Varia VS3 Gen 2 – single-dose coffee grinder with 38mm conical burrs
You place the Dosing Cup under the grinder. It clicks in magnetically. You add 18 grams of beans into the hopper – the lid also holds magnetically, no thread, no fiddling. A short press of the button. The Supernova burrs turn slowly, around 170 revolutions per minute, noticeably slower than most electric grinders of this size. The grounds fall down the inclined chamber into the cup. At the end, a press on the bellows, and the last crumbs land in the cup too. A different bean tomorrow? No rinsing, no mixing.
The VS3 Gen 2 is the second generation of Varia's compact single-dose grinder. Gen 2 brings a new all-metal gearbox, an improved drive assembly and tighter manufacturing tolerances. The core idea stays: compact, quiet, one dose at a time, in a housing of ADC12 aluminium (die-cast, CNC-finished). Coffee Coaching Club is the exclusive Swiss importer of Varia.
Why the low speed changes something about the taste
Many electric espresso grinders work at 800 to 1500 revolutions per minute. The VS3 grinds at around 170 RPM. Low speed means less friction between bean and burrs and less heat in the grinding chamber – this protects the volatile aroma compounds.
This becomes tasteable above all with medium and lighter roasts: fine aroma layers and a clear acidity remain more recognisable. With dark, full-bodied espressos the difference is smaller. That is our observation, one of many.
Low retention and the inclined chamber
Single dosing only works if nothing remains in the grinder between two doses. The VS3 Gen 2 achieves a retention below 0.1 grams per 10-gram dose. This is made possible by the grinding chamber inclined at 76.5 degrees and the bellows on the hopper, whose puff of air pushes the last particles into the magnetically holding Dosing Cup.
Interchangeable burrs – the Nova family
The VS3 Gen 2 comes with 38mm conical 6-Core Supernova burrs (highly refined 420-grade stainless steel, hardness HRC58), designed for espresso and filter. Anyone who wants to develop the grinder further can switch to other sets: Supernova Titanium (titanium-coated, HRC60) for a cleaner cutting edge, Hypernova Titanium (HRC65) for more definition with fine espresso, plus Hypernova Ultra and Ultra-S (HRC67, titanium-coated, with pre-crushing teeth) for a finer particle distribution with light roasts. The change is tool-light and done in a few minutes.
Stepless micrometric adjustment
The grind adjustment is stepless via the dial on top, with 0.02 mm of burr shift per turn. This allows fine dial-ins for espresso as well as coarse settings for French press – without steps, without clicks.
At a glance
| Burr |
38mm conical 6-Core burrs, Supernova (420-grade stainless steel, HRC58) |
| Interchangeable burrs |
Supernova Titanium, Hypernova Titanium, Hypernova Ultra, Ultra-S |
| Motor |
100 W DC, around 170 RPM |
| Grind |
stepless, 0.02 mm per turn |
| Retention |
below 0.1 g per 10 g dose (with bellows) |
| Housing |
ADC12 aluminium, chamber inclined 76.5° |
| Hopper |
30 g standard, up to 60 g with bellows; lid and Dosing Cup magnetic |
| In the box |
VS3 Gen 2, Dosing Cup, bellows, anti-static spray bottle, brush, power adapter |
| Dimensions |
14.7 × 9.0 × 31.0 cm, 3.5 kg, 100–240 V |
| Colours |
Black, white, silver |
Who the VS3 is for
The VS3 Gen 2 suits anyone moving from capsules, pre-ground coffee or an old grinder to single dosing and looking for a compact, well-made all-round grinder. Anyone who mainly grinds very light single origins for espresso reaches for the Hypernova Ultra or Ultra-S upgrade. If you want a larger grinding chamber with 63mm burrs, look at the VS6; a comparison within the family is on VS3 vs. VS4 vs. VS6. If you want it, you know why.
Order directly online
As the exclusive Swiss importer we have all colours and burr upgrades in stock. Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days. Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich, where the VS3 is in daily use. For questions about burr choice, reach us at office@coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours.
What goes with it
The VS3 works with any portafilter machine, for example from the ranges of La Marzocco, Rocket or ECM, as well as with lever machines like Flair Espresso. For weighing there are the affordable Normcore scales or, as a premium option, the Acaia scales with app and flow rate. For puck preparation, Normcore WDT and Tamper or the Weber Workshops Moonraker fit, and for airtight storage Airscape.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between VS3 Gen 1 and Gen 2?
Gen 2 has a newly designed all-metal gearbox, an improved drive assembly and tighter manufacturing tolerances. Form factor and operation stay the same. Gen 2 burrs can also be fitted in Gen 1 grinders, but need a different bearing there.
Is the VS3 suitable for espresso and filter?
Yes. Steplessly adjustable from very fine for espresso to coarse for French press. The Supernova burrs are designed for both; for very light single origins a Hypernova Ultra or Ultra-S upgrade is recommended.
Why is the VS3 so quiet?
Because of the low speed of around 170 RPM, the heavy aluminium housing and the gearbox construction. Compared to fast-spinning electric grinders the difference is clear.
Can I change the burrs myself?
Yes, tool-light in a few minutes. Supernova, Supernova Titanium, Hypernova Titanium, Hypernova Ultra and Ultra-S are all compatible and produce different aroma profiles.
What is the difference between VS3 and VS6?
The VS3 has 38mm conical burrs and a compact form factor. The VS6 has larger burrs (58mm flat or 63mm conical), variable speed and higher throughput. For most home uses the VS3 is enough.
Can I see the Varia VS3 before buying?
Yes, in the showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) in daily use. Bringing your own beans is welcome.
Roastery tip
The VS3 is our all-round grinder for medium roasts and mixed workflows. Cozy Chocolate shows a dense chocolate sweetness with the Supernova burrs, Nutty Delight is our go-to for milk drinks. If you seek maximum body without acidity, take Very Nutty; if you would like to discover a fruity profile, try Wild Peach. That is our recommendation, one of many.
