Starbucks Barista Aroma Grande By Candida Eittreim on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
I love coffee, especially coffee brewed from African beans. Since we have been Starbucks customers since their early catalogue days, when it came to buying a good coffee machine, we looked to them first. Oh, we had bought other coffeemakers, but were so often disappointed by poor performance and shoddy construction, we gave up and eventually just used a French Press.
One day when in Starbucks buying our beans, I noticed this big sleek looking coffee machine and got curious about what made it so special. After all, for $130.00, I expected it to perhaps get up and sing the national anthem or do something extraordinary. My husband on the other hand, wanted to cart it home immediately. Unfortunately, this touched off a rather ugly spat. No way could I see justifying paying that much for a coffeepot.
Weeks later while back in the store I asked about the features of this pot. I was told it had a full 2 year warranty, a built in water filter and a solid stainless steel carafe. They guaranteed it would keep coffee piping hot up to 12 hours. Plus they also promised a truly hot cup of coffee. This is one thing I've noticed with other pots-the coffee rarely is as hot as it should be.
Since Davids birthday was a few days off and he was still upset over not getting his way, I bought him the pot. It turned out to be the best coffeemaker we've ever had. Day after day, it creates the perfectly brewed piping hot coffee we craved. You can set it to turn on in the morning, so you wake up to the delicious aromas of freshly brewed coffee.
It is very easy to clean, and even easier to fill. The sleek solid stainless exterior is attractive and functional. A quick wipe with a damp cloth and it looks like new. The only drawback is its size. This is a great big 12 cup machine that needs alot of counter space to look well, though they do offer both an 8 cup and a cute little single cup in the line.
Currently these are being sold only in Canada and in Washington at their flagship stores. But it's worth hunting for if you truly love excellent coffee.
About The Author:
Starbucks Barista Aroma Grande Purchased at: Starbucks Price: $130.00
This sounds like a great coffee maker! Now since you were so nice to buy it for your husband, he should be serving you breakfast in bed!
That was a shock to see how much this coffee machine was. I'm sure you bought it with love for your hubby. I think if it's as good as you say, it was well worth the money. I hate when coffee makers delivery a lukewarm cup of coffee. I love Starbucks!
I saw one similar to this at Bed, Bath & Beyond and they wanted $199.00 and I almost bought it! I decided I didn't need to spend that much. Going to check around and see if I can find this one. Thanks
So sweet that you surprised him with the coffeepot! Those are the things that you will always remember! So glad that you love it!
It sounds wonderful, but I expect it to do plenty at that price! I have a coffeemaker that I bought from Gevalia, and it has a thermal carafe. My coffee stays hot all day without "cooking" because the bottom plate isn't hot. I'd really like one of the ones that you just put beans into, and it grinds and brews at the time you program it for -- but those are still out of my price range! I think giving your husband this pot as a gift was a wonderful thing to do!
Huh... didn't know they made coffee makers as well as the brew itself. But the idea of setting it at night and waking up to fresh brew has always appealed to me. James Qwilleran in "The Cat Who..." books has one!
ha, he was right! Never distrust your mans needs. Lol. I am glad you are enjoying some good mud in the mornings. I need a new coffee pot, but have been tight on cash. I have been using a melita, but that is getting old. Thanks for this delightful secret!