Solis Maestro vs. Solis Maestro Plus

[merrybaker]

Now that capuccino has become a twice-daily, indispensable part of my routine, I want to improve the experience. This will be done gradually, so that my husband doesn't notice how much money I'm spending. (I tried to convince hubby to become the family barista, knowing he'd soon buy upgrades, but he didn't fall for that ploy). Anyhow, the first step will be to get a burr grinder. I'm thinking of the Solis Maestro ($115 at Whole Latte Love) or the Solis Maestro Plus ($149). Is there enough improvement in the Plus to make it worth $34 more? And does anyone know of a cheaper price out there? Thanks.

[scubadoo97]

The Plus is heavier and has more grind settings. What espresso machine are you using? I have a Plus and a Solis SL70 espresso machine and after upgrading my grinder to a Mazzer Mini the espresso improved significantly. One of the problems with the Solis is you will dull your burrs if you use if frequently for espresso. Solis has the new Virtuoso that has a more secure upper burr for a more consistent grind. Yes it cost more than the Plus.

[merrybaker]

scubadoo97, thanks for your answer. I'll look into the Virtuoso.

[Chris Amirault]

We're utterly thrilled with our Maestro (non-Plus), which we use at least twice a day for our Rancilio Silvia. I don't really understand what the benefits of a Plus are, actually, but whatever they are, we don't need them to pull fantastic shots.

What are those features? Why would you need them?

Here's a side-by-side link.

[merrybaker]

We're utterly thrilled with our Maestro (non-Plus), which we use at least twice a day for our Rancilio Silvia. I don't really understand what the benefits of a Plus are, actually, but whatever they are, we don't need them to pull fantastic shots.

That's what I needed to hear! I do prefer that one, but have read that its static electricity gets coffee all over the counter. I do enough of that by myself.