Clumps or balls? I got balls when I was too find with my vario. When I got the grind right it looked better. Early blonding normally means grind finer.
Would stale beans cause balls in the grind? I think the beans I'm using are pretty stale. It tastes really bitter after pulling a shot no matter the grind setting or temp.
Also, does anyone use the portafilter holder? I notice it doesn't really hold the portafilter as opposed to guiding it into place.
Try new beans no matter what. Stale will make it run fast. I think you have less oils in stale beans. I was under the impression that my over grinding made the oils come out a bit more and that is why I got the balls. I have not yet tried really oily beans, but the only balls I got were when I was way way over fine and when I got it right there are no balls. It has been light and fluffy since. I do have the bag of oily beans I am going to try. I will let you know.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
I do not have the tongs screwed in, because I like to be able to shake my portafilter to distribute the grinds while they are dropping in. Also, I found that it was a little close to the chute for dosing by volume (slightly overfilling and leveling off). But I do keep the chamber in there because it catches what I miss and makes cleanup a breeze.
I do not have the tongs screwed in, because I like to be able to shake my portafilter to distribute the grinds while they are dropping in. Also, I found that it was a little close to the chute for dosing by volume (slightly overfilling and leveling off). But I do keep the chamber in there because it catches what I miss and makes cleanup a breeze.
Do you find your grind comes out in chunks or balls too? I have started using the bin instead of the portafilter holder so I can shake up the grounds to get rid of the chunks. One of the reasons I got this thing is for the portafilter holder. So I'm not pleased.
Right now I'm ready to return it. The chunks/balls are annoying and the grind is totally inconsistent compared with reviews I have read. I ground at 9F and got a descent shot then today it extracted in like 10 seconds. I had to move a complete full step and a half down with the same beans. I know my tamp pressure isn't that far different to cause such a gigantic change in extraction.
I'm going to try a different bean and if I get the same results then it's a return. Back to the Capresso
Try new beans no matter what. Stale will make it run fast. I think you have less oils in stale beans. I was under the impression that my over grinding made the oils come out a bit more and that is why I got the balls. I have not yet tried really oily beans, but the only balls I got were when I was way way over fine and when I got it right there are no balls. It has been light and fluffy since. I do have the bag of oily beans I am going to try. I will let you know.
I guess I don't have stale beans. They are very oily. I tried grinding at the highest and lowest settings and I still get chunks/balls. I think it's a dud.
It sounds like oily beans are the problem, pick up some fresh beans that are lighter roasted and try them before you send the machine back. Stale beans have less oils but if they are covered in oil like the ones I just opened it would take a really long time for all the oil to go away. These are swimming in oil. (so much so I am scared to grind them in my new grinder)
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
FWIW, I noticed some clumping/balls in the grounds when I first got my Preciso. As I ran more beans through the grinder, over time, the resulting clumping dissipated. I should note that this was at fine drip grind settings and NOT espresso settings, so take that for what it is.
*Edit* I looked at my grind this morning a bit more closely and there was absolutely no clumping at a fine drip grind. None. It was wonderful. When the grinder was new, it definitely left me with balls/clumps and all that. It went away over time.
I used my Virtuoso Preciso for espresso until it died on Friday. And yes, I always get clumpy grinds with a medium roast bean from Red Bird Espresso. So I stir the ground coffee in the portafilter before I tamp it. That extra step seems to take care of the problem. Just wish the grinder would have lasted more than a year and 4 months. Not to mention this was the second one for me. Fortunately, the first replacement was under warranty. Now I'm on my own.
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