The high-powered DC motor is now controlled by the brand new 40-second digital timer, which can be adjusted by one-tenth of a second for consistent dosing. The Baratza Virtuoso+ has 40 grind settings, between 200 to 1200 microns, that can be changed by turning the hopper. The Baratza Encore is an entry-level grinder that works great for manual brewing. It’s reliable, durable, and delivers consistent grinds every time.

The motor is controlled by a 40-second digital timer adjustable to the tenth of a second, which allows repeatable dosing. CALIBRATION

Should You Buy the Baratza Virtuoso+?

Winner: Virtuoso Plus. Grind consistency is key to a good cup of coffee, so Virtuoso has to be the winner here. User-friendliness This coffee grinder continues Baratza’s trend of high-quality construction at a reasonable price for home use. It’s ideal for manual brewing methods, but like its predecessor, is considered best for manual brewing methods and less suitable for espresso. The Virtuoso+ has two LED lights that light up the grinds bin and grinds area of the grinder. This is especially welcome when you’re grinding directly into a portafilter, or a catch bin (like the increasingly popular 54mm and 58mm catch cups to use with portafilter baskets). I use the Virtuoso+ for cupping coffees, and grind directly into our cupping cups, and can easily see the grind output, quality and quantity with these lights. In testing conducted by Tech Gear Lab, they found the burrs can be a bit of a challenge to remove and the rubber gasket difficult to line during reassembly. I have done some extensive testing of this grinder compared to other models on the market, but will save that evaluation for the full review for the Virtuoso+.

The two types you will see are conical grinders and flat grinders. As the name suggests, flat grinders have two flat rings that lie on top of each other, crushing the coffee beans between them. Conical burrs have a fixed outer ring and a rotating cone-shaped burr in the center, with the grinding happening vertically. If you’re looking purely at the consistency of your coffee grounds, a flat burr grinder will win every time, but they aren’t necessarily suitable for home use. Conical burrs produce less noise, less heat, and are much cheaper to make. The Virtuoso Plus is designed to be a step up from the Encore, and as such, has a few more advanced features. Rather than simply switching the grinder on and off, the Virtuoso allows you to time your grind. This feature is different from Encore. This was a side-mounted dial for the 60-second timer on the original model, with timing marked into 10-second increments. The front panel featured the pulse button. These plastics are also a bit more clear and transparent compared to the darker brown-tinted hopper and catcher on the old Virtuoso. This is especially helpful since the grinds area is now lit by LED lights. The grinds bin also has a horizontal line on it to show recommended maximum grind volume. Superkop Lever Espresso Machine One of the most unique espresso makers currently on the market, this is our First Look at the Superkop ratchet lever espresso machine. We love coffee, and learning how to brew like a pro has been fun and exciting. This grinder has been a great addition to our morning ritual. It makes fine-tuning the perfect mug or shot simple.

Baratza Virtuoso Review (4.5/5)

The model remained unchanged until the release of the Virtuoso Plus in 2019, which replaced the original. Despite this being a high-performance grinder, it’s not just suited for baristas and coffee professionals. The grinder is easy to use, even for beginners, and the grounds are consistent throughout. Breville was established in 1932 in Sydney, Australia, and makes coffee grinders, machines as well as other kitchen appliances such as toasters or food processors. The final choice between the two depends on your preferences and what brewing methods you’re planning to use the grinder for. What makes this grinder special? Sitting comfortably in between entry-level and premium markets, the Virtuoso provides excellent design, build quality, and performance. It is easy to use and clean as well. This makes this appliance an ideal addition to any home.