The ceramic burr set's performance on the finer end of the grind scale is excellent, but in the medium to coarse grind settings they can produce more "fines" than steel burr set. For most home users, the ceramic set will produce an acceptable above average grind quality. For a grinder used to evaluate the merits of coffees in a process called cupping, consistency is key. Also users who use a Vario in a manual brew bar setup in a coffee shop should consider this upgrade.
There certainly is a debate over the steel burrs for espresso, and we prefer the ceramic in our experience. However, we did a side by side taste test with the ceramic vs steel burrs for espresso on a LaMarzocco espresso machine and both performed nicely. The steel burrs produced slightly more bright notes in the cup then the ceramic if I remember correctly.
From what I heard, the steel burrs are better for the courser grinds.... like you stated. However, I thought the steel burrs are not the best for the finer grinds such as espresso.
It is a fine slotted screwdriver, about 4-5mm across. You will need one with a large handle to grip. The small jeweler's screwdrivers are hard to hold tight enough to break the screws loose with. Most hardware stores will have one available.
How does this vario with steel burs compare to virtuoso for filter / v60 or French press. I wanted to get vario+ as an all in one and upgrade to steel burs but if espresso end will be bad then it’s better to have 2 grinder system.
My apologies. I did not fully read your explanation for replacing the ceramic burrs. It is more about the consistency of the coarse grind vs. range of grind settings.
Ok I saw a bararza video where they say you should not turn the machine upside down in case the lower burr falls out. Can anyone tell me why this is and what effect does the bottom burr carrier have if it does fall out.
Why wouldn't you recommend using steel burrs for espresso? I actually called Baratza because I was having issues with consistency in medium settings and they suggested upgrading to steel burrs. I then asked about espresso and they told me some people actually still like the steel ones better for espresso. The only tweak you need to be aware of is that you need to up your calibration to 3Q (from 2Q for ceramic) because for some reason the steel burrs need to be closer to grind as fine as the ceramic ones.
where is the calibration video? This was very helpful I've ordered my steel burr set for my Vario-W I have a Technivorm moccamaster what settings do you recommend? And calibrating information please. :-)
I understand that the steel burrs assist the grinder in making a coarse grind, but can you achieve the same the coarseness by calibrating the ceramic burrs? I love my Vario and I cannot fathom the need for a more coarse grind.
Ancient comment I know, but it's not about the coarseness it's about the consistency and quality of the grinds that are better suited to a coarser brew methods. Also the steps are so tiny on the vario that the whole range isn't really that great, so with either burr set most likely I find you need to do a little re-calibration if lets say you want to go from super fine espresso down to a really coarse french press, but for french press and other brew methods I find it's often better to grind finer anyway, for mine I have it calibrated so i can go from Espresso down to filter or aeropress at the coarsest. Default calibration isn't ideal since your burrs are basically touching at at the top / finest settings so ideally adjust that finer and you get more of a larger usable range.
The ceramic burr set's performance on the finer end of the grind scale is excellent, but in the medium to coarse grind settings they can produce more "fines" than steel burr set. For most home users, the ceramic set will produce an acceptable above average grind quality. For a grinder used to evaluate the merits of coffees in a process called cupping, consistency is key. Also users who use a Vario in a manual brew bar setup in a coffee shop should consider this upgrade.
There certainly is a debate over the steel burrs for espresso, and we prefer the ceramic in our experience. However, we did a side by side taste test with the ceramic vs steel burrs for espresso on a LaMarzocco espresso machine and both performed nicely. The steel burrs produced slightly more bright notes in the cup then the ceramic if I remember correctly.
I like the steel burrs a lot more for espresso than the ceramic burrs. Always make sure to recalibrate your burrs after a new install!
From what I heard, the steel burrs are better for the courser grinds.... like you stated.
However, I thought the steel burrs are not the best for the finer grinds such as espresso.
It is a fine slotted screwdriver, about 4-5mm across. You will need one with a large handle to grip. The small jeweler's screwdrivers are hard to hold tight enough to break the screws loose with. Most hardware stores will have one available.
Really great video. Got me up and running in no time. Cant wait to try the difference. Speaking of that...☕☕
I added a link to the video description for the calibration video.
How does this vario with steel burs compare to virtuoso for filter / v60 or French press. I wanted to get vario+ as an all in one and upgrade to steel burs but if espresso end will be bad then it’s better to have 2 grinder system.
My apologies. I did not fully read your explanation for replacing the ceramic burrs. It is more about the consistency of the coarse grind vs. range of grind settings.
Ok I saw a bararza video where they say you should not turn the machine upside down in case the lower burr falls out. Can anyone tell me why this is and what effect does the bottom burr carrier have if it does fall out.
Why wouldn't you recommend using steel burrs for espresso? I actually called Baratza because I was having issues with consistency in medium settings and they suggested upgrading to steel burrs. I then asked about espresso and they told me some people actually still like the steel ones better for espresso. The only tweak you need to be aware of is that you need to up your calibration to 3Q (from 2Q for ceramic) because for some reason the steel burrs need to be closer to grind as fine as the ceramic ones.
where is the calibration video? This was very helpful I've ordered my steel burr set for my Vario-W I have a Technivorm moccamaster what settings do you recommend? And calibrating information please. :-)
can you let me know the size of the screwdriver you're using? I can't seem to find one that fits well enough to back the screws out
I understand that the steel burrs assist the grinder in making a coarse grind, but can you achieve the same the coarseness by calibrating the ceramic burrs? I love my Vario and I cannot fathom the need for a more coarse grind.
my experience is that at its most course I could get a paper filter grind.
Ancient comment I know, but it's not about the coarseness it's about the consistency and quality of the grinds that are better suited to a coarser brew methods.
Also the steps are so tiny on the vario that the whole range isn't really that great, so with either burr set most likely I find you need to do a little re-calibration if lets say you want to go from super fine espresso down to a really coarse french press, but for french press and other brew methods I find it's often better to grind finer anyway, for mine I have it calibrated so i can go from Espresso down to filter or aeropress at the coarsest. Default calibration isn't ideal since your burrs are basically touching at at the top / finest settings so ideally adjust that finer and you get more of a larger usable range.
Yes!
Why would anybody in their right mind invest so many $$$ for a capable grinder to be used for drip or percolator coffee.
Hi, Why to remove ceramic for steel ?
It's supposed to be better at the coarser grind settings.