Baratza Virtuoso+ Espresso Grinder Evaluation

As somebody who labored within the espresso business for over a decade, I’m typically requested how individuals can enhance the espresso they make at dwelling. I all the time reply the identical manner: Grind whole-bean espresso proper earlier than brewing. 

A top quality espresso grinder is crucial funding you may make when constructing out your own home espresso setup. It is going to allow you to grind beans to a constant coarseness and make repeatedly nice joe. So far as what grinder to get, one of the best of one of the best is the Baratza Virtuoso+. Severe Eats has really useful this mannequin for about six years, and I personally have used the Virtuoso+ virtually each day for 3 years. Right here’s why.

Why It’s Nice

The first goal of any espresso grinder is to grind beans to a uniform coarseness. If the grinds have some bigger bits combined with nice, powder-like items, this can lead to uneven extraction and unbalanced and bitter flavors. A uniform grind ensures that each espresso particle brews in the identical period of time. 

Once I first used the Virtuoso+, I examined the grind dimension with a Kruve sifter to guage its uniformity. I used to be testing it in opposition to six different grinders on the time, and the Virtuoso+ delivered one of the best outcomes. Years later, the grinder’s conical, chrome steel burrs are nonetheless sharp and yield constant floor beans each day.

It’s Straightforward to Use and Clear

Utilizing the Virtuoso+ actually couldn’t be any easier. As soon as the espresso beans are within the hopper, press a button and the grinder will run for a set period of time—or, as soon as working, you may press it once more to cease it. (The facility button doubles as a dial for tweaking the time.) To regulate the grind dimension, all it’s important to do is rotate the bean hopper to one of many 40 listed settings. The whole lot is intuitive. The catch bin can also be product of anti-static plastic, decreasing the quantity of grounds spewed onto the countertop.

Now, onto the second level: cleanup. Grinders require common cleansing. Oils and nice particulates from grinding espresso can construct up contained in the grinder and switch rancid over time. Fortunately, the Virtuoso+’s hopper simply detaches, revealing the chrome steel burrs beneath it. The highest stage of burrs might be simply eliminated for cleansing. That offers you entry to the underside set of conical burrs, which you’ll be able to shortly wipe down with a dry material or brush.

Construct High quality and Repairs

With the Baratza Virtuoso+, you’re not solely getting a high-performance machine however one which’s additionally constructed to final. The whole lot—together with the plastic hopper, chrome steel burrs, and heavy base—is sturdy and suits collectively effectively. 

It’s vital to notice that chrome steel burrs, like knives, will develop into extra boring with use. Baratza’s grinders are constructed to be repairable and the corporate even sells replacement parts should you’d like to repair one your self. My grinder remains to be performing effectively, but when something have been to go fallacious, Baratza presents a restore service, too.

As somebody who takes their morning espresso critically, I actually can’t suggest investing in a Baratza Virtuoso+ sufficient. It’s the right mix of high-performance precision and built-to-last sturdiness.

FAQs

Can the Baratza Virtuoso grind espresso?

At its best settings, the Baratza Virtuoso+ can get near the right grind consistency for espresso, however for anybody severe about espresso, you’ll need to put money into a separate espresso grinder. Brewing espresso requires a particularly nice particle dimension and the power to completely dial in every parameter to tweak variables like circulation charge. A general-use espresso grinder just like the Baratza Virtuoso+ is designed to grind extra coarsely and doesn’t permit the consumer to zero in on the right, extra-fine grind on your portafilter and espresso machine.

How do you clear the Baratza Virtuoso?

To scrub the Baratza Virtuoso, first twist the hopper and carry it to take away it from the grinder. Beneath the hopper, the burrs might be simply eliminated for cleansing. To scrub the burrs, wipe them down with a dry material or cleansing brush. To take away any built-up chaff or floor espresso from the grinder, you may also use a can of compressed air. 

Why We’re the Specialists

• Dylan Ettinger is a Severe Eats contributor who focuses on espresso, spirits, cocktails, and barware. With over a decade of expertise within the specialty espresso business, he has spent the final 4 years testing and reviewing espresso grinders, espresso machines, pour-over cones, and different dwelling espresso home equipment for a wide range of publications.
• Dylan has examined the Baratza Virtuoso+ subsequent to different espresso grinders and has used the grinder each day for over three years.