Varia VS6: Cleaning the Grinding Chamber

by Steven Tucciarone 2 min read Updated: April 4, 2025
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This guide provides step-by-step instructions for cleaning and maintaining the grinding chamber of your Varia VS6 grinder. Regular cleaning of the grinding chamber ensures consistent grind quality and optimal performance.

Technical Skills:

Basic mechanical skills are recommended. No specialized training is required, but users should feel comfortable disassembling and reassembling mechanical components.

Tools Needed

  • Included Varia VS6 wrench set

  • Cleaning brush

  • Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment

  • Pick or small magnet (optional, for removing washer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warning: Always make sure your grinder is powered off and unplugged before beginning maintenance to prevent injury.

Disassembling the Grinding Chamber:

  1. Unplug and Power Off:
    Ensure your grinder is turned off and unplugged from the power source.

  2. Remove the Hopper:
    Rotate the hopper counterclockwise until fully unscrewed and lift it off the grinder.

  3. Remove Indicator Ring:
    Lift off the magnetic indicator ring and set it aside in a safe place.

  4. Remove Upper Burr:
    Gently lift out the upper burr assembly.

  5. Remove Burr Support Springs:
    Carefully remove the four support springs beneath the upper burr. Set these aside safely.

  6. Remove Bottom Burr:
    Using the included wrenches, loosen and remove the reverse-threaded set nut. Lift off the flat washer beneath it. Next, carefully remove the bottom burr for cleaning.

  7. Remove Base Washer:
    At the base of the drive shaft, there is a thin washer. Use a pick or magnet to lift this washer out, setting it aside securely.

Cleaning the Grinding Chamber:

  • Brush Cleaning:
    Using your cleaning brush, gently clean away any coffee grounds or residue within the grinding chamber.

  • Vacuum Cleaning:
    Optionally, use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining loose coffee grounds or debris from the chamber thoroughly.

Reassembling the Grinder:

Reassemble the grinder components in the reverse order of disassembly:

  1. Bottom Burr:
    Replace the bottom burr, securing it with the locking washer and set nut using the provided wrenches. Remember, the set nut is reverse-threaded.

  2. Burr Support Springs:
    Place the four support springs back into their original positions.

  3. Upper Burr:
    Replace the upper burr on top of the springs.

  4. Hopper & Indicator Ring:
    Screw the hopper clockwise back into place until secure, then reattach the magnetic indicator ring.

Dial-In After Reassembly:

After completing the cleaning and reassembly process, you will need to dial in your grinder again to achieve your desired grind size and consistency.