Varia AKU Mini – 13 mm flat espresso scale with flow display
Buy the Varia AKU Mini in Switzerland: 13 mm flat espresso scale with 0.01 g resolution, espresso mode with brew ratio and flow display. In Bern and Zurich.
The AKU Mini measures 100 × 80 × 13 mm, weighs 165 g and displays up to 500 g in increments of 0.01 g. Weight, time and flow rate appear on a 32-bit OLED display, and in the AKU Spro espresso mode also dose and brew ratio. The housing is CNC-machined and protected against splashing water to IPX6. Coffee Coaching Club is the official Swiss importer of Varia.
Features of the AKU Mini
Flat design
100 × 80 mm footprint, 13 mm height. According to Varia, the low profile helps when there is little space on the drip tray and little height under the spout. At 165 g, the scale is easy to take along.
Live measurement
Weight, time and flow rate show how fast coffee flows into the cup, not just the final weight. This lets you compare shots. The flow rate is derived from the change in weight over time. It does not measure taste or extraction directly.
AKU Spro espresso mode
You enter the dose in increments of 0.05 g and see the brew ratio, beverage weight and, if you wish, the flow rate during the shot. Timing runs automatically.
The details in everyday use
Display set to your routine
Brightness and sound are adjustable, the unit switches between grams and ounces, and you turn the flow rate on or off in the menu. In manual and automatic mode, you decide how much of the routine the scale takes over.
Battery and contents
The 3.7 V, 480 mAh lithium-polymer battery lasts for up to 10 hours of use and fully charges via USB-C in around two hours. A travel case, USB charging cable and a 100 g calibration weight are included. IPX6 protects against splashing water at the machine. Keep the charging port dry; the scale is not designed to be submerged.
Capacity and care
The AKU Mini weighs up to 500 g, including the cup, even after taring. Calibration is done with the included 100 g weight following the instructions. For heavier carafes or drippers, Varia points to the AKU and the AKU PRO.
At a Glance
| Capacity | 500 g (including vessel) |
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| Resolution | 0.01 g |
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| Dimensions | 100 × 80 × 13 mm |
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| Weight | 165 g |
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| Display | 32-bit OLED |
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| Modes | manual, automatic, AKU Spro espresso mode (dose in 0.05 g increments, live brew ratio) |
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| Flow rate | live in all modes, can be turned on and off in the menu |
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| Battery | 3.7 V / 480 mAh lithium-polymer, up to 10 h, charging via USB-C in around 2 h |
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| Material | heat-resistant PFA alloy, CNC-machined to 0.02 mm tolerance |
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| Water protection | IPX6 |
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| Bluetooth | for software updates |
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| In the box | AKU Mini, 100 g calibration weight, USB charging cable, travel case |
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| Colours | Black, silver, white |
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Who the AKU Mini is made for
For everyone who pulls espresso by weight and is looking for a flat scale for little space on the drip tray, for example on compact machines such as the Linea Micra from our La Marzocco collection, or a small scale for the road, for instance with Flair Espresso. Whether your cup on the scale fits under the spout depends on the machine, portafilter and cup. We describe extraction by weight ratio; 1:2 is a starting point.
For everyone who wants coffee scales that are affordable and precise: the scales from Normcore. If you want an app and a flow-rate display with Bluetooth: Acaia. You will find the AKU with more capacity and the AKU PRO with a colour display in the Varia collection.
Matching grinders: affordable and precise, the Varia VS3 from the Varia collection or hand grinders from Comandante. If you want more: the VS6 from Varia or the grinders from Weber Workshops and Option-O. The advice tool narrows down which combination suits you.
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2–4 working days. Click & Collect in Bern, Gerberngasse 44 and Zurich Oerlikon, Hagenholzstrasse 50b. We answer questions by [email protected] or by phone during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the Varia AKU Mini?
It displays in increments of 0.01 g and weighs up to 500 g, including the cup.
Does the AKU Mini fit on the drip tray of my machine?
It measures 100 × 80 mm and is 13 mm high. Whether the scale and cup fit under your spout depends on the machine, portafilter and cup. Measure the distance between the drip grate and the spout and subtract 13 mm for the scale.
What does the espresso mode show?
In AKU Spro mode, you enter the dose and see the brew ratio, beverage weight and, if you wish, the flow rate during the shot. Timing starts automatically.
Is the AKU Mini waterproof?
It is protected against splashing water to IPX6. Keep the charging port dry; the scale is not designed to be submerged.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 10 hours of use, fully charged via USB-C in around two hours.
Can I see the scale before buying?
In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) you can see a wide selection live, Varia mainly in Zurich. Not every model is on site at all times, so write to us beforehand at [email protected]. You can test grinders and machines side by side in the comparison workshop, an option, not a requirement. A free advice appointment is also possible.
Roastery Tip: For espresso with plenty of body and sweetness, we roast Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight. Maximum body without acidity: Very Nutty. For the curious who like it fruity: Wild Peach. That is our recommendation, one of many.
