Baratza Virtuoso+ Espresso Grinder Evaluation

As somebody who labored within the espresso business for over a decade, I’m usually requested how folks can enhance the espresso they make at dwelling. I at all times 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 can 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 advisable this mannequin for about six years, and I personally 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 tremendous, 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 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, stainless-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 operating, you possibly can 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 a must to do is rotate the bean hopper to one of many 40 listed settings. All the things is intuitive. The catch bin can be made 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 tremendous 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 stainless-steel burrs beneath it. The highest degree of burrs could be simply eliminated for cleansing. That provides 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 things—together with the plastic hopper, stainless-steel burrs, and heavy base—is sturdy and suits collectively nicely. 

It’s vital to notice that stainless-steel burrs, like knives, will develop into extra boring with use. Baratza’s grinders are constructed to be repairable and the corporate even sells alternative components when you’d like to repair one your self. My grinder continues to be performing nicely, but when something had been to go improper, Baratza provides a restore service, too.

As somebody who takes their morning espresso significantly, I actually can’t advocate 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 most interesting settings, the Baratza Virtuoso+ can get near the right grind consistency for espresso, however for anybody severe about espresso, you’ll wish to put money into a separate espresso grinder. Brewing espresso requires a particularly tremendous particle dimension and the flexibility to completely dial in every parameter to tweak variables like movement fee. 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 right, extra-fine grind to 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 could 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, it’s also possible to use a can of compressed air. 

Why We’re the Specialists

• Dylan Ettinger is a Critical 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 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.