Baratza coffee grinders started making high-quality burr grinders in 1999. The European company's name "Baratza" gestures to the meaning "a place where locals gather to drink coffee." Known for their burr grinders that use sharp conical steel plates in opposing positions to grind coffee beans. The Baratza coffee grinder is a high-quality burr grinder that will give you a consistent grind, preserving the flavor and aromas of your beans.
To start, allow us to look at The Baratza Encore. The Encore is considered an entry level grinder for anyone who can appreciate a fresh cup of coffee. If your family uses a drip or manual brew more often than not, this grinder is for you. This machine has 40 mm burrs and individual grind settings so for special occasions it will still grind well enough for a good espresso. This grinders price point lands around $180.00 USD.
The Baratza Preciso is a grinder you may want to consider if you drink espresso on a daily basis. The micro-adjust system is what gives this grinder its industrial quality and the reason it is highly regarded for its uniform grind. Similar to the Baratza Encore, it has 40 settings to adjust your grind from fine for espresso to coarse for a French press. However, to go a little further it has a micro-adjust level that then gives each of the 40 settings, 11 micro steps to precisely grind to your preference. This grinders price point lands around $400.00 USD.
The Baratza Vario is marketed for its ease of use and sleek appearance. If you're interested in technology to help make your morning routine easier, this grinder is for you. With digital timers and user programmable buttons, you can set a repeat grind and dosage for every morning and just press a button when you wake up. This grinder also places your grinds right-into a portafilter. Unlike the 40mm burrs in the Encore, the Vario boasts 54mm ceramic flat burrs for long lasting quality. This grinder is priced around $660.00 USD.
While the Baratza line of coffee grinders is impressive, no coffee grinder can save your cup of coffee from stale beans. As soon as coffee beans are roasted, they start going stale. Always buy whole beans and grind fresh before you brew. The grinder accounts for half of your espressos taste so fresh beans and a good grinder will guarantee your coffee keeps its flavors and aroma from the grinder to the last sip on Sunday morning.
