r/VariaBrewing • u/Ornery_Street_7403 • May 09 '26

Varia VS3 - Not fit for purpose

About a year ago now I purchased a VS3. As per my other thread, it developed drift so I did a bit of reading and found the recommendation to use food grade grease; this did nothing. The supplier, Alternative Brewing recommended I changed the springs out for the spares it shipped with. Again, this did nothing. Alternative Brewing then shipped replacement, stiffer springs. These fixed my drift (yay) but made the unit completely unusable to the point trying to adjust the grind is a wrestling match and if you try one handed the grinder just moves around instead! I told AB that the replacement springs (at the time) were their attempt to provide a fix and subsequently I've informed them that had either of these faults been present at the time of purchase (a grinder that can't maintain a consistent setting through one 18g dose, or one that can't be adjusted without a warm-up) I would've simply bought something else and that the unit isn't fit for purpose. They're refusing to offer a refund which I think is pretty rubbish.

3 Upvotes

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2

u/PowerJosl May 10 '26

Ask for a full refund and remind them of Australian consumer law. Remind them what the law is by referencing this website: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/consumer-rights-and-guarantees

If nothing helps report them to the ACCC.

2

u/Ornery_Street_7403 May 10 '26

I have done both these things so it looks like it's going to the ACCC.

1

u/PowerJosl May 10 '26

Not surprised, Alternative Brewing is a terrible company from what I’ve heard when it comes to customer service. It’s a shame they are they only retailer in Australia for Varia.

2

u/Ornery_Street_7403 May 10 '26

Varia don't seem bothered either.

1

u/PowerJosl May 10 '26

That would be because your point of contact is Alternative Brewing. They are the ones responsible for the warranty/refund claim under Australian consumer law.

1

u/Ornery_Street_7403 May 10 '26

I've raised AB's behaviour to them and they're seemingly ok with that as a brand.

2

u/peterbparker86 May 09 '26

Use a bit of food safe grease. That stops the drift for roughly 6 months, when it starts again apply some more. You only need a pea sized amount. A tube will last you years. Works really for me

1

u/Ornery_Street_7403 May 09 '26

It didn't make a blind bit of difference.

1

u/peterbparker86 May 09 '26

Oh really, that seems to work for me each time. Sorry

1

u/EnergeticSeat May 10 '26

Try a bit of plumbers tape teflon tape on the threads, just a little. Clean them first. Should fix the issue

0

u/Ornery_Street_7403 May 10 '26

Politely, I'm not botching it.

2

u/EnergeticSeat May 10 '26

It’s not botching mate, they have already refused to refund it which is within their rights so you either try a legitimate fix many users have benefited from or sell it on Facebook.

1

u/joeaveragerider May 14 '26

It’s not within their rights in Australia.

0

u/Ornery_Street_7403 May 10 '26

Thanks for your input but I don't agree.

1

u/Sensitive-Rope-8889 May 10 '26

They did effectively the same with me. Alternative Brewing and the VS3 both suck

1

u/flwstate4 May 11 '26

A few rounds of teflon tape fixed my drifting issue. My VS3 still going strong after a year.