I have no plans on worrying about it. I single dose and always look at what I'm grinding so that isn't the issue.

If the grinder fails again they need to replace it again. Known problems/defects typically get resolved.

The customer service has been good to this point and as long as it stays that way I don't think anyone should worry about it. It's a higher cost (end) grinder and should be able to handle light to dark roast just like cheaper grinders can (the difference being it does a much better job).

I can't speak for the validity of the post that suggested that they were aware of a problem with stripped gears and they have corrected it but there hasn't been any additional complaints on that one after they sent them a replacement so that is a good sign.

Time will tell but I say don't waste time worrying about trying to work around a normal task if the item was made to do that job.

subq wrote:my replacement is on the way...

Did you get any kind of shipping confirmation? I conducted the whole exchange over email because I only got a recording when I called. They said they just needed my address, which I sent, along with a question about the time frame since I'm without a grinder. I didn't hear anything back (this was 1:30 Friday). I'm not sure if it's en route or not.

Dana wrote:Did you get any kind of shipping confirmation? I conducted the whole exchange over email because I only got a recording when I called. They said they just needed my address, which I sent, along with a question about the time frame since I'm without a grinder. I didn't hear anything back (this was 1:30 Friday). I'm not sure if it's en route or not.

everything I did was over email as well, they emailed me a tracking number once it shipped

I would email support back and ask for status, they are very responsive in email in my experience (also, make sure to check your spam folder).

Hmm. I'm a little irked that we had the same problem at the same time and you've gotten a shipping confirmation and I haven't heard anything, even with a direct question about the timeframe. But I suppose it could have missed the shipping cut-off on Friday. I'll wait to see if I hear anything by the end of the day today--assuming they're open. I know it's not a UPS holiday, at least.

Just to update this, I waited through Monday as planned and didn't hear anything, so I sent a followup email Monday night asking for info and noting that I'd talked to someone here with the same problem who'd gotten their shipping confirmation the same day they reported it.

No response by late afternoon, so I called and left a message (what is it with this company and not picking up their phone, by the way?). Close of business, still no response. I was JUST about to post that they'd turned me into an unhappy customer when I finally got an email at 5:30.

I guess subq got the last grinder, because they said they were waiting on a shipment. IF that comes as expected and IF it doesn't snow too much, mine should ship Wednesday. Grumblegrumble, I don't know why they couldn't have told me any of this back when I originally asked about the time frame last week.

We'll see how it goes from here.

My 2 cents - I've replaced two times the stripped gear from my Preciso (me and a friend are testing for a possible import here). No rocks or green bean, only lighter roasts...

I really don't care, it's easy to replace, but it could be a problem to some people.

Nevertheless, I find Baratza very responsive and helpful.

Márcio.

Dana wrote:...I guess subq got the last grinder, because they said they were waiting on a shipment. IF that comes as expected and IF it doesn't snow too much, mine should ship Wednesday. Grumblegrumble, I don't know why they couldn't have told me any of this back when I originally asked about the time frame last week.

I'm in the same boat, waiting for a Vario to ship (hopefully today) that I ordered 1/11. Like you, I wish Baratza would have let me know they were having inventory issues at the time the order was placed as opposed to making me work for an explanation.

Forecast is for a foot or more of snow in Seattle area. Not looking great for anything happening today

Carneiro wrote:I've replaced two times the stripped gear from my Preciso

This is exactly what I didn't want to hear! I am really wondering if I made a mistake with this grinder now.


edit: ok, apparently I should have waited five minutes before posting that, because I just got a call from baratza. Things definitely sound pretty chaotic over there (which I mean sympathetically, not as a criticism), since they guy who called me didn't know someone had emailed, didn't know they'd promised me a new unit instead of a part to swap out, and mentioned a high # of emails and phone calls they're trying to keep up with.

Anyway, nothing new on my shipment except that stock is still at the port (at least as far as he knows, but again...). The big news was I asked if this was a known issue, and he pretty much said it IS! I will no doubt jumble exactly what he said was the issue, but the gist was at some point they got drive plates that were manufactured .4mm out of spec and as a result the teeth of the gears weren't meshing up perfectly and stripped more easily... something to that effect.

It's supposed to be corrected now so my new unit should be OK. I asked if that would have been the issue with the old one, at only 3 months old, and he was a little hesitant, like he would have thought it was corrected by then, but then said it must have been if the gear stripped.

So the take-away from this in my mind is it's a known problem, and it's been dealt with on units from within at least the last few months or so. I'm feeling better knowing this.

Also, appreciative that they did return my call and patiently and completely answer my questions until I was satisfied, even if they are swamped.

I don't think the purchase is a mistake since Baratza has excellent support (as long as their support stays good of course).

If this is a known problem that is happening a lot you can bet they will get it fixed...otherwise, they will be losing quite a bit of money on returns/replacements.

Since mine is 3 months old...I have no idea it was "in stock" so it could have been mfg. quite a bit earlier than that. Obviously, they know by the serial#.

For the record: mine lasted around 4 months before I had the same problem. The importers replaced mine. Its getting a weekly clean, but I feel a bit twitchy wondering if its going to happen again.