One thing about the timer. On the very long Vario thread at CG, I read that the timer may not work well until you break the vario in, after 5 lbs or so of coffee. I am still breaking my vario in, and I am still using a scale, becaue the timer is not consistent enough for me, for espresso. I am hopefull that after a couple more pounds of coffee, that I can just use the timer, and lose the scale.

I am using the timer for drip, I also use the vario for a grinding for a one cup drip machine, and it seems to work fine for that

Randy

Calibrating the Vario with the new calibration screw.

Baratza's first shipment of Vario's (March 2009, serial # 001 to 270) were calibrated at the factory to grind too fine. We then changed the factory setting for the Vario so it could be adjusted fine enough for espresso and coarse enough for Press Pot. Since we made this adjustment at the factory we have had much fewer calibration issues. Beginning with serial #271, Baratza added a secondary calibration screw (2mm Allen head set screw) in a round hole between the discharge chute and the calibration grommet. This calibration screw allows the user to easily adjust the calibration in the finer direction with the grinder running. To make the adjustment, empty all beans from the grinder, lower the Macro and Micro levers all the way to the bottom and run it briefly to expel any partially ground coffee. Press the Manual button and then the Start button. While the grinder is running, raise the Macro arm all the way to the top (Espresso). You should not hear any change in motor speed. Now raise the Micro arm up the midpoint. You should begin to hear the motor slow (or labor a little). If not, use a 2mm Allen wrench to slowly turn the 2mm set screw clockwise (when looking up at the screw) until you begin to hear the motor slow or labor. You are done!

Since the Baratza Vario has been out for a year now, you'd think that some of the retailers would drop the price of this nice machine. Maybe drop it down to around 325.00 to 350.00 or the price of a Rocky for a after Christmas / New Years sale.

Gary? Why?!?!? It is a significantly better grinder than the Rocky*, and it continually sells out. Typically, you lower your price only if your product isn't selling well, or if a competitor is about to introduce a new product that will affect your sales.

Baratza has a great grinder in the Vario (aka the Mahlkönig Vario Home), and they will soon introduce a less expensive product (under $300). Why would you compete with yourself?

Cheers,
Jason

/ / / / /

EDIT: *In terms of grind quality, the Baratza Vario ($429) is most often compared -- not to the Mazzer Mini ($599) but to the Mazzer Super Jolly at $679 or more. The Vario is already one hell of a deal! Why sell it for less???

Baratza wrote: If not, use a 2mm Allen wrench to slowly turn the 2mm set screw clockwise (when looking up at the screw) until you begin to hear the motor slow or labor. You are done!

Thanks Kyra. I will try that when I get home tonight....

Ed

Baratza wrote:Calibrating the Vario with the new calibration screw...

Spent 2 days looking for this. Thanks Kyra!

This is why I buy Baratza.

Just recalibrated. Boy, that was easy!! It was out by half a turn (180 degrees). I'm out of beans (except for some Kona Peaberry which I'm saving for press pot), so I have no way to try it out right now, but I'm sure that'll make a big difference on the espresso end.

Thanks again.

Jason, Hugh was just pickin. From what I've read here and other sites about the Baratza Vario it is a good grinder just waiting to get a little extra cash and order one myself. Was looking at in getting a Macap M4 but will put that one on hold for now. After getting the Vario I'm looking at getting a Quickmill Alexia with the PID but that will be some time at a later date.

Thanks for the info Kyra. I was able to adjust the grinder so I have much more flexibility at the espresso end of the grind. I was able to move down 1 macro step and 5 micro steps. I love this grinder!

Ed

Hello everyone. Just to follow up and give praises to whom that deserves them.

Kyle, of Baratza, e-mailed back and confirmed that I had one of the unit with a noisy motor/fragile display. He will send me a new display panel that I will replace myself. There is nothing to it really. As a bonus, Kyle will send the new improved panel. I had offered to pay the $20.00, but Kyle just decided to give it to me for free!

A really classy act! I am so impressed that I am thinking that I will not procure the La Cimbali Max that I was about to purchase and I will simply get a second B-Vario, just to support such a great company. What I may lose in coffee quality I would get back in the satisfaction of supporting some people that really support their customers.

buy the max hybrid; much better grinder

jthor wrote:buy the max hybrid; much better grinder

Based on first hand comparison??

jthor wrote:buy the max hybrid; much better grinder

While I do not doubt the sincerity of your personal recommendation -- provided of course that it is indeed based upon your first-hand experience of working with both grinders -- having worked with both grinders myself, I have actually come to the opposite conclusion.

Indeed, I own both a CMH and a Baratza Vario. I use both grinders several times a week, and in most circumstances, for most home users, I can certainly see myself recommending the "B-Vario" over the CMH . . .

Cheers,
Jason

Jason,

I am disappointed in you analysis. For espresso, the CMH blows away the Vario; no comparison as I see it. Cheers. Merry Christmas to all.

Jim

Let's not forget the price differential here. I could also say "Buy a Robur. Much better grinder."

sweaner wrote:Let's not forget the price differential here. I could also say "Buy a Robur. Much better grinder."

Well, that I could agree with!

da gino wrote:Jim, have you used them both? (As has been asked before). Most people don't seem to agree with you. The Super Jolly is a rival and peer of the CMH and my personal experience is (for me) that the Vario is the SJ's peer in the cup.

Dude, read the titan grinder thread; the SJ is not even in the CMH class; no comparison; end of story; the Vario is comparable to a lower end drip grinder like a Krups or Capresso conical. End of story my friends. The Vario should not be used at all for espresso grind; poor quality, consistency and cup experience.

JT

So then all of the reviews of the Vario are wrong?