This is a terrific grinder and an extraordinary value - espresso results in the cup are right up there with the most expensive grinders - easy to get from espresso to French Press and back
Positive Product Points
This grinder is FAST! The espresso grind is first rate. So easy to get from espresso to French Press grind - (also excellent - almost no "mud" in the cup) - and back to espresso. Repeatability is very good - very little grounds left in the delivery path - almost as good as the Vario which sets the standard. A good looking grinder on the counter - nice heft - stable and quiet - newly included portaholder is a big plus.
Negative Product Points
Not a fan of the timer - it is not accurate enough for timing an espresso dose - So instead we grind by weight (18 grams in a ridge-less double basket - we find a measuring spoon is consistent, fast and easy)
Detailed Commentary
This is an Exchange unit with the new burrs. For a truly detailed commentary please read the quick shot review on this site by Mark Prince. That said, here are few comments. We grind mostly for espresso - straight shots, cappuccinos and Americanos "pulled" on a Vibiemme Double Boiler E61 machine from 1st-Line. We dose a ridge-less double basket to 18 grams and pull 30 second shots, sometimes adjusting boiler temps to match the bean roast and ambient room temps. We have a home office in the basement and are grateful to be adding a Vibiemme Double Boiler Version 3 for immediate access to great coffee without 2 flights of stairs. We prefer the grind adjustment mechanism on the Preciso over our Vario because each stetting is identified by a number on the macro adjust and a letter on the micro. It is somewhat easy to accidentally move the adjusting arms on our Vario and not notice until the shot is too fast or too slow. Baratza have recently added firmer detents to the setting mechanisms on the Vario. We do love the digital timer on the Vario though - no need to measure the dose manually. We are unable to detect much difference in the cup between the Preciso, the Vario and our 3 year old Macap M4. So I suspect the Preciso will serve upstairs as our everyday grinder, the Vario will move to the office downstairs and we will keep the Macap "just in case."
No matter what brewing method you prefer you need a good grinder. The Preciso is a great grinder and at $300.00 an amazing value.
Thank you Kyle and Kyra! - Btw - how about a Preciso with precise dosing. That would indeed be something else!
Buying Experience
Kyle and Kyra and their staff at Baratza are simply a class act. This review is for an exchange grinder with the new Burrs. Baratza are making these available to all owners of the original release! In my personal experience Baratza provides a level of support rare in today's world - I agree with Mark Pince: "Baratza is the real deal, and I hope every coffee and espresso aficionado feels fortunate that we have a company like this."
