The Baratza Forté AP ushers in the final sprint of our extensive espresso grinder test. We have tested over 30 espresso grinders in the meantime. We tasted espresso, measured the particle distribution in a specialized laboratory, and tested the grinder for all its intended uses.
The Baratza Forté AP shows mixed results. At the heart of the grinder is good espresso, which the Baratza owes to its 54 mm ceramic burrs. The fine content of the grind is low, leading to clear and good extractions. On the other hand, the grinder is loud, very inaccurate when using the portafilter holder, and has issues with retention and speed. In our test video, we delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the Baratza Forté AP.
The Baratza Forte AP costs around 800 Euros in the EU (e.g., at Coffee Circle) and is available in Switzerland for just over 1000 Swiss Francs, e.g., at Kafischmitte.
Good Espresso and Few Fines
We drank some good espressos while thoroughly testing the Baratza Forte with the All Purpose burrs. The low fine content of the grinder gives us a lot of clarity in the cup, sometimes at the expense of sweetness. But the texture and body fit well together.
The repeatability of the results is generally good, even if the fine peak fluctuates from test 4 to 7. However, the main peak remains consistently in the middle range at 261 microns, compared to other grinders.
The Baratza Forté AP can be adjusted relatively precisely using the micro and macro settings, and returning to the same grind setting is also easily possible.
Speed and Volume
With its volume, the Baratza scrapes the highest decibel numbers of the entire test series. 89.4 decibels is quite a statement. However, the grinding does not sound strained, as with some cheaper espresso grinders. Anyone choosing the Baratza Forté AP as their grinder is definitely opting against quiet tones.
The grinder's speed is in the midfield. The grinder grinds 22.7 grams in 10 seconds. It is astonishing that the grinder, despite ceramic burrs, brings the temperature of the grounds to an average of 38.2 degrees Celsius. We have found that sensory perceptible changes in the grounds occur approximately in this range.
Usability and Bean Hopper
Among the highlights of the Baratza Forte AP are its control and usability. This starts with small details, such as the easily removable bean hopper. With a toggle lever, the bean hopper can be closed and then removed. Only 9 grams of beans remain in the bean chute.
Controlling the grinder is also straightforward. It is easy to switch between weighing and timed modes. However, the timed mode is significantly less accurate. Ground coffee fluctuations of up to one gram mean that the grinder is not very reliable with timed control. However, control via the scale is all the more precise. The deviation here is only 0.1 grams.
It's a shame, though, that the portafilter cannot be filled directly in weighing mode. Here, the only option is to transfer from the dosing cup to the portafilter. However, the supplied collection container is far too clunky and large to fill the portafilter. That's why we were pleased that our own dosing cup also fits under the grind outlet with a little aiming practice.
Single Dosing and Retention
It's a bit disappointing that the grinder is not a pioneer in terms of retention and also single-dosing retention. 3.9 grams remain in the absolute retention, and the temporary retention is hardly less. Even when grinding out the grinder, at least 0.5 grams of coffee remain. Therefore, the grinder is only conditionally suitable for single-dosing applications.
In principle, the space around the burrs is relatively small. Unfortunately, the burr carriers do not succeed in pushing the coffee grounds past the flapper.
Thus, the grinder misses a real opportunity, because with its good grinding results for espresso and also filter coffee, the Baratza Forté AP is definitely an interesting choice sensorially.
