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Inconsistencies from new Mazzer Major E

Postby romanleal on Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:26 am

I just received a new Mazzer Major E from Seattle Coffee Gear and I've been having some major problems with it. Uneven extractions are the norm, even after about 10 lbs. of coffee through it and trying every different dose imaginable. Shots either side channel very badly or there is a dead spot in the center. I've tried everything I know to do, including the WDT, to no avail. I've pulled shots on two different machines and had the exact same results, so I don't think it's a dispersion screen problem. Has anyone else experienced this with new burrs? Is it just a matter of seasoning, or did I get a faulty grinder?
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Postby JohnB. on Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:59 am

I've installed new burrs in two Majors I refurbished & didn't have any issues. Have you opened up the burr chamber & inspected the burrs for defects or loose screws?
LMWDP 267
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Postby cannonfodder on Fri Aug 05, 2011 9:03 am

Donut extractions are usually a dose/distribution/grind setting issue. What is dosing weight? Often, lowering the dose, tightening up the grind and go very light on the tamp will fix the issue. The burrs will need a little seasoning. The major is some serious sized burrs in it. You may want to give it 20 pounds before you declare the burrs broken in.
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Postby romanleal on Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:50 am

JohnB. wrote:I've installed new burrs in two Majors I refurbished & didn't have any issues. Have you opened up the burr chamber & inspected the burrs for defects or loose screws?


Yes, I inspected the burrs last night and they looked fine.

cannonfodder wrote:Donut extractions are usually a dose/distribution/grind setting issue. What is dosing weight? Often, lowering the dose, tightening up the grind and go very light on the tamp will fix the issue. The burrs will need a little seasoning. The major is some serious sized burrs in it. You may want to give it 20 pounds before you declare the burrs broken in.


I just tried using a double basket (I have previously been using triples) and the extraction was much, much better. I dosed 16 grams, tightened up the grind quite a bit and the pull was a nice, gloopy ristretto. It was bizarre to watch after spending the last few days trying everything I know to get an even extraction. I've used triple baskets with this coffee before with very good results. How would you recommend adjusting my method if I want to try the triple again?

Thanks for your help, guys. That shot really eased my mind.
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Postby wildbwilson on Sun Aug 07, 2011 1:08 am

keep playing around and after 100lbs or so you should start to find a very consistent grind and more importantly - technique. I've had a Major E for over 2 years now and I never even think about the how to's - just push the button, tamp and go.
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Postby espressotime on Sat Nov 19, 2011 3:26 pm

i received my new Mazzer two days ago and only have pulled great shots.Better than my Super Jolly.
much fluffier grind and much later blonding.
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Postby Javacat on Wed Nov 23, 2011 11:57 am

The issue you are having is due to the coffee exiting the funnel unevenly - the fines eject from the chute and end up dosing into the front of the basket with the larger pieces towards the back. If you are pulling shots with a bottomless you will see this. The only way around this is to either a) dose into a separate container and stir it up, or b) rotate the portafilter back and forth as the grinder is grinding (try removing the clip and spin just the basket with one finger - I found this to work the best). Since they are flat burrs, I don't see any need for extensive break in as is commonly observed with conicals. Good luck

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