KaraLynn Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 153 Location: London, Ontario Expertise: Just starting
Drip: Cuisinart DCC-455
Posted Fri Mar 4, 2011, 6:24pm Subject: Re: Haven't received my Vario yet and was wondering about other choices
I wish I would have been able to have the time to look into all these grinders and learn about all the aspects. I have only seen pictures on websites of some and I now have the Vario which I'll have to leave it at as I've already done one exchange. I wanted one very capable of espresso later at the time I do have the time to look into it. I hate rushing my decisions and not being able to do the extensive research, however, everyone on this site has helped me tremendously to arrive a quick decision. Maybe sometime in the future I can see the Compak K3, etc. but hopefully the Vario will be a good choice for a long time to come. See, I didn't even know about the shute being self cleaning. Very nice....
Dripp Senior Member Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 142 Location: Ohio Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Andreja Premium Grinder: Baratza Vario and virtuoso Vac Pot: Bodum Chambord FP Drip: Behmor Brazen (soon!) Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Fri Mar 4, 2011, 6:46pm Subject: Re: Haven't received my Vario yet and was wondering about other choices
I had it narrowed down between the K3 and the vario. I was torn. I finally decided on the vario after reading a post on another website that I've posted below:
The results (see vids below) speak for themselves. I've used quite a few grinders, and I was actually considering one of the "Titans" that was 5-6X more expensive and I ended up with the Vario - and I have no regrets. It's not built like a Compak - but for me, that was a good thing. I don't want/need a 30lb monstrous grinder on the counter, the electronic doser IS actually a big deal (once you have it) and the Vario is a lot more practical for home use. I was overwhelmed by the amount of data available, but one thing was consistent... time and time again i'd find posts from REAL users with REAL street cred (IE: folks who actually owned the Vario and other $1,000+ grinders and had pictures/videos to prove it) who actually posted time and time again - their titans were better grinders (as you'd expect) but they use their Vario more and/or preferred it overall due to the convenience, size, etc and felt the quality of grind was close enough to their Titans that they wouldn't feel they'd be missing much.
Seeing as how you can get a new Vario (with the purchase of a machine) for $350, and a refurb without a machine for about $350, and folks with $1,500-2,000 grinders are saying they wouldn't miss much if they only had the Vario and use it more than their Titan's - it's an easy decision in my opinion.
Try to find ANYONE with a Titan grinder who felt the need to buy a Compak when they already had a Titan, or further - felt a Compak wouldn't be a big time (and problematic) step down from their Titan and you'll be searching for hours if such a situation exists. Search for Vario's vs Titans, and/or Titan owners with a Vario they VERY much like - and you'll be overwhelmed.
Baratza only made two mistakes with the Vario... they didn't put it in a 10lb metal case, and they didn't charge enough for people to take it as seriously as they should
KaraLynn Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 153 Location: London, Ontario Expertise: Just starting
Drip: Cuisinart DCC-455
Posted Fri Mar 4, 2011, 8:33pm Subject: Re: Haven't received my Vario yet and was wondering about other choices
Is there a subject line I need to type in when I click on the You Tube video because it doesn't show a specific topic regarding our posts. I would like to read them if you can me what I type in the search bar. I haven't heard of the Titans or know much about the K3 but would like to see them.
Also I appreciate your input. At this point it makes me feel better since the Vario is sitting on the kitchen counter.
Dripp Senior Member Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 142 Location: Ohio Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Andreja Premium Grinder: Baratza Vario and virtuoso Vac Pot: Bodum Chambord FP Drip: Behmor Brazen (soon!) Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Sat Mar 5, 2011, 5:20am Subject: Re: Haven't received my Vario yet and was wondering about other choices
Titans are grinders that are commercial in nature and tend to be quite large - like the mazzer super jolly and such. They are generally considered to be the best at grinding for espresso but their size make it difficult to make it work in most kitchens.
Here's a link to the titan grinder project http://www.home-barista.com/reviews/titan-grinder-project-particle-size-distributions-of-ground-coffee-t4203.html
If you click the "click here" links they should go to the proper video.
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