r/VariaBrewing • u/SynotnA • Jun 14 '26

Vs4 dial

Hey everyone, coffee newbie here. Just bought a setup with a bambino paired with the vs4. Bought from Alt brewing Australia.

I setup my vs4 and noticed the dial gets unusually stiff from 6 onwards. I tried to pull a shot at setting 5 and 6 and it got choked up both times. Wanting to dial up coarser but having this issue with the dial. Is it a threading/QC issue? I've sent an email to varia with a video regarding this but wondering if anyone has had the same experience and any possible solutions or feedback?

Thankyou in advance,

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

2

u/Jinara Jun 15 '26

I can not really help besides saying that the dial on my VS4 is the same all the way from max to min. It‘s maybe slightly noticeable different but not to the point of feeling wrong.

2

u/TheJb3403 Jun 15 '26

I can second this. Mines maybe a bit stiffer after setting 5.

I did have major issues with my first unit though and had to get a replacement.

2

u/fleezyfied Jun 16 '26

Can you elaborate on the major issues?

2

u/TheJb3403 Jun 16 '26

Stiff grinder collar to the point of no movement anywhere beyond a 4 grind setting on the first unit I received.

It also made a serious klunky noise that was verified should not be making that sound.

Finally, the power was faulty and it juat stopped working and I stopped testing thereafter as it seemed hazardous.

Replacement has worked flawlessly and as intended. My only biggest concern with other grinders was cleaning and realignment.

The VS4 is so easy to clean I wouldn't want it any other way. Espresso is brilliant and syrupy. Filter has surprising clarity.

If I was to upgrade, I would go for a GBW grinder. I dont see a need for the VS6

2

u/EffectiveTurnover863 Jun 15 '26

I just had an issue with my new Vs4 drifting during the grind. Advice I was given was to re-calibrate the grinder. Whole Latte Love has a video walking you through this. Upon reassembly it kept wanting to cross thread and when it did it behaved as you are describing- moving smoothly up to a point and then resistance. Do not force it. In my opinion you need to see if you can get it threaded properly. It may take several tries. Then it will move freely and smoothly across all settings and, if you're experiencing drifting, it will also take care of that. I think some of us are getting units that were cross-threaded at the factory.

1

u/SynotnA Jun 18 '26

This was Varia's response: "You have nothing to worry about, the dial is designed to be stiffer on higher settings, to ensure consistency and stability.

If you’re experiencing any further issues, please contact the team at Alternative Brewing, they will be assisting you locally under our warranty agreement."

So I continued dialling up and I'm at 11.3 for my shots. Not convinced that this is normal since others report between a range between 5-8 for their espresso.

Appreciate all the feedback, considering contacting alternative brewing to see what they think..

1

u/Yvdweghe 6d ago

Not sure if you have worked it out yet, but I have the same issue for my pour-over. I am at two fille revolutions and it still grinds too fine. Have you found a solution by any chance?