaneously.
Price: $132
Baratza Virtuoso Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (intermediate)
The Virtuoso+ is a step up from the Encore, as it features a digital screen and a high-performance conical burr that makes consistent grounds. Specifically, the Virtuoso+ is exceptional for espresso, drip, and manual brewing methods.
Compared to the Encore, the Virtuoso grinds coffee slightly finer and faster. It’s a little better constructed with it’s more precise burrs and motor. What sets the burrs apart from the Encore’s is its precision mounting system that ensures a stable platform for accurate grinding. As a result, the Virtuoso creates more uniformly sized grinds across all coffee grind settings than the Encore. In addition, the Virtuoso+ is less noisy, creating a more refined experience than the Encore.
However, if you don’t think the upgrades are worth it, here’s a tip: some people have bought the Encore and upgraded the burrs to the ones in the Virtuoso, which run for around $35.
Price: $255
Baratza Sette 270 Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (at-home barista pro)
The Sette 270 is a high-performance home espresso grinder and features ground-breaking Sette series gearbox technology with near-zero retention and a quick-accessible maintenance process. This grinder is specifically for espresso and calibrated for fine grinds, however, it grinds consistently at all settings.
What makes the Sette 270 stand out is its built-in convertible holder, which is unique to the Sette Series. The convertible holder allows you to grind coffee directly into your espresso portafilter, supplied grounds bin, or most popular brewing devices (V60, Clever Dripper, etc.). It also has a 40 mm Steel burr by Etzinger, renowned for its quality and attention to detail.
It’s perfect for those who want to replicate cafe-quality drinks at home with a sophisticated machine. It’s also great for those who own a cafe and enjoy a grinder that integrates seamlessly with an espresso brewing setup.
Price: $399
Where to buy
You can purchase the above Baratza coffee grinders directly from our online storefront. As you browse for coffee grinders, you’ll also find other essential coffee brew gear for all your home brewing needs.
Conclusion
Baratza has made a name for itself from its quality and dependable coffee grinders, which have skyrocketed in popularity. Kyle and Kyra founded the company on the principle of making a good quality cup of coffee, and have adhered to that purpose. Each grinder is unique and serves a variety of clientele looking to grind and brew their craft coffee.
Another perk of buying a Baratza is the warranty. Every grinder has a one-year warranty covering defects and failures. In addition, Baratza also offers a Pay It Forward program where you can send your grinder for repair, replacement, or to be resold as a refurbished grinder. It’s a great way to recycle and extend the longevity of your machine. Now that you know what each Baratza grinder offers, it will be easier to decide which one suits your needs best.
