So having been watching too many of James’, Lance’ and Kyle’s videos whilst laid up with covid I got taken with this one from Lance.
I have been aware of the Alicorn hyper alignment mod for the Vario for a few years, and even tried it myself on my 10 year old machine a few months ago with the now old ceramic burrs. I think its made an improvement, but I was still thinking about an upgrade, but to get similar quality, for both espresso and pour over it would be well over £500 especially as I don’t have much room and like to single dose, so that rules out some of the ebay options. In reality it came down to the Niche.
However the full upgrade to metal parts and burrs, in effect giving me a Forte (albeit with a 10 year old motor) for £100 seemed like a more cost effective way to upgrade (not quite removed the Niche itch, but my wife won’t notice the new internals to the grinder, but would a complete new one!)
I know that Lance pitches at the more affordable end of products compared to James, he promotes the Breville’s a lot, but he does sound genuinely impressed. I single dose already with it and with the flapper mod and BDT I get consistently <0.1g retention (or difference between in and out - I might get some exchange I know).
Anyway, after a good chat with the Baratza technician at Coffee Hit I have steel Ditting burrs, metal grind chamber and metal burr carrier on the way. Screwdrivers and dry wipe marker at the ready for some alignment next week. (Interestingly Coffee Hit give £140 credit on trade in on old Baratza grinders if anyone is interested, albeit you effectively have to buy a new Baratza from them given their supply, not sure if they credit for other purchases)
Its also a good use for the kilo of old dark roast beans someone gifted me that I really don’t like, helping season the burrs. I think I might need more, so does anyone have tips on sourcing cheapest beans to use for seasoning?
I’ll let you know how I get on.
