Starbucks (Virtuoso) Grinders - $80

[BoldJava]

When Starbucks gave up their retail line of hardware, they were sitting on a ton of Maestro Pluses Virtuosos, rebranded as Starbucks items.  They continue to sit in Baratza's online store as refurbished (probably some formal agreement).

After 7 years, my daughter's original Solis rebranded Starbucks gave up the ghost -- burrs would no longer adjust.  I bought her this and she indicates it arrived spotless.  Doubt that it really is rebranded.  I am half tempted to grab one for a backup.

$200 worth of grinder for $80. She is extremely pleased with it -- using it with her Hario pourover that I did some tutoring on last trip north.

http://www.baratza.com/products.php?id=45

[mp]

They get very good reviews from people who own them.  Ceramic burrs make for long life.  IMHO ... the best grinder you can get for under $100.  I am seriously looking at getting one too!

 

[Fox65]

How is it to compare with Jura-Capresso Infinity? Costco has it for $100.

[Ascholten]

That grinder looks a lot like my maestro classic.   I must have put 500 Lbs of coffee through that thing.  If that is built anything like mine is, it'll last a good long time and give you plenty service for the money.

Aaron

[peter]

They get very good reviews from people who own them.  Ceramic burrs make for long life.  IMHO ... the best grinder you can get for under $100.  I am seriously looking at getting one too!

 

I'm too lazy to research, but I don't think this model has ceramic burrs.

[BoldJava]

They get very good reviews from people who own them.  Ceramic burrs make for long life.  IMHO ... the best grinder you can get for under $100.  I am seriously looking at getting one too!

 

I'm too lazy to research, but I don't think this model has ceramic burrs.

Correct, cast conical burrs. 40 mm.

B|Java

[jspain]

Thanks for the heads up Dave. I just ordered two for friends that want a "better" grinder than their whirly gigs......  Jim

[GC7]

How is it to compare with Jura-Capresso Infinity? Costco has it for $100.

The Capresso Infinity Is a serviceable burr grinder for drip and passable for french press. Mine is at work where it's used for Clever dripper mostly.  It is not in the same league as far as grind consistency, build and especially grind retention as any Baritza I've used.  I own a Vertuoso used for brewed coffee and it has been very good.

EDIT for wisea** Jeffo- Baratza & Virtuoso   - typing while monitoring my HotTop during first crack - guess I cant multi-task very well.  Just trying to help the felow out about the Capresso grinder.  :bootyshake: It's worst trait is probably massive grind retention.

[Jeffo]

I've never heard of Baritza and Vertuoso. I'll have to look them up.

This grinder is a good deal for drippers.

[peter]

Who you callin' a dripper?!

[Jeffo]

Who you callin' a dripper?!

Me. Drip for short.

[ecc]

 You wouldn't be a sucker if you bought one for vacpot use?

[BoldJava]

You wouldn't be a sucker if you bought one for vacpot use?

If you aren't in a hurry, I would be glad to lug the Yama north to my daughter's at Thanksgiving and try it with a Cory rod.  Remind me Monday of that week if you wish me to give it the ol' culinary school try.

B|Java

[peter]

 You wouldn't be a sucker if you bought one for vacpot use?

I use a KitchenAid Proline for Cory'd vacpot use, very successfully.  Having lots of experience with a Maestro, I say it'll grind as well or better than the Proline, which would lead me to be certain this Starbucks grinder will be a perfect match for a vacpot.

[jspain]

 You wouldn't be a sucker if you bought one for vacpot use?

I've used mine for vac pot for over two years. It works great! Jim