Sette 270 Unboxing and Review

Overview

Learn about the unboxing, first impressions, and review of the Baratza Sette 270 espresso bean grinder. The Sette 270 is a popular coffee grinder known for its high speed and consistent output. With 1.2K Google reviews averaging a 4.6/5 rating, it is a preferred choice among espresso enthusiasts.

What is the Sette 270?

The Sette 270 is a top-quality coffee grinder manufactured by Baratza. It is highly regarded for its precise adjustments and programmable settings, making it easy to dial in the perfect grind for different beans and espresso machine setups.

The Unboxing

My first impression is the sleek design of the Sette 270 can fit comfortably into most setups and designated coffee spaces. The size allow the machine to be tucked into a corner or added to a cart and look good.

The Sette 270 from Barazta packs a punch with many exact adjustments available and easily programmable settings to ease dialing in some new beans or new espresso machine setup.

One of the negatives on this machine is the noise that comes with a high torque motor, but this is the price you pay for a consistent grinder. Also, I do not think many expect a low noise level when grinding beans. The optimistic can view this noise as a quick supplemental “wake me up” to their morning caffeine fix.

My First Use and Issue

I filled up the machine with Beans and started a manual grind. The noise was not unexpected as I have read about some complaints about the noise. The noise is comparable to a blender that I use often on mornings when I want to make a healthy green drink.

I decided to adjust the lip holder to grind directly into my portafilter. As the grind came down the chute, it was also going all over my kitchen counter! I also noticed it was sticking to the tip of the chute on the way out.

The Fix

After further research, I determined my incredibly dry apartment paired with dry beans made for some unwanted static electricity.

I found out that the RDT (Ross Droplet Technique) method to grinding beans solved my issue! It is an easy fix if you are in an arid area and have this static issue. The workaround is to give your beans a spritz and spray before grinding, or if you are like me and do not have a fancy spray bottle, wet a finger and give your beans a spin in the hopper. Another option is to wet a spoon and use that spoon to scoop the beans when you scale them out for single doses. The key is to provide an even distribution of moisture.

Another problem after using this grinder is that it refused to light up and work after two days. I found what was wrong with the machine within 10min of looking online due to how easy the “fix it yourself” guides were from the Baratza team. I also reached out to them directly, and since it was such a new machine and such a rare problem to have on a new machine, they immediately replaced it for me. I thought the customer service was incredibly professional and helpful.

Pricing

At an MSRP of $400, at least in the Chicago area, this can be pricey for some. 

Another option is to get a Sette 30, which is very similar except less recommended as it has less grind setting. One can use the Sette 30 and then has the option to upgrade with  Sette 270 burrs if needed. I think the Sette 30 is better for those using a pressurizing gasket instead of the sworn by bottomless portafilter because a tuned finer grind is unnecessary.

If you do not know which one you have, here are some pictures.

What kind of Portafilter and Basket do I have?

If you do not know which one you have, reference the picture with a portafilter that comes standard with most Breville machines and one that is not.

You will notice that the bottom is covered on the right one, and the left one is uncovered, hence “bottomless portafilter.”

Taking a closer look at the basket of the right one, it only has one small exit through the middle, making this a pressurized basket.

We recommend having a much finer grind on a bottomless and non-pressurized basket setup we have on the left vs. the pressurized basket on the right.

If you decide to upgrade, the burrs fit right into the 30 and will work just like the Sette 270. The only problem here is your total money spent will come out to around the same thing as it would if you just purchased a Sette 270, to begin with.

Buying Tips

Some ways to save money here are keeping a hawk’s eye on the Baratza website and purchasing a refurb model if one comes on sale. This is an excellent option as these grinders come at about a 25% off discount and a year-long warranty.

I ended up finding and using a coupon to purchase one from a roastery/cafe. Happy shopping and stay caffeinated.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the Baratza Sette 270 espresso bean grinder. It is recommended to clean the grinder regularly to remove any coffee residue and prevent clogs. The removable burrs and grind chamber make it easy to clean.

To clean the grinder, start by unplugging it and removing the hopper. Brush out any remaining coffee grounds from the burrs and grind chamber using a soft brush or a grinder cleaning tool. Avoid using water or any liquid for cleaning the burrs, as this can damage the grinder. Instead, wipe the exterior of the grinder with a damp cloth.

In addition to regular cleaning, it’s essential to perform maintenance tasks such as burr alignment and calibration. These procedures help maintain consistency in grind size and ensure accurate grinding. Baratza provides detailed instructions and video tutorials on their website for performing these maintenance tasks.

Grind Consistency and Adjustments

The Baratza Sette 270 offers a wide range of grind settings, allowing you to achieve the desired consistency for your espresso or coffee brewing method. The micro-adjustment feature enables precise adjustments in small increments, giving you more control over the grind size.

When dialing in a new batch of beans or adjusting the grind for a different brewing method, it’s recommended to start with a coarser setting and gradually make finer adjustments until you reach the desired extraction time and flavor profile. Finding the perfect setting for your preference may require some experimentation and tasting.

The Sette 270’s consistent grind output ensures even extraction and optimal flavor in your coffee or espresso. The high-speed grinding mechanism produces minimal heat, preserving the flavors and aromas of the beans.

Safety Precautions

While using the Baratza Sette 270, following some safety precautions is important to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

Always unplug the grinder before cleaning, adjusting, or performing any maintenance tasks.

Avoid touching the burrs or any moving parts of the grinder while it’s in operation or immediately after use, as they can become hot.

Keep the grinder away from water or any liquids to prevent electrical hazards or damage to the machine.

Ensure the grinder is placed on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping over during operation.

Do not leave the grinder unattended while it’s in use.

By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy using the Baratza Sette 270 espresso bean grinder with peace of mind and minimize the risk of accidents.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Baratza Sette 270 espresso bean grinder offers high speed, consistent grinding performance, and a range of precise adjustments to meet the needs of espresso enthusiasts. The sleek design allows it to fit well in various coffee setups, although it does produce some noise due to its powerful motor. One issue encountered by the reviewer was static electricity causing coffee grounds to scatter, but this was resolved by applying moisture to the beans. The customer service provided by Baratza was commended for its professionalism and helpfulness.

The pricing of the Sette 270, with an MSRP of $400, may be considered expensive for some buyers. An alternative option is the Sette 30, which has fewer grind settings but can be upgraded with Sette 270 burrs if desired. However, the total cost of upgrading may end up being similar to purchasing the Sette 270 initially.

Tips for saving money include keeping an eye on the Baratza website for refurbished models on sale or using coupons from roasteries/cafes. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Regular cleaning, burr alignment, and calibration are recommended, with instructions and tutorials provided by Baratza. The grinder’s grind consistency, wide range of adjustments, and minimal heat production contribute to excellent flavor extraction.

To ensure safe operation, it is important to follow safety precautions such as unplugging the grinder before cleaning or maintenance, avoiding contact with hot parts, keeping the grinder away from liquids, ensuring stability during operation, and not leaving the grinder unattended.

Overall, the Baratza Sette 270 espresso bean grinder offers impressive performance, customizable options, and with proper care and maintenance, it can be a valuable addition to any coffee enthusiast’s setup.