Baratza Vario
 

I managed to snag a mid-grade espresso machine on ebay for a low-grade price, and I need to upgrade my grinder. If I get the espresso bug I will need to buy an HX machine at some point (so I am told), but I'm in the market for a top of the line grinder NOW.

We mostly drink drip and press coffee, so I want a grinder that won't throw a lot of fines. That's the main thing. My wife complains constantly about the sludge, and there's no arguing with sludge. At the same time I'd like to make a passable espresso on Saturday morning.

The Vario seems to offer the best of both worlds-- easy to switch from coarse to fine, and by all accounts it does both very well. I'm about to pull the trigger on this guy. Any reason I shouldn't?

Re: Baratza Vario
 

I have had mine since last August and it is excellent for making espresso. It is very easy to switch from fine to coarse but since I have a virtuoso as well I use that for all other brew methods and leave the Vario to do espresso only. I do not brew Press coffee very much but all grinders are going to produce fines to varying degrees until you get up over 2k. All reports of the Vario for press have been good although when calibrated for espresso it won't produce as coarse a grind as the Virtuoso at it's coarsest but IMO that is to coarse anyway.

I did have a problem with my first Vario after 6 months and it was replaced, any problem I have read with the Vario Baratza takes care of quickly.

Re: Baratza Vario
 

Thanks, Rob. The Capresso Infinity is going to get its gold watch and retire to a shelf in the garage, and the Vario is on its way. :D