Posted Fri Dec 24, 2010, 11:21am Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
We're happy to have you with us! While the SJ is an awesome grinder, built like a tank, i tend to agree with you concerning HOME USE. BTW, as good as we try to be here, I believe Baratza stands behind their products as well as anyone.
Posted Mon Nov 21, 2011, 10:07am Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
IMAWriter Said:
FWIW, many here (myself included) have the macro 1 notch from the top and the Micro somewhere toward the middle (with adjustments up or down via the Micro. That said, that particular setting most likely means the grinder is adjusted toward the espresso side of things, and a true french press grind may be difficult, even at the lowest macro setting, though mine seems to give me nice press grind...not chunky or containing too many fines. As always, YMMV.
Out of curiosity, is this off of the "out of the box" settings or after the calibration per the manual? Also, did you calibrate it per the manual settings or per the settings from the coffeegeek white paper that mention calibrating the machine at the finest + 1 macro setting instead of the finest setting?
FYI...this issue was addressed late in the following thread ("Worth the wait?").
Specifically, it mentions a Baratza tech had indicated its ok to go finer than the calibration point (i.e., motor can handle the extra load). Based on my use of a hand grinder, I have a hunch that the load placed on the motor from grinding the beans far exceeds the load that would be added from the smooth/flat surfaces of the ceramic burrs touching (on a properly [e.g. manual method] calibrated vario, from the point of calibration [motor labor] to the finest setting of the micro lever). I have been grinding in this range daily for 8 months on my vario w/ no change in performance.
YasBean Senior Member Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 23 Location: MI Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Vibiemme DB Grinder: Baratza Vario Vac Pot: Hario Drip: Swiss Gold 1-cup Roaster: Hottop P, Caffe Rosto
Posted Wed Nov 23, 2011, 12:26pm Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
scrutinizer Said:
Specifically, it mentions a Baratza tech had indicated its ok to go finer than the calibration point (i.e., motor can handle the extra load). Based on my use of a hand grinder, I have a hunch that the load placed on the motor from grinding the beans far exceeds the load that would be added from the smooth/flat surfaces of the ceramic burrs touching (on a properly [e.g. manual method] calibrated vario, from the point of calibration [motor labor] to the finest setting of the micro lever). I have been grinding in this range daily for 8 months on my vario w/ no change in performance.
I have been wondering, if the burrs are already touching enough that we can hear them, what is the point in going even tighter? Can they grind any finer? I ask because I have put my Vario away and replaced it with a LaPavoni ZIP for espresso and a Hario hand grinder for syphon. I just could not seem to get a consistant espresso grind, especially if I would go between two grinds.
Posted Wed Nov 23, 2011, 4:03pm Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
My Vario out of the box was adjusted right where i wanted it...slightly to the fine side. I get what I like as a press pot grind Macro 2 steps from the bottom, Micro about halfway. My espresso settings, as mention are 1 step down Macro, about 1/3 up from the bottom, Micro. YMMV.
This is all dependent on the roasted you have, and especially the machine. I'm a lever. My needs will most likely be different than someone with a QuickMill Andreja or some such.
My question to anyone, is why uber adjust the grinder finer if the espresso is good where you're at? Where I'm at gives me something like 34 Micro steps to adjust FINER.
On the other hand, if you want more flexibility/adjustability for the coarser grinds, then the grinder needs to be "tuned down" so to speak...adjusted coarser, which means turning the little 2mm screw clockwise.
Obviously, you'd then have to set your Macro higher, maybe to the top to get a fine enough grind for espresso.
Posted Wed Nov 23, 2011, 5:14pm Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
YasBean Said:
I have been wondering, if the burrs are already touching enough that we can hear them, what is the point in going even tighter? Can they grind any finer? I ask because I have put my Vario away and replaced it with a LaPavoni ZIP for espresso and a Hario hand grinder for syphon. I just could not seem to get a consistant espresso grind, especially if I would go between two grinds.
I am not familiar with the design details of the adjustment mechanism so perhaps someone else who's taken one apart could explain how it works (springs on the lower carrier?). All I know is that as the micro lever is adjusted finer than the calibration point (i.e., the point where the motor labors per the manual) the grind becomes increasingly finer as expected.
Therefore, if, as the OP indicated, one is getting gushers at settings at or near the calibration point then per the string cited in my response...it's ok to adjust the micro lever finer to dial in shots. Using the grinder in this way is consistent with the instructions in the manual. My manual instructs me to calibrate with the macro to finest (top position) and micro at mid point so I am comfortable using the grinder in this way provided it has been calibrated it according to the manual.
GDK Senior Member Joined: 17 Feb 2011 Posts: 92 Location: Ontario, Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: MiniVivaldi II, preinfusion,... Grinder: Baratza Vario W
Posted Wed Nov 23, 2011, 6:15pm Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
I have been wandering about the grinder assembly schematics too. I would like to understand how it all fits. There are a couple of you tube videos showing how to remove the back cover and replace LCD board,
Posted Thu Nov 24, 2011, 8:05pm Subject: Re: Vario espresso setting
Just got my Vario-W yesterday and the calibration from the factory seemed definitely to be on the coarser side. With the Macro set on the finest setting and the Micro about 1/3 from the bottom, my shots were coming out too fast. Luckily, I had read many threads here about the Vario and knew about the calibration fix. I did this (twice, actually) and now get a good espresso grind at about what you said - Macro one notch from the top and Micro about halfway. That gives me plenty of room for adjusting when I need to.
IMAWriter Said:
FWIW, many here (myself included) have the macro 1 notch from the top and the Micro somewhere toward the middle (with adjustments up or down via the Micro. That said, that particular setting most likely means the grinder is adjusted toward the espresso side of things, and a true french press grind may be difficult, even at the lowest macro setting, though mine seems to give me nice press grind...not chunky or containing too many fines. As always, YMMV.
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