Abstract Aiming at the problem of the low electromagnetic torque performance of the traditional Variable Flux Memory Machine (VFMM), a novel double-tooth Variable Flux Memory Machine is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the topology and operation principle of the novel double-tooth VFMM are introduced. By using the 2-D finite element analysis method, the open circuit characteristics of the novel double-tooth VFMM and the traditional single-tooth VFMM with low coercive force (LCF) in different magnetization states are compared and analysed, and the electromagnetic torque in the flux-enhanced state is compared and studied. In addition, the efficiency maps of double-tooth VFMM are investigated. Compared with the traditional single-tooth VFMM, the flux adjustment ability of the double-tooth VFMM is more than doubled, and the electromagnetic torque under the same current is increased by 21.8%. The results show that the double-tooth VFMM has better flux adjustment ability and larger electromagnetic torque.