Why You Should Skip The Baratza Sette 270 Espresso Grinder (And What To Get)

I have a lot of respect for Baratza. They are legendary in the coffee world for building grinders that are repairable, reliable, and backed by incredible customer support. So when I started looking for a dedicated espresso grinder, the Baratza Sette 270 espresso grinder was at the top of my list.

It has a reputation for fluffy grounds, near-zero retention, and speed. On paper, it looks like the perfect home espresso grinder. I almost bought one.

But I didn't. And after experiencing what modern grinders can do, I think you should skip it, too. Here is why, despite my love for the brand, the Sette 270 just doesn't fit into a modern home workflow anymore.

The Dealbreaker: It Wakes the Dead

The number one reason I decided to skip the Baratza Sette 270 espresso grinder is the noise. It is widely known as one of the loudest grinders on the market. It uses a plastic gearbox that screams like a jet engine taking off in your kitchen.

I live in a house with other people (and neighbors who keep their windows open). I couldn't justify a morning routine that required ear protection or an apology to my wife every time I wanted a latte at 6 AM.

What I Got Instead: Timemore Sculptor 064S

Instead of the Sette, I went with the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S. It sits in a similar price bracket but feels like it is a decade ahead in technology and design.

Why It’s a Better Choice:

• The Sound (Or Lack Thereof): The Timemore uses a brushless motor that is incredibly quiet. I can grind beans while having a conversation, or while the rest of the house is asleep, without anyone noticing. For a home user, this is a massive quality-of-life feature.
• The Magnetic Catch Cup: The Sette has a weird holder system that can be fiddly. The Timemore has a beautiful magnetic base. You just slide the cup in, it snaps perfectly into place, and you grind. It’s simple, clean, and satisfying.
• The Dial: I love the clear, simple adjustment dial on the front of the Timemore. It makes dialing in shots intuitive and repeatable.

If you want a grinder that performs beautifully and fits peacefully into your home environment, the Timemore is the clear winner.

Check out the Timemore Sculptor 064S on Amazon

The Budget Baratza Alternative

Now, I get it. Sometimes you just want to stick with a brand you trust, or maybe the Timemore is slightly out of reach. If you are on a budget but still want that legendary Baratza support, I recommend the Baratza Encore ESP. The original version of this is the grinder I owned for years, and was still going strong when I sold it.

While the classic Encore was strictly for brewed coffee, the new ESP model is re-engineered specifically to handle espresso grinding at an entry-level price. It’s not as fast or fluffy as the Sette, but it’s a solid workhorse that gets you into the espresso game without breaking the bank.

See the Baratza Encore ESP on Amazon

THE FINAL SHOT

The Baratza Sette 270 espresso grinder was a game-changer when it came out, but the market has moved on. We don't have to settle for loud, plastic gear to get great fluffy grounds anymore.

For my money, the quiet precision and premium feel of the Timemore Sculptor 064S make it the much better buy for the modern home barista.

And once you have your grinder sorted, don't forget the beans. I use Trade Coffee to keep my hopper full of fresh espresso roasts.

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