Mazzer Mini E doesn't dispense grounds in fine grind setting

by **absolutlahmi** on Wed Oct 06, 2010 3:17 pm

I just received my new Mazzer Mini E (A type) grinder a week ago.
It has been a rough week to say the least.
When I'm experimenting with different grind settings, and go below 3 (2,1...) The Mini practically stops dispensing anything. The burrs are working, but it feels like no beans are hitting the burrs.
Any idea why this might happen?
Also, I have a lot of clumping between settings 3-5 as well.
Any pointer will be appreciated..

by **stefano65** on Wed Oct 06, 2010 6:12 pm

If I understand what you are describing
it is perfectly normal that it will get fine enough to choke the chamber

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Wed Oct 06, 2010 9:25 pm

Under no reasonable circumstances should you be adjusting the grind settings from "3" to "5". The numbers on the adjustment collar can certainly vary from grinder to grinder BUT, AS ONE EXAMPLE, my collar is currently set at around 4.8 and I would anticipate a "cold day in hell" before that setting would need to be adjusted by more than +/- 0.2, i.e. 4.6 to 5.0 . I have used this grinder exclusively for 5 years with these specs and original burrs.

Assuming you are using the doubles basket that came with the machine, you should try about 15-16 grams and go for 1.5 to 1.75 ounces of espresso in 25-30 seconds. That will get you in the ballpark and then play from there.

by HB on Wed Oct 06, 2010 11:19 pm

To elaborate on Eric's point, Mazzer's "start here" sticker is reasonable. I just checked and my grinder was a mere 1 notch (~2mm) away from it. For more tips, see Fine tuning grinder setting with minimum waste and other topics linked from the FAQs and Favorites.

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:44 am

Here's a tip that you may have already figured out. To "cleanse" the grinds path of those ultrafine grounds, turn the collar to, say, "6" and run the grinder for 10 seconds. With the grinder running again, very slowly turn the collar (about a tenth or two at a time) to "5". Mazzer and other grinder mfgs DO NOT recommend grind adjustments UNLESS the grinder is in operation. HOWEVER, I have had NO PROBLEMS with tiny adjustments (in the CCW or fine direction) like maybe a "half" a tenth or, at most, a tenth. Turning the collar CW (coarsening the grind) is not a potential problem whether running or not.

Different subject - are they still running the electrical cord out the side?

by **spyderx** on Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:51 pm

This doesn't sound right. I have this grinder and am about 2 "notches" finer from the 'start here' arrow. I dose 20g in a triple basket using black cat organic (normally). This gives me about a 1.5oz shot in 25 secs with my Salvatore.

My "start here" arrow is around 7. It will vary by grinder.

One thing you should try is to empty the beans out of the grinder, set the grinder coarser and make sure all the coffee is out of it, then, while the grinder is running, VERY SLOWLY turn the grinder setting (use the notches as the index, NOT THE NUMBERS) finer until you hear a VERY slight metal on metal ticking sound (this is the burrs touching). Turn off the grinder immediately. DO NOT go any further, that is your finest setting, mark it with a sharpie pen on the carrier. Back it off coarser and start somewhere between that setting and the "start here" setting on the grinder.

Remember, only adjust finer while the grinder is running.

The adjustments on this grinder are not by "numbers" they are by the notches on the burr carrier, very, very slight adjustments make a big difference.

by **coryforsenate** on Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:39 pm

I will say about my Super Jolly, changing a single notch will make my shots go from 20-25 seconds to 8-10 seconds. Even though it's stepless, there's a very small sweet spot. I can't imagine changing an entire number i.e. going from 4 to 5. Talk about a gusher.

*EDIT*

I think the size of the sweet spot is also very dependent on the bean. New bean today and the sweet spot is much bigger.

by **Vad** on Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:56 am

Either the grind is set to a waaay too fine or you have some pretty big beans that do not get into the grinding chamber.


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