Varia AKU – coffee scale with auto-tare and timer
Buy the Varia AKU in Switzerland: coffee scale with 3.1 kg capacity, 0.1 g display, auto-tare and automatic timer, IPX5 and USB-C. In Bern and Zurich.
The AKU brings weight and time together on one display: weigh the beans, tare the vessel, start the shot. It is a compact 120 × 110 mm and 19 mm high, with a housing made of aluminium alloy and a concealed 9-digit LED display. Coffee Coaching Club is the official Swiss importer of Varia.
Features of the Varia AKU
Weigh, tare, start the shot
Coffee dose and brew time appear together on the display. Automatic tare and timer functions accompany the process, so you get back to your recipe with fewer steps.
Room for the whole setup
3.1 kg capacity on a 120 × 110 mm footprint. This means a carafe and pour-over dripper fit on the platform alongside coffee and water. The display works in 0.1 g steps; the total load includes everything on the platform, even after taring.
Charge and keep brewing
The battery charges via USB-C and, according to Varia, lasts for more than 300 brews; a full charge takes around 2 hours. At 19 mm high, the AKU fits into a compact coffee corner. For reliable readings it should stand stable and free; calibration and care follow the user manual.
The details in everyday use
Four modes
A: fully manual. B: auto-tare with manual timer. C: auto-tare without timer display. D: auto-tare with automatic timer that starts as soon as liquid flows, or after taring with an adjustable delay of 0 to 3 seconds. You switch modes by long-pressing the tare button.
Calibration and auto-off
In settings mode you calibrate the scale with a 100 g weight and set the automatic shut-off time. The beep can be switched on and off.
Splash protection and grip
The AKU is protected against water jets to IPX5, but must not be immersed in water. Non-slip silicone feet keep it in place on the counter. Varia describes the housing as heat-resistant.
Firmware via Bluetooth
Firmware updates come via Bluetooth; Varia provides the instructions on its product page. For third-party apps, their own connection instructions apply.
At a glance
| Capacity |
0.3 g to 3.1 kg |
| Display increment |
0.1 g up to 1999.9 g, 1 g from 2000 to 3100 g, 0.01 oz |
| Modes |
Manual, auto-tare with manual timer, auto-tare without timer, auto-tare with auto-timer |
| Timer |
Up to 99 min 59 s, start delay adjustable (off, 0 to 3 s) |
| Display |
Concealed 9-digit LED |
| Battery |
Lithium polymer 3.7 V / 1200 mAh, more than 300 brews (according to Varia) |
| Charging |
USB-C, 5 V / 1 A, around 2 hours; do not weigh while charging |
| Water protection |
IPX5, do not immerse |
| Material |
Aluminium alloy, silicone |
| Dimensions |
120 × 110 × 19 mm |
| Other features |
Beep on/off, 100 g calibration, automatic shut-off, firmware update via Bluetooth, non-slip silicone feet |
| Colours in the shop |
Black, silver, white |
Who the AKU is made for
For everyone who prepares espresso and filter coffee by weight and wants to see dose, yield and time on one display. The 3.1 kg capacity is also enough for a carafe, pour-over dripper and water. Whether the scale fits under your portafilter depends on the distance between drip tray and spout: the AKU is 19 mm high. The advice tool helps you choose a machine.
Varia offers two sister models. The AKU Mini is 13 mm flat, displays 0.01 g up to 500 g and has a flow rate display. The AKU PRO displays 0.01 g up to 1 kg, has a colour display and an automatic filter mode. You'll find all three in the Varia Collection.
For everyone who wants scales that are affordable and precise: the Normcore Collection. If you want app connectivity and a flow rate display: the Acaia Collection. You'll find matching grinders under coffee grinders, such as the VS3 and the VS6 from Varia, and machines under espresso machines. The advice tool shows which combination suits you.
In a free consultation appointment we narrow down the selection together in conversation. If you want to test devices side by side, book the comparison workshop in the showroom – an option, not a requirement.
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days, Click & Collect in Bern and Zurich. Questions via [email protected] or by phone during business hours. More at coffeecoachingclub.ch.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Varia AKU suitable for espresso and filter coffee?
Yes. For espresso there is the mode with auto-tare and automatic timer, for filter coffee the other modes. With 3.1 kg capacity, a carafe and pour-over dripper also fit on the scale.
How accurate is the Varia AKU?
The display works in 0.1 g steps up to 1999.9 g and in 1 g steps from 2000 to 3100 g. You can calibrate it with a 100 g weight.
Does the Varia AKU fit on my machine's drip tray?
The AKU measures 120 × 110 mm and is 19 mm high. Whether it fits under the portafilter together with the cup depends on your machine. If it needs to be flatter, the AKU Mini at 13 mm high is the alternative.
Is the Varia AKU waterproof?
It is protected against water jets to IPX5. You must not immerse it.
How long does the battery last?
According to Varia, more than 300 brews per charge. It charges via USB-C with a 5 V power adapter (1 to 2 A) in around 2 hours; fast chargers are not intended for it.
Can I see the Varia AKU before buying?
Yes, in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Not every product is on site at all times, so write to us in advance at [email protected].
Tip from the roastery: We weigh dose and yield and start at a ratio of 1:2, then taste decides. For espresso with body we recommend Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight, for maximum body without acidity Very Nutty. If you like it fruity, you'll discover a complement in Wild Peach. That's our recommendation, one of many.
