Specs
| Burr | 40 mm conical (the video description's 38 mm was corrected). The collar rotates rather than the cone 14:29 |
| Adjustment | 30 macro steps, each with micro steps, for 270 positions 4:04. The Sette 30 has only 30 settings, but an upgrade ring adds the micro steps 4:35 |
| Speed | Over 1000 rpm on camera and about 900 rpm in the video description 14:29. Another video, with translated subtitles, gives 550 rpm 2:01 |
Starting settings
There are no grind numbers yet. In Lance Hedrick's comparison with the Niche, both grinders were dialled to 20 g in and 50 g out in about 28 to 30 s, with a 7 s pre-infusion 2:02.
Cup profile
- Sometimes rounder with more body, but with less flavour separation than the Niche 14:29.
- A classic conical profile. Chocolatey, balanced and sweet, with a slight sourness 2:01.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Verdict
2021: Lance Hedrick's favourite budget conical for espresso 14:29. 2022: excellent for espresso at about $300 2:01. 2023: great but loud 7:38. 2024: grade C for the Sette 270 and grade D for the Sette 30 4:04 4:35.
James Hoffmann's take
- In his 2023 test of espresso grinders under £500 it was easy to dial in thanks to the lettered micro steps. Retention was low, you can start hot through the hopper gate, and the filter was surprisingly good for a conical. It's extremely loud, though, which ruled it out for him 0:31.
Kyle Rowsell's take
- 2020 (Sette 270): espresso close to a Niche for half the price, with very low retention and timed dosing. It's loud (about 87 dB), plastic and prone to gearbox failures, and it can't grind coarse enough for V60 or Chemex 3:26.
- 2021 (Sette 30): the same motor and 40 mm burrs as the 270, but only 31 steps and no micro-adjust. Strong value for espresso and better than the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, though filter tops out around AeroPress. If your dual boiler or heat-exchanger machine needs micro-adjustment, pay the extra $150 for the 270 2:59 3:59.
- 2022: the Sette 30 pulled the best espresso of his group under $300, rivalling a Niche. Its filter was muddy, with less acidity than the Encore, and it's very loud 6:09 13:11.
Sources
- Kyle Rowsell: Baratza Sette 270 Vs Niche Zero: Grinder Comparison (2020-11-27)
- Kyle Rowsell: BARATZA SETTE 30 The Best Espresso Grinder under $250?! (2021-03-14)
- Kyle Rowsell: Niche Zero | Still Worth It?! (2021-07-27)
- Lance Hedrick: GRINDER BATTLE: Niche Zero vs. Baratza Sette 270! (2021-12-22)
- Kyle Rowsell: The Best Budget Coffee Grinder Under $300?! (2022-12-20)
- Lance Hedrick: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING A COFFEE GRINDER (2023-08-21)
- James Hoffmann: The Best Espresso Grinder Under £500 (2023-12-22)
- Lance Hedrick: Grinder Tier List (2024-09-10)
- Lance Hedrick: BEST BUDGET GRINDER COMBO: Baratza Sette 270 (or 30) and Urbanic 080 (or 070) (2022-04-21)
Summarised in our own words from the creators' videos, with every point linked to the moment it comes from. Notchbook isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any of these creators, so please watch the originals for full context. Sources
Dialling in from here
- Sour, thin or fast? Grind finer. Why coffee tastes sour
- Bitter, dry or slow? Grind coarser. Why coffee tastes bitter
- Espresso: how to dial in. Filter: pour-over grind size.
Compare with other grinders in the grind size chart, or see every grinder.
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