Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 8:19pm Subject: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
The manual for my Preciso says not to run the grinder at fine settings while empty as it could damage the burrs. Okay, that makes sense. But, I'm wondering if this means it is bad to weigh my dose before putting the beans in the hopper and then grinding completely until it runs clear? What about pressing the pulse button a couple of times while it's empty to purge of any grounds, as I am constantly switching between coffees and grind settings?
Or, does it just mean that it's bad to leave the burrs running for more than a second or two?
The Preciso is calibrated to have the burrs lightly touch (dynamic/running) zero point between +10 to +11. Yours may or may not be different. You'd only start to rub the burrs together & start to dull them at those numbers, & you definitely don't want to run you grinder with no beans between the burrs at or below that number or where ever your particular running zero point is.
But, I'm wondering if this means it is bad to weigh my dose before putting the beans in the hopper and then grinding completely until it runs clear?
That wouldn't make any difference or do any harm at all.
What about pressing the pulse button a couple of times while it's empty to purge of any grounds, as I am constantly switching between coffees and grind settings?
Same as above..
Or, does it just mean that it's bad to leave the burrs running for more than a second or two?
?? Doesn't mean that at all, you could run the grinder for as long as the timer allows it & that's called the duty cycle & I think it's 90 seconds., but I've never timed it.
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:21pm Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
Okay, just reread the manual and it actually says at "very fine" settings. So, would doing what I described above be okay at an espresso grind (currently in the 10 - 11 range, or zero point if mine is calibrated correctly)?
Also, is there a simple way for me to find out where exactly the zero point is on mine?
Sorry if these are stupid questions, but I want to make sure I'm taking care of this thing!
Thanks for your help and advice, Craig. Your replies to my questions were one of the deciding factors for getting this grinder. I was planning on contacting you about a refurb unit but then I came across a great boxing week sale. :D
I HAVE to ask, WHY would you weigh your beans before putting them in a grinder that grinds BY WEIGHT? If you've tare'd the grinder as per instructions, there is NO reason to weigh your beans. NONE.
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:41pm Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
iHaveFeet Said:
Okay, just reread the manual and it actually says at "very fine" settings. So, would doing what I described above be okay at an espresso grind (currently in the 10 - 11 range, or zero point if mine is calibrated correctly)?
Well, if you can run it clear & not have the burrs rubbing., that's fine then.
Also, is there a simple way for me to find out where exactly the zero point is on mine?
Yes, make sure there's no coffee in the hopper of between the burrs. Start the grinder at any number really, but for the sake of openening 'er right up., turn on the timer & start at 40 (off) & start coming back down (at #39 the grinder will turn on) & bring the hopper down & then slowly approach #13, 12, 11., & see where the burrs only LIGHTLY/barely begin to touch/kiss together.., then back away coarser a few numbers higher.
Sorry if these are stupid questions, but I want to make sure I'm taking care of this thing!
Yes, understandable!
Thanks for your help and advice, Craig. Your replies to my questions were one of the deciding factors for getting this grinder. I was planning on contacting you about a refurb unit but then I came across a great boxing week sale. :D
Thanks for the great thoughts Brendan! I was sold out of Preciso's anyhoo, & I was waiting on some parts for the Preciso refurbishing that I received last Thurs (Jan 5th). I have a priority waithing list, & now that I have the parts., I have a few Precisio's to refurb to fulfill awaiting orders. {;-)
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:46pm Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
IMAWriter Said:
I HAVE to ask, WHY would you weigh your beans before putting them in a grinder that grinds BY WEIGHT? If you've tare'd the grinder as per instructions, there is NO reason to weigh your beans. NONE.
Well, a) the Preciso DOESN'T grind by weight. And, b) I rarely have only one bag of coffee on the go at the same time. So, if I want to have a cup of pour over or press pot of whatever single origin I currently have in my cupboard in the morning, and then a shot of espresso later in the day, there is NO reason to fill the hopper. NONE. Weighing my beans per cup is the best method for my coffee brewing habits.
If you'd like to buy me a second grinder so I don't have to do this, you're more than welcome. I hear the Vario-W grinds by weight. ;)
Rob, the Preciso dosen't grind by weight., but it DOES with our Esatto attachment lol. {;-D It's late & of course I realize that you just made a simple honest mistake (I'm tired too man! ;) ) & we're (you & me) just so used to having the Preciso with the Esatto attachment on it now that it just seems that it always came or was that way!
P.S. This post was being composed before I saw Brendan's post.
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 11:07pm Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
CraigA Said:
Yes, make sure there's no coffee in the hopper of between the burrs. Start the grinder at any number really, but for the sake of openening 'er right up., turn on the timer & start at 40 (off) & start coming back down (at #39 the grinder will turn on) & bring the hopper down & then slowly approach #13, 12, 11., & see where the burrs only LIGHTLY/barely begin to touch/kiss together.., then back away coarser a few numbers higher.
Okay, so I just checked as per your instructions. I assume it's an auditory cue that will tell me when they start touching? If so, it sounds like they start rubbing together at 15, maybe even 16. Is it normal to be so far off proper calibration? Does it matter?
IMAWriter Senior Member Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 5,476 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Nothing at the moment Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM... Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever... Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Thu Jan 12, 2012, 11:22pm Subject: Re: Bad to run grinder with no coffee in it?
CraigA Said:
Rob, the Preciso dosen't grind by weight., but it DOES with our Esatto attachment lol. {;-D It's late & of course I realize that you just made a simple honest mistake (I'm tired too man! ;) ) & we're (you & me) just so used to having the Preciso with the Esatto attachment on it now that it just seems that it always came or was that way!
P.S. This post was being composed before I saw Brendan's post.
Haha, no worries! I'll chalk it up to too much caffeine. ;) And yeah, the Esatto does look pretty pimpin'! It's a ways down my list though, after a vac-pot and an espresso machine other than the Mypressi (which I just got and am loving, except for the waste) and a roaster and.... :D
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