If you’re a coffee aficionado, you probably know the importance of a high-quality grinder in achieving the perfect cup of coffee.
Baratza, a renowned name in the coffee grinder industry, offers two popular models: the Sette 270 and the Sette 270Wi.
But if you already own the Sette 270, you might be wondering, is it worth upgrading to the 270Wi?
In this comparison, we’ll look at the differences and improvements between these two Baratza grinders to help you decide whether you should take the plunge and upgrade your coffee grinder.
| Aspect | Baratza Sette 270 | Baratza Sette 270Wi |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding System | Timed (dosing by time) | Weight-based (Acaia Scale) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Portafilter Holder | Standard | Improved with weighing function |
| Price | Around $400 | About $600 |
Baratza Sette Series Overview
The Baratza Sette series is a family of top-notch coffee grinders tailor-made for home baristas.
Within this series, you’ll find three standout models: the Sette 30 AP, Sette 270, and Sette 270Wi.
If you’re just starting your espresso journey and want a reliable grinder without breaking the bank, the Sette 30 AP is a perfect pick.
For those looking for a step up in features and performance, the Sette 270 and 270Wi are the more advanced siblings in the series.
We’ll delve into their upgrades in the next section.
One of the standout features of the Sette series is its innovative straight-thru design, which ensures minimal ground retention.
This means your coffee beans take a direct path from the burrs into your portafilter, brewing gadget, or container, reducing waste.
What makes the Sette series even more appealing is its exceptional repeatability and nearly zero grounds retention.
This makes it an excellent choice for single dosing, where you can grind just the amount of coffee you need for each brew.
These grinders are highly favored by coffee professionals, and you can trust Baratza’s world-class support should you ever need assistance.
In a nutshell, the Sette series is designed to elevate your coffee game and ensure you get the most out of your beans.
Baratza Sette 270 Overview
The Baratza Sette 270 is the go-to choice for coffee lovers who want to craft both espresso and manual brews at home.
What sets it apart is its smart design that ensures no coffee grounds get left behind.
Your coffee beans travel directly from the burrs into your portafilter, brewing gadget, or container.
With a whopping 270 grind settings, you have a world of options at your fingertips.
But here’s the magic: within these settings, you can make super precise tweaks with the micro-adjustments.
It’s like having 270 pinpoint grind sizes to pick from! And if that’s not enough, you can even fine-tune your grind range using the stepless micro adjustment ring.
The Sette 270 also offers programmable timed grinding.
This means you can dial in your preferred grind time, and it’ll consistently and reliably dose the exact amount of coffee you want.
The handy LCD front panel makes it a breeze to set the grind time, with easy up and down arrows allowing you to adjust in increments as tiny as 1/100th of a second.
Cleaning up after your grind session is a snap, and you can easily personalize your grind range thanks to the removable adjustment ring and the included shims.
In a nutshell, the Baratza Sette 270 is a game-changer in the world of home espresso grinders.
It brings reliability, versatility, and precision to your coffee-making routine, setting a new standard for performance in the home barista world.
Baratza Sette 270Wi Overview
The Baratza Sette 270Wi is the older sibling of the Baratza Sette 270, but it’s got a few tricks up its sleeve.
The big difference? The 270Wi has a nifty active weighing system that always keeps an eye on your coffee dose as it grinds, while the 270 relies on time to measure the dose.
The 270Wi made waves when it hit the scene because it was the first espresso grinder to do this.
It’s got an integrated Acaia scale that lets you dose your coffee by weight, straight into your portafilter.
What does this mean for you? Well, it means you can get super precise with your coffee dosing.
The Sette 270Wi takes the cool concept of the 270W and makes it even better by adding this weight-based dosing system.
The result? You can expect it to dose your coffee within just three-tenths of a gram of your target dose, every time.
Key Similarities Between Baratza Sette 270 vs Sette 270Wi
Quiet Operation and Compact Design
One notable commonality between the Baratza Sette 270 and Sette 270Wi is their quiet operation.
This is made possible by their belt drives and slow-turning DC motors.
Whether you’re grinding coffee early in the morning or late at night, you won’t wake the whole house.
Furthermore, both grinders are compact, making them ideal for homes with limited kitchen space or busy countertops.
The Sette 270 stands at 15 inches tall, while the 270Wi is slightly taller at 16 inches.
Apart from this height difference, they share identical dimensions, measuring 5 inches in width and 9.5 inches in depth.
Their small footprint means they won’t dominate your counter space, which is a big plus for home baristas.
Ample Hopper and Grounds Bin Capacity
Another similarity is their hopper and ground bin capacity.
Both the Sette 270 and 270Wi boast a 10 oz beans hopper, providing plenty of room for your coffee beans.
When it comes to collecting your freshly ground coffee, both models offer a 5.5 oz grounds bin, allowing you to grind enough coffee for multiple cups without constant emptying.
User-Friendly LED Screen and Portafilter Holder
For ease of use, both grinders come equipped with a backlit LED screen.
This screen is your control center, allowing you to adjust time settings and various grinder parameters.
It ensures that you can dial in your preferred settings with precision and convenience.
Additionally, both the Sette 270 and Sette 270Wi feature adjustable arms that securely hold your portafilter or the container of your choice.
This user-friendly design simplifies the grinding process, making it straightforward to transfer your freshly ground coffee to your brewing device.
Precise Grind Adjustment and 40mm Steel Conical Burrs
The Sette 270 and 270Wi share the same precision when it comes to grind adjustment.
They offer both macro and micro adjustment options, allowing you to fine-tune your grind size according to your brewing method.
Moreover, both grinders are equipped with 40mm conical burrs made from steel.
They are on the smaller side but they are designed to provide consistent and high-quality grinding, ensuring your coffee beans are ground to perfection, whether you’re brewing espresso or manual pour-over coffee.
Key Differences Between The Baratza Sette 270 vs Sette 270Wi
Grinding System: Weight vs. Time
The most prominent difference between the Baratza Sette 270 and the Baratza Sette 270Wi lies in their grinding systems.
The 270 operates on a timed grinding system, where you set the grind duration in seconds to determine the coffee dose.
In contrast, the 270Wi employs a weight-based grinding system, thanks to its integrated “Acaia Scale” technology.
This means you can precisely measure your coffee by weight, giving you greater control over the dose.
With just a simple push of a button, the 270Wi ensures your coffee grounds are dispensed according to weight, rather than time.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Keeping Up with Updates
The Sette 270Wi comes equipped with a feature the Sette 270 lacks – Bluetooth capabilities.
This modern addition allows you to stay up to date with the latest grinder firmware.
It means your grinder can receive software updates, ensuring it remains in tip-top shape and potentially even improving its performance over time.
This is a forward-thinking feature that the 270 doesn’t offer.
Portafilter Holder: Improved Precision
When it comes to the portafilter holder, the 270Wi takes a step beyond the Sette 270.
The Sette 270 has a standard portafilter holder, while the 270Wi boasts an improved holder with an integrated weighing function.
This means the 270Wi can be trusted to dispense the dose directly into the center of your portafilter basket with exceptional accuracy.
This level of precision can be a game-changer for those who demand the perfect espresso shot every time.
Price: The Budget Consideration
Of course, one of the most significant differences for many potential buyers is the price tag.
The Baratza Sette 270 is priced at around $400, while the Sette 270Wi comes in at approximately $600.
The $200 price difference is certainly substantial, especially for budget-conscious individuals.
When deciding between the two models, you’ll need to weigh the additional features of the 270Wi against the extra cost to determine if it’s a worthwhile investment for your coffee-making needs.
It’s a decision that depends on your specific requirements and budget constraints.
The Verdict: Choosing Between the Baratza Sette 270 vs Sette 270Wi
When deciding between the Baratza Sette 270 and the Sette 270Wi, the right choice depends on your specific coffee preferences, budget considerations, and the importance of certain features.
Here’s a breakdown of who should opt for each grinder:
Baratza Sette 270: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse
The Baratza Sette 270 is a great choice for those on a budget and beginners.
It offers reliable performance with its timed grinding system and is a cost-effective entry point into espresso grinding.
For Precision Enthusiasts: Baratza Sette 270Wi
If you’re a precision-oriented coffee enthusiast who values cutting-edge features and connectivity, the Baratza Sette 270Wi is the grinder to go for.
Its weight-based grinding, Bluetooth capabilities, and enhanced portafilter holder offer a new level of control and accuracy, making it worth the slightly higher price.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between 270 and 270Wi grinders?
The primary difference between the Baratza Sette 270 and Sette 270Wi lies in their grinding systems.
The Sette 270 uses a timed grinding system, dosing your coffee based on the duration you set.
In contrast, the Sette 270Wi employs a weight-based grinding system with the integrated “Acaia Scale” technology.
This means it can grind by weight with the push of a button, offering more precise control over your coffee dose.
The Sette 270Wi also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, an improved portafilter holder with a weighing function, and a higher price tag.
Can the Baratza Sette 270 grind for drip coffee?
The Baratza Sette 270 is an all-purpose conical burr grinder that is versatile enough to grind for all brew methods, including drip coffee.
Can Sette 270 do pour-over?
The Baratza Sette 270 is capable of grinding for pour-over coffee, thanks to its adjustable grind settings.
However, it is primarily optimized for espresso grinding.
If you predominantly brew pour-over coffee, you might consider a grinder specifically designed for coarser grind settings, as it can provide more consistent results for this brewing method.
What is the difference between Baratza Sette 270 and 30?
The Baratza Sette 30 is an affordable choice for those seeking a capable grinder without a significant investment.
However, it may not be the ideal option for espresso enthusiasts due to the absence of micro-adjustments, limiting its precision.
In contrast, the Baratza Sette 270, while pricier, offers a broader range of features.
This includes micro-adjustments and programmable grind times, making it the superior choice for those committed to achieving excellent espresso at home.
What is the grind size range of the Sette 270?
The Baratza Sette 270 can grind coffee between a range of 230 – 950 microns.
Note that the grind size range may vary depending on factors such as the age of the burrs and the type of coffee beans used.
