Convert Mahlkönig K30 stepped to stepless

#1: Post by **BobBob** » April 23rd, 2014, 4:42 am

Hello,
I came across a good deal on a 'Expobar' (Mahlkönig) grind-on-demand stepped grinder and went ahead and bought it. It differs from the Vario in that it is stepped, rather than stepless. It is possible to hold the step-release out manually, but this obviously is not a solid solution to fine-tuning the grind. Does anyone know if it is possible to convert the Stepped K30 (ES) to stepless? If so, how would you do it?
Would appreciate any advice. Cheers!

#2: Post by **russel** » April 23rd, 2014, 2:59 pm

You can buy the needed K30 Vario parts from Mahlkoenig, but it's more than just a replacement lid and is a costly change...

You could DIY something similar, having never done so I'm not sure what issues you might come across.

April 23rd, 2014, 5:46 pm

Thanks for the reply.
I'll need to look into it a bit more, then.
Cheers!

#4: Post by **Flipper** » April 25th, 2014, 3:39 am

Hi!

Nice catch of the K30!
You need the following parts:
Cover lid with adjustment knob
small parts set for the K0 Vario
2 rails (for clamping+distance)
This stuff is about €450,- in Europe, so not really a bargain. At your present setup each step changes your particle size with app. 12 µm...I never had a problem with dialing in with the ES

You can contact Mallkönig US for the part if you really want to do it.

#5: Post by **Flipper** » April 25th, 2014, 3:40 am

Hey,

just saw that you are from Sweden....of course no need to contact Mahlkönig US then

#6: Post by **@3aan** » April 25th, 2014, 4:34 am

Its not only the top but also the grind chamber is different.

#7: Post by **Flipper** » April 25th, 2014, 4:57 am

no, the inbuilt grinder with the grind chamber is the same. There are only to different versions in all of the K30's in the market

May 20th, 2014, 5:24 pm

Thanks for that rundown of parts.
After having used the grinder a while, I'm realizing the stepless adjustment is not much of an issue, given my skill-level. It's definitely good to know that the option is there, should it become a concern, though. I'm still trying to reach better consistency with dosing, tamping and flushing once I've determined the best grinder setting, so can't say I can single out the steps of the grinder as being a dooming variable for good extractions at this point. Overall very happy with the K30.
Cheers for all the replies.

May 20th, 2014, 5:27 pm

I'll keep you posted if I ever decide to do the conversion.

#10: Post by **bmb** » May 20th, 2014, 6:14 pm

I have a stepped MACAP, and don't miss the step less ...

As I dose by weigh, for smaller adjustments, I only have to add or decrease 1/2 gram from the dose I'm using.

As a matter of fact, for me it's easier to dial-in this way as messing with the grinder, and use the same method also with the step less ones.