Varia VS3 Grinder

The VS3 (varia stepless 38mm) Electric Grinder is a versatile single-dosing all purpose grinder that comes with upgradable 38mm stainless steel conical burrs. The precision stepless grind adjustment allows you to achieve virtually endless particle sizes, from espresso-fine to cold-brew-coarse. 

With a focus on zero-retention grinding and single-button operation, the VS3 is an attractive option for anyone looking for an entry-level grinder that will evolve with you as you progress on your journey from newbie barista to espresso expert.

Features & Benefits

Varia’s flagship grinder and winner of the 2022 good design award at SCA Japan, the VS3 is a precise, durable grinder built to facilitate experimentation and growth. This grinder utilizes a sloped geometry with a 76.5° acute angle to allow for ideal zero retention conditions. This slight forward angle also makes for a more enjoyable user experience when adding coffee to the hopper and adjusting grind settings.

The VS3 comes with a bellows and anti-popcorning insert to ensure you’re able to clear all the grounds from the chamber every time, as well as an RDT sprayer, which, when combined with all these other features, results in an impressive retention of less than 0.1 grams per 10 gram dose.  

The moment you pick the VS3 up, you know this is a high-quality piece of machinery built to last—it weighs 8 lbs, which takes you by surprise given how small it is. 

The conical burrs are also upgradable for anyone interested in even higher levels of performance. 

The VS3’s bean hopper (with magnetically attaching hopper lid) functions as the stepless grind adjustment mechanism. Turning the hopper results in 0.01mm vertical burr shifts, meaning a near-endless spectrum of grind sizes for extraordinarily precise dialing in. 

The full stainless steel gearbox construction in the VS3 runs at 170 RPM. Such a low RPM may mean longer grind times, but it also means less heat buildup, so you won’t scorch your beans. Grind speed for 18 gram doses on espresso and filter settings are 34 and 25 seconds, respectively. 

This grinder is extremely compact. With a footprint of just 5.8 x 3.5 inches and a height just below 13”, you’ll have no problem fitting the VS3 on even the most crowded of countertops.

Why You Should Get It

The VS3 is an excellent grinder choice for any single-dose brewer looking for the versatility to upgrade and experiment with various burr configurations—or someone for whom counter space is at a premium.

This is also a grinder designed with aesthetics in mind—it looks like a piece of sophisticated lab equipment one might find on a futuristic spaceship. And yet, its surface is entirely unblemished with unnecessary switches, knobs, and screens. A single chrome button (which is an absolute dream to push) controls 100% of the operations.