Very fine dust caked onto burrs soon after grinder cleaning - normal?

[mattwells]

I took apart my grinder for a cleaning when I first got it (it definitely needed it after cafe usage for a couple of years, although it only looked like it was 'light' usage) and was fooling around with it today and, again, noticed it was dirty. After cleaning it and running it again, I noticed that as soon as I used it a very fine dust got caked onto the burrs. What I don't know, is if this is normal, or if it effects the shot in any way. I know you can use Minute rice to clean off the burrs (or the cleaning solution that came out recently, Grindz maybe?), but should that be done at each bean changing to make sure none of the dust gets in there to throw off the flavors? Should the dust even be there?

Thanks for any help,
Matt

[jrtatl]

FWIW, I think that some residual coffee coating is inevitable (unless, of course, one was so anal as to run Grindz or Minute Rice after every shot). When I first started this hobby a few years ago, I would take the burrs apart and brush out the grinding chamber every week or two. I have found that to be overkill for my situation.

I currently run Grindz or Minute Rice every month or two, or after grinding some nasty coffee (usually a well-intentioned gift from a family member). I take out my upper burr and sweep out the inside every 2-4 months. YMMV.

[HB]

I wouldn't worry about a little dust as long as there's no evidence of oil buildup. Afterall, grinding is a messy business and there's lots of narrow angles to trap teenie bits. While we're on the topic, Jim posted a great explanation of the purpose of the various angles you see on the different type of burrs. The photo belong shows the DRM (conical / flat combo) next to regular flat burrs:



His "grinder 101" story was buried in a thread on the Bench forum; for each reference, I've copied it to Grinder burr types explained (flat, conical, DRM).

[mattwells]

Thanks for the pics Dan.

Sounds like it is normal, but I am going to start cleaning the grinder more often, just because I think it should be done. Mine made the Mazzer/DRM burrs look pristine. Of course, I am hoping to switch to a Mazzer soon. It will be nice to make that step up.

Matt

[Psyd]

Sounds like it is normal, but I am going to start cleaning the grinder more often, just because I think it should be done.

Tempting as it is to over-clean, I just stick my nose in the grinder. If it smells like something I'd like to drink, party-on, Wayne. If it smells rancid, or like my pop's coffee, I take it apart (and use the decaf Major til I can get to it!)