The Latest in Kitchen Appliances: Baratza Vario Burr Coffee Grinder

One of the most recent additions to the Baratza line, the Vario Burr Grinder is an exclusive grinder that has been awaiting public release since 2007. It was first announced at the SCAA Minnesota conference and promised to be available to the public during Q1 2009 (expected to be January).

At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish this grinder from the other three grinders released from Baratza, a Washington based coffee corporation. However, the price for this grinder is quite noticeable. It is predicted stateside to start around $430.00. So, what really sets this grinder apart from others and why would someone need such an expensive piece of equipment?

The Vario is categorized as a burr grinder with a completely ceramic design and digitally enhanced features that are not currently found in any other product on the market. These are features not found even in Baratza's own grinders: the Maestro, Maestro Plus or Virtuoso.

A few of the most highlighted features include: built-in timer, dual cam motor, bin catcher and port-a-holder.

1.) The digital built-in timer. This timer is known for its preciseness, which is accurate down to .01 seconds. It also offers numerous programmable settings with presets so you can set grind times for the morning. Now when you are showering in the morning, your coffee grinder can be grinder fresh grounds and have them waiting as soon as you get to the kitchen. This is also very beneficial if you do you not have an automatic espresso machine with a built in coffee grinder.

2.) Another benefit is dual cam motor that allows you to select how fine you like your grounds. There are presets that come strait from the factory which are ready at the press of a button. These include micro and macro grind adjusters. However, if you are partial to a Starbucks flavor you can easily have your grounds just as fine or coarse as needed. You can also explore what new flavors are waiting for your by adjusting these settings and you may find that you have been missing out.

3.) The last features to introduce is the full ground bin-catcher, as well as Baratza's newly designed port-a-holder, and a grinds catcher replacement that allows you to use a port-a-filter directly with the grinder.

Tips for new owners or curious shoppers:

1.) Out-of-the-box the Baratza Vario grinder was meant for those who are looking to take their coffee to next lever. Compared to the other grinders (Maestro, Maestro Plus and Virtuoso) this grinder is nearly twice the weight. What is a little more interesting is that although it does include the hopper and ground catcher, this grinder does not come with directions.

2.) The coffee bean hopper (which feeds the beans into the grinder blades) can hold around 275g. Different than other grinders, the Vario cannot change the grind from the hopper. Whereas other models, you twist the hopper which alternates the grind. This one has digital settings from the front control panel.

3.) The Vario does feature and start automatic button and manual button. If you are in manual mode, the grinder will only stop once you press the start button a second time. This can be used when one of the automatic presets does not fit the application needed. Fore example, when you need more grounds to make multiple cups of coffee.

4.) There are three more buttons on the control panel that allows you to choose between Espresso, Filter, Press and Ground Time. What is often misunderstood is that by pressing these buttons you are simply selecting the type of grind. It does not automatically start or set a time for the grind. The grinder will prompt you further in a mode to choose between the number of cups needed to be made and even time settings.

This short review simply covers the main functionality of this grinder and what it offers that is completely new for this 2009 release. There are many more settings, buttons and mechanixs that go into this grinder which can be found at Live Love Coffee. This is an online coffee house featuring more information on burr coffee grinders.