Posted Wed Apr 4, 2012, 4:30am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder?
VKirby Said:
The grind consistency exceeded my expectations, which is the most important thing. Not as much with the build quality, but it would be tough to spend over twice as much for the vario after seeing how well the 586 performs. The vario's sliders & metal burr carrier would have been nice though.
overall I'm satisfied, & will not try to swap it out or immediately resell it for a vario. I think I made the right choice, for my purposes.
Sisyphus1978 Senior Member Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 6 Location: Abingdon Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Brazen Roaster: Nesco/West Bend
Posted Sun Feb 3, 2013, 10:48am Subject: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder, vs. maestro/virtuoso/preciso?
Apologies for bumping such an old thread, but I figured it was better than opening a new one for such a similar question. Anyway, I bought the Virtuoso 586 about 5 or 6 months ago. At the time I chose it because I didn't have any intentions on entering the espresso game; however, yup, you guessed it, I've since changed my mind about the espresso thing and just ordered a Gaggia. Drip will still be my primary coffee of choice, and I'd rather not have 2 grinders to worry about, so a full replacement rather than an additional, espresso-only grinder isn't preferable. I've done Google searches ad-nauseum and have seen several reports that the 586 works just fine for espresso, and I've seen numerous stating that the Preciso is the better option. The endorsements for the Preciso really only cite the presence of the micro settings for it being superior to the 586, so I'm not too keen on spending over 200 for that upgrade which may or may not matter much. Having stated that, is there anyone who's used both and can chime in on whether the Preciso would be a significant enough upgrade to warrant the cost?
MerleApAmber Senior Member Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 175 Location: Atlanta Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville BES900 Grinder: Baratza Preciso + Esatto Vac Pot: Yuma Drip: bah-humbug Roaster: Hot Top 2K P
Posted Sun Feb 3, 2013, 11:55am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder,
Sam21 Said:
That's a great point.
In this case though, the post was about a Vario being wasted as a drip only grinder. IMO (also based one much of what I have read), the Vario's drip and coarse grinds are less consistent when compared to grounds coming from the Preciso burrs (whether in a Preciso or Virtuoso). From that point of view, the user is much better off with a Virtuoso if they are only grinding for drip. The Vario wins in the espresso department with the ceramic burrs and sounds like it excels in the drip range with the metal burrs. As of now, there are no comparisons between the drip grinds with the metal Vario burrs and the Preciso burrs.
Personally, I have a Preciso with an Esatto attachment and couldn't be happier. The grind quality is fantastic. If I could go back to square one before I bought the Preciso, I would still choose the Preciso over the Vario with metal burrs simply because the added cost of the Vario + metal burrs does not justify the differences between the two machines for me. This is all personal preference. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a quality burr grinder, I would rather recommend a grinder like the Virtuoso or Vario (depending on the type of coffee they seek to make) than recommend a cheaper unit. That is unless the cheaper unit provides the same quality in the grounds.
I completely agree with you though. I went from a $30 hand mill to the Preciso more or less. I did my research, found the grinder that matched my needs, and didn't think twice about the price tag. If I had been looking for a grinder to do mainly espresso and some drip coffee here or there, I would have purchased a Vario or Vario W without hesitation. It's all an investment.
+1 Here, nearly word for word. ..with the exception that I had the hand grinder and a Kitchenaid (oh I loved my KA - before I was schooled better! // still damn sexy lady though, ya know? )
Preciso+Esatto is hard to beat... unless... unless as the premise is made here, we're speaking of a significant 'savings' on investment - 0 - why then, an HG One sounds eminently reasonable doesn't it? (you note a bit of drool dribbling about the side of my mouth... I notice and smile weakly and say "Its ok, I know... I just can't help myself. )
-Chris
P.S. (I need to really really pay attention to post dates - and - read through to last posts to know what's really going on.... twenty years of this and you'd think I'd have a clue by now...) << Anyway >> If I was 5 months out, and there were no warranty reasons driving a change - nah, no way... if, on the other hand.... all the above applies Good Luck with that!
Posted Sun Feb 3, 2013, 2:51pm Subject: Re: Vario as a drip-only grinder, vs. maestro/virtuoso/preciso?
Sisyphus1978 Said:
Apologies for bumping such an old thread, but I figured it was better than opening a new one for such a similar question. Anyway, I bought the Virtuoso 586 about 5 or 6 months ago. At the time I chose it because I didn't have any intentions on entering the espresso game; however, yup, you guessed it, I've since changed my mind about the espresso thing and just ordered a Gaggia. Drip will still be my primary coffee of choice, and I'd rather not have 2 grinders to worry about, so a full replacement rather than an additional, espresso-only grinder isn't preferable. I've done Google searches ad-nauseum and have seen several reports that the 586 works just fine for espresso, and I've seen numerous stating that the Preciso is the better option. The endorsements for the Preciso really only cite the presence of the micro settings for it being superior to the 586, so I'm not too keen on spending over 200 for that upgrade which may or may not matter much. Having stated that, is there anyone who's used both and can chime in on whether the Preciso would be a significant enough upgrade to warrant the cost?
I have both. The added adjustment for the Preciso is nice, but I find I can compensate by adjusting the dose and tamp with the stepped Virtuoso and get decent results. The additional steps on the Preciso are handy for micro-managing the shot when starting out - if the new Barista can keep the other coffee only variables (grind and tamp) consistent.
If I was buying from scratch I would buy the Preciso, but if I already had the new Virtuoso I would work on my dialing in technique to see what shots i could pull first.
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
brianl Senior Member Joined: 1 Dec 2012 Posts: 188 Location: Chicago IL Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic (w/PID) Grinder: Baratza Vario Drip: chemex
Posted Sun Feb 17, 2013, 1:12am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder,
MerleApAmber Said:
+1 Here, nearly word for word. ..with the exception that I had the hand grinder and a Kitchenaid (oh I loved my KA - before I was schooled better! // still damn sexy lady though, ya know? )
Preciso+Esatto is hard to beat... unless... unless as the premise is made here, we're speaking of a significant 'savings' on investment - 0 - why then, an HG One sounds eminently reasonable doesn't it? (you note a bit of drool dribbling about the side of my mouth... I notice and smile weakly and say "Its ok, I know... I just can't help myself. )
-Chris
P.S. (I need to really really pay attention to post dates - and - read through to last posts to know what's really going on.... twenty years of this and you'd think I'd have a clue by now...) << Anyway >> If I was 5 months out, and there were no warranty reasons driving a change - nah, no way... if, on the other hand.... all the above applies Good Luck with that!
From what I have read the Vario is more consistent and less fines than the preciso in the drip range. The only area the preciso would be better is at the press range. But with the upgraded burrs the Vario Might pull even in press
VKirby Senior Member Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 82 Location: World Wide Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Sun Feb 17, 2013, 7:45am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinde
yeah a year later now the 586 has been working out great for me, with vac pot & auto drip (only). Only nitpicks, static cling only when it's cold, otherwise none, & the timer knob occasionally falls off if you're not careful. Couldn't ask for a more consistent grind though.
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