Overview
The Baratza Virtuoso+ upgrades the Encore with a digital timer display and slightly improved 40mm conical burrs for better consistency. The timer allows precise, repeatable dosing, and the improved burrs produce a more uniform grind across all settings. The Virtuoso+ is the quintessential all-purpose home coffee grinder — equally comfortable grinding for pour-over, French press, AeroPress, and passable espresso. While dedicated espresso grinders outperform it for shot-pulling, the Virtuoso+ versatility makes it ideal for multi-method households. Baratza legendary customer service and readily available replacement parts ensure this grinder will serve for many years.
The Baratza Virtuoso+ features a 40mm conical burr set, crafted from steel. The burrs spin at 550 RPM, balancing grinding speed with heat management. Grind retention is approximately 1.5g, typical for a hopper-fed workflow.
At $269, the Baratza Virtuoso+ is aimed at home baristas seeking a solid grinder without a premium price tag. With a 230g hopper, it's designed for a traditional hopper-fed workflow. The conical burr design is known for producing a slightly bimodal grind distribution, which many enjoy for its body and complexity in espresso.
The Baratza Virtuoso+ is weighing 3.6 kg, manufactured in USA, powered by a 110W motor. Its footprint measures 120 x 170 x 350 mm (W×D×H).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Conical burr design offers a bimodal grind profile that many enjoy for its body and complexity
- Well-regarded in the home espresso community for consistent grind quality in its price bracket
Cons
- Stepped grind adjustment may not allow fine enough tuning between settings for espresso
- Not optimized for single dosing — hopper-fed design may result in some grind exchange between doses
Full Specifications
| Brand | Baratza |
|---|---|
| Model | Baratza Virtuoso+ |
| Category | Conical Burr |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Year Introduced | 2019 |
| Burr Size | 40 mm |
| Burr Material | Steel |
| Burr Type | 40mm conical |
| Grind Speed | 550 RPM |
| Retention | 1.5 g |
| Single Dose | No |
| Stepless Adjustment | No |
| Hopper Capacity | 230 g |
| Motor Wattage | 110 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 120 x 170 x 350 mm |
| Weight | 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs) |
| MSRP | $269 |
Our Verdict
The Baratza Virtuoso+ from Baratza is a solid option in the mid-range grinder segment. Conical burrs are a popular choice for home espresso, offering good grind quality with generally lower noise and less heat buildup than flat burrs. The slightly bimodal grind distribution can produce espresso with more body and texture. Remember the golden rule: the grinder is at least as important as the espresso machine. A great grinder paired with a modest machine will outperform a modest grinder paired with a great machine every time. At this price, it's a capable starting point that will serve you well as you learn your espresso workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Baratza Virtuoso+ grind fine enough for espresso?
Yes, the Baratza Virtuoso+ is capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. You may need to experiment with the stepped settings to find the sweet spot for your beans.
How do the conical burrs in the Baratza Virtuoso+ affect espresso?
Conical burrs produce a slightly bimodal grind distribution, which creates espresso with more body, texture, and complexity compared to flat burrs. Many espresso lovers prefer this characteristic — it produces a richer, more traditional espresso profile.
How do I maintain the Baratza Virtuoso+?
Clean out retained grounds after each use with a brush or bellows. Deep clean the burrs every 2-4 weeks by removing them and brushing away oil buildup. For the motor, occasional use of grinder cleaning tablets (like Grindz) helps remove coffee oil buildup. Never wash burrs with water.
