Vario+

I had a vario, 886, and upgraded it to steel burrs. I really enjoyed it and being able to also do espresso. But I found that I got more rounded notes and changed it up to try and seek out those specific flavor notes. Ultimately a personal preference

I’ve owned and daily used the 078 since the kickstarters shipped (2 years maybe?) and highly recommend it. Previously I’ve used the Ode, DF64V, SSP MP burrs, SSP lab sweet burrs, Baratza Vario+ with steel burrs, and the 1ZPresso KMax. The 078 has been by far the best of that group

You won't regret springing for a Vario +. You won't need another upgrade unless you end up getting an ek43 down the line or something. 

You won't regret it if you do wait and save for it! It is the absolute best domestic grinder in my opinion, unless you want to do espresso. I don't think it does espresso.  As an extreme enthusiast of the coffee lifestyle, i honestly do not believe there is a better value for your money than the vario+. You could get a kingrinder k6 well, you save if you don't mind hand grinding!

Vario / Forte with steel burrs is a sleeper pick and is the poster child for "bigger is not always better" when it comes to burrs. If money was no object I'd probably go with Lagom 01 or Kafatek M98v.

The Ode Gen 2 is a significant upgrade over an Encore, but if you're going to be spending that much money on a grinder, just get an a4z for a little more, which is a significant upgrade over the Ode Gen 2. I personally upgraded over the years from encore -> vario -> ode gen 2 -> a4z. Just skip the middle, go right for the a4z.