My 5 years old (doserless) Mazzer Mini E is still working fine and the burrs are in perfect state (had them checked lately). But reading about the ease of use, (better) grinding on demand and apparently hardly retaining old grounds of the Mahlkönig Vario, I am contemplating buying one and trying to sell my Mazzer.
But would this be wise ? I would like to hear your opinions.
(I already saw that there are several threads here about the Mahlkönig or Baratza Vario , but I have not read them all yet. Sorry for being a bit lazy.)
Ton

I haven't used the Mini, but I used to have the Macap M4, which I hear is very similar. I also have a Cimbali Max, which has a hybrid conical/flat burrset. I now have the Vario. I'd say that the Vario is far easier to use, has less retained grinds, and brings out better flavors than the Macap or Max. The construction seems less robust on the Vario compared to the other two grinders, but I haven't had any problems with it over the last 11 months since I got it. Overall, I'd say it would be a definite upgrade to get the Vario versus the Mini.

I've had a Mini, Super Jolly, and Macap M4D but now own a Vario. Like Beezer said, it's not as robust in build quality, but it's a better grinder than any I've owned and is so user friendly. Next would be the Macap M4D, which was a very nicely built grinder, but it was just not quite as good in the cup. The Macap was sold as a package deal with a lever machine I had. The guy had to have the grinder with it, otherwise I'd still own it. As for the Mazzers...I was never thrilled with them...slow and very messy, even with the Schnozolla/Schectermatic installed to contain the grounds. I'm not a doser guy...

I currently use a Mini E at the cottage and a Major and Robur E at home. I get great results with all 3 grinders - though it took a while to figure out how to use them in a home situation, the Mini E requires that you break up the clumps with a good stir!! the other 2 once purged can produce glory with no fiddling around. If I were looking to upgrade the Mini it would not be for a Vario but for a commercial grade grinder or a second PeDe hand mill which produces a grind on par with the big Mazzers. My thought is wait it out and see what the market brings in the next go around of improved grinders.

I've recently upgraded from a Mini to a Versalab and am very happy. There is a big difference in the cup and there is no retained grinds. Much easier than my Mini which I made doserless. Less messy. Not having the Vario, I can't advise from hands on knowledge but it is a vertical change. Go for a real upgrade.

Marvin

re: m3 -- not having a chute to deal with is a big plus. but back to the op's qn: i got to try a vario and it works like a charm. just have to get over the low-end aesthetic, which matters to some i guess.

iginfect wrote:I've recently upgraded from a Mini to a Versalab and am very happy. There is a big difference in the cup and there is no retained grinds. Much easier than my Mini which I made doserless. Less messy. Not having the Vario, I can't advise from hands on knowledge but it is a vertical change. Go for a real upgrade.

Marvin