Posted Sun May 11, 2008, 12:07pm Subject: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
I just found this on fatwallet.com. This was my first burr grinder. Worked pretty good. I figured the cg people that dont have a burr grinder would appreciate it. grinder
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 4,653 Location: Vancouver Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Frankenstein'ed LM Linea Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano Vac Pot: 1922 Silex Drip: Krups Moka Brew Roaster: Hottop
Posted Mon May 12, 2008, 1:43pm Subject: Re: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
Interesting story on that grinder. It's made by a Swiss company, and long ago in a galaxy far, far away, it was the first "Solis" grinder from the company that makes the SL-70 and SL-90. Baratza imported it, and sold it.
Then a little company called Starbucks was looking for a grinder, found this one, and convinced Solis to let them rebrand it. The Starbucks Barista grinder was "born" (more like rebranded), and for about a year, all was good. Then Starbucks got some lawyers involved one day, and sent a cease and desist letter to Baratza for selling "their" grinder in the US without "their" logos and branding or permission.
Solis wasn't very helpful to their US importer on this subject; Baratza ***needed*** a grinder, and didn't know what to do. Solis said "we'll hook you up and get another grinder designed". Baratza acquiesced (who has the bucks to fight Starbucks?), and went abotu 6-8 months without having a grinder to sell, while they waited for this new model from Solis.
It came, and frankly, it was a piece of shite. I still have a preproduction version in a box somewhere buried deep.
This got Kyle and Kyra thinking - what's to stop us from making a grinder. It could be our next step. And so they started on a road to become, eventually, the most dominant "specialty market" coffee grinder manufacturers. It's a pretty safe bet that Baratza is now the standard in their category - there's no other grinders available to consumers under $200 that can touch what they offer (though the Breville comes close, and perhaps the Bodum Antigua as well at the low end).
So now this little grinder is rebranded again... as a Saeco. And sold at Costco at bargain prices (it used to be $129, then $99 at Starbucks). And Baratza is about to come out with a wunderkind grinder at $450...
Posted Mon May 12, 2008, 3:27pm Subject: Re: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
MarkPrince Said:
Interesting story on that grinder. It's made by a Swiss company, and long ago in a galaxy far, far away, it was the first "Solis" grinder from the company that makes the SL-70 and SL-90. Baratza imported it, and sold it.
Then a little company called Starbucks was looking for a grinder, found this one, and convinced Solis to let them rebrand it. The Starbucks Barista grinder was "born" (more like rebranded), and for about a year, all was good. Then Starbucks got some lawyers involved one day, and sent a cease and desist letter to Baratza for selling "their" grinder in the US without "their" logos and branding or permission.
Solis wasn't very helpful to their US importer on this subject; Baratza ***needed*** a grinder, and didn't know what to do. Solis said "we'll hook you up and get another grinder designed". Baratza acquiesced (who has the bucks to fight Starbucks?), and went abotu 6-8 months without having a grinder to sell, while they waited for this new model from Solis.
It came, and frankly, it was a piece of shite. I still have a preproduction version in a box somewhere buried deep.
This got Kyle and Kyra thinking - what's to stop us from making a grinder. It could be our next step. And so they started on a road to become, eventually, the most dominant "specialty market" coffee grinder manufacturers. It's a pretty safe bet that Baratza is now the standard in their category - there's no other grinders available to consumers under $200 that can touch what they offer (though the Breville comes close, and perhaps the Bodum Antigua as well at the low end).
So now this little grinder is rebranded again... as a Saeco. And sold at Costco at bargain prices (it used to be $129, then $99 at Starbucks). And Baratza is about to come out with a wunderkind grinder at $450...
While I enjoyed the story (really), I am a bit confused what is the final verdict on the question -- given the price tag of $70, is this a good backup grinder for the occasional espresso (and other uses, like the AeroPress) ?
Is this (the Saeco Titan from Costco) the same grinder that you referred to above as one of the best grinders under $200 ?
Posted Mon May 12, 2008, 7:30pm Subject: Re: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
I am curious too. If it grinds well for occasional espresso, I may match it with the Gaggia Factory in a Pelican case during travel. As good as the Zass Turkish grinder is, it does get a bit tedious.
By the way, Costco in Concord, California has it on the shelf.
Posted Mon May 12, 2008, 8:15pm Subject: Re: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
My understanding is that this grinder isn't really up to the task of making espresso. Not enough range of adjustment in the finer end of the grind dial, and the burrs are mounted on plastic carriers so they can wobble a bit and cause inconsistent grind. It would probably be fine for French press or drip, but not for espresso.
Posted Mon May 12, 2008, 8:20pm Subject: Re: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
hey all,
the store TUESDAY MORNING sells the Capresso Infinity 565 (stainless steel) for $89. i works wonderfully with my Starbucks Barista machine.... it grinds perfect for espresso at 4 notches above the finest setting.
how does this saeco grinder compare with the Infinity 565?
Posted Tue May 13, 2008, 11:49pm Subject: Re: Costco and costco.com has saeco burr grinder-69.99 shipped.
I think the Infinity will beat the Saeco. The Infinity has the burrs mounted at three points while the Saeco still uses the two point mount.
My sister in law has an Infinity which she uses with her Silvia. I can pull a decient shot on her setup but my Rocky sure makes it easier and better.
Phil
KillerQ Said:
hey all,
the store TUESDAY MORNING sells the Capresso Infinity 565 (stainless steel) for $89. i works wonderfully with my Starbucks Barista machine.... it grinds perfect for espresso at 4 notches above the finest setting.
how does this saeco grinder compare with the Infinity 565?
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