Virtuoso+

Just get a Baratza Virtuoso Plus. It wasn’t released generally until AFTER Epstein died.

If $500 is your budget, then Ode 2. I have the baratza virtuoso+ and it gets the job done just fine, got it for $200. Prefer the look of the Ode 2 I’ll admit.

When my encore got to be over twelve years old, I sent it to baratza and had it rebuilt…new motor, circuit board etc. I also had them upgrade the burr to the m2 burr. This is the burr used in the virtuoso +. While I was waiting, I got a virtuoso +, because I can’t wait that long for a cup of coffee😄

The Virtuoso+ will probably be the only grinder to last as long as your MM. They are ugly and built like tanks, but you can basically rebuild the entire machine, ship of Theseus style, using parts from the Baratza site. The Ode2 is pretty though…

For brewed coffee you won't do better than the Baratza Virtuoso+. It's cheaper and superior than most brew grinders. Actually, you could upgrade the Encore to the M2 burrs and turn it into an almost-virtuoso.

Get a Baratza Virtuoso+. It's an investment but a significant step up from the Encore and totally worth it. What kind of drip matters, too. I have an Origami for that and am quite happy.

I was in the same shoes as you several years ago. I have the moccamaster, and I bought a Baratza Virtuoso+ - it's been great for darker-roast type coffees, which was what I focused on back then. Baratza customer care is terrific. I then got into espresso, and bought the Encore ESP with single-dose h

I have a Baratza Virtuoso+ and love it. I would recommend it.

This post is a bit old. Seems like this machine will do a pre infusion no matter what, but you can extend the pre infusion by 1 or 2 seconds. After I made this post I wound up turning off the extended pre infusion because it was too much for the 14 gram basket that was included with the machine. I'v

I've had a Baratza Virtuoso+ for 6 years for pourover/Aeropress, and it has been great. I saw the ESP Pro and figured that was the logical replacement, but I've seen so many negative comments about the ESP Pro here from owners who find it has a lot of issues. I know this is just reddit, but still, i