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Guides users through calibrating the grinder's hopper settings to establish a zero point.
Explains the process of seasoning the burrs and its effect on static retention.
Provides a visual guide for espresso and filter grind sizes with corresponding settings.
Details methods to reduce static charge during grinding using the Ross Droplet Technique (RDT).
Instructs on using silicone bellows for cleaning grounds and chaff from the grinder.
Provides a step-by-step guide for completely disassembling and cleaning the grinder components.
Details the procedure for replacing or reassembling the grinder's burr set.
The Varia VS3 is a coffee grinder designed for home use, capable of handling both espresso and filter grind sizes. It features a sleek, minimalist design with a black finish and a compact footprint, making it suitable for various kitchen setups. The grinder is equipped with a 38mm conical 6-core burr made from high nitrogen 420 Stainless Steel, ensuring durability and consistent grinding performance.
The primary function of the Varia VS3 is to grind whole coffee beans into various consistencies, from fine espresso grinds to coarser filter grinds. It operates with a stepless adjustment mechanism, allowing for precise control over the grind size. The grinder is designed for single-dose grinding, ensuring freshness and minimizing wasted coffee. It incorporates a magnetic dosing cup and a magnetic design cup dock for ease of use and stability during grinding. The grinder is powered by a 100W DC motor, providing a load speed of 190 RPM, which contributes to its efficient grinding.
The Varia VS3 is designed for straightforward operation. Before first use, users are instructed to remove all packaging and place the grinder on a flat, stable surface. The power adapter should be plugged into a power outlet, and the grinder can be turned on and off by pressing the power button.
The grinder comes factory-calibrated with the hopper at the "O" setting. To calibrate, users rotate the hopper clockwise to its tightest setting past "0" and then anti-clockwise until it reaches "O" again, which becomes the zero point. This stepless adjustment allows for fine-tuning of grind size, with increments of 0.1. An important safety note is to never turn on the grinder when the hopper is at its tightest setting, as this can damage the burrs.
Upon initial use, the grinder may exhibit higher static retention until the burrs are seasoned. This typically reduces after grinding approximately 2kg of coffee. Users should be aware that grind setting alignment may change after burr seasoning.
A grind setting chart is provided to guide users on appropriate settings for different brew methods, including espresso, Moka pot, pour-over, French press, and cold brew. The chart emphasizes caution when grinding light roasted coffees at espresso settings, recommending slow bean feeding or a slightly coarser grind size to prevent challenges. A "DO NOT GRIND FROM 0-1" range is clearly marked to prevent damage to the burrs.
Static charge can be present during grinding, especially when the grinder is new. To mitigate this, the RDT (Ross Droplet Technique) is recommended. This involves spraying 2-3 sprays of filtered water onto the coffee beans in the dosing cup, shaking them to disperse the water droplets, and then pouring them into the hopper. This technique helps reduce static retention. Users are advised to wipe the grinds cup, hopper, and dosing cup dry after using RDT.
A silicone cleaning bellows is supplied with the Varia VS3. This accessory is crucial for cleaning any remaining grounds or chaff from the hopper, burr chamber, and ground chute after each grind. To use, the hopper lid is placed onto the bellows, which is then placed on top of the hopper rim, creating a seal. Gently pushing the bellows up and down creates a blast of air to flush out loose material. It is recommended to use the bellows after every grind and not as a hopper extension.
The manual outlines extensive safety measures, including checking power supply compatibility, ensuring the grinder is in a dry environment, and exercising extreme caution with the sharp grinding burrs. Users are warned not to insert fingers into the hopper when the motor is running or plugged in, and to only operate with the hopper in place. Long hair and loose clothing should be kept away from the burr housing. The grinder is designed for home use and should not be used for continuous commercial operation or for grinding anything other than coffee beans. Grinding cycles should not exceed 60 seconds, with a minimum 90-second rest period between cycles.
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the grinder's performance. The grinder body and base should not be immersed in water. Instead, a moist cloth should be used to wipe the body, ensuring no water enters the internal components. Power must be turned off during cleaning.
A detailed step-by-step guide for a full clean and disassembly is provided, along with a reference video on YouTube. This process involves:
The manual also details the procedure for changing burrs and reassembling the grinder, which is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. This includes placing the lower grounds spindle, thin washer, springs, inner burr, locking washer, set nut, outer burr, ring bearing, adjustment collar, and hopper back in their respective positions. Users are advised to tighten the set nut in an anti-clockwise direction and to ensure the hopper is tightened to the "O" point.
The manual addresses common issues such as a blocked grind chamber (checking grind setting and for foreign objects), a wobbling nut/washer (normal behavior), and a moving hopper (applying food-grade metal grease to threads).
The Varia VS3 comes with a 12-month limited warranty covering defects in material or workmanship, provided the grinder is purchased from an authorized reseller and fitted with factory standard parts. The warranty does not cover damage from incorrect power supply, accidents, misuse, unauthorized repairs, or failure to adhere to safety and operating instructions.
General| Manufacturer | Varia |
|---|---|
| Model | VS3 |
| Burr Size | 38mm |
| Grind Adjustment | Stepless |
| Hopper Capacity | 30g |
| Grind Settings | Stepless |
| Burr Material | Stainless Steel (SUS420) |
| Material | Aluminum |
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