The first grinder seems to have had a faulty weight scale sensor as it would continuously, but accurately, grind way over the selected amount. A setting of 37g resulted in 48.8g every time. I tried many times to calibrate the scale with the same results each time. Thankfully ECS Etobicoke inspected it and agreed it was faulty. As I had just bought it the day before ECS graciously offered a straight exchange.
Etobicoke was out of stock so was told I could take it to the Burlington location to exchange it for a new one. The replacement grinder seems fine although it also grinds a tiny bit over my selected amount according to my stand alone scale. 37g selected gets me 38.7. I can live with that. I would like to try calibrating this one but after the first defective grinder I am apprehensive about doing so. Of course this may be a discrepancy in my stand alone scale. Maybe the Baratza is spot on after all. It is repeatable, this is for sure.
There is also a "offset" feature which would probably work to correct the 1.7g discrepancy which I might try. I am actually waiting for Baratza to advise me on what I should do to zero this out, if indeed it needs it?
But make no mistake, it's a wonderful grinder. Repeatable, relatively quiet, and it produces very clean and even grounds. Meaning no extra powder between the consistent and even grounds.
It's a beautiful looking grinder. The light in the grind chamber is perfect for seeing what is being ground.
My coffee has never tasted better. I can highly recommend the purchase of this Baratza Vario W+.
I was a bit disappointed with getting all the proper paperwork to show the return and exchange of the grinder. It was several days of emails back and forth as the woman in Burlington was too busy to provide the paperwork at the time of exchange and told me she would email it. It was a bit like pulling teeth to finalize it all. I should have insisted for it before leaving so it was a bit my fault as well. However, I was assured that what I did end up with is sufficient to cover any future warranty needs should they arise. I know this has nothing to do with the actual Baratza Vario W+, but it was part of the whole experience so I feel I should include it.
Final word. So far I am very happy with the grinder, and ECS Coffee. I am glad I bought it and that I shopped at ECS. No regrets buying a Baratza product.
R. Tuur