VKirby Senior Member Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 81 Location: World Wide Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Mon Mar 26, 2012, 2:08am Subject: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder, vs. maestro/virtuoso/preciso?
I don't mean that so literally, but in general what would you say is the point of limiting returns for (small) grinder quality, if it won't ever even be used for espresso? Would an upgrade to a vario even be realized in the coarse settings alone vs. for example the preciso burrs' quality? Either way, I know it wouldn't be completely "wasted", because for your money you still get less heat & longer life of ceramic burrs, less retention, & better build quality with the vario.
Otherwise, is there anything better than the baratza lineup this side of a commercial batch grinder, in terms of size more than anything, and price, to use as a dedicated drip grinder?
VKirby Senior Member Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 81 Location: World Wide Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Tue Mar 27, 2012, 11:40am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder?
Hadn't heard that about the new vario burrs, thanks Marvin. Wonder why they didn't make them ceramic as well? One of the things that appealed to me about the vario was that its ceramic burrs last longer & run cooler. Still, that definitely sounds like the ideal setup to have for this purpose.
frank828 Said:
449 + 60 for a dedicated drip-only grinder??
without breaking it down, i'd say it's a waste.
if it's ever only going to be used for drip coffee, and you want a baratza product, get the Virtuoso w/ preciso burrs.
Break it down! No I know, it'd be nice if they'd at least sell a version of it with those burrs installed already, instead of the originals, considering the vario is already 2x virtuoso before the cost of the new burrs. But it's nice they offer it as an option anyway. Great news.
Posted Tue Mar 27, 2012, 4:45pm Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder?
VKirby Said:
Hadn't heard that about the new vario burrs, thanks Marvin. Wonder why they didn't make them ceramic as well? One of the things that appealed to me about the vario was that its ceramic burrs last longer & run cooler. Still, that definitely sounds like the ideal setup to have for this purpose.
Break it down! No I know, it'd be nice if they'd at least sell a version of it with those burrs installed already, instead of the originals, considering the vario is already 2x virtuoso before the cost of the new burrs. But it's nice they offer it as an option anyway. Great news.
The way I see it, you spend the money to purchase the Vario and metal burrs and you have a fantastic drip/press grinder that can later be converted back into a great espresso grinder. So, it all depends. Personally, a Virtuoso with Preciso burrs could be your best bet. A Preciso would fit the bill if you wanted espresso capability later on as well.
VKirby Senior Member Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 81 Location: World Wide Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Wed Mar 28, 2012, 9:15am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder?
Eh I ran into a deal on the 586 Virtuoso that I couldn't pass up. Had those vario replacement burrs been made of ceramic too ( I know I'm overrating the ceramic aspect), I'd have really been in trouble because it was tough to pass up as it is, just for the upgrade in quality. Less plastic than the other three baratzas, & the burrs specifically intended for my purpose- I'd say the answer to my initial question is "NO", it'd be perferct. Just didn't splurge.
Oh well, I'm certain the preciso burrs will still be a huge upgrade over my blade grinder.
Posted Wed Mar 28, 2012, 9:37am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder?
VKirby Said:
Eh I ran into a deal on the 586 Virtuoso that I couldn't pass up. Had those vario replacement burrs been made of ceramic too ( I know I'm overrating the ceramic aspect), I'd have really been in trouble because it was tough to pass up as it is, just for the upgrade in quality. Less plastic than the other three baratzas, & the burrs specifically intended for my purpose- I'd say the answer to my initial question is "NO", it'd be perferct. Just didn't splurge.
Oh well, I'm certain the preciso burrs will still be a huge upgrade over my blade grinder.
Posted Wed Mar 28, 2012, 9:38am Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder?
Good choice. I'll be interested to hear what you think of the new Virtuoso's build quality once you actually get your hands on it. These grinders are pretty solid.
Kipperman Senior Member Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 12 Location: Austin Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Wed Mar 28, 2012, 12:32pm Subject: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder, vs. maestro/virtuoso/preciso?
Hi VKirby, Was this a one time deal on the 586 or are there more available?
Its my first post here. I am also interested in the 586 Virtuoso with Preciso burrs to pair with my new Bonavita BV1800TH. I like the idea of the Preciso Burrs because of the reduced fines it produced compared to the originalVirtuoso Burrs.
Posted Wed Mar 28, 2012, 12:34pm Subject: Re: Would a Vario be "wasted" as a drip-only grinder,
Kipperman Said:
Hi VKirby, Was this a one time deal on the 586 or are there more available?
Its my first post here. I am also interested in the 586 Virtuoso with Preciso burrs to pair with my new Bonavita BV1800TH. I like the idea of the Preciso Burrs because of the reduced fines it produced compared to the original ones.
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