I ordered this to replace a Breville grinder that bit the dust after about 18 months. This is a much simpler device, with very limited electronics and no digital control at all. I just got it yesterday and put it together. There is almost no information on how to assemble, just one postcard size info card. When I tried it this AM, I could not get the grinds fine enough for espresso. A little googling yielded setup instructions that addressed one piece of info that was critical but not even mentioned in the printed guide (how to line up the grinder head). Once I got that info, I found that that grinder worked very well.

I like the fact that all the parts are readily replaceable, and that Baratza sells replacement burrs for a reasonable cost. I like the simplicity.

The breville and many slightly pricier grinders allow you to grind or dose right into a portafilter. The Baritz grinds into a plastic container, requiring an extra step to get the portafilter filled. It comes with no measuring spoon for espresso, so you have to eyeball or use a different measuring spoon.

So far this seems like a dead simple, durable grinder, without any bells and whistles. If it does turn out to last a long time, I will be happy with the purchase.

Love this grinder. I was deciding between this and the Encore grinder. I decided to go with this more-expensive option because it had a heavier base for greater stability (which I understand provides a more consistent grind) and was made out of metal, rather than plastic. I could not be happier. There is a big of chaff mess, but that is something I understand happens with virtually all grinders. So I won't grade it down for that, and it's not bad anyway. It just requires a wipe down after a couple of grinds. This is the brand that is recommended by almost all of the consumer-grade reviews, and one reason I chose it was that a lot of coffee-geek publications use this in their own offices. That felt like a great endorsement.

It's very easy to use. I like that there are lots of grind settings and that they are clearly marked both visually and with satisfying clicks. I don't use it for espresso, but based on my research, you would need to spend quite a bit more for a grinder that can produce a quality espresso grind. I use this for drip and pour-over.

My only question at this point is how easy it will be to clean as I haven't yet tried to do it. Hopefully it's pretty easy.

I cringed at spending this much money to grind 18 to 36 grams of coffee a day when my Hario hand-crank grinder produces an exceptionally consistent grind, but some days it's just a major chore. And when I make coffee for several people not only does it take forever, but I switch from drip to a french press which requires adjusting the grind size "” that takes a bit do, and then it needs to be rest to for drip.

The Wire Cutter has an insanely detailed review of Burr grinders; the Baratza Encore and Virtuoso come out on top has having the most consistent grind compared to the extremely expensive Mahlkönig EK43.

The Encore and Virtuoso were ranked about the same, with the main differences being that the Virtuoso is more stable than the Encore, grinds a bit faster, and has a countdown timer.

I'm not sure how much the justifies the price difference. My parents have the Encore and it's noticeable how much more it vibrates. I also like the having the countdown timer. In the morning I'm doing 5 things at once and it's useful that the grinder automatically shuts off. I ended up going with the Virtuoso because it felt better built.

Overall I'm extremely happy the grinder. After years of using the Hario it feels like magic when the Virtuoso grinds beans so perfectly consistent in a few seconds.

I burn thru 120- 240 grams of coffee each day and this machine can really handle it. I've tried several other light weight ones and they've been ok but the tops grinding bins have been so loose and the machines were so light weight..just decided to spring for a higher quality machine since I'm using it so often (nice to have quality tools). This is an arm and leg better than those sub $100 models. The grinds a just perfect from French Press to espresso. It weighs 3 times the others and the grinder bin fits snugly! I was really surprised at how much better the Virtuoso has been and has improved the taste of my coffee. Doing a 4:6 pour-over and using this grinder my coffee is hard to beat anywhere. Baratza is a great company too, with parts for your grinder and help when needed. OH, you can even adjust the grind even finer or courser with setting screws inside..so that makes 40 x 3= 120 settings. It you can't find your grind with in that range you need the help, not the grinder! Buy it, you will not regret the purchase.
It's now been 3 months my purchase and have been brewing 175 to 265 grams a day with the Virtuoso which is still producing a great product. I do a monthly maintenance and clean the burrs, silicone washer and wash the reservoir, then shake out the grinds that I can't vac out. Am using quality Sumatra beans, dark and oily, for my caffeinated and and a blended recipe for the decaf. Have also tried a dozen or so other beans from various companies. So I have run the grinder thru many different beans for pour over brewing to French Press. I no longer desire espresso so don't grind very fine. I still love the Virtuoso and would recommend it to anyone as one of the best if not THE best in this price range.

I was, like others, a bit skeptical that a burr grinder would make a difference significant enough that it would justify the price-- up to know I simply used an inexpensive Braun blade grinder and enjoyed the results.

What I've learned:
1. Holy Cow-- it does indeed make a difference; the right grind really does seem to give the coffee a deeper, richer flavor.
2. This machine is well build-- it's really impressive.
3. ...and this is a big deal to me: the BARATZA customer service is terrific. Despite #2, above, I had a problem-- the machine just slowed and quit working one day. I called BARATZA, and reached a representative named "Pierce" immediately. He walked me through a few diagnostic procedures, but after they failed, simply said that there was likely a circuit board issue, which sometimes happens. He then asked for me to email him my AMAZON receipt, and he would ship a new unit asap. I had the replacement unit within a day; the shipping box had a pre-printed return receipt enclosed.
I couldn't have asked for better service, and the new machine (which I've had now for a few months) works flawlessly.
While it would be ideal if the first unit hadn't failed, in my experience even high-end products occasionally have issues. They key is the follow-up service-- is the thing truly well-built, and do they back it up. In this case, the answer is yes to both questions. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat, and recommend it-- and their service-- very highly. Hit "Buy It Now" and start enjoying a great cup o' joe!