Varia AKU PRO Coffee Scale – Color Display, AKU Flow and AKU Spro
Weight, brew ratio and flow rate at the same time on one color display: the Varia AKU PRO accompanies pour-over and espresso. Buy in Switzerland, see it live in Bern and Zurich.
The AKU PRO builds on the AKU Mini: a larger platform, up to 2 kg capacity, a 64-bit TFT color display and two dedicated modes for filter and espresso. Coffee Coaching Club is the official Swiss importer of Varia.
Features
Live feedback: flow rate next to the weight
The live flow rate shows the pace next to the total weight. You see how fast water is being added or espresso is running into the cup. The color display keeps the readings separated by color, so you can adjust your pour and compare the result with your last brew. According to Varia, flow rate is a change in weight over time: it serves as feedback, and what it means depends on your setup.
AKU Flow – automatic filter mode
In AKU Flow mode, you place the brewer and the rinsed filter on the scale and confirm their weight. Then you add the ground coffee and confirm the dose, which becomes the reference for the live brew ratio. As soon as you pour, the timer starts automatically, and you follow water weight and brew ratio throughout the pour.
AKU Spro – espresso mode
For espresso, you enter your coffee dose in the settings and select AKU Spro. The cup is tared automatically when you set it down, then you follow time and beverage weight during the shot. The live ratio compares the yield with the dose, a reference for the next shot. We work with 1:2 as a starting point, by weight, not by time.
One platform for dripper, carafe and cup
The platform measures 130 × 110 mm and holds 2 kg in total. It fits a filter setup or an espresso cup. The display resolves to 0.01 g up to 1 kg, and to 0.05 g from over 1 kg up to 2 kg. The capacity includes vessel and contents, even after taring.
The details in everyday use
Set it once, then it's routine
You set brightness, sound, units and the flow rate display to suit your workspace. It charges via USB-C, and a 100 g calibration weight and a travel pouch are included. According to Varia, the 3.7 V, 2000 mAh lithium polymer battery charges in about 2 hours and lasts up to 10 hours.
The housing is die-cast and CNC-machined, with tolerances of 0.02 mm. The AKU PRO is rated IPX6 against strong splashing water. Varia points out that it still should not be submerged or put in the dishwasher, and that the charging port should stay dry. Via Bluetooth, it connects to apps like Pressensor and Beanconqueror and receives firmware updates.
At a glance
| Platform |
130 × 110 × 18 mm |
| Weight |
323.5 g |
| Capacity |
2 kg, including vessel and contents |
| Display resolution |
0.01 g up to 1 kg, 0.05 g from over 1 kg up to 2 kg |
| Display |
64-bit TFT color display |
| Modes |
AKU Flow (filter), AKU Spro (espresso) |
| Housing |
die-cast and CNC-machined, 0.02 mm tolerance |
| Material |
heat-resistant PFA alloy |
| Battery |
Lithium polymer, 3.7 V / 2000 mAh, up to 10 h, charging time approx. 2 h |
| Charging |
USB-C |
| Connectivity |
Bluetooth (Pressensor, Beanconqueror, firmware updates) |
| Settings |
Brightness, sound, units, flow rate display |
| Water protection |
IPX6 |
| What's included |
Scale, 100 g calibration weight, USB charging cable, travel pouch |
| Colors available from us |
White, gray, black |
AKU PRO or AKU Mini?
The AKU Mini measures 100 × 80 × 13 mm, holds 500 g and resolves to 0.01 g. It shows weight and live flow rate, with manual and automatic modes, and is designed for compact espresso setups. The AKU PRO offers more surface area, up to 2 kg, the color display and the two modes AKU Flow and AKU Spro. You'll find both in our Varia Collection, and more models among our coffee scales.
Who the AKU PRO is made for
For anyone who makes filter coffee and espresso with the same scale and wants to see ratio and flow rate along the way. A simpler scale makes good coffee too. The PRO shows more at a glance, and whether you want that is your call. Our opinion is one of many.
For anyone who wants a scale that is affordable and precise: Normcore. If you're looking for app connectivity and a flow rate display in a different system: Acaia.
What goes with it
For the grinder: if you want to grind affordably and precisely, you'll find the VS3 at Varia. If you want more: the VS6 from Varia or the EG-1 from Weber Workshops. Burr sets are like engines, subjective, there is no single best.
For pour-over, brewers and filters from our filter equipment are a good match, for espresso any portafilter machine from our coffee machines. The advice tool helps you choose. You can test machines and grinders side by side in the comparison workshop in Bern or Zurich, an option, not a requirement.
Ordering and delivery
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days, Click and Collect in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Questions via [email protected] or by phone during business hours, more at coffeecoachingclub.ch. For a personal conversation, there is the free consultation appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Varia AKU PRO and the AKU Mini?
The AKU PRO has a 130 × 110 × 18 mm platform, holds up to 2 kg and offers a color display with the AKU Flow and AKU Spro modes. At 100 × 80 × 13 mm, the AKU Mini is flatter and more compact, holds 500 g and shows weight and live flow rate.
How finely does the Varia AKU PRO measure?
The display resolves to 0.01 g up to 1 kg, and to 0.05 g from over 1 kg up to 2 kg. According to Varia, the resolution is the smallest displayed increment and is not the same as the accuracy achieved. Calibration is done with the included 100 g weight, following the instructions.
Can the AKU PRO connect to apps?
Yes, via Bluetooth with apps like Pressensor and Beanconqueror. Firmware updates also come via Bluetooth.
Is the AKU PRO waterproof?
It is rated IPX6 against strong splashing water. According to Varia, it is not intended to be submerged or put in the dishwasher, and the charging port should stay dry.
Can I see the Varia AKU PRO before buying?
Yes, you can see Varia products live in our showrooms in Bern and Zurich. Not every model is set up at all times, so send us the model you'd like to see in advance at [email protected].
Roastery tip: In AKU Spro mode, we start with 1:2, for example with Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight, full-bodied and chocolatey. If you're looking for maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. For pour-over in AKU Flow mode, 1:16 is a good starting point, and if you want to discover something fruity, you'll find it in Wild Peach. Other beans work just as well. That's our recommendation, one of many.
