Recently I purchased a Compak K6 Shop Grinder (after the announcement of Compak being used in the WBC). The grinder does wonders for me in its stepless, micro adjustment. The freedom of grind has allowed me to near perfect the grind for many different brew methods. However, this post is not about my grinder but grinders in general.
Recently I took apart a Mazzer Major to fix a problem with the central shaft. The grinder had stop grinding yet I could hear the motor continue to buzz away. In my extensive knowledge of this machine (aah nada) I removed every exterior piece of the grinder and started to have a look around. Basically to say that the cause of the problem was that the grinder had been adjusted too fine while there were still beans between the burrs, restricting the possibility of any movement (most probably not an issue when using a robur but as we know, the major is flat). After a little clean she was a beaut once more.
The essence of this is to bring light to the need of regular cleaning and maintenance to grinders. All too often they are forgotten. Earlier in the year, when I was still Baristing, we would always have an extensive maintenance and cleaning procedure for the machine but never the grinder. I am saddened to have left now as I would love to see the difference in extractions having cleaned that grinder.
What’s more of a shock to me currently, and this will be rectified soon, is the state of my personal grinder. Having spieled about others my own is looking a little grubby too. Ouch!
The oils in the coffee can turn sharp and progress to truly pungent as they break down, not to mention the state of the trapped beans and their effect both on future grinds and the grinding performance of the machine. Late last year I came across a natural rice based cleaner that seems to do wonders for these grinders. I also recommend if you have the know how, that you should remove the blades every so often and give them a good clean out.
Happy grinding!
15twentyfive 