Do you want the freshest tasting espresso possible? Then you’ll need to stop buying pre-ground espresso and grind the beans fresh yourself.
To do that, however, you’ll want a high-quality grinder that you can trust. Baratza is one manufacturer you can turn to when you want a reliable and affordable espresso grinder for your home.
The 270Wi and 270 are two specific models you may be interested in. In this Baratza Sette 270Wi vs 270 comparison, we’ll take a deep dive into the following topics:
- Similar features that the 270Wi and 270 share.
- Which features are specific to either grinder.
- Pricing considerations.
- Key factors to think about to choose the best grinder for you.
Let’s jump right in…
Quick Summary
The Baratza Sette 270Wi is more alike than it is different from the 270. However, it does offer one improvement to the 270’s design: a weight-based grinding system that will give you even more accurate doses of espresso. This is the grinder for you if you’re an experienced home barista looking to make specialty coffees in your own kitchen.
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Since it lacks the weight-based grinding design of the 270Wi, the Baratza Sette 270 is one of the more affordable options out there when it comes to espresso grinders. Its conical burrs are perfect for promoting a light flavor in every drink you brew. We recommend this one for you if you need the most budget-friendly espresso grinder possible.
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Similarities
Conical Burrs
Burrs are central to every grinder. High-end grinders used by coffee shops around the world commonly have two types of burrs: conical or flat.
These Baratza grinders have conical burrs. As you might have guessed, they’re shaped like cones – you can almost picture them as being like a lemon juicer.
Conical burrs are well-known for their ability to produce a light flavor and for their ability to generate less heat than flat ones. This means they can keep your coffee beans cooler during grinding.
Read Also: Baratza Forte vs Sette
Burr Size
After shape, burr size is another important consideration. Because of their greater surface area, larger burrs are capable of grinding more quickly than smaller ones.
Both the burrs in these Baratza grinders measure at 40mm. These are on the smaller side as far as burrs go, but either grinder should still be able to grind quickly enough for home settings.
Burr Material
The burrs in the 270Wi and 270 are made from steel. Metal burrs are more common when it comes to commercial-level grinders because they’re long-lasting and razor-sharp.
These are burrs you can expect to last for years to come. The biggest drawbacks of steel burrs like these is that they can be louder than ceramic ones and they’re more prone to transferring heat to your coffee beans during grinding.
Macro/Micro Grind Adjustment
Stepped grind adjustment is another quality these grinders have in common. In a nutshell, you’ll have a number of preset settings to choose from on a dial.
Typically, this type of design is extremely limited. It doesn’t allow skilled baristas to make adjustments with the same degree that a stepless system does, as a stepless system isn’t limited to notched settings.
However, the 270Wi and 270 have another trick up their sleeve: their macro/micro adjustment system. With either one, you’ll be able to choose an overall grind fineness for your beans. After you’ve chosen the basic fineness, you’ll have another dial you can use to make further precise adjustments to your selected fineness setting.
Convertible Device Holder
Are you only going to be brewing shots of espresso, or will you also need to make pots of coffee? Assuming you want the flexibility to do either brewing method at your leisure, you’ll need a grinder that can accommodate both styles.
That’s why these Baratza grinders have convertible device holders. On either one, you can grind into a portafilter for espresso or into an included coffee grounds bin.
The coffee grounds bin is perfect for whenever you need a larger portion of coffee for things like French presses or drip coffee brewers. It’s made out of an anti-static plastic that won’t cause clumps to form in your grounds.
Related Article: Baratza Forte vs Vario
Quiet Operation
Grinders are loud by nature. The sound of a grinder chewing up coffee beans often erases all background noise, making it difficult to concentrate and shattering your peace.
This is why so many people look for a quiet grinder, especially when it comes to using one at home. Your search may have ended by stumbling across these Baratza grinders.
Both are created to run more quietly than their competitors. Their low volume is due to their belt drives and slow-turning DC motors.
At the end of the day, it means one thing: you can use them in your home without getting a headache.
Dimensions
It’s true that these grinders are far more alike than they are different. One of their most noticeable similarities, though, has got to be their size.
There’s really only one dimension in which they differ: their height. The 270 is 15 inches tall and the 270Wi is 16 inches tall.
Beyond that, they are exactly the same the size. Both are 5 inches wide and 9.5 inches deep. They are compact grinders that are excellent for homes with small kitchens or crowded counters.
Hopper Size
The hoppers atop the Baratza Sette 270Wi and 270 are also the same size. Either one of these grinders will be able to hold a little over half a pound of coffee beans for you.
Hopper size matters when it comes to grinding for extended periods. A hopper that can hold more beans in it can grind for a greater period of time before you need to add more.
Half a pound isn’t a large capacity. In a home environment, though, this is probably plenty for your needs.
Differences
Baratza 270Wi Weight-Based Dosing
The only significant difference between the 270Wi and 270 is that the 270Wi has a weight-based grinding system. In other words, instead of just timing how long it grinds, it can measure exactly how much coffee grounds have been dispensed.
This system is more accurate than dosing by time alone. You can ensure you’re getting consistently accurate amounts of espresso each time you use the grinder.
Read Also: Mahlkonig vs Baratza
Pricing Information
Majesty Coffee has top-tier coffee and espresso equipment for competitive prices. You’ll find some of the lowest price tags in our store.
That being said, we have the Baratza Sette 270 Wi for $549 and the Baratza Sette 270 for $399.
Which Grinder is Right for You?
The most important question remains unanswered: which Baratza grinder is right for you?
With only one significant difference between these grinders, the choice is a bit more difficult. Both would work well in the home of just about any espresso enthusiast.
However, those who are particularly experienced with espresso and want to guarantee consistent flavor time and time again would probably do better with the 270Wi. Its weight-based grinding system is better for accuracy.
The cost could also make a difference for you. Since the 270 lacks the precision weighing system of the 270Wi, it is a bit more affordable.
Here is our suggestion:
Get the Baratza Sette 270 if you just want the most affordable home espresso grinder in this comparison.
The Baratza Sette 270Wi is the better choice if you’re going to make specialty drinks more often from home and need the accuracy afforded by the ACAIA precision scale.
Tony Barlow
Majesty Coffee Technical Sales Expert - Meet the Team
Tony Barlow, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry, is the go-to technical sales expert at Majesty Coffee. He's passionate about helping businesses find the right espresso equipment for their needs.
