clearwater

Need ideas for new grinder ($200-400)

https://beehaw.org/post/6901303

Need ideas for new grinder ($200-400) - Beehaw

Hey all, I’m in the market for a new burr grinder. I’ve read good things about the Baratza Virtuoso+ and have a friend who enjoys their Virtuoso but says it’s gotten less consistent over the years even with a burr replacement. It’s right in the middle of my desired price range however. I’m looking to mostly do Aeropress and V60 pourover, not espresso, but I’m not against a grinder that has more espresso options, if it’s still capable of good coarser grinds. I’m also not interested in hand cranking so the grinder must have a timer/automatic setting so I can add the beans and let it grind while I work on prepping the rest of the brew. What should I be looking at in the $200-400 USD price range?

Jul 31, 2023 at 6:00pmWeb
Show threadsqwJul 31, 2023
The Baratza Virtuoso+ and the Fellow Ode Gen2 seem to be popular options in this range. The Ode is a better grinder and the price reflects that, but it seems Fellow are somewhat notorious for having poor support, and Baratza famously seems to be customer support-oriented.
Show threadclearwaterJul 31, 2023
Thanks; it does seem like the Ode is a popular option. Anything you’d recommend if I stretched the budget?
Show threadsqwJul 31, 2023
I’ve been eyeing the Vario W+ and the Orphan Espresso Apex myself.
Show threadnarwhalAug 1, 2023
I don’t have one, but Lagom Mini is a very interesting grinder. Very compact and seem to grind nicely.
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Show threadkukkurovacaAug 1, 2023

I’m also not interested in hand cranking so the grinder must have a timer/automatic setting

Most new “enthusiast”/community fave grinders are single dosing, mean you weigh the beans out and grind them until they’re ground. Does that work for you or do you need a hopper-based timer setup?

Another factor to consider is whether you have a strong existing preference between conical and flat burrs, or for burrs that produce a particular style of coffee. (e.g., do you value “high clarity” or are you more concerned with body/texture)

Show threadclearwaterAug 1, 2023

As long as I can grind 60-100g for larger batches in a Chemex or drip machine, I’m fine. I don’t need to fit an entire 12oz bag in a hopper (where it’s liable to get stale anyway).

I drink mostly light roasts so it seems like flat burrs might be more up my alley, with the subtle notes like floral and citrus? I used to read that conical burrs were the gold standard and that most flat burrs were poorly made, but maybe that’s just at the low end? I definitely like a good mouthfeel so I don’t want some thin and ultra clear tasting coffee; I’d prefer it to have some body but usually with my Aeropress method (which I really like for a punchy cup) I get some fines that add to the body anyway. Sooo… Not sure where that leaves me!

Show threadKingStrafeIVAug 3, 2023
I’ve been using a refurbished Baratza Sette 270 for years and am really pleased with it. Very minimal grounds retention, which is important for me since I switch beans often.
Show threadclearwaterAug 4, 2023
Aren’t those targeted at the espresso crowd though? I looked at them when they came out and they look nice, but thought I wasn’t the target demographic for some reason…
Show threadKingStrafeIVAug 4, 2023
I use it for espresso and pour over.
Show threadDrewsipherAug 8, 2023
I have the Baratza Encore ESP and have loved it for pour over aeropress and a dedica with a bottomless portafiler