DeanOK Senior Member Joined: 24 Sep 2012 Posts: 179 Location: OK Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Vario W
Posted Thu Oct 11, 2012, 8:24pm Subject: Initial setting for Vario-W
I have a new Vario-W on the way. What would be a good initial setting to start with for medium roast espresso beans? I am sure I would have to tweak the grind, but am looking for an initial starting place.
MonkeyK Senior Member Joined: 12 Dec 2008 Posts: 214 Location: Twin Cities, MN Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Vivaldi II Grinder: Baratza Vario Drip: Aeropress, Bunn Phase Brew Roaster: Behmor
Posted Fri Oct 12, 2012, 6:30am Subject: Re: Initial setting for Vario-W
What each machine can handle is different. Different portafilter shapes and sizes will require different grind settings. Different amounts of coffee ground require different settings. Different tamping pressures will require different settings. Different roast levels will required different grinds. Different tastes require different extraction times which require different grinds.
That said, the Vario is a great grinder and easy to adjust. Start with the macro at "Esp" and the micro setting in the middle (as recommended by every grinder manufacturer, do this while the burs are moving). Grind, tamp, pull. Based on the notion that a good pull is typically 30-40 seconds: If you get your desired amount of coffee in <30 seconds, try to grind a notch finer and try again If you get your desired amount of coffee in >40 seconds, try to grind a notch coarser and try again
--edit: forgot to note difference by amount of coffee: fortunately, your Vario-W will give you the same mass measure of coffee, minimizing this variable.
MonkeyK Senior Member Joined: 12 Dec 2008 Posts: 214 Location: Twin Cities, MN Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Vivaldi II Grinder: Baratza Vario Drip: Aeropress, Bunn Phase Brew Roaster: Behmor
Posted Fri Oct 12, 2012, 11:46am Subject: Re: Initial setting for Vario-W
Sorry, the original Vario had it's finest macro setting labeled "Esp". I incorrectly assumed that they are still labeled that way. Looking at some retailers, I can see that there is a newer style panel with the macro label going from "fine" to "coarse".
So now I would suggest starting at the Macro setting "1" (finest) and the micro setting "m"
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 