Overall Rating
7.9, Based on 94 Reviews
Avg Price
$120.00
Manufacturer
Solis
Machine Type
Prosumer, conical, burr, grinder, hopper, bin
Colors
Black and Silver
Class
Grinder, Conical Burr Consumer
Pro Review
No
First Look
No
QuickShot
No
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A grinder made by Solis, rebranded by Starbucks. Good for drip, press pot, suitable for espresso.
D R (quality: 9.5)
07.20.2011
Rating: 8.2
Bottom Line: Nothing fancy, but gets the job done (if what you want is a uniform, small grind).
John Eubanks (quality: 8.6)
04.27.2002
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: I am pleased overall with the Barista, but now my appetite is whetted for a better grinder like the Rocky or Mazzer!
JP Cordill (quality: 8.4)
01.20.2002
Rating: 7.0
Bottom Line: A good starter grinder, but you'll want to upgrade very soon.
Mark Prince (quality: 8.3)
01.16.2000
Rating: 6.4
Bottom Line: If Starbucks has this on sale for $90 or less, and the often do, it is the best grinder for the price.
Jim Robin (quality: 8.3)
02.17.2000
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: A simple, well-designed, highly capable grinder for home espresso
Stephen Bozler (quality: 8.3)
08.23.2001
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: Good form and function at a comparatively inexpensive price point.
Kevin Odom (quality: 8.3)
01.10.2001
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Good grinder but needs adjustment
Jim Pellegrini (quality: 8.1)
11.05.2001
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Great machine for small space, recommended for espresso, turkish, maybe drip, but NOT french press
Jeremy Maclennan (quality: 8.0)
07.08.2004
Rating: 7.8
Bottom Line: A real coffee grinder, for a decent price.
Andy Ciordia (quality: 8.0)
10.23.2004
Rating: 7.4
Bottom Line: Simple, Clean, easy loading, effective. Not the best of the best, but for the dollar it can't be beat.
Peter McDermott (quality: 8.0)
05.18.2004
Rating: 7.6
Bottom Line: If you life in the UK and can't afford a Gaggia MDF (the next grinder up), this is your only option for espresso.
Donna T (quality: 8.0)
12.28.2001
Rating: 9.6
Bottom Line: If you really like coffee buy a burr grinder.
Mark Kosky (quality: 8.0)
09.10.2000
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: A good quality machine, which produces excellent results, for a very reasonable price.
John Lance (quality: 8.0)
04.04.2007
Rating: 9.0
Bottom Line: Excellent cost-effective machine.
Todd Warnke (quality: 7.8)
03.16.2002
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: Buy it on sale, adjust the burrs and save $100 over a similar quality grinder.
George Wachsmuth (quality: 7.5)
03.22.2002
Rating: 9.0
Bottom Line: Great if you don't need it for espresso. Good second grinder.
Tony Reynolds (quality: 7.3)
05.01.2001
Rating: 10.0
Bottom Line: This grinder is highly recommended, though it has been superseded by the Solis 177.
Java Man (Espressopithecus) (quality: 7.3)
07.10.2000
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: This machine, the Solis 166, may be a very cost-effective grinder for you if you know it will grind fine enough for your machine.
Peter Russell (quality: 7.3)
12.11.2004
Rating: 7.6
Bottom Line: half the price of the rancilio rocky, and probably 65% as good as one. that makes it a value. just be ready to work with it.
Dave Rogers (quality: 7.3)
12.30.2001
Rating: 7.2
Bottom Line: A good--but not great--first burr grinder.
Tom Murray (quality: 7.0)
02.22.2002
Rating: 7.6
Bottom Line: Do NOT buy a blade grinder! This is an affordable,good entry-level burr grinder.
Mario (quality: 7.0)
12.13.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Great grinder for all espresso machines
Don Scott (quality: 6.8)
09.11.2005
Rating: 4.6
Bottom Line: You will never master espresso with this grinder, it will even make you fustrated
Mike Silvey (quality: 6.5)
02.20.2002
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: All the grinder you really need.
Rob McHattie (quality: 6.5)
12.30.2003
Rating: 7.8
Bottom Line: A quiet, reasonably priced machine that seems capable.
Rick Wayne (quality: 6.3)
11.15.2006
Rating: 7.2
Bottom Line: This is a very good grinder, overpriced as most things are but comes with a comforting 2 year warranty so just buy and grind.
Oliver L (quality: 6.0)
10.13.2008
Rating: 7.8
Bottom Line: I'm very happy with this machine and with the espresso I get routinely from the grounds it producess in my Gaggia semi-auto.
Mark Farris (quality: 6.0)
01.15.2000
Rating: 7.2
Bottom Line: A great grinder, if you can find one that works to its full potential
Jin Yong (quality: 6.0)
07.16.2000
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: It may be a noisy, messy grinder but still a good deal if you can get it at $95.
Frank S (quality: 6.0)
12.29.2004
Rating: 5.4
Bottom Line: Summary -- A good bargain that became a doorstop when I couldn’t grind my favorite dark roast.
Terry L (quality: 6.0)
03.03.2007
Rating: 7.4
Bottom Line: reasonable grind -reasonable price- good bang for the buck
Darrell (quality: 6.0)
01.10.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Good grinder but can‘t grind fine enough for a good machine like the Rancilio Silvia
Bob Abbott (quality: 6.0)
02.20.2004
Rating: 7.0
Bottom Line: If you do drip or have a Starbucks espresso machine -- works fine, but it is a "lightweight" compared to other brands for little more $$.
Barry Strum (quality: 6.0)
11.16.2003
Rating: 9.0
Bottom Line: Grind away, beat the heat from the blade grinder....
Bren Dollard (quality: 6.0)
07.13.2007
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: A bargain and everyone wants a bargain, right?
Bongo BCBeanBoy (quality: 6.0)
12.27.2002
Rating: 8.2
Bottom Line: Yes it's pricey, but not as much as others and works burrfectly - a burrfect burrchase.
X1 Owner (quality: 6.0)
11.29.2007
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: DUALIT (UK): CAN easily do AMAZING espresso WITHOUT MODIFICATION - bargain!
Keith (quality: 6.0)
01.06.2001
Rating: 6.0
Bottom Line: Solis 177 - Cheap, but for everyting else available in price range, only one worth having.
Loren B (quality: 5.7)
09.27.2007
Rating: 8.6
Bottom Line: great grinder, but look up the Starbucks Barista Grinder Hack on Google, to get this grinder to grind fine enough for espresso machines
MikeD (quality: 5.5)
04.30.2001
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: At it‘s current price, you can‘t go wrong
John Ross (quality: 5.5)
10.06.2000
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: For the money, cannot be beat
Peter Mork (quality: 5.5)
11.15.2003
Rating: 7.6
Bottom Line: A good grinder that does it's chores without problems
Dee Ann Abel (quality: 5.5)
11.03.2000
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: Reasonably quiet, attractive, and no dust
Mark Harris (quality: 5.5)
08.24.2001
Rating: 7.2
Bottom Line: Good to better unit that should be bought on sale and used for only a batch or two.
Eward Sonneveld (quality: 5.4)
07.09.2002
Rating: 8.6
Bottom Line: Excellent value for money (GBP 60 / USD 90). Tweaking requires patience and confidence, but after that it is superb.
Rich Dadamo (quality: 5.3)
07.30.2005
Rating: 4.6
Bottom Line: More than adequate for weekend grinder but don't expect to leave it to your kids.
Ben Sebley (quality: 5.3)
04.01.2004
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: s
Richard Porter (quality: 5.0)
05.30.2003
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: There is no other grinder to compete at this price level
Susie L (Roxie's mom) (quality: 5.0)
04.17.2004
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: I highly recommend this grinder and would buy it again.
Beer Dude (quality: 5.0)
11.27.2000
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: If you can find one, buy one.
Dave C (quality: 5.0)
11.29.2001
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: Great inexpensive machine!
Owen Evans (quality: 4.8)
11.12.2004
Rating: 7.4
Bottom Line: Solis makes a great product for Starbucks and I am chuffed!
Chris (quality: 4.7)
06.12.2001
Rating: 7.2
Bottom Line: Older Starbucks Barista not suitable for Rancilio Silvia
Tom Oravec (quality: 4.7)
09.26.2005
Rating: 8.2
Bottom Line: You CAN make espresso and even ristretto with this machine
Mark (quality: 4.5)
04.01.2001
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: Good product. Not perfect, but pretty good for the price
Harbor Pirate (quality: 4.5)
02.09.2001
Rating: 10.0
Bottom Line: Solis 166 - IT ROCKS!!!
Make Mine a double (quality: 4.5)
02.24.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Great looks, great value, great price.
Robin Smith (quality: 4.5)
07.01.2001
Rating: 6.8
Bottom Line: Buy when on sale at Starbies and you‘ll have a very nice grinder with an annoying static problem.
Heather Johnston (quality: 4.5)
06.27.2001
Rating: 6.4
Bottom Line: Does NOT grind fine enough for the Pasquini Livia 90
JohnA (quality: 4.5)
04.24.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Good grinder, best in this price range.
Gianni Angel (quality: 4.5)
08.26.2000
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: Should be MORE than adequate for any reasonable person.
Al Raden (quality: 4.0)
11.21.2000
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Works great - especially considering the price.
Wes Simonds (quality: 4.0)
07.06.2001
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: Solis 177/Mulino: Excellent grinder, *not* to be confused with Starbucks unit
Dave B (quality: 4.0)
02.10.2000
Rating: 8.0
Bottom Line: The best addition to my coffee equipment yet!
Chris Beck (quality: 3.5)
03.14.2001
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: The Solis 166 is a great grinder, and it looks super classy.
Scott (quality: 3.5)
02.12.2000
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Good, and delivers an even fine grind. But needs a finer grind setting. Small, quiet, and "not too expensive" Easy to clean.
Margaret (quality: 3.3)
01.24.2000
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: good purchase for serious (but not rabid) coffee lover
Steve Morrow (quality: 3.0)
07.31.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Worth buying if you seriously like your coffee!
Patrick Naughton-Doe (quality: 3.0)
03.17.2009
Rating: 7.8
Bottom Line: It works really well, excellent value for money.
Tom (quality: 3.0)
12.14.2000
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: agree that espresso grind isn‘t fine enough; but for my Saeco rio vapore, it‘s "fine"
David DCosta (quality: 3.0)
12.02.2000
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Well designed and simple to use
Stephen Moretti (quality: 2.5)
07.03.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Attractive and high quality grinding, but beware of static.
Jon (quality: 2.5)
03.02.2001
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: If you don‘t want to splash the cash for a Rocky, the Solis 177 will do the job just fine.
John (quality: 2.5)
11.30.2000
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: I‘d buy it again.
Ben Hornik (quality: 2.3)
04.01.2008
Rating: 3.2
Bottom Line: Garbage
Paul (quality: 2.3)
11.12.2000
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Buy one , use it. Buy a second for decaf(ok I know)
Reed Nelson (quality: 2.2)
11.08.2004
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: Look... if you are just getting started in the home Barista routine, buy Barista products. Sure, there are better for much more $$$, but walk B4 you run!
Bob (quality: 2.0)
02.04.2001
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: Good value for home use in a compact size.
Jeff Parduhn (quality: 2.0)
07.28.2001
Rating: 10.0
Bottom Line: The Barista is a great grinder and looks good too. Buy it before you buy the Solis.
Mike Wisniewski (quality: 1.0)
03.02.2007
Rating: 4.4
Bottom Line: Great machine if you want your counter covered in coffee grounds.
Jay Vaughn (quality: 0.7)
09.04.2006
Rating: 1.0
Bottom Line: Never by this machine or shop at Dillard's!!!
Christophe Tyle
10.03.2010
Rating: 8.6
Bottom Line: For seven bucks, a very decent machine easily worth twice the price ;-)
Mark Kunitomi
02.13.2010
Rating: 5.2
Bottom Line: Cheap and easy way to start making espresso at home. Unsatisfactory for improving your espresso to 'Excellence'.
Iced Chilli
10.17.2009
Rating: 8.2
Bottom Line: grind is ok
James Campbell
02.11.2009
Rating: 7.0
Bottom Line: Good for everything but espresso
Michael Jevicky
02.10.2009
Rating: 9.2
Bottom Line: Good for this level of grinder. Definitely worth the money.
Daniel Hughes
12.12.2008
Rating: 6.8
Bottom Line: Decent grinder for the money, but if you're in the UK, go with the Dualit version.
James Lee
12.08.2008
Rating: 6.0
Bottom Line: Great value and good results but don't buy if you want espresso with crema
Mike Carroccio
12.21.2006
Rating: 8.4
Bottom Line: Very good product for the price, especially when on sale!
Gone Gone
01.21.2008
Rating: 4.0
Bottom Line: Works for drip grind, but the Barista won't meet the needs of most baristas.
Nicholas Trahan
10.25.2007
Rating: 7.4
Bottom Line: I wish I would have gotten something with more features and a finer grind, but the coffee I make is great so it can't be all that bad, right?
David Durkee
03.17.2012
Rating: 8.8
Bottom Line: With a bit of tweaking, the grinder can give a very fine grind, for excellent shot results; as well as being able to do drip and french press.
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