My journey into home coffee roasting really kicked off with a pivotal purchase: my Baratza Virtuoso+ grinder. Before even thinking about roasting my own beans, I knew that a good grinder was non-negotiable. As the saying goes, “You can buy a cheap coffee machine, but make sure you buy a really good grinder.” I firmly believe that the grinder is the unsung hero of a great cup of coffee.
I snagged this beauty for a mere $100 on Facebook Marketplace – what a steal! It was my first proper coffee grinder, and I spent a good amount of time watching YouTube videos to get acquainted with all its features and how to operate it effectively. It felt like a significant step toward controlling every aspect of my coffee experience.
One of the great features of the Virtuoso+ is its wide range of grind settings. You can see some of them below from the super fine ‘0’ to the coarse ’40’. Generally, settings around ‘0-5′ are ideal for espresso, while ’10-20′ is great for pour-overs, AeroPress, or Moka pots. Coarser settings, like ’30-40’, are perfect for French press or cold brew.
