
Buy the Varia VS4? All about Particle Distribution, Retention, and Espresso
The Varia VS4 is a compact but powerful single-dose coffee grinder with conical burrs. It's an evolution of the VS3, offering some remarkable innovations alongside clear weaknesses.
Technical Data & Build
- Price: approx. €500
- Burrs: 53mm conical steel burrs
- Motor: 200W brushless motor with adjustable RPM from 150 to 300
- Dimensions: 10cm wide, 33cm high, 16cm deep; solid aluminum block, over 5kg
- Includes: 58mm portafilter fork (dosing cup) and a bellows (blower).
Operation & Handling (High Praise)
- Cleaning: Absolutely outstanding. The burr chamber is easily accessible, allowing you to brush it out without the need for expensive grinder cleaning tablets.
- Grind Adjustment: Excellent. The grind setting is precise, easy to adjust, and does not shift when using the bellows. The markings are very fine, enabling great repeatability.
- Speed: Significantly faster than the VS3. 18g of coffee is ground in about 13 seconds (VS3: ~30 seconds).
- Noise: A deeper, more pleasant tone than the VS3's high-pitched whine, though still around 80 decibels.
Grind Quality & Taste
- Particle Distribution: Decent but on the broader side compared to top-tier grinders. It focuses on heavy-bodied, creamy results, ideal for more traditional, darker roasts. It struggles to fully extract complex flavors from very light roasts.
- Recommended RPM: 150 RPM provides the most balanced cup.
- Espresso Potential: Excellent for medium to dark roasts, satisfactory for light roasts.
The Big Downside: Retention
- This is the grinder's primary weakness. Temporary retention (exchangeable coffee) is around 1.8g, plus 0.2g of permanent retention.
- This means older coffee grounds can accumulate and mix with fresh grounds, making frequent bean changes problematic. Regular cleaning (opening and brushing) is mandatory to avoid this.
Verdict
The Varia VS4 is an excellent grinder for making classic, full-bodied espresso. Its cleaning ease, grind adjustment, and speed are top-tier. However, the high retention is its main con. If you primarily brew medium to dark roasts and value precise grind settings, the VS4 is a fantastic choice. For enthusiasts who frequently switch between many light-roasted single origins, a grinder with lower retention might be a better fit.






