Varia EVO Hybrid Gen 2 – Manual and Motorized Grinder for On-the-Go
You're in a holiday apartment, in the office, or at the campsite, with great beans but no grinder. The EVO Hybrid solves this: a compact precision grinder that grinds both electrically and manually, in a casing that fits in your backpack. The same grinding geometry as in the stationary VS3 – only portable.
Varia has made a name for itself in the specialty coffee scene with the VS3, and the EVO brings that DNA into a travel format. Coffee Coaching Club is the exclusive Swiss importer of Varia: we stock spare parts and provide honest advice on whether the EVO or a stationary grinder best suits your setup.
What Makes the EVO Special
The EVO is a hybrid: The 80-RPM motor with a Li-Ion battery grinds 20 grams for filter coffee in about 40 seconds. For espresso fineness, it grinds slower – here you can always attach the magnetic hand crank and grind manually. Not an either-or, both in one device. An auto-stop function and overload protection engage when the container is empty or the motor senses too much resistance.
38mm Hypernova Burrs
The EVO uses the 38mm Hypernova stainless steel burr set – the same grinding geometry as in the stationary VS3. The precision-ground cutting edges produce a narrow particle distribution, so the aroma layers remain clearly separated: fruit notes stay fruity, chocolate remains chocolate.
140 Grind Settings
The grind adjustment has 140 steps with approximately 10 micrometers per click. This covers Turkish Moka, espresso, filter, and cold brew, and allows you to differentiate between brighter and fuller-bodied profiles within the espresso range. Each click noticeably shifts the extraction.
Construction
The body is CNC-milled from solid aluminum, with double ball bearings for low-vibration, consistent grinding. With the motor, the EVO weighs 1.24 kg; as a pure hand grinder, it weighs 1 kg. The magnetic catch cup holds up to 30 grams and fits directly into a 58mm portafilter, without needing to transfer. For travel, the EVO comes in a shock-absorbing EVA hard case.
At a Glance
| Grinder |
38mm Hypernova, Stainless Steel (VS3 Geometry) |
| Grind Settings |
140 steps, approx. 10 microns per click |
| Drive |
Hybrid: 80-RPM motor and magnetic hand crank |
| Battery |
7.4 V Li-Ion, 800 mAh, USB-C charging |
| Speed |
20 g filter in approx. 40 seconds (electric) |
| Protection |
Auto-stop and overload protection |
| Casing |
CNC-milled solid aluminum, double 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 |
| Scope of Delivery |
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 good fit if you travel a lot and don't want to miss out on good coffee, use a Flair Espresso or Aeropress as your travel setup, or are looking for a compact secondary grinder for single-dosing at home. It's less suitable if you pull many espressos in a row daily and need speed – for that, the stationary Varia grinders VS3, VS4, and VS6 or a larger electric grinder are better choices. A comparison of the stationary models can be found at VS3 vs. VS4 vs. VS6.
What Pairs Well With It
For precise dosing on the go, Acaia scales are suitable, for puck preparation, Normcore Tools, and as a travel machine, the Flair Espresso. For longer fresh beans on the go, an Airscape container slows down oxidation.
Order Directly Online
The EVO can be ordered directly in the webshop, with delivery throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days. Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich, where you can experience the EVO with your beans on-site. For questions about grind settings or the right travel setup, you can reach us at office@coffeecoachingclub.ch 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 functions as a full-fledged hand grinder – practical if the battery is dead or you want to save weight.
How long does the battery last, and is it sufficient for espresso?
The 7.4-V 800 mAh battery is sufficient for several filter grinding operations. For espresso fineness, the load increases – here, 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 grinding geometry as in 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 ground coffee without needing to transfer it again.
Do you deliver the EVO throughout Switzerland?
Yes, throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days, plus Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich.
Roastery Tip
Freshly ground coffee tastes more vibrant because volatile aromas are only released during grinding and then quickly dissipate. This is precisely where the EVO is worth its money on the go. Our tip: take your beans in an Airscape container, which slows down oxidation, and only grind shortly before brewing. This way, you'll have a cup in your holiday apartment that's close to what you get at home. This is our recommendation, one of many.
