VARIA VS3: Is It A Better Option than the ODE GEN 2 or LAGOM MINI?
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2024
- Varia VS3 Grinder review and comparison to the ODE Gen 2 and Lagom mini coffee grinder.
► Third Wave Water (Code KYLEROWSELL) - www.thirdwavewater.com/Kyle
► Varia VS3 - geni.us/bmcf
► Fellow ODE GEN 2 - fellow.sjv.io/rn51Wj
► Option O Lagom Mini - geni.us/uxOkBZC
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Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Third Wave Water
1:48 - Varia VS3 Overview
4:38 - ODE Gen 2
5:43 - Lagom Mini
7:35 - Speed Test
9:00 - Taste Test
11:13 - Final Thoughts & Verdict - Zábava
Thank you for an amazing 2022. What a year. See you all in 2023! (Maybe we'll hit 100k next year?...)
Hopefully you hit 100k this year still!!
EXACTLY the review I was looking for. Thank you and well done!
Glad to hear it! Enjoy!
Thanks for all your work this year.
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Your reviews are addictive on my coffee journey. Thanks Kyle! Happy new year bro!
Thanks for watching!!
The video I've been waiting for.
Thank you Kyle, as always.
My pleasure! Be sure to share it if you enjoyed it 🙂
Thanks Kyle, a really amazing summary. Happy new year 🎉
Thanks for watching Russell!
Thank you so much for the review comparison plus other review for the Ode. I was debating on getting an electric grinder between Ode and VS3. After considering all the factors, the Ode Gen 2 seems to be a better choice because of flat burr and upgradable option compared to VS3. And I have C40 already which might be a bit close to VS3. Easy decision to get the Gen 2 (when I can still find one in Canada), and add on the SSP MP burr.😊
Nice review and sensible comparison. My only concern with the mini is longevity if it is being used a few times a a day because of the smallish motor.
Great comparison video. Love my Ode Gen 2! Couldn't recommend it enough for filter brew. Upgraded from the Gen 1😁
Thanks! And glad to hear it!!
Amazing video Kyle.
Really enjoyed this review (not too much not too little) hope to see more from you in 2023.
Thanks Arian! Glad you liked it,
Still feeling really good about my Lagom mini moonshine! Great vid.
Kyle thank you for finally getting an Ode 2 vs Lagom mini comparison out. I’m going with the Ode 2! Happy New Year wishing you the best year yet. 1k from 100k - almost there! Keep rocking bro
Thank you! And glad this helped
This comparison helped me choose the Ode Gen 2. I’m just beginning my choice coffee journey. I spent 24 years in the military (recently retired) with no concerns about coffee as long as it was black and strong. 😅
It has been an incredible year! It's my second year in the coffee world and I just ordered an Ode gen 2 for my pour over coffees and it will join my picopresso and K plus. Better espresso machine next year? Could be!
Excited to see what’s next on your channel and I’ll try February coffee sooner than later!
Thanks for watching!
I own the Ode Gen2 and am extremely happy with it. The De-ionization feature works as advertised, making clean up a simple thing. And the coffee tastes amazing.
@HC-sb1ruyou don’t/can’t make espresso at home? I couldn’t imagine that personally.
I love my Lagom Mini, and honestly I am learning more and more about it every time I grind with it
Glad to hear it
What are you learning about it? Care to share?
nice timing! i'm looking for one of these.
Glad I could help! And be sure to share it if you find it helpful :)
Will be interesting to see the comparison between the Vario with a premium hand grinder such as 1zpresso Kplus. I have feeling that an 1zpresso grinder can beat the Vario in term of taste at half the price, a little faster grind time and of course, some hand labor.
Great comparison! I just bought an ode 2 out of curiousity and am loving it although i really need fellow to work on their lid game (both the dosing cup and hopper suck lol) I would def be worried about longevity with vs3 for espresso with only 100w motor and same goes for the lagom mini but honestly i think all 3 have so much to offer. Tough decisions we have to make in the coffee world lol
Thanks for the comment!
If you're living in Asia the Fellow Ode has no issues with static to begin with!
As a Ode V1 user, I'm curious and eager to try SSP or the V2 burrs but I'm super happy with the grounds as I only drink Filtered coffee at the moment. My specific country has issues with getting other affordable grinders(at the same MSRP) with the same grind consistency, so I'm really happy with how my Fellow Ode been doing.
You can still spritz some water if you're really worried about it.
Full disclosure: My metal cup magnet one day fell out!
Retention didn't look too bad, similar to the DF64 maybe with the amount extra you get out when bellowing which does also require the bellows for best results.
Glad the Lagom Mini is doing well :) And you do get what you pay for. Also glad there are some good budget options that don't suck now.
Agreed! It’s great to see!
Hello, i'm looking to buy either the DF64 or Varia, which one that you would recommend if I may ask? thanks!!
@@Aquilanis I never tried the Varia but heard good things. If you're doing mostly espresso there seemed to be concern about whether the motor was powerful enough to last maybe look up if anyone actually had any issues otherwise it's all just speculation like how people think the Niche zero was underpowered and would fail but we haven't seen that.
Thanks for making these comparisons Kyle. Though I'm still waiting for a review of the Femobook before I pull the trigger for any of these electric grinders
That video is coming!
Kyle! Go party 😅🎉
Best wishes in New Year!
Thanks! You too!
I have the Ode gen 2. Im surprised how clean the new electrodes makes the grinds. Much better than the gen 1. Very happy with the new design.
Lagom mini for me as I can get it under $300 here. Fantastic grinder for the money. Only issue is I have to give it a little tap with my hand to make it zero retention
Apologies to be off-topic, but after ~15 years of doing stovetop pourovers, I now have an electric that can have specific temps dialled in. Question is what temp would you recommend for most light-medium roasted coffees? 96 C?
Hey Kyle, do you think we can get some side by side comparison of the burrs? With measurements of the inner & outer burrs? Thanks!
Congrats on 100k
Hey Kyle, any chance you could compare the Lagom Mini vs the comandante C40 MK3/MK4 for pour over profile/taste? I know this would be electric vs hand grinder but since they both have conical burrs it may be a comparison you could make 😀. Many thanks in advance, love from the UK.
Thanks. You just saved us some money because I was seriously considering the VS3. More money for drippers! 😂
Bought the ode gen 2 after your first video on it and absolutely love it. this is a great comparison. If I consumer who was only doing filter coffee with the option to change out taste profile (ssp burrs) then the ode 2 is a no-brainer, but if also did espresso then I would easily get the Varia VS3 instead.
Well said! I think that’s a fair assessment
After watching your video on the best grinders under $300 I started seriously looking at the Varia. There are only a few reviews on CZcams so I was impatiently waiting for today’s video. I presently have an Encore which I got when I realized the importance of grinding fresh coffee rather than pre ground. I bought the Encore based on price and how Baratza can help out if something goes wrong. I’m not sure if I can taste the difference with coffee using different grinders but I decided I wanted to upgrade to a better grinder. I was originally going with the Lagom Mini but the price over$500 and availability kept me from getting one. I wanted a grinder that can do both pour overs and espresso which eliminated the Ode and the cost eliminated the Mini. I decided to order the Varia VS3 which I did. I ordered it from 8 Ounce Coffee based on your video. It will be here 1/9/23 and I’m looking forward to it. The Varia comes with the bellows as well as a RDT spritz bottle to help with the static and some owners say the static is less after the burrs season. Being retired the extra 10 seconds grinding is not an issue. I have an Ember cup as I like to keep the coffee at my preferred temperature as I sit and enjoy my coffee. Your channel has helped me immensely and I’m looking to learning more from you in 2023 and looking forward to your coffee as well. Happy New Year!
Thanks Chris! Appreciate this comment!!
Hi there just got a gen 2 varia vs3 with a black Friday deal for 235. How has yours been holding up? Love how mines been working but I'm concerned about longevity.
What ballpark settings do you use with the Ode 2 for V60 light roast? Is it around 2 like depicted in the video? I've made countless cups and am having trouble dialing mine in.
Solid comparison! I love seeing the do-it-all electric grinder segment slowing creeping down in price, since I think a lot of general consumers are looking for products like that. The Ode is a killer filter grinder for people looking for that flat burr profile and well thought-out design/aesthetic, but it is held back with the lack of espresso grinding (which opens up the market for products like the VS3, Lagom Mini, or even people stretching their budgets into the ~$400-500 for a DF64).
Personally I've been quite happy hand-grinding on my Q2 for filter and immersion, and I have a separate Eureka Mignon Specialita strictly for espresso. Lets me keep them each dialed into their specific beans and I don't have to worry about purging. And I can always break out my Encore if I need to do a large batch brew :D
Thanks for the comment!
I own the Lagom Mini with Moonshine and love it. got it on Christmas special Option O was running, $374, free shipping(got it in 3 days) and free carry case. Looked like they had it shipped from Prima for us US customers so no import duties either. Varia looks cool though. for $299, I think it's a fantastic deal. Wish the Ode could do espresso... and they can make the motor sound better. for some odd reason sound of it bothers me.
Awesome deal you got! I had to pay 75 for shipping. 50 was regular shipping option. That’s such a great deal for this grinder
Hi Kyle - I pour over using 30 grams of beans every morning. Is the lagom mini incapable of that amount? Or with my usage you suggest the ode 2 with the ssp for pour over?
Which grinder would you recommend?
Coffee novice here - I've been using an AeroPress and have my eye on the Nextlevel Pulsar when it becomes available.
Low volume home usage and budget not a big concern.
(Based in Canada for the summer and will probably be a regular at Eight Ounce Coffee in Calgary).
One of the best reviewer coffee's equipment in YT.
Thanks!
@@KyleRowsell Thank you too for many great videos.
I know Fellow states that the Ode 2 is for filter coffee only, but the new generation’s the grind size gets within espresso range. Is there some other reason it would not work?
I have been looking at the Vario as an upgrade from my Encore with the M2 burr, which I do get good cups from. My reason is because I plan on getting an espresso machine soon and the DF64 for a flat burr option, and I wanted a conical that could do both PO and espresso, that did not break the bank.
Could be a great option!
I'll wait for Ode Gen 3 with support for espresso, thank you very much. Oh wait, maybe Ode Gen 4 with variable RPM?
I've been using the Varia VS3 gen2 for about half a year now and am extremely happy with it. It can do a lot (from good espresso to very solid french press), the retention is basically zero, and it's silent enough for me. The only minor thing for me is the construction of the dosing cup - it tends to get a bit messy at times. But other than that it's a great product.
do you have to tinker with the vs3 to get it right? is it easy to get in and clean? which burr is best for what with it? thjanks
@rmleider I didn't tinker with it at all. In terms of cleaning: since it has close to no retention, there isn't much to clean. Sometimes, I use a brush to gather some of the coffeedust and let the belows do the rest. It's just a very convenient and simple grinder that does its job. Never used any other burrs than the stock burrs.
I bought the vs3 right before this video and I think I made the right choice. I brew mostly aeropress and pour over with the occasional espresso on my cafelat robot and you can't really beat the price, I paid 425 cad total!
Nice! Sounds like the right choice!
Have you had any issues with grinding very light roasts?
I know im late to this video but this is an open question. I'm debating between the Varia and the Opus. I mainly brew pour over, but make french press and moka pot as well. I do not currently brew espresso. However, i want to start making turkish coffee. Can the Varia grind fine enough for turkish or would anyone reccommend a different grinder?
Isn't slow speed a benefit, since it helps to keep the grind cool?
Hi there, i have a Baratza sette 270 is it a good idea to upgrade my grinder to a Vária vs3?
3:10 I see him hit the bellows and said holy sh*t, cue Kyle looking into my soul in agreement 🤣
Getting into espresso for first time. Researching machines and grinders. I know a good grinder makes a big difference in a shot quality but what if that shot is being consumed with dairy ? You a it still worth the big investment to make cappuccinos ?
Thanks for another great comparison!
Question regarding the bellows: When you say the bellows is NEEDED, is that with or without RDT?
I've been using my VS3 daily for 2 weeks. When using RDT in either espresso or filter range, I don't get enough retention to even register 0.1g on my scale. I let the grinder run for an additional 5-10 seconds after it's "finished" grinding, and a good amount of grounds trickle out in that time.
After checking this multiple times, I've reached the conclusion that the bellows is NOT necessary. When I switch from filter to espresso I do a couple palm slaps on top of the hopper, which seems to get just as much out as the bellows.
I should also mention that I'm on the wet west coast of Canada so maybe ambient humidity plays a roll...
Humidity and RDT will play a role. I haven’t done enough definitive testing of each to make a conclusion
@@KyleRowsell Also worth mentioning, Varia notes that there is residual static from the manufacturing process and materials and that it will eventually dissipate. I've been using my VS3 for almost 2 months now and don't really need the RDT any longer. I see occasional .1g retention, minimal chaff.
I have seen your review on SPTK38...how you feel about it 😆...but regardless that "factor" can you advise me from performance and output how SPTK38 against Varia VS3
grats on 100k!
Thanks!
What are your settings for espresso and aeropress on the Lagom Mini (also if you could tell me how long you feel comfortable letting the motor run) ? I have had mine for one year and each time I love it more.
Normally 0.7- 1 from zero
For filter coffee, how would this compare to a Grindmaster 810S, which has the traditional ghost burr. I know it cost 2 to 3 times as much, and is much bigger, but people that have Grindmaster say they are great and can even do a espresso, which I'm not interested in. I don't understand why there aren't at least some reviews of a commercial coffeemaker in comparison, after all they can be bought for home use. And many high end home coffee grinders cost even more.
Hi I purchase an Breville dual boiler. What is the best grinder under $600.00
Varia have also released an upgraded “hypernova” burr for this grinder which they say is their best for espresso. Would love to see a video on this also Kyle!
Some of those burr options 'look' really cool, I think it was the Hypernova that's got an iridescent shine to it! And they claim it's faster grinding than the other titanium burr options (which are slower than stock steel burr)... so who knows if it's faster or slower than that, but curious how the taste profile might be affected with those burrs.
@@BensCoffeeRants they actually claim they are slower burrs! And I can confirm they definitely are 😄. After a few weeks of testing the stock vs hypernova I think the hypernova makes a better shot. I haven’t tested any other burrs so I’m not really able to comment on those
Which one of the 3 would you recommend for Moka pot? Or maybe the Noche Zero? Or should I just go for a cheaper hand grinder? I’m quite new to grinding my own coffee. 😅
Vs3 would do fine. So would the mini
What spoon is that love the blue!!!
I’d be interested to know how you think the lagom mini and the vs3 with hyper nova burr set compare. The latter is still cheaper than the mini!
I wouldn’t expect the burr coatings to revolutionize my thoughts
So the Lagom Mini had a bit more acidity to it... But why did you suspect that was? It was a faster RPM you thought than the Varia, wouldn't that produce more fines and produce more muddiness? Love the Ode, but man that Mini is sure tempting (using a Capresso Infinity which has served me well for years, yet would love to step up sometime. Just always doubted/worried how much an entry level conical burr vs. a higher end conical burr would improve taste or not).
Side note, with my wife being as into coffee as me, it's fun to have your wife join your videos here and there :) Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!
BTW nice to see another quad pilot out there :)
The burr geometry is very different, resulting in different cup profiles.
@@KyleRowsell Interesting so it's simply that. Okay super super interesting....
Got the varia at home now, very impressed with it, and I wouldn’t replace it unless I had the cash for a monolith max or lagom p100, near zero retention and no mess whatsoever with a few spritzes. 3.2-3.4 for espresso on my GCP. Also I don’t use the bellows at all and they didn’t help more than negligibly after rdt-ing.
Glad to hear it!!
Update… v1 motor failure; v2 replacement… also motor failure in 1 week. 😢
Failure for Varia V2 as well?😢 Are u using light or medium roast beans?
@@desmondkwan1097 my wife’s decaf beans killed it!
Just picked up a V2. I was really hoping they fixed the issues with it. Longevity is my primary concern.
How loud is the fellow gen 2 compared to the encore?
60 bags of coffee this year! Coffee resolution for 2023 is for sure to do more comparative tasting - coffees and grinders.
Nice! Sounds fun!
Noticed a few commenters referring to this grinder as a Vario. Careful - the Vario, by Baratza, is a flat burr grinder that’s been around maybe ten years. This is the VariA.
the bottle line for taste and best grinder on the market to day is the ek`43 hands down you get what you pay for
I just wish the Ode had a better motor to be able to handle espresso. I have a Niche for my espresso, but since the Niche is such a fines monster, I'm finding a need for the Ode to use for my Moccamaster. In case my Niche ever gives up the ghost I'd like to be able to fall back on the ode for espresso until the Niche gets replaced. The Ode gen2 is almost the perfect coffee grinder. However, the motor is what holds it back from reigning supreme.
What do you dial it at for your Moccamaster? I’m looking to upgrade from
my Breville Ginder Pro
mom, kyle posted again!
I did. I did. Last one of 2022 too.
Sa-weet!!! I get to watch an awesome video while my kids are napping!!! Lol
Hope you enjoyed it!
Vs3 stainless seemed not able to do espresso, but the titanium set seem ok.
Is that Anodyne sitting on your shelf?
Is the VS3 easy to put back together once opened? Or you need to pay attention to calibration every single time you clean it? Amazing review and comparison!
Yeah very easy
Hi Kyle- Have you done a review of the best "DRIP COFFEE GRINDER"?
I haven’t
I certainly don't enjoy the look of bellows but I don't mind it. I can see how to somenit ruins a grinder and of course it is better to design a grinder that is good enough without them but that is hard an usually expensive. It's a cheap, effective and from an engineering perspective elegant solution. Even if not aesthetically. :)
I don't have them because the SD hopper for my Mignon was already 40€ and they want another 40 for the bellows... It's enough to be annoying and not buy it but not enough to motivate me to compare no name bellows and see if one fits... someday lol...
Happy Holidays
Oh totally! The bellows is a necessary evil for some but I’m still not a fan of how they look.
Option-o mini is more portable which I believe would be it's actual primary use case
True. Though I’m not sure how many are buying it for portability. I would love to know that.
The 0:34 googly eyes is the best shot in this vid 😂
That's a really nice spoon!! Where did you get it?
It’s a third wave water spoon
@@KyleRowsell thanks!
It hadn’t occurred to me to look before - I drank around 22 bags of coffee in 2022. Took some time off in the middle of the year when I didn’t have a good brew setup but came back swinging when my grinder came in
was it cold in the studio?
Kyle, what burrs do you have in your mini?
Moonshine
Still no real competition for the Ode. Was hoping for some sort of holiday discount, but alas, didn't get it. I'm sure we'll pick it up soon.
Yeah it’s pretty great for the price if you’re looking for a flat burr
Hello - D64 gets the nod from many responsible/communicative palates; including burr upgrages
I bought the Lagom Mini large part on your recommendation. It’s not fantastic. Lack of numbers or the adjustment ring, lack of a turn counter really make it more difficult than necessary to switch between brew methods. You get used to it, but for something so trivial to add, it’s disappointing it’s not there. Also, I need to slap the top to push the final grinds out (mimicking a bellows) so the lack of bellows is cosmetic. It’s not zero retention without some tapping.
That said, it grinds, the coffee tastes good. But I wish I had the Varia after watching this.
Yeah not sure why option o removed the numbers. as you can see in this video my mini has them
@@KyleRowsell I'm with you. I probably would have bought the Lagom Mini if it still had the numbers, but I went for the Niche instead for easier switching between brew methods. If it still had the numbers, the Mini would have been an easier choice for the footprint, design, flavor profile, AND portability. I watched your videos on the Niche, DF64, and Lagom Mini so many times while deciding, so thank you for your great work!
(Sidenote: I actually bought the DF64 first but am returning it. I'm super disappointed with how finicky it is. I paid to have it aligned when ordering, and I still have crazy variance in my shots. Without changing the dial or adjusting 1/2 a mark, same beans, one shot will be perfect and the next will pour through in half the time. Quality control is just too risky with that machine in my experience.)
Is the magnetic dosing cup really that useful? It seems like all newer grinders prioritizes it and it is mentioned in most reviews.
It’s just a nice added touch
I like that I don't have to think about exactly where I place it every time. With my Varia if I'm anywhere near the right spot it slides itself into place.
LAGOM MINI fan too.
Something I feel never gets mentioned in reviews: I feel that the step less grinder gets more love because it’s more nuanced however in a household with multiple brewers and coffee drinkers how do you switch back and forth? It’s impossible! Stepped is the only way, at least if you can’t handle a million appliances on your counter tops.
Just me? 😳
I agree, a stepped grinder with adequate resolution gives you easier workflow and better repeatability
New Years resolution is to learn how to roast coffee 😀
Nice! Do it!
whats that machine in the back, over your right shoulder ?
Kaleido m10
I don't understand why so many people argue so much about grind time other than flavour. I have so much prep to do no grinder is that slow.
We all have different needs and wants
I use trade to get fresh coffee every week. I’d say I drank at least 52lbs this year. Average at least 1lb per week. I do need a new grinder.
Nice! hopefully this helps
Did anyone ever get the VS3 to stall or completely stop grinding lighter roasts?
any third wave alternative for EU residents?
I went with the Ode to take out a but more acidity.
is this the vs3 gen 2 or??
Having a hard time finding videos on the best Espresso grinders $500 and under. Could you provide a small list?
Nice review, did you have any QC issues with your unit? Check out my review video of the Varia VS3.
The temperature of the water changed as you poured!!!!
Not sure what you’re referring to? I equalized temp as best as possible in the cups before tasting
@@KyleRowsell Sorry kidding, the sarcasm didn't come through the chat. Thanks for responding, love your channel!
Thinking about a fellow gen 1, I’m a chemex guy
That should work just fine!
👍
👌
Keep drinking good coffee, run a marthon and compete in a crossfit comp 💪 🤙🇦🇺!! Keep up the great content mate !! Love your work.
Those are some serious goals 💪
The fellow has the magnetic feature because they released the version one which put coffee grounds everywhere. Really messy grinder. Then the receiving cup where the ground up coffee ends up breaks and the magnet falls off. I have had 3 cups sent to me for free from fellow. Really disappointing for the price paid. I would not buy another fellow product due to this experience.
I hear ya. Though the Gen 2 is an amazing upgrade and they've addressed all their major concerns imo
In 2022 I drank approx 56 250g bags of coffee........at home... Out....who knows
"Feels very well built"
>proceeds to nearly knock it over
lol it’s top heavy
@@KyleRowsell haha only taking the piss, love the review thanks!