Baratza Virtuoso+ Espresso Grinder Evaluate

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

A high quality espresso grinder is an important funding you can also make when constructing out your private home espresso setup. It should allow you to grind beans to a constant coarseness and make repeatedly nice joe. So far as what grinder to get, the perfect of the perfect is the Baratza Virtuoso+. Critical Eats has really helpful this mannequin for about six years, and I actually have used the Virtuoso+ nearly 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 wonderful, powder-like items, this may 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 measurement with a Kruve sifter to judge its uniformity. I used to be testing it in opposition to six different grinders on the time, and the Virtuoso+ delivered the perfect 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 less complicated. 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 ability button doubles as a dial for tweaking the time.) To regulate the grind measurement, all it’s a must to do is rotate the bean hopper to one of many 40 listed settings. All the pieces is intuitive. The catch bin can also be manufactured from anti-static plastic, decreasing the quantity of grounds spewed onto the countertop.

Now, onto the second level: cleanup. Grinders require common cleansing. Oils and wonderful 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 degree 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 rapidly wipe down with a dry fabric 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. All the pieces—together with the plastic hopper, chrome steel burrs, and heavy base—is sturdy and matches collectively nicely. 

It’s necessary to notice that chrome steel burrs, like knives, will change into extra uninteresting with use. Baratza’s grinders are constructed to be repairable and the corporate even sells alternative elements in the event you’d like to repair one your self. My grinder continues to be performing nicely, but when something had been to go fallacious, Baratza gives a restore service, too.

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

FAQs

Can the Baratza Virtuoso grind espresso?

At its most interesting 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 wonderful particle measurement and the flexibility to completely dial in every parameter to tweak variables like movement price. A general-use espresso grinder just like the Baratza Virtuoso+ is designed to grind extra coarsely and doesn’t permit the person to zero in on the proper, 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 raise 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 fabric or cleansing brush. To take away any built-up chaff or floor espresso from the grinder, you can too use a can of compressed air. 

Why We’re the Specialists

• Dylan Ettinger is a Critical Eats contributor who makes a speciality of espresso, spirits, cocktails, and barware. With over a decade of expertise within the specialty espresso trade, he has spent the final 4 years testing and reviewing espresso grinders, espresso machines, pour-over cones, and different residence espresso home equipment for quite a lot of publications.
• Dylan has examined the Baratza Virtuoso+ subsequent to different espresso grinders and has used the grinder each day for over three years.