I'm having trouble grinding anything finer than around a 7 - if I put it on a 4-6 (for espresso), the beans just pop around - what am I doing wrong?
1365496
Same issue. My lower limit was 10. Above that everything is fine and the grind varies with setting appropriately, however at this point or lower the beans will no longer grind, just jump around.
1365497
I had the same problem, or at least, it sounds like the same problem. For me, the threshold was somewhere around 12 to 15 (instead of 7). That said, when grinding at that level (12-15), I noticed the ground coffee was in fact very fine, suitable for espresso. I concluded it was a calibration issue, and followed the recalibration procedure to make the grind coarser, and it seems fine now (only time will tell though). Here are all the docs for recalibration and what not: https://www.baratza.com/troubleshooting/ Also, on the same page, it says if your beans are very oily, dark and/or big, it helps to make the motor go slower, and there's a guide for that too.
1365498
I had the same problem, or at least, it sounds like the same problem. For me, the threshold was somewhere around 12 to 15 (instead of 7). That said, when grinding at that level (12-15), I noticed the ground coffee was in fact very fine, suitable for espresso. I concluded it was a calibration issue, and followed the recalibration procedure to make the grind coarser, and it seems fine now (only time will tell though). Here are all the docs for recalibration and what not: https://www.baratza.com/troubleshooting/Also, on the same page, it says if your beans are very oily, dark and/or big, it helps to make the motor go slower, and there's a guide for that too. I had the same problem, or at least, it sounds like the same problem. For me, the threshold was somewhere around 12 to 15 (instead of 7). That said, when grinding at that level (12-15), I noticed the ground coffee was in fact very fine, suitable for espresso. I concluded it was a calibration issue, and followed the recalibration procedure to make the grind coarser, and it seems fine now (only time will tell though). Here are all the docs for recalibration and what not: https://www.baratza.com/troubleshooting/Also, on the same page, it says if your beans are very oily, dark and/or big,... » Read More I had the same problem, or at least, it sounds like the same problem. For me, the threshold was somewhere around 12 to 15 (instead of 7). That said, when grinding at that level (12-15), I noticed the ground coffee was in fact very fine, suitable for espresso. I concluded it was a calibration issue, and followed the recalibration procedure to make the grind coarser, and it seems fine now (only time will tell though). Here are all the docs for recalibration and what not: https://www.baratza.com/troubleshooting/Also, on the same page, it says if your beans are very oily, dark and/or big, it helps to make the motor go slower, and there's a guide for that too. « Show Less
1365499
You aren't doing anything wrong. Before I bought this grinder, I really researched what I needed, and I knew going into it, from the expert reviews outside of Amazon, that this grinder is not recommended for Espresso. I didn't want or need espresso grind, so I was fine with this lower end version. I have heard that the Virtuoso model makes good espresso, though I do not have personal experience with that grinder.
1365500
NOTHING wrong with this grinder -- It is FOR espresso and everything else. the numbers mean nothing. open it up enough to admit beans, and tune for proper espresso. Any one who says this grinder is not great for espresso is greatly MIS-informed! But, this is the internet where everyone can say whatever. We have dozens of happy owners. Dave at Hitechespresso.com 877 286 2833
782001
I was struggling with this as well. This process worked better (I actually got a great cup like this):~24 grams medium ground (Baratza encore setting 26)190-200F water (Hotter than I was doing, pretty much just filled the press up when inverted)Pour slowly, Stir for ~15 seconds, use two rinsed filters (I do all this slowly so it is around 30 sec brew times). Flip it over and press slowly. Now, I
485843
the finest settings are still extremely coarse, no where near espresso powder. and the grounds are extremely inconsistent, fine powder (created accidentally, and stuck via static electricity to the top of the receptacle where they first enter it), mixed with the very coarse actual grounds (even at finest setting).
2071827
It's tough going for the first few grinds. The burrs are new and they need to be worked a few times. Things will loosen up as the oils from the beans lubricant the burrs. Your grind texture and color of the beans are also a factor in how smooth the mechanism works when the grinder is new. Light beans are harder, dark are more oily and softer. Try using a courser grind for a bit till the burrs are broke in. You can always regrind the course ground you just did. Once the grinder is broken in you should find grinding is a breeze. I myself use a courser grind to get more coffee flavor. Finer grind dosen't work well in drip pots unless they are presses or preculators. Don't give up on your little grinder. There's nothing more tastier and aromatic than fresh ground coffee . I feel sure once you get your grinder broke in you'll really like it. Sincerely, Lynn
174467
I never bought a grinder but was very meticulous in having the beans ground. Too fine and it became difficult to pull the lever, to coarse and the espresso was weak. Next time I will by my own grinder. Sorry not to be more helpful but it is a serious consideration.
472523
You should be able to adjust the burr to give you a fine enough grind for espresso. It probably will require some experimenting to get it just right.
158834
From my limited use thus so far I have adjusted with the machine off. The only things I can see that may go wrong is some clogging may occur or it will be difficult to go from coarse to fine. I have not experienced that yet like others have. In the instructions they do mention to run for a few seconds while turning grind size knob if you have issues, otherwise grind size can be done while off. Also they mention if it is hard going from coarse to fine then you may have to take hopper off and clear beans....again I have not had any issues of any kind so far.
1097996
To answer your question, I tried the "coarse" setting (since I never use it). Most of the pieces were coarse but some were more like "medium." Looks like the grind is not even on the "coarse" setting.
277375
You may not be grinding your beans fine enough. Grind them fine, and use a tamper to tamp the grounds in tightly (a tamper presses the grounds into the grounds container).
156660
Yes its disappointing to deal with but it seems a function of too much fine grind at once. Just make 8 cups instead of ten . With less coffee it doesn't occur
1928584
Hi Amanda, Well I've had more time with my KA grinder since I wrote that review. I'm still pleased with the way it operates but have come to realize that grinding times need to be longer than the directions call for. I, too favor a fine grind so have been holding the grinding to a count of twenty (one one thousand, two one thousand, etc.). Sometimes it helps to pause at ten and shake the grinder lightly to ensure a thorough grinding with no left over whole beans. Enjoy!
1961276
I use medium to fine. If you grind your own beans, you may want to experiment with different grinds to find what works best for you.
216392
not too fine; drip grind is too fine - you'll end up with coffee soup. Try using percolator grind setting if you have it.
2071826
I don't think your doing anything wrong. Depending on the bean, it can be tougher to turn at times than others. I noticed that beans such as Starbucks are easier because they have more oils then some other brands I have bought. I thought the effort required was reasonable for the amount of beans. Considering the price of most burr grinders I looked at, I thought this one was a decent deal. I have had issues where the handle kicked back and beans spilled out, that can be frustrating. But, otherwise I like the grinder it cuts evenly and I think the coffee tastes better then the electric chopping types. I don't think your doing anything wrong. Depending on the bean, it can be tougher to turn at times than others. I noticed that beans such as Starbucks are easier because they have more oils then some other brands I have bought. I thought the effort required was reasonable for the amount of beans. Considering the price of most burr grinders I looked at, I thought this one was a decent deal. I have had issues where the handle kicked back and beans spilled out, that can be frustrating. But, otherwise I like the grinder it cuts evenly and I think the coffee tastes better then the electric... » Read More I don't think your doing anything wrong. Depending on the bean, it can be tougher to turn at times than others. I noticed that beans such as Starbucks are easier because they have more oils then some other brands I have bought. I thought the effort required was reasonable for the amount of beans. Considering the price of most burr grinders I looked at, I thought this one was a decent deal. I have had issues where the handle kicked back and beans spilled out, that can be frustrating. But, otherwise I like the grinder it cuts evenly and I think the coffee tastes better then the electric chopping types. « Show Less
2257364
It's the grind. You need to find the right grind for the Breville double-walled portafilters. It's not as fine as a normal espresso grind, but not a chunky grind either. Invest in a good burr grinder so you can control what you put in.
10944
You want expresso grind to be powder like and feel smooth between your fingers. If your beans are freshly roasted you can try one step less fine because the beans have a little more moisture in them. Really fresh ground beans should brew with some "crema" brown foam on top. That amount of crema is a clue to freshness. Different beans with different roast times also can change the "best" grind setting. Experiment, LOL
329063
I use a fine grind like you'd get when you buy ground coffee from the store. Hope this helps.