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Baratza Preciso vs Baratza Vario - Which One Should I Choose?

 
 
 
 
  • Posted by EricBNC
  • Thu, 10/13/2011 - 20:46

I am torn between to grinders – the Baratza Preciso and the Baratza Vario. Both grinders have many fans and a few detractors. I like the simplicity of the Preciso compared the Vario. I do not think I would have any trouble with the Vario that couldn't be resolved though.

I guess my desire for either comes from wanting a single dose grinder - I have enough coffee laying around at any given time to justify multiple espresso grinders. My larger grinder works better for me with some bean mass above the burrs so I load and reload till the bag is empty.  I can change over beans but this means either wasting a decent amount of coffee to empty the throat of the grinder. I would rather continue grinding the same bag in that machine while adding some variety by single dosing here and there.

I like what I hear about the fluffy grounds and zero retention with the Vario - these are the main points of interest for me. I heard the Preciso clumps a bit and that the shots have brighter flavors accentuated.  The brighter flavor might be interesting for variety, but the clumping could prove bothersome.  I have a Virtuoso for non-espresso grinding which I like very much.  Knowing the Preciso shares similarity with this work horse is a plus.  The new grinder (either one) does not have to replace the Virtuoso for non-espresso grinding but if it can go from fine to coarser and back without losing it's settings this would be nice - nice but not a requirement for me to be happy.

I like the idea of ceramic burrs for longevity as a concept, but in practice even if the steel Preciso burrs are only good for 500 pounds this would be around 20 years use for a secondary household espresso grinder for me.  I would hate to shoot a rock through the Vario.  I have found them in beans from good roasters so in 20 years it could happen.

Both look like decent grinders - I guess that is why this decision is so tough for me.

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REVIEWS & COMMENTS

  • @YEAHYEAH

    EricBNC | Tue, 11/29/2011 - 17:03


    I hope it helps - the decision was not as cut and dry as I thought it would be - both are nice grinders - guess you can't really make a mistake either way you go.

  • COMPARISON

    yeahyeah | Sat, 11/12/2011 - 20:10

    This is just what I was looking for with respect to choosing a grinder.

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  • PRECISO

    EricBNC | Sat, 10/22/2011 - 02:13


    If I get a new grinder it will likely be the Preciso instead of the Vario - tried them both and they are similar in the cup so the savings can go toward coffee.

  • @INTREPID510

    EricBNC | Fri, 10/14/2011 - 13:26


    Thanks for the feed back on the lack of clumping for the Preciso - this is good to know and will help me make my decision.

  • CLUMP FREE

    intrepid510 | Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:52

    No worries on the press or drip getting clumpy, even with dark roasted beans they stay nice and fluffy on the Preciso.

    In the end either is good choice.

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  • @OREGON CHAI

    EricBNC | Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:17


    welcome - would you get a Preciso or a Vario?

  • @JBVIAU

    EricBNC | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 23:08


    Thanks for the comments - you do like yours, and it would give some variety with the conical burr taste profile - I do like press coffee too so your comment about grinding better than the Virtuoso for this style does have my attention.

  • @BEKELD

    EricBNC | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 23:05

    Thanks for your input - I use a Virtuoso too for my drip and press - it does a great, clump free job but the Preciso uses a different burr so the grounds might come out differently - not sure really.

  • @WAKENOT

    EricBNC | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 23:02


    You are taking the middle of the road I see. ; )

  • RIGHT

    jbviau | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 22:54

    Given the machines you already have, Eric, I still think the Preciso is the better fit for you. Its press grind in particular is a real step up from that of the regular Virtuoso, and, of course, it handles espresso nicely. Going back and forth between the two grinds hasn't been difficult for me, i.e. I'm happy with the repeatability of the various settings. Clumping is pretty minimal IMO as well and easily overcome by giving the grounds bin a little shake.

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  • PRECISO AND WDT

    bekeld | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 22:14

    I own the Virtuoso (it's much like the Preciso) and the WDT works really well to break up the clumps. I wouldn't want to hassle with the electronics of the Vario, but ymmv.

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  • BARATZA

    Wakeknot | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 22:12

    Baratza is an amazing company. They really care about customer service in a way that few companies around today do.

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  • @BROSEPH

    EricBNC | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 21:02


    Thanks for the response - I will likely use either one for espresso too but I like the good reports for press grinding I see often about the Preciso.

  • PRECISO, IF YOU ALREADY HAVE

    broseph | Thu, 10/13/2011 - 20:58

    preciso, if you already have an espresso grinder. excellent 4 filter coffee.

    also, i'd replace the burrs every year and a half or so, unless you barely use it.

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