Michael Rosso ♦ Denis...The Baratza Vario has a better anti static system than the other Baratza grinders. Thanks

12-28-2010 9:49am |

Michael Rosso ♦ Danielle...Thanks for your interest in the Baratza grinders. Both the Maestro and Maestro Plus housing are made of plastic. The Maestro Plus has a metal base and the Maestro does not. The sound level while grinding is lower with the Maestro Plus than the Maestro. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at 1-888-411-5282 option 1. Happy grinding.

11-29-2010 6:13pm |

mjackson ♦ Joel,

It is either time for a thorough cleaning or time to change burrs. I would try the cleaning first. If that doesn't work
get new burrs. Here are cleaning instructions.

Step One:
Unplug your machine and empty the Bean Hopper of any beans. Turn the bean hopper counter clock-wise as far as it will go and lift it straight up off the machine.

Step Two:
Reach inside the machine and remove the Removable Top Burr. You may need to wiggle it side to side slightly to get it to remove. Clean underneath the Burr and make sure to brush off the grounds from the Removable Top Burr and the Lower Rotating Burr. Take a paper clip and unbend it until the wire is straight. With the machine fully cleaned you’ll notice on the inside of your machine that there is a chute that the ground beans travel through from the Lower Rotating Burr to your Grounds Bin. This is the horizontal slot at about 5 o’clock on the inner wall inside the lower burr cavity. Feed your paper clip into this chute and circle it around so that you can break up any residue that may be clogging this machine.



Step Three:
Look at the Removable Top Burr. You’ll notice it is in a slightly oval shape with two straight edges and two rounded edges. You’ll also notice that on each straight edge there is an arm that juts down along the side of the Burr. At the end of each of these arms there should be a small tab that sticks out horizontally 1/8th of an inch (see photo). If these have broken off or are missing, your machine will not allow you to adjust your grind. Also run your finger along the smallest of the teeth on the Removable Top Burr. While they should not cut your finger, the Burr teeth should be sharp enough to slightly grab your finger as you slide it over them. If these teeth are worn down to a smooth surface you may want to consider replacing your Removable Top Burr, you may contact Baratza with the toll free number listed below.
Once you have inspected and cleaned your machine go ahead and replace the Removable Top Burr, making sure to seat the tabs down into their corresponding grooves. You will want to rotate the Grind Adjustment Ring two notches or “clicks” clockwise to help lock your burr into place (see photo).



If you rotate the Grind Adjustment Ring too far clockwise you will not be able to replace your Bean Hopper. Replace the Bean Hopper and try to grind a handful of beans. Test your grinder by adjusting to different grind settings.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need to order a new Removable Top Burr, please do not hesitate to contact us.

11-01-2010 10:58am |

BaristaCorner Good Morning Petr...I am glad that you are taking the time to ask this question because it does come up quite often. In terms of durability and a consistent grind fine enough for quality espresso, the grinder that would fit your needs best, and be reasonably priced for a starving student would be the Baratza Virtuoso. Because the retaining ring for the burr set is metal, it is not likely to break like the plastic retaining rings tend to do on the less expensive grinders. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly at 888-411-5282, Ext 5140. I would be happy to give you advise you further. Thank you, Eric Black

08-11-2010 11:51am |

TechMilanoItalia Guillaume, yes, you are certainly looking in the right direction. Either machine would grind fine enough for that machine.

06-29-2010 5:58pm |

TechMilanoItalia Unfortunately, we cannot recommend using this product for anything other than grinding coffee. The burrs are replaceable, and can be purchased directly through Baratza.

03-04-2010 12:01pm |

WholeLatteLoveRep1 Hi Mark! With what you are looking to do with the grinder you will not see much of a difference between then. The Virtuoso does tend to be a bit more durable however. We ship from NY.

01-07-2010 6:50pm |

mjackson ♦ Judson,

It is a very good grinder for the money. I think you mean by plastic hopper gears the adjustment collar. It is made of plastic but a durable plastic. It does have metal conical burrs. It is made to work with most espresso machines and will do all grinds from fine to course. As with any piece of equipment is is good to know what you are getting. I still think you should be careful with any grinder when you adjust the grind. It is hard to get a better grinder for this amount of money. I would say go ahead and get the grinder and just follow the instructions on setting the grind. If you do that and keep the grinder clean you will be very happy.

12-31-2009 11:29am |

TechMilanoItalia Unfortunately, we do not stock parts for those grinders, but Baratza should be able to supply it. You can give them a call at 877.701.2021

12-14-2009 9:41am |

Whole Latte Love Staff The Capresso F9 has a chrome alloy front panel, but the sides and back are constructed of plastic.

05-16-2004 10:46am |