Baratza - Vario™ W+ (ZCG988WHT1BUC1A)

There is a comparison of many grinders you're looking at [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/LanceHedrick/comments/139zzei/addendum_to_sculptor_video/). There is a description of the coffee produced although they are very much toward Lance's preferences. I have a Baratza Vario W+ which makes excellent coffee and is relatively forgiving. While Baratza's are not the most trendy (single dose, low retention, static reduction, etc), they are very well built and have a history of reliability and support should something go wrong (you can actually buy nearly all of the parts or have them service the machine). With newer models you will likely gain features or lower the price but you run more risks on longevity.

I had the Vario W+ for a while and liked it during that time. Although I have to say that I've abandoned automatic weight dosing by now.

It was convenient, but I would have occasional inconsistencies that led me to think it was part of the problem. Usually it was pretty accurate, but occasionally the weight would be off just enough to be annoying. Also, the grinder retained a fair amount, which was a slight issue the next morning because you'd get some day old grinds. I don't think it was bad at all, and it certainly was convenient... But in the end I started ignoring the weight function by setting the target weight really high, and then single dosing. It also means I can use a couple sprays of water to reduce friction. That being said, now I have a Zerno Z1 which was a remarkable upgrade, and I wouldn't consider going back. The Vario was great for its price range though. It made some good pour over as well.

Another vote for Baratza. I've had my Baratza Vario-W+ for going on 15 years and it has been flawless. Like others have said, parts and servicing is easy. I replaced the motherboard on it once, but that was due to a power spike after a power outage. Not a cheap date, but it'll give you many years of service. I also like it as you can get consistent weighs due to the built-in scale. Solid build, great service, easy maintenance...Just my .02

I would spend more and get. The baratza vario w+.... Grind by weight is really nice. Press a button and get an exact dose by weight

It is but it's about the same price as the niche zero and far more useful for folks who are looking for convenience over single dosing

Vario+W with steelies is probably all you need. Or one of the femobooks. Ode Gen2 is good too if you prefer the look.

They only sell the + now. One of the upgrades they made was to make steel standard since most people were upgrading to steel anyway

Yep you’re right I’ve been looking at the W+ and I think it was mostly because of the steel burrs. Thanks for all your help on this one

I am using my vario w+ sometimes for pourover. It might be not as good as Pietro, but tbh I feel it is good enough. I don’t use it often for pourover for it is set for espresso, and adjust back and forth will lose its espresso setting. I did consider timemore 64s at that time, but finally went to a grinder with good history of reputation

I don’t have issues switching between grinds with the vario-w. Just change the grind when running and there aren’t beans in the hopper. I’m not storing beans in the hopper anyway. 

You may be able to find a used Baratza Vario-W around that price. The ceramic burrs are not recommended for multipurpose use, so if you're interested in more than espresso or want to pull something more modern, try to find the steel burrs instead.

The baratza vario w can do either espresso well or the others well - but doesnt not switch between them well. The answer for me was to have two of them! one for espresso - one for everything else.