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or Varia VS6 coffee grinder: My New Coffee Adventure Begins!

My New Coffee Adventure Begins

I’ve just invested in the Varia VS6 coffee grinder and I’m excited to share my journey with you! This high-end device promises to upgrade my coffee game, and I can’t wait to put it through its paces. 

Update: The Varia VS6 has arrived, and the coffee experiments are about to begin! Thanks for sharing your initial inputs on the polls — but don’t stop there! Your feedback will guide my review as I unlock the flavors with this versatile grinder. Get ready for an honest and detailed assessment!

Why I Chose the Varia VS6

Originally, I had my eye on grinders with larger burrs, like the 83mm burr on the DF83v. However, the versatility and smaller footprint of the Varia VS6 ultimately swayed my decision. The combination of precision grinding, interchangeable burrs and variable speed control in a more compact package won me over. I would have liked a grinder with an auger, but in the end I went for the Varia VS6, mainly because of the interchangeable burrs. Even I have to stick to proprietary burr sets of Varia.

Unbiased Reviews: My Approach

As always, I want to emphasize that everything I write is based on my own experiences. I don’t use any affiliate links, nor do I have any paid or sponsored content. Every piece of equipment I review, including the Varia VS6, is purchased with my own hard-earned money. This ensures that my opinions remain unbiased and true to my personal experiences.

What’s got me particularly excited about the VS6

What I’m most looking forward to exploring:

• Interchangeable burrs: I’ve ordered the VS6 with both the Supernova Stainless Steel 63mm Conical Burrs and the Hypernova Iridescent Titanium 58mm Flat Burrs, in addition to the stock burrs (58mm Stainless Steel Supernova Flat Burrs). This variety will allow me to explore different flavour profiles and grind characteristics.
• Variable RPM control: The ability to adjust grinding speed from 500 to 1600 RPM opens up a world of flavour extraction possibilities. Though I’m curious to see how the conical burrs perform at the lower end of this range, as even lower RPMs might be beneficial.
• Precision grinding: With stepless adjustments and 0.005mm precision, I’m looking forward to dialling in my espresso shots with unprecedented accuracy.
• Anti-static features: The VS6 includes ionization needles and a spring-loaded knocker to reduce static and retention. It’ll be interesting to see how effective these are in my daily use.
• Compact Footprint: The VS6’s compact design is a major draw for me, especially as I look to upgrade from my current Eureka setup. With a height of only 40 cm and dimensions of 19.2 cm x 13 cm, it fits perfectly into my coffee space without (hopefully) compromising on performance, making it an ideal replacement.

Potential Concerns

One minor concern is the absence of a dedicated on/off switch, which could result in the electronics, including the inverter, continuously drawing power. This constant power draw might not only affect energy efficiency but could also potentially impact the long-term reliability of the electrical components. I’ll assess this when the grinder arrives and may consider updating the cable if necessary. It’s a small trade-off for the features offered, but it’s worth noting.

How I’ll Test the Varia VS6

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Varia VS6’s capabilities, my testing process will involve detailed data logging, objective measurements, and a series of experiments focusing on burr performance, RPM adjustments, and overall grind quality.

Data-Driven Evaluation

To ensure a thorough and data-driven evaluation, I’ll be logging each shot with Beanconqueror. Additionally, I’m hoping to incorporate readings from my Difluid R2 refractometer to provide objective measurements of extraction yield and TDS.

Planned Experiments

As soon as the VS6 arrives and I’ve had some time to familiarize myself with it, I’ll be sharing my experiences and findings right here on my homepage. I plan to cover everything from initial setup and calibration to a detailed analysis of its performance across different brewing methods and bean varieties. My aim is to taste the impact of the different RPM settings of the flat burrs for different types of espresso roast, as well as the readings from the Difluid R2 refractometer. Also, I plan to have a direct comparison between the different burrs for my preferences for fine-tuned shots of espresso and for milk drinks.

Future Comparisons: Conical vs. Manual Grinders

Are you curious about how the VS6’s conical burrs compare to high-end manual grinders? If so, I’d be happy to pit the VS6 against the Timemore Chestnut X or the newer Chestnut S3. This comparison could offer valuable insights into grind quality and flavor profiles across different grinder types. It would be particularly interesting to see how the VS6’s conical burrs, at 500 RPM, measure up against the precision of these popular hand grinders. Let me know if you’d like to see this comparison in my upcoming review!

Your Input Matters

Are there other aspects of the Varia VS6 are you most curious about? What are there specific performance metrics or comparisons you’d like to see? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a note via my contact form or reach out on Instagram with your questions and suggestions.

Stay Tuned for Updates

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s embark on this coffee journey together! I believe the VS6 with the two additional burrs I selected will be overkill, but as mentioned above I will share my experiences, as soon I have received the Varia VS6 and spend some time with it. 

Your input will help me create a review that highlights the key features and functionalities most important to you and the community.