New Baratza/Malkohnig Fort

Kelsey

Found this today, looks like Baratza are adding another level above the Vario.

Essentially a stronger motor, time and weight dosing into the portafilter and a huge LCD panel.

Looks to me like an attempt to take lessons from the BSG's user friendliness while making a high-powered doserless that can remove some of the steps for anyone weighing doses.

Looks good but time will tell!

http://www.eightouncecoffee.ca/index.cfm/feature/13_22/baratza-innovates-yet-again---the-fort

derrilex

I'm guessing $800

Kelsey

Turns out $950

derrilex

Holy crap !

Kelsey

Apparently they're aiming it more at lower-volume cafes and restaurants and as a cupping grinder.

JamesM

Stuff from Baratza grinds like a boss. They've become so very popular on commercial brew bars that the pro's have requested something even more hardcore than the current line. The new machine has a heavier duty body (steel/zinc), new metal portafilter, new removable hopper (with door) and more. It will be on display with 5Senses at MICE. I'm keen to check it out!

Lacehim

$950 US Kesley. Here you'll be looking at $1500 I would say. The Australian distributor adds a decent markup for sure. The Vario in the US is $469.00US, here it's $680AU. Mind you Baratza sell direct from their own website, and sell spares too. Doubt that would happen here. The middleman likes his slice too. Also Baratza won't sell here, you'll get Mahlk

JamesM

Interesting. I know the Vario is under the Mahlkonig brand in AU. However, 5Senses will have the FORTE on display at MICE at their stand, and also at the World Aeropress Champs at the Barista Academy on Fri night. If 5Senses are showing it off (distributers of the Preciso), then perhaps they have every intention of pushing the FORTE. If this is the case, you can bet your arse it won't be much different in price to the USA. As it is, the Preciso is amazingly priced from 5Senses (I don't want to go in to a big discussion about this, please...) I'm gonna bet we will see the FORTE marketed as "baratza" and sold by 5senses 🙂

argus

Any word on who will be the Australian distributor, ETA and price for this grinder yet?

Lacehim

JamesM wrote:

If 5Senses are showing it off (distributers of the Preciso), then perhaps they have every intention of pushing the FORTE. If this is the case, you can bet your arse it won't be much different in price to the USA. As it is, the Preciso is amazingly priced from 5Senses (I don't want to go in to a big discussion about this, please...) I'm gonna bet we will see the FORTE marketed as "baratza" and sold by 5senses 🙂

That would be nice if they did sell it. I contacted them before they had stocked the Preciso, but there was a 2-3 month wait for them so I went with the Vario 🙁 They were helpful though, and other Baratza grinders were well priced.

jj

argus wrote:

Any word on who will be the Australian distributor, ETA and price for this grinder yet?

I was wondering the same thing last week & emailed Baratza about the ETA, here is the reply: The forte is due in August here in the US, but I am not sure when we will have it ready internationally. So i guess we will have to wait & see....I just ordered a Preciso to see me through for non espresso brews (use a eureka mignon for that), till this lands & then wait see/here what it's like..... Cheers

askthecoffeeguy

looks like a lot of bang for your buck!

mallacoota

[quote author=Lacehim link=topic=4635.msg39478#msg39478 date=1367910808] $950 US Kesley. Here you'll be looking at $1500 I would say. The Australian distributor adds a decent markup for sure. The Vario in the US is $469.00US, here it's $680AU. Mind you Baratza sell direct from their own website, and sell spares too. Doubt that would happen here. The middleman likes his slice too. Also Baratza won't sell here, you'll get Mahlk