Posted Mon Oct 5, 2009, 9:06am Subject: Baratza Vario or other for new grinder?
OK.....finally getting some money coming in and able to get a new grinder. I've been using a Capresso Infinity for about 3 or 4 years.
OK....I'm not a "big" espresso man, I normally do French Press. But I do make espresso occasionally and even Turkish once in a blue moon.
I've had my eye on the Baratza Vario, and I think it will be up to this job, but I haven't quite seen enough people talking about it to know for sure. Do you think it will be a good grinder or what other grinders should I consider in the same price range? Rocky?
Short answer, yes the Vario will be a great choice for you. I would say far superior to the Rocky. I had the Rocky and now a Mini and the Vario and the Vario is what I use all the time now.
JasonBrandtLewis Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2005 Posts: 6,100 Location: Berkeley, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -... Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -... Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup Drip: CCD, Chemex Roaster: No, no, not another...
Posted Mon Oct 5, 2009, 12:21pm Subject: Re: Baratza Vario or other for new grinder?
As was pointed out in the thread just below yours (as I write this), entitled "Can a good grinder for espresso also grind drip without much difficulty?", this question has been asked many times before, and the basic answer is that grinders are at their best when they are used for what they are intended. That is, espresso grinders are best when used to grind coffee beans for espresso; "regular" grinders are better when grinding for drip, siphon, or press.
Thanks Jason. I had already believed the Vario probably did both well as I have heard much good already. I just hadn't kept up in a while (few months) and wanted to make sure that the Vario was still considered to have a good range and that I wasn't overlooking another good grinder that may suit my task better.
As I mentioned, it would be used for press most of the time.
Here's my likely breakdown: French Press = 85% Espresso = 13% Turkish = 1% Other/Experimental = 1%
So, surely French Press would be my primary interest.
Jmanespresso Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2,108 Location: Westchester NY Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5 Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD Roaster: Hottop B
Posted Mon Oct 5, 2009, 3:40pm Subject: Re: Baratza Vario or other for new grinder?
Taking the Vario out of the picture, the best way to grind for multiple brewing methods.. Is having a dedicated espresso grinder, stepless preffered, and a stepped grinder for your other brewing needs. A popular option is the Baratza Grinders, as well as your Capresso Infinity, and then your espresso grinder(mazzer, macap, compak, etc etc)
Add the Vario back into the picture, and you've got one, SMALL SIZED grinder to do all your jobs well.
So you're looking at two options...
Keep the infinity, and get a dedicated espresso grinder.. The Compka K3 Touch is close to the price of a vario
-OR-
Get the Vario for everything.
Id suggest getting the vario.. and its been pretty equal to the superjolly shot wise, and seems to handle the brewing grinds well also. Overall, the Vario seems to be a heck of a grinder for a great price.
Follow Your Bliss
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
Posted Mon Oct 5, 2009, 3:50pm Subject: Re: Baratza Vario or other for new grinder?
Jmanespresso Said:
Taking the Vario out of the picture, the best way to grind for multiple brewing methods.. Is having a dedicated espresso grinder, stepless preffered, and a stepped grinder for your other brewing needs. A popular option is the Baratza Grinders, as well as your Capresso Infinity, and then your espresso grinder(mazzer, macap, compak, etc etc)
Add the Vario back into the picture, and you've got one, SMALL SIZED grinder to do all your jobs well.
So you're looking at two options...
Keep the infinity, and get a dedicated espresso grinder.. The Compka K3 Touch is close to the price of a vario
-OR-
Get the Vario for everything.
Id suggest getting the vario.. and its been pretty equal to the superjolly shot wise, and seems to handle the brewing grinds well also. Overall, the Vario seems to be a heck of a grinder for a great price.
Part of what is making this decision happen now (other than money coming in) is that my Capresso is dying. I have a few issues which would probably require new parts to fix. So, I'm thinking its not worth it and wanting an "all-in-one".
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