The Baratza Maestro burr grinder uses conical grinding burrs. Conical grinders offer excellent grind consistency for all grinding applications. The slow rotating speed and large cutting surface area ensures a quality, consistent grind even for the most demanding methods of brewing.

The conical burrs can be accessed by removing the quick release bean hopper, and then removing the grinding ring. This exposes the entire grinding chamber so cleaning can be performed. Removal and replacement of the burr set takes less than 10 seconds.

One of the frequent complaints about sub $175 grinders is the limited range in grind they have; grinders that can do an adequate espresso grind cannot do a coarse grind for press pot, and vice versa. This is not a problem with the Maestro, which has a 30% increase in grind "range" compared to its next closest competitor. The Maestro can tackle a consistent espresso grind or a perfect press pot grind, right out of the box.

The Maestro has a wide front opening that allows you to grind directly into any portafilter, even the 58mm commercial sized versions. Combined with the front activated on demand grind button, you can operate this machine one handed, holding the portafilter under the grind chute and pressing the one touch button with your thumb. Convenience is a trademark of this grinder.

Holds over a 1/2-pound of whole coffee beans. It's made of clear textured plastic so you can view the level of coffee beans. The hopper easily removes to expose the grinding chamber for cleaning.

The see-thru coffee grounds catcher is a very precise and tight fit in the grinder housing to prevent coffee grounds from escaping during grinding.

While no grinder is truly static free, the designers of the Maestro have worked hard to reduce or eliminate static throughout the grinder. This includes an even gearing system for the motors, static eating metal surfaces, and other design tweaks.

Another design characteristic of the Maestro is the quiet performance - this is a grinder you can actually have a conversation near. The designers isolated and insulated the motor area, reducing vibrations and noise where possible. The Maestro has two methods of activating the motor/grinder. There is an automatic timer on the side, allowing you to preset the amount of grinding the machine does. There is also a one-touch button on the front of the grinder for “on demand” grinding.

A lot of attention has gone into this grinder's motor and gearing system. The powerful 240W motor has RPMs to spare, but the gearing system gives it superior torque: the grinder only loses about 100 RPMs under "load" (when the beans are being ground), where other grinders can lose as much as 300 or more RPMS.

The grinder housing is made of impact-resistant plastic and features slip resistant rubber feet.

• Color: Black and silver
  
• Warranty: 12 months parts and labor.
  
• Power: 240 watts (regular USA household electrical) - UL listed.
  
• Weight: 4 pounds
  
• Size: 12.5"H x 5"W x 7"D
  
• Body Material: Molded plastic
  
• Origin: Switzerland