The Vario is considered by the makers of Schnitzer Electric Flour Mills to be their top of the line product. Indeed, it is their best-selling mill. It is bigger than their Pico model, but it is exactly the same size as the Grano, at 195 mm in width, 260 mm in depth, and 420 mm in height. It is powered by a 360-watt motor, compared to Pico’s 250- and Grano’s 600-watts.
The case is made of solid beechwood. It has a spout at the front and an adjustment lever for the consistency of the grounds at its left side. For the hopper you have a choice between a solid beech or stainless steel version. Both have a capacity of 1.2 kg.
The grinding mechanism is made of ceramic-lined crystalline corundum that is self-sharpening. As these are extremely durable materials, the millstones are expected to last for even more than a lifetime. Further, they are designed to grind without generating high temperatures. This is the reason for the smaller motor. The millstone, which is three times as big as that of the Pico, turns slower, thus generating less friction. This minimizes the possibility of burnt flour, and instead preserves more of its nutrients.
The Vario can easily process wheat, spelt, rye, barley, oats, corn, rice, millet, linseed, dried peas, chickpeas, yeast flakes, coffee, and quinoa. It can also handle spices such as coriander, cloves, fennel, fenugreek, allspice, caraway, peppercorn, dill, cumin, and cardamom. In a minute you can have from 110 to 300 g of your grounds depending on how fine or coarse you want them.