My NEW Vario

Lacehim

on 1313837596:

So if you haven't tried it how can you be sure weighing beans doesn't equal an accurate dose? If weighing beans doesn't give you an accurate reading of your dose what would?

Fair comment.  I suppose I've just never really felt the need to weigh the beans but I realise everyone is different.  In my opinion it's just another process to complicate the process in brewing espresso, but I do believe weighing beans has merit for other brewing methods.  I do weigh my beans for my syphon, but only one kitchen scales accurate to 5gm. Now is a timer more or less accurate than weighing beans?  I'm not sure but for my 1 - 2 cups a day I can't really be bothered to find out.   My wife would also kill be if I bought another grinder!  ;D

on 1313837596:

having now said all of that & taking this way off topic, I wonder if the Esatto attachment really wouldn't work with my Vario.

Sadly it's not which is a shame.  It only works with the Maestro Plus, Virtuoso or Preciso. which have a different shape base.   Mind you it would probably be about $250 in Australia anyway!  ;D

littleroundman

Baratza Esatto from 5 Senses is $176 and they're asking $330 for the  Virtuoso Preciso, $273.90 for the Virtuoso and $163.90 for the Maestro Plus, all 3 of which fit the Esatto http://www.fivesenses.com.au/shop/equipment/category/baratza

Lacehim

The Virtuoso Preciso had good write ups in the US.  Got me interested, but they didn't stock it at the time. The addition of the Esatto would be good, but it's it worth $500 all up with the grinder?  Mmmm

Lacehim

Maybe the ceramic burrs are the issue there AM?  Maybe you could find some steel burrs that would fit?  Would be an interesting test, ceramic vs steel.

hazchem

on 1314025624:

Well I am going to do some more testing... Played for 4 hrs tonight tuning a 2 group commercial and a grinder (83mm burrs)  and while they appear to be almost blunt.   Two years at 8kg a week and blunt to the fingernail.  I could push the grind and the machine to give a shot that had a almost buttery mouth feel but the shot was a touch on the sour ?  Machine was a bit cool to me, as my home made scace gave 88C to 89 C and not even a "hint " even a bit of steam when water was run through the group. Even after sitting for an extended time.  I also found that it was running at 8Bar at a pinch... ( Did not have time to tweak the OPV or the Temp ) The issue with the grinder, was that the next step down, would clog the system but the current setting was not quite right. It was also only a couple of steps of zero. The issue re the Vario was that I could get better size (by feel), I could not quite get the cup I was expecting or that the system was giving (even with blunt burrs). I am thinking my next step in chasing the god shot; might yet be another grinder  :o Now if only the Mazzer Mini Electronic  OR the Macap M4D Coffee Grinder a little more in my range  I realy need to have a selecting side by side so that I can truly compare.

hmm. Blunt burrs are never good but I wouldn't expect that to be causing the sourness. I'd be blaming that squarely on the machine running cool & the OPV setting being off. Blunt burrs are (I think) more likely to result in shots that lack complexity, crema that dies quickly and highly erratic doses. Shame we're not closer mate, I'd happily lend you my Vario to try out!

Lacehim

on 1316487315:

I also had to replace the belt and pulley as did have some miss shaped teeth due to a non metallic item making it's way through the system...  Burrs are OK with only one small defect spotted.  Love the Vario support and have to say second to NONE. Have just ordered a special mod and once fitted, will post details and costs... Expected to be less than $15 and reduce any mess to almost ZERO...

AM, was it a warranty issue?  Did you have to send it away or did you do the belts yourself?  Just interested because I haven't had any dramas with mine so far. I will be up for any mod that reduces mess.  It's pretty good but there is still that fine spray as it reaches the top of the basket on mine, which is stock by the way.

shape_shifter

It's the portafilter cradle for sure  ;D

Brett H

on 1316951776:

It's the portafilter cradle for sure  ;D

I think you're on the right track there SS (AM and I discussed that very feature at our BDB raid), but as this is a serious forum with serious people I'd appreciate it we could all use the correct technical terms... Ahemmm.... It's the plasticy bitty that stops the grounds from making Mrs AM have to clean the bench cranky! The acronym is a very simple IPBSGMMAHCBC.  If you phone Breville and quote the Acronym they'll know exactly what ou are talking about and post one out ASAP. 

Muscles

on 1316958523:

The acronym is a very simple IPBSGMMAHCBC.  If you phone Breville and quote the Acronym they'll know exactly what ou are talking about and post one out ASAP. 

LMAO

Lacehim

Any details about your mod?

Koffee_Kosmo

This is it Lacehim

on 1316941734:

Spot the Modification  ;D

Lacehim

Yeah I saw that KK.    Need some details.  What did AM use, how did it attach etc. I thought about using the existing cradle to hold a funnel.  I might try that because of my small handles.

grinderz

Thanks Lacehim & AM & others for your comments & Lacehim for your review a little while back. I initially decided the Vario was more $$$ than what I was willing to spend for the unit, but thanks to my patience (read: procrastination) I found and bought a 2nd hand unit that was only a couple of months old and had hardly any use for a great price. Coming from a Gaggia MM then MDF the Vario is in a league of its own -  in comparison to my past grinders the mess is very minor, it's oh so quiet and while being very adjustable I was able to dial it in with a couple of shots. I've heard others complain that it's very "plasticy' and I interpreted this to possibly less than perfect build quality - but I've found it to be solid as a rock and had I had tried one in the flesh I may of been convinced to fork out the $$$ for what it's worth new. As commented here I have read reports of the grinder results "lacking in the cup" and while my palate is not developed like most on this site the improvement in my cup (IMO) has been phenomenal, not to mention how efficient dosing is once dialled in. Thanks again, without this thread I probably wouldn't of considered the Vario!

3rd Crack

Just wanting to find out how you VARIO owners are going with your units? How is the grinder doing now x months down the track?  any other issues that have come up? I'm really really keen to do the "steel burr" mod as David Walsh talks about here: http://theotherblackstuff.ie/machines/burrs-again/

3rd Crack

on 1331375561:

Just wanting to find out how you VARIO owners are going with your units? How is the grinder doing now x months down the track?  any other issues that have come up? I'm really really keen to do the "steel burr" mod as David Walsh talks about here: http://theotherblackstuff.ie/machines/burrs-again/

the reason for the steel mod . is that it seems to make it a better grinder for FILTER .... mmmm .. sweet filter

grinderz

I've had mine 6 months and haven't had any problems other than having to calibrate it recently which only takes a minute. It's easy to clean, quiet, compact and I reckon i get a better coffee than my old gaggia mainly  because fine adjustment is so easy. And while I get a few grinds on the bench I don't think it's too messy and holds my Silvia PF no problem. I only make one or two coffees a day - I'd be interested at what frequency if at all any one else is calibrating their Vario?

Lacehim

I've had mine a year and I've never calibrated it.  I know there is a way to do it... AM mentioned it. I usually choke my home roast one step down off the right, with the left lever fully up.  A roast I bought from a local roaster a few weeks ago (peru) needed a bit finer, but nothing the Vario couldn't handle. So what are the benefits with calibrating it AM? I've still more than happy with mine.  I have noticed it makes a noise as the grinder is slowing to a stop after grinding.  I can't remember it it was there from new, but it's still running and the grind is still the same.  I've only cleaned it once, and it was very clean inside, unlike my previous Rocky & K6.

mallacoota

Yes I have been looking at the Vario and think I may get one in the new year to replace my smart grinder, which I have had no problems with, did not need the shim kit later model. Now I don't know if I am just thinking it will improve my coffee but reading through many forums and owner reviews I feel it will add a bit more to the cup.The one I am looking at is the generation 2 anybody familiar with this update?

Lacehim

I can't see anything different in a Gen II to the one I have on my bench.  Great little grinder, very minimal retention of grinds, size is great, and easy to use.

mallacoota

So A.M., you are saying you dont think there is a noticable diference in shot quality between the smart grinder and the vario if that is the case I might hold off for a while.

Kelsey

Lacehim once uttered the words that the espresso out of my setup is what caused him to finally pull the trigger on the recent upgrade. I've got a smart grinder paired with my Bezzera and have never been unhappy with the results - and ALWAYS happy with how little mess it produces. At some point Lacehim and I plan to compare grinders shot for shot, but haven't gotten around to it just yet.

Kelsey

I'd definitely want to try a comparison. I do espresso/ristretto with no sugar. The brews I pull myself with the smart are rarely equalled 'in the field' - arc least to my own poor subjective taste.

mallacoota

Kelsey says "I'd definitely want to try a comparison. I do espresso/ristretto with no sugar. The brews I pull myself with the smart are rarely equalled 'in the field' - arc least to my own poor subjective taste." In the field you mean cafe coffee, well so few of these have any idea in my opinion what a good tasting coffee is. I can produce better coffee on my Bellman than most of them on the coast here the only one where I get consistently good coffee is the Boardwalk in Merimbula NSW 120 K's away when I shop up there once a month. We have 4 outlets in town here in Mallacoota and none of them have a clue that is what led me to buy the breville dual boiler, I got tired of paying good money for bad coffee One that will remain unnamed I sent 3 coffee's back in a row then asked for my money back that may sound  a bit harsh but why should you pay for dishwater.

UNM

Mallacoota, to paraphrase your first posting on  this thread. You seem to be saying 'I have a perfectly good grinder that I never had any problems with until I started reading internet fora. I now feel the need to spend a wad of money on another grinder because some people  like it.' I am constantly perplexed by the number of people who will hand over their cash for products they have not had a chance to evaluate, based entirely on others recommendations that may, or may not, apply to them. Not criticising you, it seems very common for people to catch upgraditis from internet fora. Perhaps your grinder is still perfectly good. At least do yourself a favour and  try any replacement first to see if  it  really is better FOR YOU.

Kelsey

Mallacoota, by 'in the field' I do mean cafe coffees, but my choice of Caf

mycuppa

As a provider to many, many thousands of Australian home baristas, time and again the #1 issue we face is related to grinders, followed very closely by the unfortunate lack of knowledge in how to use them (or perhaps those rankings should be reversed as a lack of skill plays a larger part than equipment shortcomings). If I was granted one Xmas wish, it would be that every kitchen in Australia was equipped with a decent grinder that helped the home barista improve and develop their skills. A mythical machine that dosed consistently and more importantly, provided easy and reliable adjustment with minimal grounds retention. So much time, energy and quite frankly rubbish is written about espresso machines. Yes, we have read it many times before - spend more on the grinder and less on the machine. A grinder that is easier to use (read less frustrating) will contribute to more consistency and enjoyment in the cup and represents better value for money than expensive bling espresso machines. Having 3 grinders on my kitchen bench they all at various times they annoy the shite out of me. I will be buying yet another 1 or 2 grinders for home so that I can move some annoying ones back to the storage shed. I can sympathize with you Malla - all I want is something a bit better that makes my daily ritual more enjoyable, but I will be adopting UNM's stance and evaluating the grinders before deciding. No amount of forum content will sway my opinions.

Lacehim

Well I only have one grinder at home, the Vario.  :P It suits me, but can get a bit messy because the grind is so light and fluffy it sprays out around the grinder a bit.  It is a quiet grinder though, the grinder doesn't retain much, and it's easy to use in my opinion.  Also if you do any other brewing like syphon, filter etc you can quickly change grind. With the new lever it seems to like a finer grind which I think the Vario is starting to stuggle with on some beans.  I'm a little unsure as to how far I can push it though, but it's hard to pin point the exactly postion the burrs are touching, being ceramic, they don't make a that pronounced metal on metal sound!

LaSanMarcoMelb

AM, nice to hear mention of the Eureka mignon, I use one at home too and love it. Can clump a bit but its a good size and built like a tank. I've also sold heaps of these and they don't come back which is always a good sign.

LaSanMarcoMelb

Mostly what works well with my Eureka and my setup is it makes a good coffee, it's size but the fact that its straight and boxy means that it slots into a tight spot when space is an issue.

mallacoota

Well I am still looking to get the vario but it will be later than sooner as I more than blew my budget buying a new e-bike. The coffee I have at the moment from "mycuppa" is Burundi Mirango and I find it a darker roast than I have had before. The smart grinder is at it's extreme end of fineness and I have to tamp a good 20 kilo's or more to get it to reach 9 bar. Until I used this coffee most pours were at 9.5 bar so I guess when I get the vario I will have much more range. This smart grinder is one of the later models that did not need the shim kit.