Overview
Named one of the best new products of 2011, the Baratza Vario-W Burr Grinder gives you the ability to create a precise grind for ideal shots. Using real-time weight-based grinding with a built-in electronic scale, all you need to do is set your weight preference and the Vario-W will do the rest. This gem of a grinder weighs the ground coffee and will stop grinding automatically when it has reached your desired weight.
Please Note: Our video features the previous version (model # 985) that does not include the shut-off hopper.
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Skill Level
Beginner: Stepped grind adjustments and simple controls help anyone get grinding.
Intermediate: Grinders offering accurate grind controls and programmable dosing for daily coffee drinkers.
Expert: Stepless grind adjustments and pro-barista features make these the top of the line in coffee grinding.
Intermediate -
Programming
Manual: Manually grind your just-right dose.
Timed: Set a grind time for automatic dosing.
Programmable: Program multiple grind times for extra drink options.
By Weight: A built-in scale weighs coffee as it grinds for a perfect dose.
By Weight -
Grinder Type
Espresso: Designed for precision grinds at fine settings just for espresso.
Coffee: Consistent at coarser grind settings for slow brew coffee methods (no unpressurized espresso baskets).
Espresso and Coffee: Capable of consistent grinding in both espresso and slow brew ranges.
Coffee + Espresso -
Grind Settings
Stepped: Notched, labeled settings for easy adjustability and repeatability.
Stepless: Precision stepless adjustment allows for micro-changes to grind size.
Stepped
- Shut-Off Hopper: The newest version of the Vario-W (model # 986) now includes a shut-off hopper for convenient coffee bean switching.
- 54mm Ceramic Flat Burrs: These burrs stay sharper longer. Ceramic has a longer life than steel burrs and helps to keep the coffee cool by limiting the amount of heat transferred from the burrs to the grinds.
- Weight-Based: Set the weight of your desired ground coffee to more or less than 0.2g and the Vario-W will weigh the ground coffee while grinding, then stop automatically when it reaches your desired weight.
- Easy-to-Read: Digital LCD window shows the weight value that is being ground, so you won't need to worry about pre-weighing your beans any longer.
- Grind on Demand with Electronic Dosing: Grinds only the coffee you require for each shot. Eliminates the risk of stale ground coffee common in mechanical dosing units.
- Programming: Features three, user-programmable grind weight buttons.
- Innovative Dual Cam Grind Adjustment: The right-hand lever lets you choose what type of grind. The lever on the left lets you fine tune the grind within the range selected. More than 230 grind settings available.
- Super Quiet: Powerful DC motor turns slowly resulting in cool, quiet operation and permits extended grinding time. The circuitry is equipped with an automatic reset thermal switch.
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Pros
- Commercial-Grade: With 230 settings, you may expect the Vario-W to be more of a beginner's machine. Not so. This grinder has the same high-quality design features as professional grinders.
- Precision Grind Adjustment: You'll get a precise grind with the Baratza Vario-W.
- Digital Display: The clear, easy-to-read display tells you the weight value that you're grinding.
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Cons
- Too Much Goodness: A score of grinding options can equal frustration when changing grinds for a new batch of beans.
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Pros
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How Does it Compare?
The Vario-W is accurate, consistent and has 230 grind options versus other models. The grind is from 230-1150 microns.
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Tips and Tricks
Accessory 54mm flat steel burrs are available for the Vario-W. These are for use in a Vario-W dedicated to grinding for drip brewing using a medium to coarse grind. To be clear, these will NOT grind fine enough for espresso. They are solely for a coarser grind used in drip brewing.
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Manufacturer
Baratza
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Skill Level
Intermediate
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Model Number
986
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Width
5.5 inches
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Depth
5.0 inches
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Height
14.0 inches with hopper | 9.5 inches without hopper
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Product Weight (lbs.)
9.000000
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Watts
180W
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Volts
110V
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Case Material
Plastic
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Bean Hopper Capacity
8 oz
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Dosing Options
Programmable Dosing Functionality
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Adjustment Configuration
Stepped - Macro and Micro Settings
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Grinder Style
Burr - Flat Ceramic
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Burr Diameter
54mm
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Material
Plastic
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Recommended For
Espresso, Fine Drip / Pour Over, Drip Coffee
Warranty Information
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, including Chromium, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
What it Covers: Grinders
Length: 1 Year
Who Supports the Warranty: Baratza
Warranty Contact Information: (425) 641-1245
Notes: Baratza has excellent troubleshooting resources on their website. If you're experiencing an issue with your grinder, definitely look here first.
Can SCG Repair? No, Tune-up Only read more about our repair services
Care and Maintenance
Clean burrs on a weekly to bi-weekly basis either with a cleaning brush or a burr grinder-specific cleaning product such as Grindz.
Remove and hand wash the bean hopper and lid with warm water and soap as needed.
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Customer Rating |
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Price |
$479.95
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$599.95
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$599
Regular Price
$649
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Adjustment Configuration | Stepped - Macro and Micro Settings | Stepped - Macro and Micro Settings | Stepless - Infinite Settings |
Bean Hopper Capacity | 8 ounces | 10 ounces | 12 oz. |
Burr Diameter | 54mm | 40mm | 55mm |
Depth | 7.00 inches | 9.5 inches | 5.6 inches |
Grinder Style | Burr - Flat Ceramic | Burr - Conical Steel | Burr - Flat Steel |
Height | 14.25 inches | 15.75 inches | 13.8 inches |
Programmability | |||
Recommended For | Coffee Press, Espresso, Fine Drip / Pour Over, Drip Coffee | Espresso, Fine Drip / Pour Over | Espresso, Fine Drip / Pour Over |
Minimum Time to Grind Double Shot | 11 seconds | ||
Width | 5.25 inches | 5.25 inches | 5 inches |