The Baratza Sette 270 is one of my favorite grinder designs to date. It catches the eye with it's signature "7" shape. Sette is actually Italian for seven, and it actually is a very efficient design. I had my eye on this grinder for a very long time. When I had a buyer for my current grinder, I immediately ordered the Sette 270. I just needed to see that funky shaped grinder on my counter at home. A swap of machines, an Apple Pay transfer to the bank, and $400 later I was the proud owner of the grinder I lusted over for years. 

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By this point, you may be saying "why the F*#K would you spend FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS on a coffee grinder are you insane?!" and I don't blame you. The fact of that matter is, you get what you pay for when it comes to coffee grinders. Put simply, you can have the best coffee in the world, brew it on a million-dollar machine, serve it in a cup made of diamonds, and it none of it would matter if the grind was crap. Grind affects flow rate, extraction, brew time, and so much more. I would argue that next to the water you brew with, the grind is the next most important factor. So, invest in a good grinder. The Sette comes in 3 different models:

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• The Sette 30: This is the base model that has, you guessed it, 30 different stepped adjustments. 

• The Sette 270: This is my model. In addition to the 30 stepped adjustments, you have a near infinite micro-adjustment nob below the 30-step. You also get the benefit of 3 programmable buttons that allow you to grind for a specific amount of time.

• The Sette 270 wi: This is the top of the line model. It's also the most recently updated. In addition to the features of the 270, it is powered by an Acaia weight system built right into the portafilter arms. 

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The added benefit of a hopper that easily removes without resetting the grind setting AND has a shut-off lever that stops the beans from falling out is such a game changer for the home barista. The Sette is a bit loud, but it's quick and has a near-zero retention rate. This means that, in the long run, you're wasting far less espresso. This is due to its exposed burr set. Instead of being nestled in the machine and expelling beans out into a chute or a dosing reservoir, it drops straight down into the portafilter or included bin. This also helps tremendously with the annoying static issues that most every other grinder has. When it comes to coffee gear, you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. Some toys will give you diminishing return that just isn't worth the price it costs, some are just for the fun of it. But a grinder is worth whatever money you can put into it. Good coffee makes a difference of course! But it won't matter if you're using a blade grinder or a $25 Mr.Coffee mill from Target (my first burr grinder, mind you. Humble beginnings, yall). Want to get into specialty espresso and coffee at home? Invest in the grinder first. The Sette line is a great place to start for the espresso novice. 

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