Finding the right grinder is incredibly important if you prefer to grind up your own beans.
This is especially true if you’re going to need a grinder for commercial purposes, because that can often require a lot of beans that need to be ground up.
It’s only natural that you want something that will be able to stand up to the demand for a long time.
Brands like Baratza give you durable options that can be used for a variety of different kinds of grounds. That way, you’ll have every style of grounds you need to be able to make just about any drink that you might want, or that might be ordered.
But even if you have an idea of the brand you want to purchase, how do you know which model is going to be the best?
For example, how do you know if the Baratza Forte AP will be ideal or the Baratza Forte BG?
After all, these two models are so similar it can be hard to tell what makes one stand out from the other.
In order to help resolve this conundrum, we’re going to look into both models to give you a clearer view of which on will be the best option for you.
Let’s start by taking a look into the Baratza Forte AP.
The Baratza Forte AP
If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile grinder that is designed to last then the Baratza Forte AP is a great option. The specs for the Forte AP can be found here.
You’ll be able to trust in its ability because it is a commercial device, which means it’s going to be able to keep up with a lot of grinding.
Whether you need coarse or fine grounds, a certain weight or only want to grind for a certain amount of time then the Forte AP will be able to suit your needs without a problem.
This powerful device uses 54mm ceramic burrs as it grinds and for those who use portafilters it includes a portaholder to make grinding into that filter easy.
Because of the ceramic burrs, you’ll be likely to find that the flavor you get from the grounds will be more traditional so it’s important to consider what flavor you’re looking for as you shop.
You’ll also find that the controls are easy to learn, allowing you to get your ideal grounds in no time at all.
The Forte AP is also a very versatile device, so you’ll be able to get the perfect texture of grounds for whatever it is you need to make. This is definitely a device for those who want to be able to create a wide variety of coffee types without needing several grinders to get the grounds needed.
Because it’s made from metal, the Forte AP is a heavy-duty device that is bound to last you for many years of use whether it’s in your home or a coffee shop.
Pros
- Offers several different grinding options to create the ideal grounds for just about any brew.
- Designed to be exact and efficient so that you get what you need every time.
- Many customers have found that the quality of their coffee is greatly improved by this device.
Cons
- There is a learning curve with this grinder, meaning you may have to make some adjustments in order to make sure you get the perfect results.
- In a few rare cases, the scale used for measuring by weight can be slightly inaccurate.
The Baratza Forte BG
For those who prefer something that will help them with brewing batches or in a more manual fashion, the Baratza Forte BG is the way to go. Here are the Forte BG specs.
Like the Forte AP, the Forte BG is also a commercial grade option so it’s going to be more expensive but also more heavy-duty.
The Forte BG uses flat steel burrs for the grinding, which lends itself more easily when you need coarse to medium grounds. These steel burrs result in a cleaner flavor that is more commonly favored in modern times.
You’ll be able to get an accurate grind for just about whatever you need and you’ll be able to grind by weight to get exactly the amount you want.
This heavy-duty machine has easy controls and a digital screen that is very clear to read so that you can get what you need to brew the perfect cup every time.
Because it’s made with a 10oz bean hopper, you’ll be able to grind up a bulk amount of beans depending on the exact requirements you’re looking for.
Pros
- The Forte BG is a highly powerful machine, so you’ll be able to trust that it can get the job done every time.
- The belt-driven motor design allows it to be highly efficient when it comes to grinding and accuracy.
- Because it is made from metal, the Forte BG is a very long-lasting and durable machine.
Cons
- From time to time, the scale can be slightly inaccurate.
- Because this is a commercial device, it can be more expensive than smaller home options.
What Are The Differences?
One of the largest differences that you’ll find between these two machines is the material that the burrs are made out of. As noted, the BG uses steel burrs while it’s counterpart, the AP, uses ceramic burrs.
If you don’t already know, then you may find yourself wondering what difference the burr material makes.
Most notably, the difference in burrs results in separate grinding speeds for each of these devices. Essentially, you’ll find that the Forte AP is going to have a quicker grinding speed than the BG.
That said, it’s also going to be important to note that the steel burrs will help with making a cleaner cup. So at this point, what’s going to matter most is the effect you’re looking for.
If you’re going for a more typical espresso flavoring, then the ceramic burrs is the way to go while the steel burrs can help to create a more modern flavor.
Another difference lies within the portafilter holder that you’ll find on the AP. This is going to be incredibly useful if you use portafilters, but otherwise either grinder can be a spectacular option.
There is a small pricing difference between the two options, which may come into play but isn’t going to be the most important aspect of these machines if you’re looking for results.
Which Is Better?
In truth, the better option is going to be up to each individual user and what they’re looking for from these grinders.
Of course, someone who is seeking a very specific result is going to be more discerning in their review than someone who is looking for a one-size-fits-all option.
Both the Forte AP and the Forte BG are wonderful machines that have so much to offer. They’re highly durable, able to keep up with heavy loads and offer an amazing ability to grind by weight or time in a very exact way.
In some cases, for coffee shops or other commercial coffee businesses, having both machines may be incredibly useful because it would allow for the “modern” tastes to be met as well as the more traditional.
Not to mention these grinders come at really great prices for commercial machines, which can help businesses save a little money and household consumers get something that is going to be incredibly lasting.
Overall, whatever you need to grind, both the Forte AP and Forte BG will be there to make sure you get what you need from the experience and the perfect cup of just about any brew.