Varia EVO Hybrid Gen 2 – hand and motor grinder for the road
Whether you're in a holiday apartment, at the office, or at a campsite, good beans without a grinder is a familiar situation. The EVO Hybrid solves that: a compact precision grinder that grinds both electrically and manually, housed in a case that fits in a backpack. The same grind geometry as the stationary VS3 – just portable.
Varia made a name for itself in the specialty scene with the VS3, and the EVO brings that DNA into a travel format. Coffee Coaching Club is the importer of Varia: we keep spare parts in stock and give you an honest opinion on whether the EVO or a stationary grinder suits your setup better.
What makes the EVO special
The EVO is hybrid: the 80 RPM motor with li-ion battery grinds 20 grams for filter in about 40 seconds. At espresso fineness, it slows down – that's when you can attach the magnetic hand crank at any time and grind through manually. No either-or, both in one device. An auto-stop function and overload protection kick in when the hopper is empty or the motor senses too much resistance.
38mm Hypernova burr set
The EVO uses the 38mm Hypernova burr set in stainless steel – the same grind geometry as the stationary VS3. The precision-ground edges produce a tight particle distribution, so the aroma layers stay clearly separated: fruit notes stay fruity, chocolate stays chocolate.
140 grind settings
The grind adjustment has 140 settings at around 10 micrometers per click. That covers Turkish mocha, espresso, filter, and cold brew, and lets you fine-tune between lighter and body-forward profiles within the espresso range. Every click noticeably shifts the extraction.
Build
The body is CNC-machined from solid aluminum, with dual ball bearings for low-vibration, even grinding. With the motor, the EVO weighs 1.24 kg; as a pure hand grinder, 1 kg. The magnetic catch cup holds up to 30 grams and fits directly into a 58mm portafilter, no transferring needed. For travel, the EVO comes in a shock-absorbing EVA hard case.
At a glance
| Burrs |
38mm Hypernova, stainless steel (VS3 geometry) |
| Grind settings |
140 settings, around 10 microns per click |
| Power source |
hybrid: 80 RPM motor and magnetic hand crank |
| Battery |
7.4 V li-ion, 800 mAh, charges via USB-C |
| Speed |
20 g filter in about 40 seconds (electric) |
| Protection |
Auto-stop and overload protection |
| Housing |
CNC-machined solid aluminum, dual ball bearings |
| Capacity |
up to 30 g, magnetic catch cup for 58mm portafilter |
| Weight |
1.24 kg with motor, 1 kg as a hand grinder |
| What's included |
EVO Hybrid Gen 2, hand crank, USB-C cable, EVA hard case |
| Colors |
black, silver, white |
Who the EVO is for – and who it isn't
It's a fit if you travel a lot and don't want to go without good coffee, use a Flair Espresso or Aeropress as your travel setup, or you're looking for a compact second grinder for single-dosing at home. It's less suited if you pull many espressos back to back every day and need speed – for that, the stationary Varia VS3, VS4, and VS6 grinders or a larger electric grinder is the better choice. The comparison of the stationary models is at VS3 vs. VS4 vs. VS6.
What goes with it
For gram-precise dosing on the go, the Acaia scales are a good fit, for puck prep the Normcore tools and as a travel machine the Flair Espresso. To keep beans fresh longer on the go, an Airscape container slows down oxidation.
Order directly online
The EVO can be ordered directly in the webshop, delivery nationwide and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days. Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich, where you can experience the EVO in person. If you have questions about the grind setting or the right travel setup, reach us at [email protected] or by phone during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can the EVO be used purely manually, without the motor?
Yes. The magnetic hand crank can be attached at any time. Without the motor unit, the EVO weighs only 1 kg and works as a fully-fledged hand grinder – handy when the battery is empty or you want to save weight.
How long does the battery last, and is it enough for espresso?
The 7.4 V, 800 mAh battery is enough for several filter grinding sessions. At espresso fineness, the load increases – switching to the hand crank is recommended if needed. Charging is via USB-C, a cable is included.
Are the burrs the same as in the VS3?
Yes, the EVO uses the 38mm Hypernova burr set, the same grind geometry as the stationary VS3 – the same particle distribution in a portable format.
Does the catch cup fit a 58mm portafilter?
Yes. The magnetic catch cup sits directly in a standard 58mm portafilter, so you can transfer the grounds without decanting.
Do you deliver the EVO across all of Switzerland?
Yes, nationwide and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days, plus Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich.
Roastery tip
Freshly ground coffee tastes more vivid, because the volatile aromas are only released during grinding and then dissipate quickly. This is exactly where the EVO earns its keep on the road. Our tip: bring the beans along in an Airscape container – it slows down oxidation – and grind only right before brewing. That way, even in a holiday apartment, you get a cup close to the one you'd make at home. That's our recommendation, one of many.
