msboo Senior Member Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Posts: 105 Location: Kentucky Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Bonavita
Posted Sat Jan 19, 2013, 2:57pm Subject: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
CoffeeGeek has been such a great resource regarding my coffee "education" SO..... a BIG THANKS to all you guys! I've been enjoying my Bonavita brewer for apprx 2 mos now. I buy my coffee from a local roaster but now need to purchase a good grinder---need/want to grind fresh as needed. I really like the Baratza grinders, seems like the biggest bang for the buck BUT I'm open to any/all suggestions. I brew auto-drip daily (Bonavita), have a French press I rarely use and may consider pour-over in the future.
Considering the Baratzas----Encore, Virtuoso or Preciso. Preciso and Virtuoso have the same burrs BUT Preciso has better grind control (macro & micro) AND least amount of grounds remain up in the grinder after grinding, very consistent grind w/the least fines. Encore seems to be a very good entry level w/new burr set that wasn't on the model it replaced.
I've read reviews about static and terrible noise w/Encore (worse than model it replaced), haven't seen as much on Virtuoso and various problems w/Preciso. I take reviews as informative but w/a grain of salt. I want to get what I need and not go over the top w/this purchase. Which of these generates the LEAST static, heat in grounds, noise and fines for my brewing?
Posted Sat Jan 19, 2013, 3:00pm Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
personally, i'd recommend the Virtuoso with the preciso burrs. If you think you'll be soon or eventually getting an espresso machine, go with the Preciso. For drip coffee, the extra adjustability isnt necessary.
As far as static, this likely is more of an issue with the beans and humidity. At times, I will get static on all of the grinders that i've used(Robur, Kony, Super Jolly, Mahlkonig Guatamala, Mahlkonig Kenia, Virtuoso, Encore, Skerton)
Posted Sat Jan 19, 2013, 3:58pm Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
I second the Virtuoso recommendation. I have the Maestro Plus and the Encore. The Encore does have kind of a funny sound to it, but it's really not that much louder. It really only gets loud when its ground through all the beans and is just running. If the extra cost isn't an issue, there's no reason to not get the Virtuoso.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,655 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Sun Jan 20, 2013, 1:24am Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
When looking to buy a grinder, decide what is your positively highest amount you can spend then take 10%and add that to your number and start looking at grinders in that price range....and up.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
msboo Senior Member Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Posts: 105 Location: Kentucky Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Bonavita
Posted Sun Jan 20, 2013, 7:11pm Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
Hey guys.... Thanks so much for the quick replies/input. Virtuoso it is! I'm so excited!! Now I need to not get up-tight about what happens during shipment---seem to be a bit unlucky in that department. Primo Coffee in Louisville is only an hour away so may be worth the drive but I'll probably give them a call first.
msboo Senior Member Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Posts: 105 Location: Kentucky Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Bonavita
Posted Mon Jan 21, 2013, 10:37pm Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
Sam21.... back in November (reading thru a forum thread) I noticed a comment was by someone in Louisville, KY @ Prima Coffee. I live in Lexington so was curious, visited their web site and love it! We have a good local roaster here in Lex but they don't carry the level of equipment that Prima does. Great that they're not far away for shipping or driving there.
msboo Senior Member Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Posts: 105 Location: Kentucky Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Bonavita
Posted Fri Feb 22, 2013, 9:15am Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
Finally called Prima in Louisville and got my Virtuoso in 2 days. Not wanting to waste too many beans trying to figure out the best grind setting, I've tried making 1/2 pots (4 5oz cups) of coffee WHICH does decrease contact time for saturation---will need to adjust setting for full pot. What grind settings are some of you Bonavita brewers using? (the manual gives a wide range)
msboo Senior Member Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Posts: 105 Location: Kentucky Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Bonavita
Posted Fri Feb 22, 2013, 11:31am Subject: Re: Grinder decision - HELP much appreciated
OK, set grinder on 20 and pretty good (1/2 pot/4 5oz cups). Starting out w/Colombian Supremo from local roaster, 30g beans/20 oz water. Next 1/2 pot w/set grinder on 21 or 22 since needs a little improvement. Yesterday tried 16 & 18---yuk, bitter.
We're 'middle of the road', like our coffee medium strength but full bodied, good coffee flavor. So far my favorite has been Ethiopian mixed w/Colombian, 50-50 but I do like trying different origins and blends.
Still would love to hear from other Bonavita/Virtuoso users as to grind settings for making 1/2 and whole pots, understanding there are many variables regarding bean and roast types.
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