Varia VS6 Coffee Grinder Review. Is this an End-Game Grinder?

[@tomsgrinderlab]

Can't wait to get this on my bench. Great overview thanks Josh.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

So good 🙌 Thanks so much Tom

[@atzedevries9563]

I think having blindburrs are an underrated feature. This machine looks very interesting!

[@Raditram]

wondering if the pietro brew burr would fit in these

[@DR19X]

thank you for reviewing. I cannot wait to see comparison between the varia and other grinders such as philos, zerno, or niche duo/df83v

[@SeanGordon-ym4yf]

The VS6 looks very interesting! I think the VS3 is a great little grinder, aside from the drivetrain issues. Given the less-than-impressive support Varia provided to VS3 users who experienced failures outside of the one-year warranty, I wouldn't personally risk spending 3x as much on a VS6.

[@mrwezbo]

Agree - I write this with my VS3 sitting with AB under warranty for a failed motor. I wouldn't buy again until confirmed reliability issues are resolved.

[@topjets5616]

What a great idea for the home barista with limited counter space :)

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Absolutely. Can effectively have two types of grinders in one

[@curt4930]

The weakness in this design is the ultra fine threads in the hopper. Aluminium & ultra fine threads into a steel ultra fine thread is not a good combination especially if you are going to be changing out burrs regularly. I had the VS3 & ended up returning it after the hopper threads bound up, when I went to the store we checked another one straight out of the box, same issue! The build quality wasn't great to be honest. I replaced it with a Mignon from Eureka thats been bullet proof build quality, quieter than the Vario, faster, repeatable grind, cant fault it.

[@DavidSinanan]

Sounds very cool. Now I kinda want one. Pre-Orders are going for around $900 CAD right now here.

[@KrishnenduKes]

Wow! This is not a click bait. And it is not a cliché either. The grinder looks really promising.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

hahaha! Thanks so much 👌 that goes for all of my content 😀

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@AlternativeBrewing LOl! I agree.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

I've really enjoyed your excellent reviews of the df83v, the vs3 gen2 and this vs6. I'm in the market for an electric grinder. I drink espresso only, 2 per day. I enjoy all roast levels, but i'd say texture/mouthfeel is very important to me. I love bright juicy cups, but they have to have body. Which of these 3 grinders with which burr set would you recommend?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks so much 🙌 I think you could find it with the Varia VS3 and Ultra Hypernova burr set, but only to a certain degree of texture - otherwise either of the other mentioned Grinders with an RPM of around 900-1200 using flat burrs will get you what you're after 🙌

[@thamtham4924]

Compare with any current 83mm grinder in market, I will go with Varia VS6 for sure. 83mm burrs are crazy expensive and taste is not better with any of current 83 grinder. And VS6 is easier to swap burrs.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Totally agree 🫶

[@DR19X]

Agree with you regarding the price of burrs being expensive on the 83mm but to that point you get options. ssp will set you at least $320-350 as for the ease of swapping burrs, it is as easy if not easier on the niche duo you do not have as many rings to remove. it is tiny difference though and does not add much time or effort.

[@kitcraft9516]

So, I'm revisiting upgrading my grinder (ESP) and am rewatching all of your grinder videos. Based on that, which grinder would you recommend for thick, syrupy, traditional shots? Particularly from medium/dark (agtron 48-52) Neapolitan style coffees pulled at 6 bars. Not really the shot style that gets talked about as often in reviews, lol. The Niche is still the one I do see touted for this though, which is fine as I am not chasing the flavor of the month here. If it works, it works. A quieter more visually appealing grinder would be ideal. The ESP has some workflow drawbacks and feels cheap in use. Plus, it seems to only be stable, when grinding, for three shots at a time, max. After that my shot times go wild. Any advice appreciated. As always, I enjoyed the video and thank you for posting!

[@thomascee]

Ohhhhhhhh, I wanted to get the DF64V. The variable speed sleek one. But shoot... This is really tempting too... Ouch... Choices! Is this quality level much better overall would you say??

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You're really weighing up burr options and aesthetics here. 64mm range is a great range to be getting in to - for third party burrs and DF are much more rounded the the Varia. The Varia has many burr options obvs within it's own system, great for reliable compatibility, and the Conical Burr option is definitely attractive too - but if you don't see yourself chasing this - For the price the DF64V is the better package 👌

[@elNan140]

great video, as always! this grinder seems like an endgame for people who like to explore burr options and their different taste profiles, yet it doesn't support extremely popular third-party options like SSP, I think this is going to be a deal breaker for this kind of people who otherwise would be considering the VS6 as the ideal platform for burr exploration... do you think Varia could support 64mm SSP's in the future with a special burr carrier?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks 🙏 Very true! 64mm flat burrs won’t fit, no.

[@BigBenAdv]

Lovely review on the VS6! I've been wondering about how it stacks up and this might just be what I want now that I'm sick of the extended maintenance effort for my DF64 (Gen 1). Now it's just a matter of convincing the missus on a purchase 🤔

[@AlternativeBrewing]

hahaha 😂 Thanks so much and ... good luck ! 👍

[@jasonmurkin3364]

I really want this grinder but I only drink filter so think maybe it's a bit overkill... Currently using Ode Gen 2...what do you guys think?

[@henrytung9324]

I'm curious about alignment. This feels impossible to use shims to align, meaning if it is not aligned to begin with, it may be an issue?

[@smashtankful]

A bit behind here, but wouldn't the biggest competitor to this grinder be the Timemore Sculptor 078s? I understand that does not have an available conical burr set, but pound for pound otherwise?

[@dkreventon]

1. Does the grind size adjustment remain in place through the grinding process? (you know the issue with vs3s shifting the dial). Can it also stay the same when using the bellows more carefully? 2. Is the dosing cup containing the magnet or is it the base that's magnetic? Or both? 3. Can it be successfully be used as a hopper grinder? I find some coffees I enjoy more with this style of grinding.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

1. The grind size adjustment remains in place whilst grinding. Though it is very slippery - using bellows or even removing lid to add beans has changed the grind in me by a fraction. 2. The magnets are both on the catch cup and in the body of the grinder. 3. Its capacity is 80g in the hopper. There’s no way for it to hold more unless you make specific for it. It could be a hoppered grinder if you did that.

[@_sk_videos]

Is it endgame in flavour though? Compared to say something from weber workshops?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

NO. Not as end game as perhaps the EG-1 😂 that's almost 7x the price 🫶

[@anotherguycalledsmith]

Hello, Josh, thank you very much indeed. How _loud_ is this grinder in dB? Thanks ;-)

[@AlternativeBrewing]

I didn't test the decibels sorry - and I wont go and guess it - but it's much quiter than the latest VS3 for comparison - as it has a larger body that's capable of absorbing the sound 👌

[@toddklickovich6737]

This is such a "why hasn't anybody else done it" idea I can't beleive it. Varia nailed it for the burr modularity but if you don't like their burrs your out of luck. But neat that they're swappable (cone/flat), the flat burrs are blind and from their website there are many choices for each type - although they are a little obscure on some of them for what they're best at (seems like same text copied/pasted for some of the "best for" info). They had gearbox problems with the vs3 - will be interesting to see how the vs6 v1 does. I think I'd be in for a gen 2 and if the pricepoint was $500. $850 + burrs is A LOT especially when it's a "made in China" product. But at least they have good track record for brew quality from the vs3.

[@JoeW789]

you know Lagom grinders are all made in China too and they are a lot more expensive

[@RaymondwLin]

Did you RDT because it needs it? Even with the ioniser or did you RDT out of habit?

[@lgxiii]

I wonder the same. If anti static device supplied with the grinder, useless to do RDT, unless the anti static device is not efficient.

[@greysuit17]

RDT improves extraction it’s not just for static. It’s an improvement to brewing so most definitely not useless.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

I’m also rigorously RDTing atm as it’s a very dry low humidity environment where I live. When the seasons roll round and the humidity rises, RDT becomes less of a necessity. Also depends on Grind size . Noticeably more static catch when grinding for filter than for espresso.

[@drpiz773]

I am in the market for a new grinder and was almost sold with the DF83V. However, the VS6 looks like a worthy unit aside from the proprietary burs. Question, given that conical burs often favor sweeter, syrupy full body espresso shots, is it worth upgrading to one of their offering flat burs that promises the same kind of flavor profile as the conical burs, especially WHEN you demonstrated that you can achieve the same at lower rpms with the stock flat burs? Just wondering if the extra expense is warranted :)

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yeah - have just been thinking that myself - DF83 and DF83V are great grinders - yet if you have burr options in mind - then 83mm burrs are crazy expensive. Varia have the option fro conical burrs which is cool - but ofc grinding on a low RPM with flat burrs does tend to bend the curve of the flavour profile towards a more Conical burr profile. That being said - they're not identical. Conical burr texture is supreme. I'd go the Varia , and play around with RPM before buying new burrs 👌

[@drpiz773]

@@AlternativeBrewing Thank you. Like many of my peers, I have been going down the Rabbitt hole purchasing a grinder for espresso another for filter coffee, and anything in between. So, when I say this grinder, it made me pause because it seems to encompass all the "playing around" one can ever wish for in just one grinder. Have you seen the Mazzer Philos tho? Not the same animal regarding features and capabilities, but quite the beast in its own right! Still being around the same price point, I believe the VS6 just has lots more to offer even if from a less well-known or reputable company. Again, thank you for all you do for us in the community.

[@YT.1122]

Hi I want to ask what’s the different compare with DF83V?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

There'd be a lot to unpack here. 83mm flat burrs on the DF vs -58mm flat burrs OR 63mm Conical burrs on the Varia VS6. Varia will likely be able to produce more varied flavour profiles and you have more burr options with Varia. Default out of the box, I'd probably go Varia here - just bc 83mm burrs are very expensive! Otherwise the DF64V is another great option.

[@crawlingcity]

This machine looks very interesting, but after replacing 3 switch cables, and replacing 2 different VS3 gen2 machines with motor problems, Varia lost all credibility for me. Might look good, but not trusting the brand again. Nice video tho, as always!

[@jasonmurkin3364]

Certainly worth bearing in mind. Thanks for mentioning

[@oshika8713]

Can the popcorn screen be removed? It’s nice with the VS3 to not have to have it installed.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

No it cannot.

[@GiovanniGiorgio2024]

Any plan to review LAGOM casa?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yea absolutely 🫶 coming soon

[@leefoty07]

Looking to get a grinder, a move on from my sage machine, I mostly drink medium to dark roasts and espresso/milk coffees, looking to try light roasts and want a grinder than can do a good job with all roast types, I was just about to purchase a df64v but now this has dropped I am wandering what your opinion would be as to which grinder would work best. Thank you for your videos I have found them very interesting and honest.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You're welcome 😀

[@orbit354]

Great Video! Would love to see a comparison to the Mazzer Philos because they’re in a very similar price range 🤔

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Great point! Ill hve to get my hands on one 👌

[@drpiz773]

@@AlternativeBrewing I second that motion, because I am specifically looking at purchasing one of these two. Would love to see a comparison!!!! wink-wink!

[@DR19X]

same

[@langzhi1873]

This seems legit a niche killer

[@spartak_ivanov]

Would anyone consider switching to this model from comandante c40 red clix? I just dont see that much pros this model can offer.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

If Price isn’t an issue - then I would every time. Automatic over Hand Grinding for sure

[@spartak_ivanov]

@@AlternativeBrewing yea, price not that of a deal as well as a pleasure from hand grinding.. Just have a slight doubts that with x3 price over c40 I'll get close results. Your full review so well structured, has hands-on experience and comparison of what you get from it so I really consider that purchase later this or next year✨🤩🙏🏼

[@asmith2886]

Efficaciously!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

hahah! yea i was looking for a word that covered Efficiency and Effectiveness in one - as these are not mutually inclusive attributes in a grinder 😂 It'll be my go-to word now!

[@asmith2886]

@@AlternativeBrewing Are you able to do an efficacious comparison test with the Lagom P64?😆

[@mountnjo1]

Does it have a power brick like the VS3?

[@mountnjo1]

Quietly hoping it does, so I don’t get buyers regret after just buying the VS3 from you guys on the weekend 😬

[@Longtimerolling]

No.

[@greysuit17]

Comes with a cable no brick on this one.

[@jasonmurkin3364]

That brick put me off the VS3 I'll be honest

[@AlternativeBrewing]

No power brick 🙏 it has a detachable cord 🎉

[@redrich2000]

Interesting. Competition for the DF64v in the sleek, versatile, varible RPM space. I had the VS3 and now have the DF64V. The varia stuff is more polished the DF. So this would give you that polish but with flats and variable rpm. But at the cost of propietry burrs. Does the VS6 have a power brick like the VS3?

[@dkreventon]

They ditched the power brick with the vs6.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

No power brick 🎉

[@Raditram]

I wish they had used different design instead of making the Vs3 BIGGER, it looks like it's a poorly scaled thing haha

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yeah - it's very heavy - I kinda get what you're saying - but if it ain't broke 😂 -- its certainly not a small benchtop grinder the VS3 is, anymore !

[@Raditram]

@@AlternativeBrewing I actually really like the design, it looks perfect on the Vs3, this doesn't look quite right (imho). Felt like it being this big might warrant a bigger burr. This having a 64mm blind burr would be insane 👀

[@Earendilvingilot13]

I would feel so lost in experimenting not only with grind size but also the rpm.

[@davidhunternyc1]

I love using bellows. I know other people do not. I fell in love with the name, "Mr. Puff." The Varia is supercool but that logo! Ugh! It's soooo HUGE! I would never buy this machine because of it. Why do logos have to scream?

[@official-ti9hs]

U can cover it with black electrical tape and nobody would notice

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@official-ti9hs Sure! 🤣

[@jontpt]

The answer to your clickbait thumbnail is no, not even close 😂

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Haha 🤣 how come? I mean I know the term is thrown around ALOT. But don’t think other manufacturers won’t replicate this as the new norm?

[@fizascensionyze]

yeah. why not? i think it is an excellent design.

[@timhanrahan2222]

This, p64 or orbit…. Help!! 😂

[@AlternativeBrewing]

P64 🙌