The price is probably the last thing they decide, although I'm sure they have a range. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't meant to be a cheaper alternative to the Mazzer Mini, and maybe an equivalent to the Rancilio Rocky-- about the only thing the existing Virtuoso can't do is espresso grinds, so that should be the next step up. Indeed, the pictures indicate espresso settings and also show a fineness control (the "coarse -- fine" lever on the left) for a given step setting.
Current Mini prices are about $550, and rising because of the deflating dollar. Rocky prices are around $300. So I will guess the price range to be between $300 and $500, though I doubt they'll go too high. They have to prove their reputation before anyone will consider them equivalent to the Mazzers.
My only concern is that they might be putting too much fanciness into the device. Digital settings? Lots of electronic buttons? Options like these can be fragile and break easily. Drop it and you have a $500 brick... although that would also possibly throw the burrs out of alignment, too.
Posted Tue May 6, 2008, 11:24am Subject: Re: Fresh Meat! The new Baratza Vario...
svyerkgeniiy Said:
Digital settings? Lots of electronic buttons? Options like these can be fragile and break easily. Drop it and you have a $500 brick... although that would also possibly throw the burrs out of alignment, too.
raisin Senior Member Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 68 Location: nj Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Virtuosa Roaster: Behmor
Posted Tue May 6, 2008, 8:11pm Subject: Re: Fresh Meat! The new Baratza Vario...
I think they might end up pushing this as a conveinence item, with low noise and pushbutton control. I think it's the burr's that will end up interesting us.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 4,656 Location: Vancouver Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Frankenstein'ed LM Linea Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano Vac Pot: 1922 Silex Drip: Krups Moka Brew Roaster: Hottop
Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 2:43am Subject: Re: Fresh Meat! The new Baratza Vario...
Price is set, and mainly set by Mahlkonig and Melitta, two partners in the design of this (and the people who want it for Europe). Basically, they don't want it cheaper in the US than it is in Europe.
The Euro price will be 299, and the N. American price will be $450 MSRP, possibly (but not 100% sure) $399 lowest price.
Ceramic burrs aren't like ceramic cups. They're pretty tough and durable. Rocks won't be a problem - the ceramics will probably crush them up. But I believe the grinder utilises some sort of rock sensor / stall system. I will ask followups about this though.
JollyGreenBucket Senior Member Joined: 3 Feb 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Rogers, AR Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Viva (220V) Grinder: Gaggia MDF Drip: Bodum French Press Roaster: Poppery II
Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 6:28am Subject: Re: Fresh Meat! The new Baratza Vario...
Mark et al who've seen this in person, Where would you personally place this in the usual line up of grinders? Is it looking like a Macap/Mazzer Mini alternative, or a step between Rocky and those?
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