That said, it is an extremely expensive device, and other less expensive models perform just as well or better. My only criticism would be that although the grinds are generally uniform and definitely fine enough for espresso, the distribution needs some work to get consistent shots without channeling. These programmable controls only adjust the time the coffee grinds; they do not adjust the grind setting, which is done manually with dials.

Push the portafilter holder out to the widest setting, and you can use the anti-static grounds bin, which holds up to 160g. Expert: Stepless grind adjustments and pro-barista features make these the top of the line in coffee grinding.Coffeeomega staffs were very helpful and friendly to deal with in recommending me the right grinder. Whether the Baratza Sette 270 represents good value for you ultimately comes down to whether you want a solid all-rounder or a grinder that is more geared towards particular coffee brewing methods. The 270 model uses timed grinding only, so you’ll need to know what time equates to what amount of coffee beans or weigh things out beforehand. The Baratza Forte AP and it’s consumer grade Vario brother have been subjected to a huge number of blind taste testings over the years, which puts their cup quality on par with the established range of 64mm flat burr grinders. Thankfully it’s a low noise rather than a high-pitched whine, and the fast grind speed means you don’t have to put up with it for long.

The straight-through design of the grinder mechanism eliminates the need for a coffee chute and allows more versatility when it comes to how you collect your grounds.

A fellow coffee enthusiast asked: “Hey Arne, I already have a scale like that — even one from Acaia! A step less micro adjust with 9 indicators, allows the user to accurately dial in a perfect espresso. After adding one shim, the Sette functioned great as an espresso grinder and could still make a good V60. That’s why it’s really no coincidence that our friends at Coffee Circle are barely keeping up with deliveries, elevating the Baratza Sette 270Wi (just like I’ve done) to the 2021 review winner among coffee grinders.

To complement our own first hand experience, we draw from reputable sources within the industry, including coffee communities such as the coffee and espresso SubReddits, and a number of specialty coffee forums and private groups. Now my other grinders — for espresso — have to sit on the bench because the 270Wi is the new shining star. On the Baratza Sette series FAQ page, it says something that I find particularly interesting: “If you make 10 double espressos per day, the grinder will last 24 years. The ground coffee falls directly from the burrs into the well-designed grounds bin, meaning less coffee residue gets trapped in the machine. I have to admit that the quality of the Baratza Sette 270Wi made quite an impression on me in every way — it convinced the Specialty Coffee Association of America, too, which is why it named the magnificent seven the “Best New Product” in 2016.

The “270Wi” model is equipped with an additional function: not only does it count the grinding duration, but it also allows you to choose how many grams you’d like to grind. With an external scale, you often have to reckon with losses during decanting or weighing — lest we forget, every bit of dust matters.

Out of the box I am already using settings 4B to grind illy Classico beans (tinned) for my Gaggia Classic Pro. Otherwise, setting the grinder — or the dose — is very easy, especially since the scale clearly communicates its results via the front-mounted display. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity so that you can pair your Sette 270Wi with Acaia’s Sette Updater app on iOS to ensure timely updates if a change to the software is made. Sette's sister model 270Wi has a built in scale, and the programming is done by specifying the desired amount by weight with a 0,1 gram precision.

The Baratza Sette 270Wi coffee grinder is able to grind for any brew method including espresso, making this the grinder we'd recommend for home espresso enthusiasts.