A great grinder, if you can find one that works to its full potential
Positive Product Points
Has conical burrs, which reduces heat.
Not too expensive.
Grinds from French Press to espresso.
Handy timer on/off switch.
Negative Product Points
Somewhat noisy.
Can produce a lot of static.
Quality Control issues.
Detailed Commentary
Starbucks Barista Grinder: $120
I own two of these and, interestingly enough, the difference between them is night and day. While one grinds fine enough to use in my Barista machine, the other cannot. While one produces so much static that coffee grounds end up everywhere, the other doesn‘t. Whatever it is that causes these differences, it is nice to know that Starbucks has a rather liberaly return policy. If you buy one that doesn‘t perform well enough for you, don‘t be afraid to exchange it until you find one that does.
I had to modify one to grind fine enough for espresso, as at the factory setting it was just too coarse. Of course doing this voids the warrenty, so I wouldn‘t recommend doing it unless you don‘t plan on returning it.
The amount of static on one of them is unbelieveable. There are severel methods which supposedly help in cutting down the amount of static a grinder produces, but none of them helped in any observable manner.
Quality Control issues aside, this is a good grinder at a good price. Not only that, but Starbucks is known for their excellent customer service, so if you have problems with the grinder, getting it taken care of should be a breeze.
