Varia Brewing VS3 Grinder User Manual

Varia Brewing VS3 Grinder

Safety Measures and Precautions for use

Please take time to familiarise yourself with the Varia VS3 safety measures and operational guidelines detailed within this manual before operating the grinder.

PLEASE NOTE the Varia VS3 Grinder incorporates high-speed rotating burrs which are very sharp and have potential to cause personal injury if any of the following safety measures / precautions or operating instructions
are ignored.

1. PLEASE CHECK that your operating power supply and plug outlet type is compatible with the Varia VS3 purchased.

2. ENSURE your Varia VS3 body, power adaptor and power cord is placed in a dry situation, free from any potential water/liquid situations or any heat sources.

3. BE AWARE that the grinding burrs are very sharp, take extra care when cleaning, servicing or removing this part. See section

4. ‘Cleaning and maintenance’ for detailed instructions. If removed never leave a burr set unattended on a bench, always store securely out of reach of children and within a securely sealed protective container.

5. Ensure the finger guard is firmly in place within the bean hopper prior to operating.

6. DO NOT put your fingers into the hopper when the motor is running or when the power supply is plugged in.

7. ONLY operate with the hopper in place. Exposed burrs can cause injury to fingers, even if burrs are stationary.

8. NEVER allow long hair or loose clothing near the burr housing.

9. DO NOT attempt to clean burrs while the grinder is switched on or operational.

10. If cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, please remove the 4 x springs below outer burr.

11. Coffee Beans may contain foreign objects – eg. stones, pebbles. Always check your supply for any foreign objects before grinding.

12. DO NOT attempt to grind pre-ground coffee.

13. DO NOT operate continuously for over 30 minutes. Rest for 60 minutes thereafter. We recommend the motor is switched OFF before loading beans.

14. DO NOT wash any Varia VS3 parts in the DISHWASHER.

15. DO NOT operate this product in wet/damp conditions or place Varia VS3 near or onto wet surfaces or into water. Do not operate with wet hands.

16. DO NOT wash this product or any components with water or immerse this product or any components in water. Wipe down with damp cloth and surface dry thoroughly.

17. Should you need to use the RDT process to mitigate static during grinding, DO NOT spray moisture near or at the internal workings of the grinder, ONLY spray moisture (RDT) onto beans contained in the dosing cup prior to loading the hopper.

18. The Varia VS3 must only be used with the supplied power adapter. DO NOT attempt to use Varia VS3 with another power adapter other than that supplied at time of purchase. DO NOT alter/modify the adapter or plug in any way. DO NOT use if power cords or plug is damaged in any way.

19. SWITCH OFF power supply whenever you are cleaning or servicing Varia VS3, after use or if leaving grinder unattended for a long period of time, to avoid accidents.

20. The use of third party attachments is not recommended, in doing so this may result in personal injury, a fire, electric shock or damage to Varia VS3.

21. If there is any damage to the power supply cord or any other parts, please stop using this product immediately.
    If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a qualified service person. DO NOT disassemble, damage or replace any part or component of this product at will or use it forcibly.

22. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced sensory, physical or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

23. DO NOT allow power cord to hang over bench-top – small children could suffer injury if grinder is accidentally pulled over onto them.

24. DO NOT insert any utensils into the Varia VS3.

25. DO NOT use Varia VS3 for anything other than its intended purpose. This appliance is only intended for use in the home and in the workplace. Never use Varia VS3 for grinding grains, spices, nuts or other food items.

26. The one-year warranty will be voided if the product is used for something other than its intended purpose, and it could result in injury.

27. Please take care in disposing of all packaging materials responsibility. Plastic bags are a potential hazard as they can suffocate young children, if not disposed safely.

28. Varia VS3 MUST BE plugged into a grounded (earthed) power outlet.

29. DO NOT remove ground earth prong from plug.

30. DO NOT let the power cord touch hot surfaces.

31. DO NOT remove bottom cover from main body or disassemble the grinder in any way, other than to replace burr set. This procedure is detailed in section 5.3 of this manual. Failure to follow this detailed procedure may result in personal injury and or damage to the burr housing or burrs.

32. DO NOT operate in the presence of explosive and/or flammable fumes, heat sources or naked flames.

Failure to follow these instruction / guidelines can result in electrical shock, fire or cause serious injury and or death.
The manufacturer will not be held responsible for any damage resulting from failure to comply with the stated safety measures above.

DO NOT REMOVE BOTTOM COVER FROM MAIN BODY.
ONLY authorised service agents are permitted to repair
Varia VS3. Unauthorised repairs will void the manufacturers warranty. In the event that repairs are necessary please contact your point of sale representative or email hello@variabrewing.com

What’s in the box

1. 1 x VS3 Grinder (Stainless Steel Supernova Burr Installed)
2. 1 x User manual
3. 1 x DC power adapter (Includes selected AC power cord and plug)
4. 1 x Magnetic dosing cup
5. 1 x Silicone bellows for hopper
6. 1 x 5mL RDT spray bottle
7. 1 x Cleaning brush
8. 1 x Replacement set of 4 x burr chamber springs
9. 1 x Allen key (for removing burr housing screws)

Product Overview

• Hopper Lid (Magnetic)
• Hopper
• Hopper Alignment Collar
• Main Body
• Grounds Chute
• Dosing Cup (Magnetic)
• Magnetic Design
• Cup Dock
• Power Switch

Operating Instructions

First use and seasoning
WARNING: DO NOT turn on the grinder when the hopper is at its tightest setting as you will cause damage to the burrs.

1. Remove all packaging before using.
2. Place the Varia VS3 onto a flat and stable surface.
3. Plug the adapter power cord into a power outlet and receptacle plug into the back of the grinder.
4. Check the power is on by pressing the power button once to turn on the motor, press again to turn off.
5. Remove the lid from the hopper and begin the calibration procedure. – see 4.1 Grid Settings & Calibration.

Grind Settings & Calibration

Your Varia VS3 has been factory calibrated and the hopper should be at the “0” setting.

1. To calibrate your Varia VS3, rotate the hopper in a clock-wise direction until you reach the tightest setting past “0”. (When factory new, this maximum tightness may vary from a seasoned thread after use). DO NOT turn the grinder on while the hopper is set to the tightest setting as this could cause damage to the burrs as a result of the edges contacting.
2. Next, rotate the hopper in an anti- clockwise direction until you reach “0”. This is now your calibration “zero point” and you are now ready to grind!

Burr Seasoning

Please be aware, your grind setting alignment may change after burr seasoning.
Static retention will also be higher than normal until charge is absorbed. This will be reduced after grinding your first 2kg of coffee though the Varia VS3 and as the body discharges any residual static.

Finger Guard: Varia VS3 is fitted with a finger guard inside the bean hopper to ensure its safe operation. It is up to user discretion to remove this part for operation. Please be aware of the risks involved should you remove this guard, especially to yourself or if young children are in the house who may find Varia VS3 interesting.

The finger guard is designed to keep fingers away from the sharp burrs. ENSURE fingers, loose clothing and long hair are kept a safe distance from the hooper opening while operating or on standby.

Grind Settings Chart

Static and RDT
Please be aware, static charge may be present during grinding when new. This will decrease as the grinder is seasoned however some static retention may exist within the cup during and after grinding as a result of the magnet placed in the base of the cup. The amount of static may vary depending on some external factors, such as your location humidity, burrs seasoning status and the type of coffee beans.

In order to reduce static retention while grinding, we recommend to use the RDT “Ross Droplet Technique” as per the instructions below:

1. Measure your dose into the dosing cup as per your brew requirement.
2. Take the 5mL water spray “RDT” bottle and ensure it is filled with filtered water.
3. Spray 2-3 sprays into the dosing cup directly onto the beans.
4. Cover the cup with your hand and shake the beans so as to disperse the water droplets throughout the coffee beans evenly coating the surface in a small amount of water droplets.
5. Pour your dose into the hopper as per normal grinding.
6. Wipe your grinds cup free of any excess water droplets before commencing grinding.
7. Place your dosing cup onto the dock and begin grinding as per normal.
8. In order to ensure a cleanliness of the grinder after using the “RDT”, be sure to wipe the hopper and dosing cup dry with a paper towel or dry soft cloth.

Hopper Bellows
A silicone cleaning bellows has been supplied with the Varia VS3 and this is used for cleaning any remaining grounds or chaff out of the hopper, burr chamber and ground chute.

1. Remove the hopper lid and place this into the hopper bellows top side which is marked with the Varia VS3 logo (this will push into the groove made for the lid and become secured).
2. Next, place the hopper bellows bottom side on top of the hopper rim and make sure it fits properly around the diameter and creates a seal the gently push and release the hopper bellows up and down from the top with you hand. (This will create a small vacuum and force air through the grinding system in order to quickly clean any loose grounds/chaff left in the chamber).

PLEASE NOTE: Varia recommends that the bellows are only used for cleaning the hopper as described above, using as a hopper extension however, is at users discretion.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Power must be TURNED OFF while cleaning this product. The grinder body and base must NOT be immersed or submerged in water or washed with water to clean.
Cleaning grinder body: Please use a moist cloth/towel to wipe the body, ensure that the cloth/towel is not wet as no water should enter the body. Ensure that once cleaned the surfaces are dried again.

Quick Clean

1. A silicone cleaning bellows has been supplied with the Varia VS3 and this is used for cleaning any remaining grounds or chaff out of the hopper, burr chamber and ground chute. First ensure the power supply is switched off.
2. Remove the hopper lid and place this into the hopper bellows top side which is marked with the Varia VS3 logo (this will push into the groove made for the lid and become secured).
3. Next, place the hopper bellows bottom side on top of the hopper rim and make sure it fits properly around the diameter and creates a seal the gently push and release the hopper bellows up and down from the top with you hand. (This will create a small vacuum and force air through the grinding system in order to quickly clean any loose grounds/chaff left in the chamber).

Deep Clean

1. First follow the steps as above to complete the “Quick Clean”.
2. Once completed the above steps, remove the hopper by rotating counter-clockwise until it becomes free from the thread, gently place this to the side.
3. Next, carefully remove the small ring bearing that is visible on the top of the burr housing, place this onto a paper towel or cloth and be sure to note it’s location.
4. Next gently pull the outer burr housing out and up (the housing with the 3 screws holding the burr in place around the inner burr. You may then use your cleaning brush or a dry cloth to remove any coffee grounds, residue or oil before placing this aside with the bearing.
5. You will now see the burr chamber exposed with the inner burr sitting on top of the spindle. Use your brush or a dry cloth to remove any coffee grounds, residue or oil.
6. Next, you may use a vacuum cleaning or the silicone bellows to force any last particles out of the chamber. (If cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, please remove the 4 x springs below outer burr).
7. Finally, we will reassemble the outer burr housing back into the burr chamber. (If you removed the 4x springs, please place these back into their locations before placing the outer burr housing back into the chamber). This part should reassemble easily and you should be able to gently push down and feel the floating soft bounce of the outer burr housing on the 4x springs.
8. Next replace the bearing back into the centre of the outer burr housing.
9. Finally, replace the hopper and tighten to the “zero set point” as per the grinder adjustment and calibration instructions.

Replacing a Burr set
We recommend you discuss this procedure with you reseller if you are not familiar or confident in replacing a bur set.

PLEASE NOTE: that after replacing a burr set, any performance changes to the grind settings will be as a result of an incorrect disassembly and/or reassembly. In this instance your warranty will not cover any additional costs related to reinstating the Varia VS3 to factory grind settings and/or performance.

1. First follow the steps as above to complete the “Deep Clean” up to step #6.

2. Next, using an ‘allen key’ secure the burr spindle by placing the ‘allen key’ firmly on the left hand side of one of the spindle arms.

3. Next, while holding the spindle securely as above, using a wrench, spanner or socket wrench fixed to the inner burr set screw, gently rotate this clockwise to loosen the inner burr set screw and place this aside, please you will also find 2x washers sitting on top of the inner burr. (Note the location of these parts and orientations for re-assembly and place these to the side, please also note the set screw thread is reverse so to loosen it needs to be rotated in a clockwise fashion and to tighten).

4. Once the set screw has been released, you will notice 2x washers (1x spring washer “TOP” + 1x flat washer “BOTTOM”) you may carefully reach in and remove these washers taking note of the orientation and the order they are in and place these aside.

5. Next, lift the inner burr out. If the burr will not pull up freely, gentle wiggle it from side to side with an upwards force and you will fee it release. Once removed, set this aside. (Be careful however of the sharp edges and wear gloves to reduce your chance of injury).

6. You may now disassemble the outer burr housing placed to the side.
   First, remove the 3 x screws with an ‘allen key’ provided in the box and place these to the side. Please take note of the tightness of the screws for reassembling.

7. Next gently lift the top burr housing cover up and please carefully take note of the 2x location set pins and also the set chock that is placed on the side of the outer burr housing where there is a flat side of the burr that corresponds with the chock holding the burr in place. (Note the location of these parts and place for re-assembly and place these to the side).

8. Next, You will now see the outer burr housing exposed with the inner burr sitting on top of the spindle. Use your brush or a dry cloth to remove any coffee grounds, residue or oil.

9. Finally, you may reassemble the outer burr into the outer burr housing and also reassemble the inner burr onto the driveshaft and follow from “Deep Clean” step #7. Please do not over tighten any screws or set screws. These should be tight but not over tightened. Any damage caused to the gearbox or driveshaft as a result of over tightening any screws will not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.

Technical Specifications

24 V, 4.0 A, 96.0W
Grind adjustment & Scale| Stepless, ‘0’ thru ’10’, 0.1 increments
Colour options| Black/White
Optional extra parts| Black and Gold Titanium coated upgrade burr parts
Burr Size/Type| 38mm conical 6 core
Base material| High nitrogen 420 Stainless Steel
Burr material hardness| HRC58
Burr life| 150kg
Maximum recommended continuous grind time| 30 minutes + 1 hour rest time after grinding.
Grind setting| Stepless adjustment / (20 Micron) relative vertical burr shift or 0.02mm per increment
Retention (10g Dose)| With RDT <0.1g / Without RDT: <0.2g
Grind speed| Espresso: 0.5g/second / Filter: 0.8g/second
Hopper capacity| 30g
Grinder construction material| ADC12 die cast and machined aluminium
Motor| 100W DC motor / 160RPM No load speed
Voltage| 100–240V
Torque| 28kg.cm
Dimensions| 147 x 90 x 310mm
Weight| 3.2kg

Warranty

For 12 months after the original date of consumer purchase, Varia Brewing Limited warrants this product against any defects caused by defective material or workmanship. Only the original user is covered by this warranty when a Varia VS3 grinder is purchased from an authorized reseller, and when is fitted with the factory standard parts. To make a warranty claim, you will need the original sales receipt as proof of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by the following:

• An accident, misuse, neglect or ‘act of God’.
• Using the incorrect form of current or voltage, or a non-approved power adaptor.
• Improper maintenance or unauthorised repairs. (Failure to clean the grinder and cleaning/servicing in according to the manufacturer’s instructions).
• Any damage to burrs unless faulty from new.
• Failure to adhere to all of the safety measures / precautions or operating instructions outlined in this document’s safety measures and operating instructions.

Varia Brewing Limited will not be responsible for any material damage or personal injury resulting from failure to adhere to the Varia VS3 Grinder Safety Measures and or Operating Instructions detailed in this manual.
Please direct all warranty claims and enquiries to: hello@variabrewing.com

www.variabrewing.com

References

• Varia Brewing - Official Online Store | Global | Varia Brewing - Global - Official Store

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