Baratza Virtuoso+ Espresso Grinder Overview

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 approach: Grind whole-bean espresso proper earlier than brewing. 

A high quality espresso grinder is an important funding you may make when constructing out your house 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, one of the best of one of the best is the Baratza Virtuoso+. Severe Eats has beneficial this mannequin for about six years, and I personally have used the Virtuoso+ virtually day by 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, it will end in 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 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, stainless-steel burrs are nonetheless sharp and yield constant floor beans day by 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 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 measurement, 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 also be made from anti-static plastic, lowering 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 stainless-steel burrs beneath it. The highest degree of burrs will 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 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. 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 grow to be extra uninteresting with use. Baratza’s grinders are constructed to be repairable and the corporate even sells substitute elements if you happen to’d like to repair one your self. My grinder continues to be performing nicely, but when something have been to go improper, Baratza presents a restore service, too.

As somebody who takes their morning espresso severely, I actually can’t advocate 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 correct grind consistency for espresso, however for anybody severe about espresso, you’ll need to spend money on a separate espresso grinder. Brewing espresso requires an especially wonderful particle measurement and the power to completely dial in every parameter to tweak variables like circulate charge. 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 in your portafilter and espresso machine.

How do you clear the Baratza Virtuoso?

To wash the Baratza Virtuoso, first twist the hopper and elevate it to take away it from the grinder. Beneath the hopper, the burrs will be simply eliminated for cleansing. To wash 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 as well 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 quite a lot of publications.
• Dylan has examined the Baratza Virtuoso+ subsequent to different espresso grinders and has used the grinder day by day for over three years.