As somebody who labored within the espresso trade for over a decade, I’m usually requested how individuals can enhance the espresso they make at residence. I at all times reply the identical manner: Grind whole-bean espresso proper earlier than brewing.
A quality coffee grinder is an important funding you may make when constructing out your house espresso setup. It’ll 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+. Serious Eats has recommended this mannequin for about six years, and I personally have used the Virtuoso+ nearly every 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 superb, powder-like items, it will lead to uneven extraction and unbalanced and bitter flavors. A uniform grind ensures that each espresso particle brews in the identical period of time.
Critical Eats / Russell Kilgore
After I first used the Virtuoso+, I examined the grind measurement with a Kruve sifter to guage its uniformity. I used to be testing it towards 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 every day.
It’s Simple to Use and Clear
Critical Eats / Ashley Rodriguez
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 possibly can 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 important 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 manufactured from anti-static plastic, lowering the quantity of grounds spewed onto the countertop.
Now, onto the second level: cleanup. Grinders require regular cleaning. Oils and superb 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 could 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
Critical Eats / Ashley Rodriguez
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, chrome steel burrs, and heavy base—is sturdy and matches collectively effectively.
It’s essential to notice that chrome steel burrs, like knives, will change into extra boring with use. Baratza’s grinders are constructed to be repairable and the corporate even sells replacement parts when you’d like to repair one your self. My grinder continues to be performing effectively, but when something had been to go incorrect, Baratza gives 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 best settings, the Baratza Virtuoso+ can get near the right grind consistency for espresso, however for anybody severe about espresso, you’ll need to spend money on a separate espresso grinder. Brewing espresso requires a particularly superb particle measurement and the power to completely dial in every parameter to tweak variables like circulation fee. A general-use espresso grinder just like the Baratza Virtuoso+ is designed to grind extra coarsely and doesn’t enable the consumer 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 elevate 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 Consultants
- 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 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 a wide range of publications.
- Dylan has examined the Baratza Virtuoso+ subsequent to different espresso grinders and has used the grinder every day for over three years.
Trending Merchandise

BAYOBID Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil Set | 24 Pieces Cooking Utensils Set | Perfect Metal Kitchen Utensils set…

mafiti Oil Dispenser Bottle 180ml/6Oz Olive Oil Dispenser Sprayer for Cooking Air fryer BBQ Grilling Salad Baking…

URASISTO 19-Piece Home Tool Kit Hand Tool Set with Easy Carrying Pouch Perfect for DIY, Home Maintenance

Veluebay Kitchen Utensils Set, 12 Pcs Non-Stick wooden utensils for cooking, kitchen utensils set with holder, silicone…

Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer and Pasta Strainer – Adjustable Silicone Clip On Strainer for Pots, Pans, and…

Garlic Press, Upgrade Garlic Mincer Stainless Steel Garlic Press Rocker, Professional Kitchen Gadget with Ergonomic…
