limerickey Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Harleysville, PA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Lelit pq41 Grinder: saeco mc2002
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 7:20am Subject: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
I've been getting along for a decade with a Saeco mc2002... built like a tank, reliable... but messy as all get-out, and the markings on the adjustment dial have all rubbed off years ago, so it is very much a dial in by feel experience. The mess is getting to be too much, and some precision in setting the grind would be a nice change.
I like the look and specs of the Baratza Preciso, I like Mark's glowing review... but I'm put off by all of the failure reports on here and elsewhere. It seems like a super grinder when it works as designed, and it sounds like the mfg is very supportive of owners who run into problems... but it sounds like there have been several bad batches that don't calibrate right and there are some flaky parts that don't meet the design spec all the time. While I don't mind taking things I own apart, to fix them, it seems that being a grinder mechanic is a part of owning one of these and not having to pack it off in a box for weeks on end for service.
So, Preciso owners-- how much downtime should I expect? Should the Saeco go to the back of the counter, into a cabinet, into a box in the attic, or off to the garage sale?
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,723 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 7:47am Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
I don't own a Preciso, and like you, I've wondered a lot about how reliable they are given the numerous posts about problems. I once pointed out that there are actual threads dedicated to Preciso (and Vario) problems (I suppose this is twice now), but none for Mazzer, Macap, Compak and a host of other manufacturers who use predominately steel components. Having said all that, I've seen innumerable posts about the exceptional service Baratza offers and how they've taken care of every problem beyond the customers expectations. If you're thinking Preciso, it's probably where you'll end up, unless you decide to spend more.
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 8:00am Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
I will add that one of the biggest issue with the Preciso going finer over time had to do with the adjustment mechanism not being held down properly by 3 tabs. On the Virtuoso and Maestro, this apparently was not an issue, but with the strain put on the grinder by espresso grinding it was leading to the tabs being worn down and ultimately failing. The 2.0 gearbox and the fact that the rings are now glued down to the gearbox has added a great deal of durability to that mechanism.
In the end, it's all up to you what you feel comfortable purchasing. The Mazzers are built to survive in a commercial setting, so it's a bit of an apples and oranges comparison. That said, good luck with your purchasing decision! I had to have my first Baratza replaced due to a gearbox issue and have been grinding happily ever since, although I am grinding for pourover and press coffee, not espresso.
redkiosk Senior Member Joined: 13 May 2012 Posts: 156 Location: Chicago Metro Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Illy Francis-Francis X1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso w/ Esatto... Vac Pot: Someday, very intriguing Drip: Bunn Trifecta MB Roaster: A sure path to divorce!
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 12:51pm Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
Love my Preciso. I'm pretty sure Baratza has everything sorted out now with regards to the adjustment ring needing to be adhered down. Their customer service is simply amazing. I also highly recommend mating it to their Esatto scale. Take care!
Jim
The pathologically precise are annoying, but right!
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 2:51pm Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
It's also perfectly reasonable to note that happy owners don't post quite as often as unhappy ones do. I have no opinion on the Preciso itself as I haven't tried nor owned one, but it's always wise to approach the world of online reviews with the knowledge that you'll find more problems than warm fuzzies.
CMIN Senior Member Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 509 Location: South FL Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 3:52pm Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
Love mine, they sent me the updated permanent adjustment ring, been busy so haven't gotten around to installing the GB 2.0 either, bought mine used. Original owner already had the carrier update done last year. Great grinder for the money. Very low retention too, when cleaned seems to take maybe two grams or so from a dose as the grinds fill any little nooks and crannies, but once that's done I find retention to be within .1-.2 grams or so. I weigh and single dose, and always end up within hat .1-.2 range of whatever I dosed.
limerickey Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Harleysville, PA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Lelit pq41 Grinder: saeco mc2002
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 6:29pm Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
Getting a bit more specific now, everything I've read give the impression that this grinder has been in an extended beta test... I'm concerned about when that is going to end and a policy of "ya got what ya bought, live with it" is going to kick in.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,723 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 6:44pm Subject: Re: Need a new grinder, considering a Preciso
I don't think that's going to happen. Kyle Anderson, one of the co-owners of Baratza, comes to this board occasionally and seems to be interested in what the members here think. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who is going to turn around and screw his customers in the future. I don't think this has been an extended beta test either. Rather, I think they've found a few problems and fixed them, plain and simple.
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