I have read about the different techniques to combat Clumps, but wonder if anyone has a better idea than just using a needle and stirring ?

Its a real pain and added step in the process, but unavoidable with the M4D doserless grinder

Any suggestions anyone ?

You need to exert some sort of mechanical force to break the clumps. If you don't like needles, then you have to bolt a doser to your grinder I guess. Vigorous shaking in a suitable container helps also. On my Mini-E needle is a lot better, but that might be because it also fixes distribution of particles.

Placing wires to exit chute might also help, but it needs some care as they might also contribute to clumping (as the Mazzer grid does).

Someone posted a picture of a flour sifter, and then funneling to the portafilter.

I've had good results using the Nutating Motion.

I will definitely give that a try. why not.

I would stand on my head if it helps. I'll try anything (almost)

Still, you have to break up the clumps before rocking the tamper in the basket

misterdoggy wrote:I have read about the different techniques to combat Clumps, but wonder if anyone has a better idea than just using a needle and stirring ?

Its a real pain and added step in the process, but unavoidable with the M4D doserless grinder

Any suggestions anyone ?

Why? What is wrong with your coffee?

Get a Mazzer Robur, or a doser grinder. Thwacking the doser lever while grinding breaks up most of the clumps, most of the time. However, if the extraction is good and the coffee tastes good, why worry about a clump.

misterdoggy wrote:I will definitely give that a try. why not.

I would stand on my head if it helps. I'll try anything (almost)

Still, you have to break up the clumps before rocking the tamper in the basket

The rocking motion breaks the clumps for you. They're only bits of loosely compressed powder, not small pebbles, after all.

But, as cannonfodder states, if you like the results you're getting in the cup; does anything else really matter.

No I'm happy with the taste. When I stir the basket and use a naked portafilter everything is OK, no spritzing or spitting, so I just want to make sure I'm not channeling and getting the best I can.

I'm learning and things are developing well. I'm aiming at a triple basket to make a double pour (into 2 cups) which you can't do with a naked portafilter.

Just the right amount. Things are going well, just that extra added step to stir. I guess you will have an extra step with a doser as well, in that you need to clean it all the time. So one way or the other you have work to do.

Marshall wrote:Why? What is wrong with your coffee?

Are you suggesting that people taste their coffee before rendering a judgment upon it? What's the fun in that?

ken