MediumRoastSteam So it seems that the consensus is that the variable speed feature is mainly used for emptying the grinder chamber, rather than something which benefits in the cup value. Is that a fair statement?
Partly, considering the way I like to use it. Had the grinder only had a single speed, then bellows in my experience are Irritating and produce a small cloud of fines everywhere.
One of the grinders BB tested was almost identical excepts for a single speed, slightly lower power as well because when you lower the speed you reduce torque. Hence the higher wattage consumption in the T64 V (lets call it the V for now).
A number (possibly all the influencers) have ooed and aaahed about variable speed, some even talked about “speed profiling” during the grind to improve cup quality and all sorts of other rubbish. Variable speed really allows you to set the right speed for a particular burr size. For 64mm burrs that speed is around 800-900 RPM. As burrs get larger the “right” speed drops.. so for 83 mm burrs it’s around 540 and for 98mm burrs around 350-400 rpm.
Of course all burrs will work slower than the “right speed”, but using the correct speed gives you the best balance between grind time, fines and optimal cup quality. Take the Kafatek Flat Max 2 with the 98 mm shurikens…I only use that on 400 RPM (max speed). In fact in a way I would prefer it if it came without variable speed..as variable speed adds a huge box of expensive electronics on the bottom (making it larger than it needs to be) and a warning not to leave it switched on when your not using it. I am going to suspect the concern about electrolytics etc.. within the electronics. Plus the grinder would be much cheaper, I would imagine a saving of £500 or more on the retail price.
Trouble is you have all the cockwombles going on about variable speed, so the manufacturers feel they have to deliver it and ooh and ahh about it.
- They have to deliver because it’s good marketing
- Influencers have to invent something new for clicks and views
- Influencers all follow the zeitgeist
- The coffee community buys the concept because all the “important” people talk about it.
Upshot…you don’t need variable speed (and the stalling it promotes on many grinders), just correctly designed grinders. A few influencers even started saying the grind was better when “hot starting” feeding beans in slowly..all to cover up stalling. It’s ridiculous.
