Crew Review: Baratza Vario Grinder

[3zib]

This coffeee stuff is serious business.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@3zib Too serious sometimes, I think ;) - Kat

[lindajardee]

In the manual it said you have to have the grinder running before you change the Macro. It appeared she changed the micro & macro without the machine grinding. HELP. Also, what marking on the micro would you have this on for use with a Gaggia Classic espresso machine?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@lindajardee Yes, if you're making the grind finer, definitely do so while it's running (if you have beans in the hopper). There is no real number we can give you as every grinder is different, coffee is different and your machine will be a little different. I'd say start in the middle and then calibrate from there. - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@fritchydog Rade is testing our grinders to see if any of them will go that fine; I don't know if we have any that will do, so stay tuned. - Kat

[ValiantVale]

p.s My Vario came with a free packet of Grinz grinder cleaner. Do you get this product in the USA, have you used it and is it any good or is there nothing like getting down and dirty with your tools ladies? Thanks advance.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ValiantVale I think the Grindz work really well, keeping the grinder maintained without taking it apart all the time. I would still probably take it apart and clean it if you're using a dark roast/oily bean, otherwise Grindz will do a great job of keeping your burrs in good shape. - Kat

[ValiantVale]

Hi Kat + Gail, My Vario arrived a few days ago and I am very pleased with it. This review is spot on. The only thing I would change as Gail say's is less plastic more stainless, but then that would put the price up! IMO it kicks the Rocky to the kerb,.fairer to compare it with a Mazzer Mini I feel. If you are thinking about getting a Vario my advice is "buy it". It now comes with an adjustable sleep mode and settings retention (see other Seattle Coffee Gear Videos for more on that).

[ValiantVale]

Sometimes a little mystery is nice. I could have Kat say " so what do you like about it" all day long and I would defiantly walk the Kat.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@ValiantVale .....so what do you like about it? ;) - Kat

[markpianoman]

Kat - it's high time you showed yourself!!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@markpianoman Ha - I can't, it's not my style, baby :) - Kat

[YoungJim409]

I finally shelled for one of these: Forget the rest, save up the money, and forget about buyer's remorse. It isn't the most dramatic thing, but it simply works. I haven't tried the portaholder but the bin is pretty good about keeping the static down; I haven't had any grinds jump out yet. When placed upon a low tupperware container it is very quiet, too.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@YoungJim409 Awesome! Glad to hear you're digging this grinder -- it is one of my faves. Thanks for the feedback on it. - Kat

[carlcat]

Thanks for the great vid, I'm going to get his bad boy next month when they come out with the new electronic heads that save the setting if you unplug the machine. Rocky is nice but setting aren't fine enough and wifey doesn't like holding the switch down. I like the Anfim Best but it's a doser and wifey is afraid she'll leave more coffee in the doser than in the portafilter. Once I program the setting on this puppy even my ....errrr.......a caveman can use it.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

You can get the Vario and add the upgraded display right now, we'll install it for you before we ship it out. It's $19.95 additional to the cost of the grinder; the newer March 2010 models that come stock with it will be priced $20 more as well. - Kat

[av8tr2010]

Hey guys, thanks so much! This video really helped me out in making a grinder decision! I have had my Vario for a month, and I love it more every day! I use it for mainly espresso, and occasionally french press. It truly is an amazing grinder, and the functionality is great. Keep up the good work, your videos are awesome! Sounds like you enjoy making them lol....I have watched every single one :)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for the feedback! And really happy to hear your Vario is working out well. It is a great grinder. Let me know if you need any assistance or have any other questions -- happy to help! Kat