Compare: Baratza Virtuoso vs. Breville Smart Grinder

These two burr coffee grinders are similar in price, so how do they compare in function? Gail takes us through features and demonstrates different grind settings to show how they perform.

[@fitshumor]

For me, the baratza was tedious to clean, the rubber collar rather flimsy and difficult to reassemble. I have the breville now, and love the consistent grind, ease of cleaning, and all the other small touches that make it a winner for me.

[@Grehund]

I've got the Breville, I've never had a problem with it. Very happy with my purchase.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yay!! :) - Kat

[@MatthewFura]

Thank you ladies for you wonderful reviews. I got my Smart Grinder yesterday and used it with my Breville Infuser for the first time. It choked the machine out on the second to lowest grind setting, and I mean completely. I got nothing in the glass. I wasn't able to do that with the Encore it replaced as if I went lower than 7-8 on that, I could not get it actually grind at all. I think once I get the Smart Grinder dialed in, with the dosing, this thing will be perfect for my needs.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

You're welcome! Thanks so much for your feedback :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Burr set on the new Virtuoso is that of the Preciso, so higher quality, better consistency in grind, etc. You can use it with more espresso machines than you can the Encore. As far as residuals ... I haven't done anything scientific but they have similar internal chutes so I'm guess it'll be around the same amount. - Kat

[@mbrown001]

Love my Breville Smart grinder. Always a consistent grind for French press. As a side note, when you set the strength bar to two bars above midpoint, you will get exactly 10g per coffee for every cup amount you chose. (within 1 g either way on a 4 cup selection).

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for the tip! :) - Kat

[@silvermica]

Does the Breville remember its settings? Specifically, will it remember the number of cups it was last set at? I like to wake up in the morning, press one button to start the grind and then contemplate why I need to go to work.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

silvermica Hello! I wasn't able to find any information in their user manual, so I plugged one in to try myself. When I unplugged and plugged back in the Smart Grinder remembered the strength level and grind type, but not how many cups/shots. ~ Sarah

[@silvermica]

Seattle Coffee Gear Oh, wow! Thanks for looking into that! I'm buying my next grinder from you folks.

[@RustyTroller]

I went thru 3 awful Capresso grinders and did much research for a replacement. I bought this Breville based on your review. I LOVE IT! I've had awful grinders for years because the taste of the coffee using this grinder is like NIGHT and DAY. Wow! The grinder is KEY to a good cup of coffee. I use this grinder with my Technivorm. I wish the Technivorm carafe would keep the best cup of coffee hot!

[@juanpaulr]

Kat thanks for the review. I purchased the Smart grinder and the first time I used it I had it set to 5 to 6 clicks from the finest setting using some Starbucks beans. The machine ran perfectly the first time and the coffee did well with the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma. I bought them both at the same time. This is my first grinder and espresso maker and they both passed the test on the first shot literally. Great combination!!!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We are looking at carrying some! Just got some info on a co-op. Kona is based off of Blue Mountain (Jamaican) that has evolved in its own manner on the islands. If we carry some we will definitely do a cupping! From what I've tasted/sampled at shows, it's generally excellent. Price is so high simply because of smaller yields, but you are buying largely from family farms, so that is also worth it IMHO - Kat

[@b16crxt]

I hate that you cut out the grinding portion of the video. I want to hear the difference in the two as well as discussion.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We pulled it when they released the new model; it was generating too many questions regarding whether or not people needed to install the shims. These days, it's rare. They have instructions with the shims if you need them. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Their grind functionality is almost identical, so you're really choosing on bells/whistles and programming/interface, etc. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Personally, I like separate units; but the final practical performance of either setup will be very, very similar. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@fitshumor Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experiences :) - Kat

[@grrwuff4099]

LOL @ 2:41 - "...I can't even get the rubber thing back in (eeh we won't go there)..." LOL Love you guys...

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Tough call! I think it really depends on if you like the interface of the SG ... if so, then go with that guy. If you want something less fancy, the Virtuoso. Similar grind qualities. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

In general, you're looking at anywhere from 15g - 30g of left over coffee in the chutes; this is true of all grinders (save for some new ones Nuova Simonelli has on the horizon). You'll need to grind out about a double shot's worth of grounds when coming to the grinder for the first time or when you make a grind adjustment. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I believe this was with non-Preciso burr Virtuoso. I think either of those grinders would work well, but the Preciso would definitely give you more dial-in functionality. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@RustyTroller Great to hear!!!! I always love a grinder convert :D - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@lyoung0216 For most espresso machines, you want it to be on the coarser side of things - like a fine drip or close to a drip. The brew groups on these can't handle actual espresso grind fineness, and using that in them could damage the brew group (this is a repair we see often). - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MacGuru15 :D Yeah, my laptop was upgraded a few months ago so finally able to process in HD ;) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Some of our stepless models do go fine enough; we just tested out a traditional grinder, though, which we will start carrying. I'm betting you can get the Baratza Vario darn close. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Sort of depends on what you prefer .. the new Virtuoso with Preciso burrs has a bit better grind quality but none of the bells & whistles that the Smart Grinder has ... so better really depends on what's important to you - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I love lever for espresso only -- it makes an amazing double ristretto. I don't like the steam function on these guys, so generally don't recommend them for folks that want to make a lot of milk based drinks. Hope that helps! - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yay!!!! :) Great to hear, Matthew -- thanks for sharing. - Kat

[@leopmoreira]

Hey, very good video and the comparision is very relevant! These are two strong players at the entry level. Did you perform any tests pulling shots from these two grinders side-by-side? It'd be useful to have impressions about flavor from these. I have a Smart Grinder for almost a year and I'm very satisfied with it but would like to know how it compares with Baratza line, regarding flavor profile from ground coffee.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

No - I mean all the bells and whistles - screen, interface, etc. They both have similar chute sizes so will have similar grinds left in them - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@leopmoreira We didn't have time to do shot comparisons but plan to do that in the future - Kat

[@zenjim007]

I use Technivorm and as they advise in their owners manual and site instructions you should pre-heat your carafe in hot water and empty just before starting the brewing process. If you feel your carafe is defective you might send it in for replacement if you have your receipt, they have a 5 year warranty. A third option is to purchase a quality thermo air pot. If you do this, avoid glass interior and go with stainless. I hope this helps.

[@-8_8-]

How do breville and baratza stack up when its time for maintenance? Not just cleaning, but part availability and service ability. My old cheapo is getting thrown out due to inconsistent grinds and a ton of grinds in the motor housing. No part availability, and some parts are riveted, meaning they can't be replaced. And also reliability. What's the expected life of these two products? Does one brand have a history of lasting a longer time, or significant warranty? The virtuoso+ has a handy dandy timer that works by the tenth second. Does the breville have a way to make adjustments to time per cup? Thanks for the comparison, really appreciate knowing that not all of the 40 settings on the baratza are useable. And the static free plastic. Oh, and if you like the questions, here's a more general question: I hear cones are far more consistent, but also produce heat. I'm guessing that's why the clumping. Does this affect flavor of finished product? I'm actually looking at the smart grinder pro vs the virtuoso+. I'm considering buying from your online store, due to this video.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I think it's neck and neck between the Smart and the new Encore; the Maestro/Plus isn't available in the US anymore and it's a step down from the Smart or Encore - Kat

[@Flatbasset]

This was super useful. I just bought the breville and it's fabulous!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Woohoo!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yes, it does seal it up to limit exposure to oxygen - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

There is still some length to the chute so always a bit left over in there unfortunately :( It has a bit of an angle to it - Kat

[@klarinetta]

@ClassicsCafe Yeah I definitely will have coffee to warm me up. The weather here has not been so bad in over 20 years.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@YoungJim409 Ooooo - I will see if we can find it and see how well it works (I like semi-hacks like this!) :D - Kat

[@yubertuber1]

I LOVE KATT AND GAIL!!! I hope Katt is still there.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Encore is the way to go, I think. I'm not big on the excess interface for the Smart Grinder so, for me, it's not worth the extra money. But if he's a gadget geek, then ... - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Or the mini mill slim; both of them perform well - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Wonderful to hear!!! Yay :D Sounds like you have a great setup going ... enjoy :) - Kat

[@mopikozz]

breville thou a good grinder, but bear it mind that IT DOES NOT, clearly "DOES NOT" last. i went thru 1 faulty breville grinder at the office and my home breville just went out on me(nasty jamming/cranking sound, for one: u either get a worn out impeller(plastic) or a strip gear, which Breville does not sell parts for: i had to chuck both grinder out the trash & beyond repair due to main gear issue, after replacing the impeller(3d printed)

[@marcojimenez2725]

VERY important point!

[@beng.3059]

I’m really torn between these two. Which do you believe is the quieter model? I’m biased a little towards the Breville only because the aesthetics would match the Precision Brewer I’m about to buy...plus I like the tech. I’m upgrading because my Cuisinart is WAY too noisy and I live in an apartment. So performance and noise level ultimately will decide.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@simonmccenright1 I would check out the Baratza Vario; if you want to go stepless, the Mazzers are excellent -- or rock it hard with the Mahlkonig Pro M :D - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Nah - not that I know of, sadly. The Saeco superautos have them but the Vario is the cheapest stand alone - Kat

[@MrCorleone62]

What is the best grinder between two?Thanks

[@roman21000]

@Kat. Which one would you go with???

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

MAGNETS!!!!!!!! The way of the future :D - Kat

[@zenjim007]

Nice side by side comparison, if coffee making is the only concern which one did you feel would give the most consistent grind and which did you feel would give the best long term service. Thanks.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@roman21000 Tough call! I am a fairly simple gal, though; I'd probably go with the Virtuoso - Kat

[@TheHiddenMana]

Thanks! One more question... I'm debating between getting a semi-automatic or this lever-style - La Pavoni Europiccola Espresso Maker model EPBB-8. I can't post the link where I found it but I found a model through Cheap Goodz that is within my price range - $495. Thoughts on this particular machine? I know a bit about the pluses and drawbacks of the lever style. Thanks again!

[@TheHiddenMana]

Would you recommend getting the Breville Infuser + Smart grinder or the Barista Express with the grinder integrated?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Nope - it's the same SS conical burr set as is on the Preciso. Only ceramic in the Vario - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@lyoung0216 If you're using a pressurized portafilter, sure - Kat

[@Snap4WeRGodPPL]

Would have been much better with more steady camera operation. I suffer from motion sickness and now I'm feeling queasy :/

[@thePowerPlant]

Both are good grinders, but I still prefer the Baratza line of grinders.

[@klarinetta]

Oh man it has been snowing like there's no tomorrow here in capital city of Iceland Reykjavík. Last winter was also bad but it was more ice. The wether has not been this bad during the winter in over 20 years. I have tough time driving my Nissan Almera and now I can't park in front of my block or I will be stuck.

[@DCUPtoejuice]

the Breville looks to have a rubber seal that would actually keep your beans air tight - yes?

[@HomeCoffeeRoasterUK]

Hi Kat thanks for replying! :) Just by looking at the Breville, it appears that the chute is directly above the burrs thus giving the impression of a clean drop into the container or portafilter below...is it an angled chute? We don't have them here in the UK, so I can't go and view one, sadly!

[@Geckoblue545]

Would you say that the grind quality of the smart grinder is better than that of the Encore or perhaps the Maestro plus? Only drip/ french press brewing wise. Thanks!

[@MohamedElmosaly]

Thanks for answering me regarding the Breville Turkish setting. Does the Baratza have a setting to grind fine enough for turkish coffee?

[@HomeCoffeeRoasterUK]

Hi Kat and Gail just wanted to know if the Breville retained much waste from the chute or was it a clean drop into the portafilter? I note another company is producing the same grinder but much improved here: Gastroback Design Coffee Grinder Advanced Pro the Breville looks neat, but if you could advise on the chute waste, then that would be great! Thanks again for you cool vidz! :)

[@simonmccenright1]

what would be the best grinder for a Rancillio silcia v3 for having a consistent shot/amount of ground coffee each time ?? No price restriction. Right now I have a gaggia MM and i'm ready to upgrade. Thank you very much (all your videos are very informative !)

[@nickcoleman2050]

Was the review/comparison for the Virtuoso with the Preciso burrs ...or, the older model. I'm debating between the two models Barazta Virtuoso Preciso and the Breville BCG800XL Use would be with a Saeco Via Venezia with non-pressurized portafilter. Thought?

[@billybob-dp2fw]

Kat... These are the 2 grinders im looking at. Id be using them for the ec155 (pressurized) but the near future, im going to get the dual boiler or the oscar. What would you say for the durability? And what one would work better for the machines? Im just afraid that all the digital stuff is just another thing to go bad, and be repaired.

[@itsjaynguyen]

i remember seeing a video from you guys to show how to shim the breville. where did that vid go?

[@klarinetta]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Thanks it's difficult to work in the post these days.

[@tinanichols3361]

I am torn between these two grinders. I just bought the espro press but haven't received it yet and will be purchasing a grinder to use with it. But I also want something that will work for espresso when I someday get a machine. I don't have a scale to weigh anything and I'm already going over my budget but I know the grinder is important. So I'm leaning towards the Breville but it really comes down to whats better paired for the espro. Do you have a suggestion?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Both are great. I'd say in the long run the Virtuoso does a better job for espresso. The smart grinder does have a lot of different features that are great. The Virtuoso is pretty straight forward with just grinding. Both can work for what you're trying to do. - Steven

[@DCUPtoejuice]

Does Weaker/Stronger setting change the amount or the grind?

[@Icoyddog]

So, in your opinion is the coarsest setting a great grind for french press or should I grind finer? I plan to purchase this over a baratza. The grind matters in french press!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Both grinders should work for french press. Each grinder will be a little different which is why you will want to dial it in (play with the settings to choose one that works for you). French press is a little forgiving for grind size. The main reason for a coarse grind is so that it does not clog your mesh filter. - Steven

[@fahmiwaas3577]

Which you prefer Breville or Virtuoso?

[@OneYummyCupcake]

I'm trying to decide between these 2. Will be using for drip coffee and pour over (don't have an espresso machine now but may get one in the future). For my specific needs, which would you recommend? thanks!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Excellent grinders for those applications :) The Breville will give you more programability (grind time, ect) and if you ever wanted to get into espresso- it could do that as well. :)

[@xXDarkxIdealsXx]

I wish you would actually compare the TASTE of a shot with these grinders, otherwise it isn't much of a comparison imho. I'm just getting into espresso after dealing with a TON of pour-over from being in japan for a time; i bought a Hario Mini-Mill hand grinder which one of your videos said is about as good as the Virtuoso, and i got a De'Longhi EC155 show model from you guys that arrives tomorrow and i'm kind of regretting not getting something better quality, although i can't afford anything better at the moment. I'm going to start saving up for better gear but unsure of what to get, it'll be for just me and my father, perhaps the occasional guest too; so around 2-3 double shots a day, 4 max. Which i presume would mean i don't need a dual boiler or a particularly large single boiler like the Rancilio Silvia (overpriced according to what i've researched) so my current plan is to go for the Gaggia Classic and mod the panarello by replacing it with the Silvia's wand ($25) then i thought of perhaps getting the Breville Smart Grinder or maybe the Gaggia MDF or the Baratza Preciso but I can't seem to figure out which would be worthwhile upgrade to get better espresso and people on coffeegeek and home-barista etc.. say that anything less than around a Baratza Preciso/Rocky etc.. (i was also reccomended to try the OE Lido for a manual). I'm also kind of considering this Breville Barista Express since it would save me on the grinder purchase and convenience etc.. any opinions? (sorry for the long post)

[@gigi9467]

hey i had that combination too, haro and the ec155. in fact i still have the ec155 withought the pressurized portofilter u can make a cery decent shot with that haro. i just got a baratza vario cuz am planning to upgrade the machine soon but in the mean time the stuff u ordered will work well for u i wouldnt regret it.

[@pertileluca]

Breville of course!

[@mongomondomongo]

What is your best manual hand grinder? Hario Skerton?

[@bodhid]

Great review, thanks!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+bodhid Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@JtothaR06 Hahaha - Kat

[@runupscape]

Breville Smart Grinder FOR THE WIN

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@klarinetta Stay safe!!!! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Virtuoso - Kat

[@wesleyjordan8349]

I love your video "content" ladies but I have to say, it's very difficult to watch your videos and enjoy them because the camera pans back, forth, left, right every second of the video. This is the same for all of your videos. Please be kind and have your camera person keep the camera steady on the product long enough for viewers to actually see it. Try watching your own videos.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Wesley Jordan Thanks for watching! Check out some of our newer content here: kzbin.infovideos Cheers!

[@wesleyjordan8349]

Seattle Coffee Gear WOW! What a difference. Thank you very much. Your new videos look fantastic. Thank you for sharing the link. :-)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

+Wesley Jordan Of course! Thanks for watching :D Check out our weekly wrap up video series Good Morning Gail-- every Sunday! :D Easy way to catch up on our latest videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKjNloeQfc-Jf80

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Dose amount - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I am concerned for you ;) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Warrenff5 :D

[@wheelchairboy88]

Great video. I was curious which one of these grinders would give a coarse enough grind and are consistent in the grind size for cold brew coffee?

[@valarie1652]

Did you get your answer? That's my current dilemma!!

[@aromgelt8756]

Hi.. I Bougth the virtuoso baratza for my cafe .. what is your opinión about my purchase?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Arom Gelt What is the volume of your cafe?

[@aromgelt8756]

Seattle Coffee Gear at less 50 to 60 espressos per Day.. I have another grinder too like the rancilio rocky...

[@xXDarkxIdealsXx]

Arom Gelt From what i've seen and heard from others the Rocky is actually better than the Virtuoso for espresso, as the Virtuoso has much wider difference in grind size between each setting (i.e. the difference in particle size between setting it at 10 to 11 is much larger than the difference between 10 and 11 on the rocky) whereas the Virtuoso is supposedly very good for coarse grind methods like French Press. The experts i've talked to say that for espresso you don't want anything less than a Preciso if you're buying Baratza, or something like the Rancilio Rocky, Lelit PL53, Ascasa i-mini etc.. so if your rocky doesn't do French Press and Pour Over properly then i'd say the Virtuoso is a great addition for your cafe, but if the Rocky does French Press and pourover fine or if you don't do french press/pourover much or at all in your cafe i'd probably take the Virtuoso back and get one of the others i mentioned. The Baratza Vario is one that apparently produces OUTSTANDING espresso even better than some of the super expensive $600+ mazzer's, but is around $450-500 iirc.

[@whitmorj]

I had the Smart Grinder for 8 months doing drip coffee. Sadly when I went to grind fine for my first espresso, it stripped the gear train which is plastic. There are no replacement gears for the Smart Grinder. Great for coffee grinds, not a good choice for espresso grinding.

[@innayan987]

Absolutely not true.

[@whitmorj]

@@innayan987 You are wrong. Machine was disassembled after it stopped grinding. Gear train is a white plastic (maybe nylon), and the teeth were broke off.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@runupscape :D

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@pertileluca :D

[@DCUPtoejuice]

ah amount.

[@Warrenff5]

breville.

[@vernonsouder7164]

I agree, hard to watch, lousy camera work and silly women

[@robertatchison556]

I move around KZbin trying to find out about grinders and I see many serious videos sharing expertise then I come to your videos. I am actually trying to learn something and your laughing and joking is past annoying. Others share great information about cleaning, durability and operation. The camera person needs to give this job to someone that remains quiet. I avoid all your videos.

[@mariai9549]

Good. don't need a sourpuss on this channel. buh bye!

[@ChristopherJones-cjphoto]

God, silly women really make this hard to watch.