Probably the only grinder that can cover the entire spectrum of grinds and do it well.
Positive Product Points
Not only adjusts for a full range unlike any other, but holds a portafilter or a bin for grounds with just a slide-in motion and no tools. Switching grinds is effortless. Unit is small and its design is pleasing. Fits easily under low counters. Dispensing is based on time and grind so you can really fine-tune what you need and repeat the settings as well as tweak endlessly. Grinds far finer than anyone would ever need, and then goes all the way to the opposite setting and makes a great grind for french press. Manual and auto settings.
Negative Product Points
Screw to adjust portaholder fork didn't match top hole in portaholder tray (hole too big), but that hole was not immediately needed anyway. New screw was sent within the day by Baratza. Reference marks on front plate could use numbers instead of just hash marks, but after using it for a while you get over it. Some folks have already made overlays for this. Portafilter fork doesn't hold my bottomless unit, but not sure if they fit well in any grinder.
Detailed Commentary
Not much to say other than this is probably the only grinder that can cover the entire spectrum of grinds and do it well. I thought I had the other one (Kitchenaid ProLine) but I was wrong. The Vario really shines with the incredible adjust-ability that really goes farther than anyone would need. The grind is very consistent down to the particle size, and it is obvious when changing between even the fine settings. No other machine touches this, and not just "for the money" but even when compared to others directly that cost more. The word that comes to mind is VALUE. The price is what you pay, value is what you get.
Buying Experience
Bought from Chris's and they were excellent.
Three Month Followup
After three months of daily use everything is great. No issues at all. The only variances in results are coming from the coffee beans, not the grinder. Fresh coffee from the roaster needs a bit coarser grind, and that is just a flick of the micro-adjust levers down a few notches. It's unreal to have this much adjustment on a unit that not only grinds for espresso, but for everything! Small size is a huge benefit in a small kitchen, and it is easy to use for everyone.
